Cost of living in Ireland for Singaporean ​​students

Are the costs of studying in Ireland expensive? Compared to many other top-level universities around the world, not really. Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, is the most expensive city for international students to live in, but Irish cities are often cost-effective as compared to other popular study destinations, including the ​​UK. 

On average, the estimated cost of living in Ireland for an international student for one academic year is: 

• A minimum of €12,000 

• A maximum of €15,000 

This includes rent, electricity, food, books, laundry and medicine, as well as travel passes and social expenses (excluding tuition fees). Of course, your living expenses will vary, depending on the study location, type of accommodation and the type of lifestyle you choose. You’ll also need to budget for one-off costs, like buying kitchen items, bedding, a mobile phone and so on. 

Based on the prices for accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses, the average annual cost of living in Ireland for international students is: 

• A minimum of €1,000 per month 

• A maximum of €1,250 per month 

Of course, the range above is just an average. The city you choose, your chosen accommodation type, your lifestyle, and your personal spending habits will all significantly impact your actual expenses and, therefore, the importance of careful budgeting.  

​​​How much will I pay for everyday items? 

Here’s an overview of the costs of some common everyday items:  

Singapore generally offers a lower cost of living, especially for food and transport. Eating out and shopping in Singapore are more affordable than in Ireland.  Accommodation is the key driver of higher costs in Ireland, with rent significantly more expensive than most student options in Singapore. Dublin, Ireland’s capital, has higher rental costs, but cities like Cork, Limerick, or Galway are more budget-friendly.  

While Singapore may seem cheaper overall, studying in smaller Irish cities can still offer good value, especially when factoring in Ireland’s education quality and career opportunities in the EU. 

There is a range of student accommodations in Ireland. Here are the typical costs for the various options to factor into your overall cost of living as a student: 

On-campus housing 

On average, on-campus dorms and halls cost about €500 to €1,200 per month. The advantages of on-campus housing are its convenient location, easy access to university facilities, and often inclusive utility costs. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the university, available facilities, and the type of room. 

​​​Off-campus housing 

The average cost of off-campus housing ranges depending on your location. In Dublin, expect to pay €1,800 to €6,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. In other cities, you're probably looking at around €600 to €1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Renting a room in a shared student house or flat typically costs €400 to €1000 per month. 

​​​Homestays 

If you want to experience Irish culture authentically, homestays might be a good option. On average, expect to pay about €500 to €700 per month for a homestay. This usually includes meals and basic utilities. But like other off-campus housing options, you'll need to consider factors affecting accommodation costs like location, accommodation type, and proximity to your campus. 

Food and grocery expenses can range from €300 to €700 per month, depending on your shopping habits and dietary preferences. When budgeting, keep in mind that dining out in Dublin can vary in cost, with an inexpensive meal costing around €20.00, a mid-range restaurant meal about €48.50, and a fast-food meal about €11. 

 Tips to save on food costs 

To keep your food expenses down, consider these tips:  

• Cook at home to reduce costs 

• Shop at budget-friendly grocery stores or local markets 

• Look for student discounts or meal plans offered by shops and universities 

Transportation is an essential part of your living expenses as an international student. In general, you can expect to spend the following per month for transportation in Ireland: 

• Public Transport: €70 to €120, depending on the city and distance travelled. 

• Bicycles: Renting a bike or using a bike-sharing service costs about €20 to €50 per month. 

Tips for saving on transport 

Here are some ways to minimise your transport expenses: 

• Use student transport cards. 

• Walk or cycle for short trips. 

Your monthly living expenses in Ireland as an international student should also factor in the cost of utilities and internet, as these are essential for your day-to-day activities. 

​​​Basic utilities 

Average utilities cost about €80 to €150 per month, depending on the size of the apartment and the number of tenants. In shared accommodation, these costs are typically split among the residents. 

​​​Internet and phone bills 

A mobile phone plan will cost about €50 to €80 per month. If you rent privately, you will also need to pay for a home broadband connection, which is about €30 to €50 per month. 

As an international student, it's important to consider health insurance and other healthcare costs in your overall living expenses to avoid unexpected medical bills. The cost of health insurance for international students in Ireland typically ranges from €120 to €600 per year. However, as with all other expenses, this cost will vary depending on the provider and the level of coverage chosen.

It's also important to factor other expenses into your overall monthly budget, as these costs can add up quickly for students. On average, you should budget €50 to €150 per month, depending on your lifestyle. This includes activities like dining out, going to the cinema, sports, and socialising. Dublin and other major cities in Ireland offer a wide range of entertainment options, but students can also find budget-friendly events and student discounts to save on this expense.

​​​Tuition fees in Ireland for international students will depend on the university, course, and level of study. Here’s an overview of the average tuition fees: 

Undergraduate tuition fees 

In general, undergraduate tuition fees for non-EU students range from approximately €9,000 to €45,000 per year. However, this will vary depending on the course and university. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual tuition fees for various undergraduate programs: 

• Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences: €9,000 to €15,000 

• Business/Commerce: €12,000 to €18,000 

• Engineering & Technology: €13,000 to €25,000 

• Health Sciences: €20,000 to €30,000 per year 

Postgraduate tuition fees 

Just like undergraduate fees, postgraduate fees will depend on the course and university. The average is about €9,150 to €37,000 per year. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual tuition fees for postgraduate programs:  

• Master’s Degrees: €12,000 to €25,000 

• MBAs: €20,000 to €30,000 

• Doctoral Programs (PhD): €5,000 to €20,000 

Additional costs 

It's important to factor in other potential costs in addition to tuition fees. These fees are necessary and can add up during the course of your education:  

• Student Services Fees: These fees vary by institution and can range from €200 to €2,500 per year. 

• Study Materials: Books and supplies can cost between €300 to €800 per year.

In Ireland, international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and 40 hours per week during scheduled breaks. ​​Since 1 January 2025, the national minimum wage is set at €13.50 per hour. However, if you’re under 20, you’ll only be entitled to a maximum of 90% of the minimum wage, which amounts to €12.15. This will be for part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, and basic administrative positions.  

If you're able to effectively manage your time and balance the demands of work and academics, part-time work can be a useful way to support your living expenses and gain some level of financial independence. 

To make the most of your study abroad experience in Ireland, it's essential to be well-informed about the cost of living for students. You can do this by careful budgeting and taking advantage of student discounts and university-provided resources to manage your spending effectively and focus on your academic goals.