Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest

The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a modern and innovative technological university serving Ireland's Midwest and Midlands regions. It has international renown, ranking in Northern Europe's top 150 universities (QS World University Rankings, 2026), and receiving 5 QS Stars in the QS Star Rankings.

The university prides itself on its provision of career-focused study programmes, with an emphasis on applied learning and practical experience. Students benefit from the university's extensive network of industry partners and as a result, TUS has boasted the highest graduate employment rate in Ireland for three years running (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey).

With over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees available, in addition to postgraduate research programmes, students have an abundance of choice when it comes to studying at TUS. Class sizes are kept purposefully small, and the university's seven campuses each have their own areas of specialist expertise, ensuring students have access to the very best facilities and learning resources.

TUS campuses offer a friendly, vibrant and diverse place for international students to live and learn, quickly becoming part of the community. In 2026, the university's international student body represents more than 100 nationalities from around the world. In 2026, it received the TrustEd Ireland statutory quality mark, recognising excellence in the international student experience.

TUS specialises in the provision of further and higher education courses with employability at their heart. Courses are fed by the latest developments in research and are led by passionate educators with years of experience. Students benefit from the university's distinct applied learning approach and graduate with the practical skills, knowledge and connections required to kickstart their career.

TUS has been awarded a QS five-star rating for teaching. A real benefit of TUS is the small class sizes, offering students a learning experience which is tailored to their interests and ambitions. As a result, students get to build meaningful relationships with their course-mates and tutors and are known for who they are and what they want to achieve.

Study programmes available at TUS include 150 undergraduate degrees, in addition to nearly 70 postgraduate programmes (both taught and research options are available). Learning occurs through a blend of lectures, workshops, practical sessions and group work, with many opportunities for work placements and chances to study abroad. Research at TUS focuses on innovative development in meaningful, relevant topics, and research students benefit from a collaborative study environment.

An international foundation programme is also available as a pathway for international students who wish to progress to undergraduate study at the university, but who require additional experience of Third Level Education in Ireland.

TUS's faculty structure is spread across all seven campuses, featuring:

• Faculty of Engineering and Technology
• Faculty of Business and Humanities
• Faculty of Science and Health
• Limerick School of Art and Design

TUS specialises in providing career-focussed study programmes across a broad selection of subject areas. The university's seven campuses are spread across Ireland's Midwest and Midlands regions.

Athlone Campus

Located just outside Athlone town and home to 6,000 students, Athlone Campus offers more than 200 career-focussed courses across a number of subject areas. Known for its high-end sporting facilities, students enjoy the campus's International Arena, Ireland's first international-standard indoor athletics track, and the Athlone International Grand Prix.

Moylish Campus

Located on the outskirts of Limerick, Moylish Campus is the university's main Midwest hub. Its 7,000 students enjoy a choice of nearly 120 courses across a range of subject areas. As well as an extensive range of learning facilities and equipment, students benefit from the state-of-the-art Millennium Theatre and a range of social and sporting areas.

Clare Street Campus

This picturesque campus is home to the Limerick School of Art and Design and is known worldwide for its fashion department. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-grade equipment in innovative and inspiring learning spaces.

Clonmel Campus

Also a part of the Limerick School of Art and Design, this campus offers courses with a digital focus, such as game art and design, and animation.

Coonagh Campus

This ultra-modern campus is home to a vast, state-of-the-art engineering building.

Thurles Campus

With high-tech sports facilities, this campus specialises in a range of subject areas, with a focus on sports, agricultural, and environmental sciences.

Graduate School

The Graduate School supports PhD students and students of master's by research.

International students wanting to study at TUS must meet the entry requirements for their chosen programme. Requirements vary depending on the subject and level of study.

Students from the EU must apply to TUS through Central Applications Office (CAO), where a point score will be generated as part of the application process. Non-EU applicants can check which qualifications are accepted from their home country.

Postgraduate degree programmes typically require applicants to hold an undergraduate degree, and this may need to be in a closely related subject. Students who wish to study a master's degree in an area not directly related to their existing qualifications may be able to benefit from a TUS pre-master's programme as a pathway.

Programmes at TUS are taught in English and students must be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the English language. English language requirements are as follows:

• Foundation level: IELTS Academic overall score of 5.0
• Undergraduate level (excluding nursing): IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0
• Undergraduate nursing: IELTS Academic overall score of 7.0
• Postgraduate higher diploma: IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0
• Master's degree: IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5

Equivalent scores in other English language tests are also accepted.

Students at TUS benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, designed to enhance study through an applied learning approach. The collaborative, innovative learning environment includes modern, purpose-built infrastructure, such as the 6,000 square-metre STEM building (completed in 2025), expansive libraries, high-tech laboratories, and specialist sports hubs.

At all campuses, learning takes place in inspiring lecture theatres, fully equipped science laboratories, ultra-modern computer suites, and other, specialised learning spaces. Creative degrees also benefit from designated workshop, studio and exhibition spaces with world-leading equipment and facilities to augment their degree.

Library

TUS Library provides an expansive selection of physical and digital books, journals and educational resources across all campuses. Students can make use of individual and group study spaces, as well as library computers.

Sports and extracurricular

Students can get involved in a range of societies and sports clubs through the students' union. The university boasts extensive sports facilities including:

• The Athlone International Arena, an EUR 10 million sporting facility, including indoor and outdoor tracks
• Thurles Sports Lab, a cutting-edge strength and conditioning facility
• Fully equipped gyms

Accommodation

The university does not have its own student residences, but a dedicated accommodation team is on hand through the students' union, to assist students in finding safe, reputable housing close to campus.

Tuition fees

Students who are EU citizens benefit from studying at TUS at the home (domestic) rate of tuition fees.

International students from outside the EU must pay annual tuition fees. For full-time students in 2026, the amounts are:

• Foundation programmes: EUR 11,000 per year
• Undergraduate programmes: EUR 13,500 per year
• Postgraduate taught programmes: EUR 14,000 to 20,500 per year

Scholarships

A number of scholarships are available to international students. These may be awarded based on academic or sporting achievement, or in relation to a student's chosen subject area or country of origin. Scholarships are awarded upon application, and included in the initial offer. While some scholarships are standalone, others can be mixed up to a maximum of EUR 4,000 where eligible.

Options include:

• Merit-based academic scholarship (undergraduate): up to EUR 3,000
• Merit-based academic scholarship (postgraduate): up to EUR 4,000
• Alumni scholarship: EUR 3,000 to 4,000
• Sibling/family member scholarship: EUR 1,000
• Homecoming scholarship: EUR 5,000
• Nursing scholarship: EUR 6,000
• Foundation scholarship: EUR 1,000 – 2,000
• TUS Global Scholarship: up to EUR 3,000
• TUS Embassy Scholarship: up to EUR 1,000

Eligibility criteria apply. Students are encouraged to visit the TUS website for a full list of scholarships.

Rankings and accolades

In the QS World University Rankings (2026), TUS ranked in the top 150 universities in northern Europe. The university has also been awarded a five-star rating (QS Stars).

In February 2026, TUS received the TrustEd Ireland statutory quality mark, acknowledging the top quality of the university's international student experience.

New programmes

In 2025, TUS launched the Master of Arts in Social Work (MSW) at its Athlone campus, a postgraduate programme to address a skills gap in Ireland. Students on this programme gain an in-depth knowledge of the subject area as well as specialised skills and practical experience, graduating ready for specialist social work jobs.

TUS also launched its Master of Engineering in Autonomous Vehicles in Jan 2026, with the first intake taking place in Sept 26.

New developments

In 2025, a new 6000 square-metre STEM building was opened at the Athlone Campus. This state-of-the-art space comprises of science and IT laboratories, specialist teaching spaces, and collaborative, social areas.

At the Moylish campus, works have commenced on a brand-new, 5,200 square-metre science and information technology building, due to complete in 2028. This purpose-built space will comprise specialist teaching spaces, dedicated areas for research, and purpose-built laboratories.