Top Colleges in Ireland for Indian Students

The last few years have witnessed an upward trend in the number of Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. According to data received from the Ministry of External Affairs, India, more than 1.33 million students from India chose to study abroad in 2024. Among the many preferred destinations like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, several students from India decided to travel to Ireland for higher studies. This article looks at some of the top colleges in Ireland for Indian students and why the country is a popular destination for overseas learning.

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Several Indian students choose to study at Ireland colleges every year. Some of the top reasons for this are:

• Strong economy: The Irish economy is thriving with numerous MNCs. This gives students an excellent opportunity to apply for lucrative jobs after graduation.

• Part-time work permit: The government of Ireland allows international students to work part-time while pursuing their course.

• Stay-back visa: This is another reason students from India opt for colleges in Ireland. The country offers a stay-back visa to students after graduation. This allows them to work in the country and establish a rewarding career path for themselves. 

List of Top Colleges in Ireland for Indian Students 

Ireland is home to several top-ranked universities that offer programs to students around the world. Some of the best colleges in Ireland are shared in the table below:

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Eligibility Criteria for Admission into Top Ireland Colleges

Several best colleges in Ireland have certain entry criteria for domestic and international students. Given below are some common requirements of many Ireland colleges for Indian students. Please note that each college would have a different set of criteria. Hence, it is advisable to check with the specific college you are applying to.

• For undergraduate courses, students must have passed the class 12 examination from the CBSE or any other recognized board.

• An overall score of 80% - 85% is required in at least 6 subjects in class 12. If the student did not take 6 subjects in class 12, the score from 5 subjects in grade 12 and one different subject from class X would be considered. 

• For PG programs, students must have a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized overseas institution.

• Some colleges in Ireland may need you to clear competitive tests or interviews as part of the admission process for Masters degrees.

• An overall of 7.0 on the IELTS English proficiency test, with no less than 6.5 in each band must be displayed by the applicants.

_{Related Source: https://www.tcd.ie/study/country/india/index.php} 

Cost of Studying in Ireland Colleges for Indian Students 

Every college in Ireland has a different fee structure, depending on the university’s rank, its location, level of degree, and course curriculum. The average cost of studying in Ireland for Indian students is estimated in the range of EUR 9,850 and EUR 25,500 per annum (approx) for UG programs. Students pursuing Master’s programs may need to pay a total annual tuition fee of EUR 9,500 - EUR 34,500 (approx). 

Disclaimer: These figures are indicative only and may vary from one Ireland college to another.

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-ireland/cost-of-study/ 

Visa Requirements for Indian Students to Study in Top Ireland Colleges

After being accepted by a college of their choice in Ireland that they had applied to, Indian students must apply for an Ireland student visa. It is of two types:

• C Study Visa: Issued to Indian students for less than 3 months

• D Study Visa: Issued to Indian students for more than 3 months

Depending on your study requirements, you can apply for any one of the above Ireland study visa options. You would then need to submit the necessary documents and meet the following Ireland student visa requirements (for D Study Visa):

• Letter of enrolment from a recognised college in Ireland

• Recent passport-sized colour photographs

• Proof of payment of fee to the institution

• Reason for study gaps (if any)

• Biometrics details 

• Proof of academic proficiency to pursue the specified program in Ireland

• Passport with validity for 1 year (after your suggested arrival date in Ireland) 

• Proof of English proficiency such as test scores from IELTS

• Proof of fund sufficiency to study in Ireland

• Details of overseas health insurance

• Proof of intent to leave Ireland upon visa expiration

• Application summary sheets and proof of return to home country as attested documents (required for ‘C’ study visa)

Work Opportunities for Students After Studying in Colleges of Ireland

Students graduating from Ireland colleges are eligible to apply for a variety of job roles in several top industries. Some of the top roles that are likely to become available are tabulated below:

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Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP for Studying Abroad     

IDP Education helps Indian students study overseas by offering a wide range of Student Essentials Services (SES) to make their stay in the foreign country comfortable and hassle-free. Some of our top services liked by students include:

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to help you cover medical expenses abroad

• Accommodation arrangements before you arrive in the country, such as homestays or student apartments 

• Money transfer facility to your study institution 

Student banking services that help you open a bank account overseas even before you arrive

FAQs for Top Colleges in Ireland For Indian Students

1. How do I choose a college in Ireland?

To choose the best Ireland college, make sure you do your research well. Check out the ranking of the university as per QS World University Rankings 2025, its location in the country, and fee structure. Also find out more about the course curriculum to ensure that it aligns with your career aspirations.

2. Which course is best to study in Ireland for Indian students?

Some of the top programs that Indian students opt for in Ireland colleges are in the following disciplines:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Cybersecurity

• Software Engineering

3. What are the benefits of studying in Ireland?

Ireland colleges offer top-quality education to international students. They also have a wide variety of programs in various disciplines and the country allows Indian students to work in Ireland after graduation.

4. Is Ireland degree valid in India?

Yes, a degree obtained from a recognised and accredited college in Ireland is accepted and holds validity around the world, including in India.

5. Which city has more job opportunities in Ireland?

Dublin is renowned globally as the hub of several lucrative career opportunities in Ireland.

6. Which is better: a college or university in Ireland?

A university in Ireland is generally considered better than a college. This is because a university offers more advanced degree options to international students, such as Masters or PhD. Colleges, on the other hand, generally offer Associate and Bachelor’s degrees and also fewer specialisation options.

_{Updated on 27 January, 2025}

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