What it costs to study in Ireland: tuition, living and one-off fees
Tuition fees
| Level | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €10,000 to €25,000 |
| Postgraduate | €10,000 to €25,000 |
Medicine and some business school programmes run higher. Many universities take a €500 to €1,000 tuition deposit.
Living costs
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €600 to €1,300 (Dublin highest; purpose-built halls fill early) |
| Food and groceries | €250 to €350 |
| Transport | €60 to €120 with a Student Leap Card |
| Utilities and phone | €80 to €150 |
| Health insurance | €50 to €70, compulsory private cover |
Total: €1,100 to €1,800 a month, with Dublin at the top of the range.
One-off costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | €60 single entry, €100 multiple entry; €300 IRP registration on arrival |
| Health cover | Private medical insurance, budgeted above |
| Flights | Return flights from South Asia or West Africa typically £500 to £900 or equivalent |
| Accommodation deposit | Usually one month's rent, refundable |
| Set-up costs | Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing: budget the equivalent of £200 to £300 |
Build your own budget
Enter your own figures. This adds them up; it does not know your course.
Where students save
- Choose a city outside the capital: the difference is often 20 to 40 percent on rent.
- Book accommodation with bills included before you arrive.
- Apply early for automatic merit scholarships; see the scholarship guide.
- Plan part-time work at 12 to 15 hours a week, not the maximum.
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.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
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.