Top 5 universities in Ireland

Ranked #1 in Ireland and 87th globally (QS 2025), Trinity College Dublin is a world-renowned institution known for academic excellence, pioneering research, and a vibrant student community. Established in 1592, Trinity blends rich history with innovation, offering a dynamic learning environment in the heart of Dublin. With 24 academic schools across Arts, Business, Law, Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences, Trinity ranks Top 100 in 22 subjects globally (QS 2024). Ranked 31st most international university (THE 2024), Trinity welcomes students from 120+ countries, fostering a truly diverse campus experience.

University College Dublin (UCD) is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities, where postgraduate training, research, and innovation thrive alongside strong community engagement. Ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide, UCD is also Ireland’s most globally engaged university, welcoming over 38,000 students from 152 countries, with more than 5,000 students studying at locations outside Ireland.

UCD’s 133-hectare parkland campus in Dublin provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the UCD O’Brien Centre for Science, UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business, UCD Moore Centre for Business, and the UCD Student Centre.

Founded in 1845, University College Cork (UCC) is a leading Irish university with a strong tradition of teaching, research, and innovation. With 24,000 students, including 4,000 international students from over 130 countries, UCC offers a globally recognized, research-led curriculum that attracts top talent from Ireland and beyond.

Academic Excellence

UCC offers 130 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across four colleges:

• Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences

• Business and Law

• Medicine and Health

• Science, Engineering and Food Science

With a focus on academic rigour and real-world application, many courses include work placements and industry collaboration, ensuring that graduates are both work-ready and world-ready. UCC boasts a 96% graduate employment rate for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Founded in 1845, the University of Galway is one of Ireland’s oldest and largest universities, combining a rich academic heritage with a forward-thinking, research-led approach. With global ambitions and deep local roots, the university is a leader in medical technology, marine ecology, creative industries, and innovation, shaping solutions for a sustainable future.

Academic Excellence & Global Recognition

• Ranked 289th globally

  (QS World University Rankings 2023)

• Top 2% of universities worldwide

• Among the world’s best for 23 subjects

  (QS 2023)

• Sunday Times University of the Year 2022

The university is also a leader in sustainability, ranked 34th globally in the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) World Ranking, with standout performances in:

• 5th in the world for Responsible Production & Consumption

• 21st for Life Under Water

• 23rd for Affordable & Clean Energy

• 43rd for Good Health & Wellbeing

• 50th for Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

Since becoming a university in 1989, Dublin City University (DCU) has built a strong global reputation for innovative teaching, cutting-edge research, and societal impact. Located just 15 minutes from Dublin city centre, DCU operates across three academic, sports, and innovation campuses, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

DCU ensures students are work-ready and future-focused, with over 80% of undergraduate students gaining access to internships or study abroad experiences. This hands-on approach blends academic excellence with real-world skills, equipping graduates to thrive in today’s job market.

DCU welcomes students from 120 countries and is committed to widening access to higher education for mature students, distance learners, and non-traditional groups.

*Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?region=Europe&countries=ie

If you want to apply for these universities in Ireland, get in touch with international education experts at IDP. They will you with the end-to-end admission process.