Top 5 student cities in Ireland

Ireland’s world-class institutions, an extensive selection of courses, and abundant work opportunities make it an ideal destination for international students. Here are the major reasons why Ireland is the place to be for pursuing higher education:

1. Quality institutions: The Irish government monitors the quality of education via National Framework of Qualifications (NFF). This means irrespective of the university you enroll in; the quality of education remains uniform.
2. Innovation and research: Universities and colleges of Ireland form the top 1% of research institutes of the world with impacts in 19 disciplines including social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and healthcare. This provides a huge scope for undergraduate and graduate students to apply for research programs driven by innovation and ample opportunities.
3. A land of opportunities: Ireland is known to have over 1,000 multi-national companies with 9 of 10 global ICT companies, 8 of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies, 6 of the top 7 diagnostic companies, 8 of the top 10 gaming companies, and 15 of the top 20 medical device companies. Phew! Also, 50% of the world’s leading financial services firms are also stationed in Ireland.



The official languages in Ireland are Irish and English and Euro is the official currency of the country.



4. Safe community: Ireland ranks #3 on the Global Peace Index 2023, which makes it among the safest countries in the world.
5. Irish culture: The Irish are known for their welcoming and friendly approach. They love their conversations and are probably the best people to make you laugh. In 2017, Ireland was voted as the world’s 10th most sociable country.
6. Work opportunities: You can work part-time while studying in Ireland. You’ll be allowed to work for 20 hours per week during the academic session and 40 hours per week during the months of May, June, July, August, and mid- December to mid-January. 

Dublin, the capital of Ireland is the largest city in the country. It is known for being a student-friendly city with four Universities and many colleges. The city ranks 16th in the world for student mix as per the QS Best Student Cities 2023 and ranks in the top 50 best student cities in the world. This says much about the high international student ratio, making it a dynamic and multicultural city.

The city offers popular courses across fields like Accounting and Finance, Computer science, English Language & Literature, Medicine, Business & Management, Arts & Humanities, Law, and Pharmacy. These can be pursued at globally recognised institutions. Ireland’s famous Royal College of Surgeons, for instance, is located in Dublin.

Read more about studying in Dublin in detail

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, located in the southwest province of Munster. An important academic city in Ireland, it has a higher ratio of the student population than the national average. With a population of 221,452, which includes a student population of approximately 3,5000, this vibrant city with a young crowd boasts an affordable cost of living and unique quality of life. Some of the major courses such as Engineering, Management, and Life Sciences are popular in universities located in Cork, Ireland.

The city continually creates and improves its physical and social environments and expands the community resources to enable people to mutually support each other in performing all life functions and encourage development to their maximum potential. In fact, Cork has been a designated World Health Organisation (WHO) Healthy City since January 2012.

Limerick is a city located in the mid-west region of Ireland and is a part of the province of Munster. The city lies on River Shannon and is one of the most beautiful cities in Ireland. With a population of 205,444*, including a student population of 30,000* approx., the city is known for its practical industry-based education and promising employment opportunities for graduates.

Named the National City of Culture in 2014, the city hosts many contemporary exhibitions, local playwrights, and drama productions. Riverfest is a summer festival held annually in the city from 2004 onwards. The city offers both Georgian architecture and modern high-rise buildings. There are a lot of shopping centres in the city and nightclubs and pubs offering music.

Limerick houses some of the most coveted study-abroad universities. The University of Limerick, for instance, ranks #426 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Galway is a city with a bohemian flavour located in the west of Ireland on the River Corrib. The city is known for being an ideal mix of modernity and legacy. It has a safe and student-friendly environment and a promising job market because of the rapid growth in technology in the area. With an estimated population of 80,000, it includes a student population of over 22,500 which is 28% of the total population in Galway.

With its historical, small-city charm and its inspiring pace of growth, Galway might just be the ideal city for you. A leader in research and medical technology, it makes quite a promising city for international scholars. It is home to some highly ranked universities. The National University of Ireland, Galway, holds a QS World University Ranking (2023) of #270. Galway Mayo Institute of Technology is another respected higher education institution in Galway.

Maynooth is a charming University town, which is quiet, safe, and affordable. Located in the north County Kildare, Ireland, it is 24kms west of Central Dublin. Home to the Maynooth University which dates back to the eighteenth century, Maynooth is known for its legacy in humanities and sciences. The city attracts international students from over 90 countries keeping the student mix diverse and competitive.  

The town has a lot of high street stores, including Heatons, Next, and Dunnes Stores. In fact, it houses many popular restaurants and eateries that are affordable too due to the significant student population that is present there.

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5 things about Ireland for international students

So, whether you choose these cities for their charm, academic excellence, employment opportunities, or a combination of all, you will be making an excellent choice! Explore your career opportunities and find your ideal fit with an IDP’s international education expert and start your journey to study in one of these beautiful cities of Ireland.