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)?

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.

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 No | University | Documents Required | Exams Required |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Trinity College-Dublin | Transcripts, GPA, Letter of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose | IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT |
2 | University College-Dublin | Resume, Transcripts, Personal Statement | IELTS or TOEFL, SAT, ACT |
3 | Dublin City University | Transcripts, SOP, Resume | IELTS, TOEFL |
4 | University of Limerick | GPA, Transcripts, SOP | IELTS, TOEFL |
5 | Maynooth University | Transcripts, LOR, Personal Statement | IELTS, TOEFL, ACT |
6 | Technological University-Dublin | Resume, GPA, SOP | IELTS, TOEFL, GRE |
7 | National University of Ireland, Galway | Transcripts, SOP, Resume | IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT |
8 | Cork Institute of Technology | Transcripts, GPA, Resume | IELTS, TOEFL |
9 | Waterford Institute of Technology | SOP, LOR, GPA | IELTS, TOEFL |
10 | Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland | Transcripts, SOP, GPA | IELTS, 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.
University | Average 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!

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:
Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility |
Government of Ireland International-Education Scholarship | Tuition-waiver + €10,000 stipend | Postgraduate students, international students |
Higher Education Authority Scholarship | Waiver + financial-aid | Master’s and PhD students |
Irish Government Scholarship Program | Full tuition coverage | Students 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:
Scholarship | Coverage | Level of Study |
Government of Ireland International-Education Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend | Master’s programs, postgraduate |
University College-Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship | Tuition-waiver | Master’s, PhD students |
Trinity College-Dublin Global Excellence Award | Full-time study tuition-waiver | Postgraduate |
Irish Research Council Scholarship | Living allowance + tuition | PhD students |
NUI Galway International Merit Scholarship | Tuition-waiver | Master’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:
Requirement | Description |
GPA | Minimum 3.0 or equivalent |
IELTS or TOEFL | Proof of English proficiency |
Letter of Recommendation | At least 2 academic references |
Statement of Purpose | Clearly defined career goals and study plan |
Resume | Academic 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 Requirement | Description |
Offer to Study | Admission letter from Irish higher-education institutions |
Proof of Funds | Evidence of financial aid, scholarships, or bank balance |
Transcripts | Educational records from previous level of study |
English Proficiency | IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores |
Health Insurance | Coverage 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:
Expense | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
Accommodation | 500 – 900 |
Food | 250 – 350 |
Transport | 100 – 150 |
Utilities | 80 – 120 |
Study Materials | 50 – 70 |
Miscellaneous | 100 – 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.

Here are some typical opportunities:
Field | Average Salary (€ per year) |
Information Technology | 45,000 – 60,000 |
Engineering | 40,000 – 55,000 |
Business & Finance | 42,000 – 58,000 |
Healthcare | 38,000 – 52,000 |
Research & Academia | 35,000 – 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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