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6 September 2025

7 minutes read

How to Study Abroad for Free in Ireland for International Students and Indian Students (Scholarships, Tuition Fee and Living Costs)?

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

6 September 2025

7 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • How to study abroad for free in Ireland includes applying for government-funded scholarships, tuition waivers, and international education grants.
  • How to study abroad for free in Ireland becomes possible with fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, and study materials.
  • How to study abroad for free in Ireland offers Indian students access to world-class education, top universities, and excellent post-study job opportunities.

Ireland has emerged as one of the most attractive locations for international education, available with a world-class education and professional facilities.

There are many Indian students planning to study abroad who always pick the Irish universities – they’re great institutions of higher education, funded by the government and universities to take advantage of, and many financial-aids are available.

With many study-scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and fully funded study abroad programs in Ireland, International students in Ireland can study in higher education without the weight of tuition fees. 

Why Study in Ireland for Indian Students?

Did You Know Ireland is one of the countries with a rapidly growing education system? Indian students appreciate the higher education authority in Ireland, as they want their qualifications to be internationally recognized.

how to study abroad for free in ireland 1

All higher education institutions in Ireland offer masters degrees, PG research and PhD opportunities, and they have an academic standard, and career progression. The ardency of the culture, friendly people, and the presence of a public university made it a perfect choice for many. 

How to Study for Free in Ireland for International Students?

Interesting information: Ireland has more than 60 scholarships designed specifically for international students. With a lot of scholarships, waivers and government-funded scholarships, students can qualify for scholarships and also take full-time study at a top Irish university.

Here are a few ways that students can study for free in Ireland:

  • Apply to Government Funded Scholarships: International students can access Government of Ireland International Education scholarships available through the Irish government and some PG and master’s students.
  • Request Tuition Fee-Waivers by Universities: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and other higher-education institutions offer fee-waivers to PG students who meet their criteria.
  • Use International Education-Scholarships: International education-scholarships on several programs in Ireland include tuition, accommodation and living costs for international students to study in Ireland.
  • Investigate Private and Public University Financial-Aid: Many public universities offer financial-aids in the form of study-scholarships for international students in addition to scholarships for Indian students.

Top Universities in Ireland With the Best Study Abroad Programs and Tuition Fees

Interesting information, also: Trinity is over 400 years old and continues for now as a better higher-education institution than others in Europe. Irish Universities look to attract international students by providing a world-class education and the best study abroad programs.

See below for a list of top universities in Ireland including documents and exams required:

Sl NoUniversityDocuments RequiredExams Required
1Trinity College-DublinTranscripts, GPA, Letter of Recommendation, Statement of PurposeIELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT
2University College-DublinResume, Transcripts, Personal StatementIELTS or TOEFL, SAT, ACT
3Dublin City UniversityTranscripts, SOP, ResumeIELTS, TOEFL
4University of LimerickGPA, Transcripts, SOPIELTS, TOEFL
5Maynooth UniversityTranscripts, LOR, Personal StatementIELTS, TOEFL, ACT
6Technological University-DublinResume, GPA, SOPIELTS, TOEFL, GRE
7National University of Ireland, GalwayTranscripts, SOP, ResumeIELTS, TOEFL, GMAT
8Cork Institute of TechnologyTranscripts, GPA, ResumeIELTS, TOEFL
9Waterford Institute of TechnologySOP, LOR, GPAIELTS, TOEFL
10Royal College of Surgeons in IrelandTranscripts, SOP, GPAIELTS, TOEFL, SAT

Cost of Studying in Ireland at Top Universities for Non-EU Students

Tuition fees can change according to the level and year of study. Generally, non-EU international students have to pay one tuition fee based on programs in Ireland and/or type of higher-education institutions.

Here is a table of average tuition fees. 

UniversityAverage Fees for Non-EU Students (per year)
Trinity€18,000 – €25,000
University College Dublin€19,000 – €24,000
Dublin City University€14,000 – €18,000
University of Limerick€12,500 – €17,000
Maynooth University€11,000 – €15,000
Technological University-Dublin€10,000 – €16,000
NUI Galway€14,000 – €19,000
Cork Institute of Technology€10,000 – €14,500
Waterford Institute of Technology€10,000 – €13,500
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland€22,000 – €26,000

How to Avail Scholarships to Study in Ireland for International Students?

Fun fact: Scholarships in Ireland for students in India are among the most generous in Europe. International students can apply for many scholarships for international aspirants in Ireland if they think carefully about when they apply!

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Here are some things to do to get scholarships: 

  • Collect Everything Ahead of Time: Have your transcripts, GPA, personal statement, resume, and statement of purpose ready to submit with applications. 
  • Target Scholarships for students in India: Top scholarships have been offered by Irish higher-education institutions directly through international education offices. 
  • Apply Early to Government Funding Scholarships: Each year, the Irish government and higher-education authority issues a list of scholarships for foreign students coming to Ireland for postgraduate degrees and master’s program aids. 

What are Government of Ireland Scholarships for Foreign Education in Ireland?

Fun fact: The Government of Ireland International-Education Scholarship awards 60 scholarships each year designed by the higher-education authority for international students undertaking postgraduate studies.

Here is a summary:

ScholarshipCoverageEligibility
Government of Ireland International-Education ScholarshipTuition-waiver + €10,000 stipendPostgraduate students, international students
Higher Education Authority ScholarshipWaiver + financial-aidMaster’s and PhD students
Irish Government Scholarship ProgramFull tuition coverageStudents with strong GPA, transcripts, SOP

Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland for International Students

Fun fact: Full scholarships in Ireland not only cover tuition, but also provide living costs. International students are eligible for premium aids that provide access to education.

Here are some scholarships in Ireland for international students: 

ScholarshipCoverageLevel of Study
Government of Ireland International-Education ScholarshipFull tuition + stipendMaster’s programs, postgraduate
University College-Dublin Global Excellence ScholarshipTuition-waiverMaster’s, PhD students
Trinity College-Dublin Global Excellence AwardFull-time study tuition-waiverPostgraduate
Irish Research Council ScholarshipLiving allowance + tuitionPhD students
NUI Galway International Merit ScholarshipTuition-waiverMaster’s programs

Ireland Scholarship Eligibility for Indian Students in Ireland

Well, did you know? Scholarships for Indian aspirants in Ireland usually require more than just your academic records. As an international aspirants in Ireland you would usually have to provide a number of documents in order to qualify for awards.

Here is a brief overview:

RequirementDescription
GPAMinimum 3.0 or equivalent
IELTS or TOEFLProof of English proficiency
Letter of RecommendationAt least 2 academic references
Statement of PurposeClearly defined career goals and study plan
ResumeAcademic and extracurricular endeavors

What are the Visa Requirements to Study in Ireland for Free?

Fun fact: Foreign students in Ireland are awarded financial-aid under student visa study conditions. Before foreign students avail of their scholarship, they must comply with their visa conditions.

Here is a list: 

Visa RequirementDescription
Offer to StudyAdmission letter from Irish higher-education institutions
Proof of FundsEvidence of financial aid, scholarships, or bank balance
TranscriptsEducational records from previous level of study
English ProficiencyIELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores
Health InsuranceCoverage for year of study in Ireland

How to Manage Living Expenses With Government Scholarships

Fun fact: Dublin is the more expensive city to live in than smaller cities in Ireland. With sponsorship from government scholarships, it is easy to accommodate these costs.

Here are ways to reduce costs: 

  • Use Financial Aid for Housing: Because full scholarships frequently provide housing, scholarship funding may provide accommodations housing allowances at higher-education institutions. 
  • Work Part-Time: Foreign students in Ireland can work part-time (20 per week) during semester only. 
  • Plan Using Monthly Budget: Using scholarship stipends for food, travelling and course materials. 
  • Look for Public Transportation Discounts: Full-time students may attract discounts in transport. 

What is the Cost of Living in Ireland During Ireland Study?

Did you know that Ireland is less expensive than the UK for international-education, even though Dublin is one of the most expensive cities? Costs depend on location and lifestyle.

Here is a summary:

ExpenseAverage Monthly Cost (€)
Accommodation500 – 900
Food250 – 350
Transport100 – 150
Utilities80 – 120
Study Materials50 – 70
Miscellaneous100 – 200

Job Opportunities in Ireland After Pursuing Courses in Ireland

Did you know that Ireland is home to the headquarters of many large global organizations such as Google and Facebook? As a student, you have access to a world-class education and amazing employment prospects upon graduation in one of these companies.

how to study abroad for free in ireland 3

Here are some typical opportunities:

FieldAverage Salary (€ per year)
Information Technology45,000 – 60,000
Engineering40,000 – 55,000
Business & Finance42,000 – 58,000
Healthcare38,000 – 52,000
Research & Academia35,000 – 50,000

Conclusion

Ireland has provided foreign students and Indian students with a great opportunity to carry out higher-education studies in Ireland as a result of scholarships, tuition fee-waivers, government funded programs, etc, to allow students to study without any financial difficulty.

If you are allocated a fully funded scholarship, access to globally ranked universities, affordable living costs, this is great opportunity for students to study in Ireland and to go on to study without financial stress. It becomes even more rewarding at an Irish University like Trinity or UC Dublin knowing that you have that money behind you.

If you are planning to study in Ireland, get in contact with Ambitio today to see how we can help make your journey happen.

FAQs

How to study abroad for free in Ireland as an international student?

The best way to understand how to study abroad for free in Ireland is by applying for scholarships, tuition waivers, and financial aid. Many students discover how to study abroad for free in Ireland through government-funded programs and Irish university support.

How to study abroad for free in Ireland through scholarships for Indian students?

Students can explore how to study abroad for free in Ireland by applying for scholarships for Indian students such as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship. Another way on how to study abroad for free in Ireland is by targeting university-based merit awards.

How to study abroad for free in Ireland without paying tuition fees?

One option on how to study abroad for free in Ireland is through tuition fee waivers from Irish universities. Students who learn how to study abroad for free in Ireland often combine waivers with external financial aid.

How to study abroad for free in Ireland for master’s programs?

To know how to study abroad for free in Ireland for master’s programs, students should apply for postgraduate scholarships at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Another path on how to study abroad for free in Ireland is by qualifying for government-funded schemes.

How to study abroad for free in Ireland with fully funded scholarships?

A proven way on how to study abroad for free in Ireland is to secure fully funded scholarships covering tuition and living costs. Students who succeed in how to study abroad for free in Ireland enjoy complete financial freedom during their studies.

How to study abroad for free in Ireland if I do not have a high GPA?

Even with a modest GPA, there are ways on how to study abroad for free in Ireland through need-based aid and partial funding. Students also learn how to study abroad for free in Ireland by applying for external scholarships.

How to study abroad for free in Ireland while managing living expenses?

The practical answer to how to study abroad for free in Ireland lies in using stipends from scholarships for housing and food. Students also manage how to study abroad for free in Ireland by budgeting effectively and working part-time.

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