Masters (MS) in Ireland - Top Universities, Eligibility, Cost, Salary

Compared to other European destinations, higher education in Ireland is more affordable for international students. Moreover, the history and culture of the country also promote deeper understanding and respect for education, thus offering you a whole new perspective on student life. Here are some of the top reasons that make international students choose Ireland for MS courses:

1. High-quality education: Ireland has a strong tradition of education in the field of science and technology and is home to many reputable universities that offer a wide range of MSc programs in various fields of science such as biotechnology, computer science, and engineering.

2. International exposure: Ireland is a diverse and multicultural country and studying in Ireland allows students to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. This can be especially beneficial for science students as it allows them to learn from different perspectives and approaches.

3. Career opportunities: Ireland has a growing economy, and many multinational companies have their European or global headquarters located in Ireland, particularly in the field of technology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This provides students with a range of career opportunities after graduation.

4. English-speaking country: Ireland is an English-speaking country, which makes it a comfortable place for students whose first language is not English.

5. Affordable cost of living: Compared to other countries in Europe, the cost of living in Ireland is relatively low, making it an affordable study destination.

6. Research opportunities: Irish Universities are known for their research in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and many of the MSc programs offer students the opportunity to engage in research projects alongside experienced scientists and researchers.

Each university has a unique set of requirements for masters. But here are the basic criteria required by the universities:

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with a GPA of 3 or above

• Minimum score on the English language proficiency test (usually 6.5 for IELTS)

• Proof of funds

• Letter of recommendation (LOR)

• Statement of purpose (SOP)

• Student visa

• Health insurance

• Updated resume

If you have work experience, it is advisable to include a letter of recommendation from your employer(s).

Earning an MS degree in Ireland takes one to two years. It is available in Research as well as Taught formats across Irish universities. A Taught master’s is usually pursued to get a full-time job right after course completion. A research master on the other hand is more suitable for students who are inclined to pursue MPhil or PhD and is relatively shorter in duration with more guidance sessions and fewer lecture room experiences.

The degree can cost anywhere between €9,500 to €34,500 annually in terms of tuition fees*.

*Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-ireland/cost-of-study/

Here is a table with average costs per year according to subjects:

• MSc in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• MSc Environmental Technology

• MSc in Public Health

• MSc in Project Management

• MSc in Aeronautical Engineering

• MSc in Management and Marketing

• MSc in Business Analytics

Ireland houses some of the best-ranked universities in the world. Here are the top Ireland universities for you to choose from in 2024 rankings – QS World University rankings.

Here are some popular scholarships you can apply to when planning to study in Ireland as an international student:

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Ireland is that after course completion, you are entitled to a two-year extension on your visa to stay and work in the country. Moreover, you are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency in Ireland after two years. Ireland has a booming job market with dream employers like Amazon, Ernst & Young, Apple, Accenture, and Airbnb. Your starting salary can be anywhere between €40,000 and €50,000 every year.

*According to Payscale.com data for 2023
Studying in Ireland can be a transformative experience as it can do wonders for your personality and career. It is always advisable to start your application at least a year ahead of your target year.

If you are looking forward to studying MS courses in Ireland and are not sure where to start, don’t worry! We are here to help you. To know more about it you can get in touch with our international education experts at IDP.

Read more about studying in Ireland