Exploring the best universities in Ireland can help you make a better choice when you’re going to study in Ireland, a prosperous and welcoming country. Based on the ranks and data from Times Higher Education, this blog offers you the list of the top colleges in Ireland and relevant information, like courses, tuition fees and accommodation.
Best Universities in Ireland Overview
The following form is a list of Ireland university ranking with their scores, whose stastistics and ranking come from THE.
| List of Best Universities in Ireland | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Name | Overall Score | International Rank |
| 1 | Trinity College Dublin | 62.5 | 139 |
| 2 | University College Dublin | 55.8-58.6 | 201-250 |
| 3 | RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences | 53.7-55.7 | 251-300 |
| 4 | Dublin City University | 49.4-51.0 | 351-400 |
| 5 | University College Cork | 49.4-51.0 | 351-400 |
| 6 | University of Galway | 49.4-51.0 | 351-400 |
| 7 | Maynooth University | 43.3-45.9 | 501-600 |
| 8 | University of Limerick | 43.3-45.9 | 501-600 |
| 9 | Technological University Dublin | 30.7-34.4 | 1001-1200 |
Best Universities in Ireland
The following 9 top colleges in Ireland, with great popularity and excellent research capacity, attracting numerous students seeking study abroad.
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin ranks top of the best universities in Ireland. It, established in 1592, is one of the oldest educational institutions in Ireland. Boasting academic excellence and awesome reputation, it’s the only one Irish university of the League of European Research Universities. Located in the heart of Dublin, its convenient transportation system provides easy access to all facilities. Its buildings feature modern and gothic styles, making it one of the most beautiful campuses in Europe and it’s home to the prominent Old Library as well as the Book of Kells.
- Tuition Fees: €24,000 – €35,000 for undergraduates; €19,000 – €40,000 for postgraduates.
- Popular Courses: Neuroscience and Finance.
- Renowned Alumni: Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Edmund Burke, etc.
University College Dublin
Founded in 1854, University College Dublin is among the best colleges in Ireland. It welcomes thousands of international students from around the globe, making it a Global University in Ireland. It’s located in Belfield, only 4 kilometres away from the centre of Dublin, about 20 minutes by bus. It offers various courses and programs and has celebrated researchers and professors, which help students improve a lot and get recognition from universities within 1% of the world. Besides, it has many exchange programs, providing opportunities for students to visit a range of famous universities.
- Tuition Fees: €21,000 – €32,000 for undergraduates; €17,000 – €17,000 for postgraduates.
- Popular Courses: Finance and Computer Science.
- Renowned Alumni: James Joyce, Gerard Manley Hopkins, etc.
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
When you ask, “Which is the best university in Ireland?” RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is an unavoidable answer. RCSI (The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) was established in 1784 and is now the largest medical school in Ireland, which is also situated in the center of Dublin. As a non-profit-oriented educational institution, it’s dedicated to education and research in medicine and health. In addition, it has many pioneering medical organizations and research centers, contributing to breakthroughs in human health.
- Tuition Fees: €42,000 – €54,000 for undergraduates and postgraduates.
- Popular Courses: Healthcare Management and Physician Associate Studies.
- Renowned Alumni: Mary Harney, Professor Cathal Kelly, etc.
Dublin City University
Dublin City University, founded in 1975, ranks among the best universities in Ireland. In the north of Dublin, it only takes you about 15 minutes to reach the city center. It’s the first university in Ireland, whose undergraduate courses include internships. Do you know why it’s one of the best universities in Ireland for international students? It welcomes students from over 120 contries and seeks to provide more access to education for people. With more than 80 majors, its education system ensure every student can select their ideal programs and courses.
- Tuition Fees: €17,500 – €26,000 for undergraduates; €15,000 – €30,000 for postgraduates.
- Popular Courses: Digital Marketing and Computing.
- Renowned Alumni: Enda Kenny and Sinéad O’Connor, etc.
University College Cork
Established in 1849, University College Cork is one of the top colleges in Ireland, whose main campus is located in Cork, the 2nd largest city in Ireland. As a university with a rich history, it prioritizes independent thinking, sustainability and innovation. It also offers a variety of recognized courses for both international and domestic students, helping them to choose the majors that suit them most. In addition, its international students come from more than 130 countries, bringing diversity and foreign cultures to this old school. Its employment rate of undergraduates and postgraduates indicates 96%, proving almost everyone could earn a decent job after graduation.
- Tuition Fees: €18,700 – €28,000 for undergraduates; €16,000 – €32,000 for postgraduates.
- Popular Courses: Data Scienc, Data Analytics and Finance.
- Renowned Alumni: Jack Lynch and Cillian Murphy, etc.
University of Galway
The University of Galway, formerly known as the National University of Ireland Galway, is among the best universities in Ireland. It, founded in 1845, is located in Galway. It offers high-quality education and research-oriented activities, developing students’ competitive skills and abilities. Its students total around19,000, of which 15% are international students. Besides, according to the data, approximately 96 % of the students can secure an ideal job or pursue further study within 6 months after graduation.
- Tuition Fees: €18,000 – €27,000 for undergraduates; €15,000 – €30,000 for postgraduates.
- Popular Courses: Biotechnology and Clinical Research
- Renowned Alumni: Michael D. Higgins, Nicola Coughlan etc.
Maynooth University
What are the best universities in Ireland? You can’t miss Maynooth University! It, formerly known as the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, was founded in 1997. Before the establishment of Technological University Dublin in 2019, it was the youngest university in Ireland. Located in the heart of Ireland, it’s about 25 kilometres away from Dublin, indicating that you can easily access the convenience of the capital. In addition, it boasts many country-level research centres, like the Irish Climate Analysis and Research UnitS (ICARUS), taking the leading role in many areas. There are about 2400 postgraduates among the total, proving it’s one of the best universities in Ireland for masters. Regarding the undergraduates, 93% of them decide to work or further study.
- Tuition Fees: €15,000 – €22,500 for undergraduates; €13,500 – €26,000 for postgraduates.
- Popular Courses: Business and Law, Science and Engineering, and Arts.
- Renowned Alumni: Brid O’Connor, Tim Keenan, Brendan O’Reilly etc.
University of Limerick
The University of Limerick, founded in 1972, is an Irish public research-centred university. It’s situated in Limerick, the 3rd largest city in Ireland, proving students can live at a lower cost than Dublin and Cork. The statistics reveal that its employment rate is 15% higher than the national average, proving it’s one of the best colleges in Ireland. What’s more, it pioneers cooperative education, which asks undergraduates to take internships for 6 to 8 months, getting them prepared for future jobs.
- Tuition Fees: €16,000 – €24,000 for undergraduates; €14,500 – €27,000 for postgraduates.
- Popular Courses: Software Engineering and Financial Services.
- Renowned Alumni: David Geaney, Jane Jolly, Barry Regan etc.
Technological University Dublin
Technological University Dublin, the 9th of Ireland university ranking, was established in 2019, making it one of the youngest universities in Ireland. Additionally, it’s the first technological university in Ireland. It has five campuses: 3 in Dublin, the other 2 in Blanchardstown and Tallaght, respectively. It offers an inclusive and open environment for students where they can get internationally recognized degrees. It also provides students with more than 200 programmes in various disciplines, meeting their diverse needs.
- Tuition Fees: €13,500 – €20,500 for undergraduates; €12,000 – €23,500 for postgraduates.
- Popular Courses: Applied Cyber Security and Digital Marketing.
- Renowned Alumni: Graham Norton, Liam Cunningham etc.
Best Universities in Ireland: Why to Choose?
Studying abroad gives you chances to learn about different cultures, histories and education, which can enrich your life and broaden your horizons. As it’s increasingly popular worldwide, you’ll learn about the reasons to pick the best universities in Ireland.
High-quality Education
Ireland is home to an excellent education system, and its universities and institutions place great importance on advanced fields. For example, Trinity College Dublin, considered one of the top colleges in Ireland, is the sister college of Oxford and Cambridge.
Livable Environment
Do you know Ireland is one of the safest cities around the globe? It’s an inclusive country with high-quality life, peace and promising human development. Compared to other European countries, it has a smaller territory and population, contributing to fewer refugees, which significantly reduces the crime rates. Moreover, the police can take quick responses towards every incident, ensuring social security.
English as Official Language
Though both English and Irish have official status, the former has been the predominant language since the 18th century. English is widely used in working and learning, which means you don’t need to spend time learning another new language.
Affordable Tuition Fees
As studying abroad is costly, tuition fees play a significant role in decision-making. Though education in the UK is incredible, it also comes at a high cost. Therefore, studying in Ireland is a cost-effective option.
Less Employment Stress
Ireland is also home to many multinational enterprises’ European headquarters, like Google and Apple, offering a wealth of jobs. Meanwhile, you can get a 2-year work visa after graduation, which is hard to get in other countries.
Best Universities in Ireland: Living on Campus or Off Campus?
If you are an international student studying at one of the best universities in Ireland, you need to consider where you live. If you live on campus, you’ll get easy access to classes, libraries and school activities, which also means less private space and more strict rules. However, if you want to find off-campus student accommodation Ireland, you’ll get more freedom and privacy. For example, you can design your own room and learn how to cook and manage your bills in real life. At our online platform, uhomes.com, we offer you a wide range of accommodation options near diverse universities, including Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and more.
Conclusion of Best Universities in Ireland
All the best universities in Ireland have different popular courses, offering a unique experience of studying abroad. If you’re seeking some cost-effective universities to apply to, you can take the top colleges in Ireland into account. May you have a safe and satisfactory study travel.
FAQ of Best Universities in Ireland
What is the No. 1 university of Ireland?
Trinity College Dublin is the No.1 university of Ireland. It, established in 1592, is one of the oldest educational institutions in Ireland. Boasting academic excellence and awesome reputation, it’s the only one Irish university of the League of European Research Universities.
What is the Harvard of Ireland?
Trinity College Dublin is the Harvard of Ireland. According to Times Higher Education, it ranks top among all Irish universities and secures the 139th position worldwide. Besides, it’s the sister college of Oxford and Cambridge.
What is the hardest university to get into in Ireland?
University College Dublin (UCD) is the hardest university to get into in Ireland. It, with an acceptance rate of 20%, offers various courses and programs and has celebrated researchers and professors, which help students improve a lot and get recognition from universities within 1% of the world.
What is the most international university in Ireland?
Trinity College Dublin is the most international university in Ireland. It ranks top of the Ireland university ranking and has excellent global reputation. It’s the sister college of Oxford and Cambridge and the only one Irish university of the League of European Research Universities.
What is the most prestigious school in Ireland?
Trinity College Dublin is the most prestigious school in Ireland. It boasts academic excellence and awesome reputation, and it’s the only one Irish university of the League of European Research Universities.
