Best cities to study in Ireland
Student cities in Ireland
Dublin
Trinity College, UCD, DCU and TU Dublin in the European headquarters city of Google, Meta, LinkedIn and hundreds of tech firms.
Cork
Ireland's second city, home to UCC and MTU, with Apple's European headquarters and rents well below Dublin's.
Compare rents
| City | Room rent | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | €800 to €1,300 for a room | Dublin Bus, Luas trams and DART trains with a Student Leap Card. |
| Cork | €550 to €850 for a room | Buses and cycling; the city is compact. |
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
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Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
How much money do I need for an Irish student visa?
You must show €10,000 in accessible funds plus fee payment, and recent guidance points to €12,000 for courses longer than a year. Money in your own or your parents' account, or a sanctioned education loan, is accepted.
Can I stay in Ireland after my master's?
Yes. Stamp 1G gives master's graduates 24 months to work and look for a permit-qualifying job. Roles on the Critical Skills list (most tech, engineering, health) lead to a permit and, after two years, Stamp 4 residence.
Is a study gap accepted in Ireland?
Universities accept gaps with an explanation. Immigration looks at whether the study plan makes sense; a clear letter of application and evidence of what you did in the gap usually resolves it.