A complete guide to start your study journey for an MS degree in Ireland
Ireland provides a distinctive blend of modernity and legacy, with over 40% of its population under the age of 25. Additionally, it is considered one of the most tranquil and secure nations in the world. In a United Nations index that evaluates affluence, education, and longevity, Ireland is ranked eighth among 189 countries. Additionally, it was ranked third in the 2023 Global Peace Index.
For students who intend to pursue an MS degree abroad, Ireland is a preferred study destination. A master’s degree broadens your professional prospects and broadens your knowledge. An MS degree is even more desirable and offers even greater potential for advancement when obtained from a prestigious international university.
The following information provides a comprehensive overview of the MS program in Ireland:
Why study MS in Ireland?
Higher education in Ireland is more accessible for international students than in other European destinations. Additionally, the country’s history and culture foster a more profound comprehension and reverence for education, thereby providing a wholly novel perspective on the student experience. The following are some of the primary factors that international students select Ireland for their MS courses:
- High-quality education: Ireland has a long history of providing high-quality education in the fields of science and technology. It is home to numerous reputable universities that provide a diverse selection of MSc programs in a variety of scientific disciplines, including biotechnology, computer science, and engineering.
- International exposure: Ireland is a multicultural and diverse nation, and students are able to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and cultures while studying there. This is particularly advantageous for science students, as it enables them to acquire knowledge from a variety of perspectives and methodologies.
- Career prospects: Ireland’s economy is expanding, and numerous multinational corporations have their European or global headquarters in the country, particularly in the fields of technology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. This offers students a variety of career prospects upon their graduation.
- English-speaking country: Ireland is an English-speaking country, which makes it a comfortable environment for pupils whose first language is not English.
- Affordable cost of living: Ireland is an affordable study destination due to its comparatively low cost of living in comparison to other European countries.
- Research opportunities: Irish universities are renowned for their research in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A significant number of MSc programs provide students with the opportunity to participate in research initiatives in collaboration with seasoned scientists and researchers.
Eligibility requirements for studying MS course in Ireland
The requirements for master’s degrees are distinct at each university. However, the universities necessitate the following fundamental criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree from a reputable institution with a GPA of 3 or higher
- The minimum score on the English language proficiency examination is typically 6.5 for the IELTS.
- Evidence of funding
- Letter of recommendation (LOR)
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- student visa
- Medical insurance
- Revised curriculum vitae
It is advisable to include a letter of recommendation from your employer(s) if you have work experience.
Cost and duration of studying MS course in Ireland
In Ireland, the completion of an MS degree typically requires one to two years. It is accessible in both research and teaching formats at Irish universities. Taught master’s degrees are typically pursued in order to secure full-time employment immediately upon completion of the course. In contrast, a research master’s degree is more appropriate for students who are interested in pursuing an MPhil or PhD. It is comparatively shorter in duration, with fewer lecture room experiences and more guidance sessions.
Tuition fees for the degree may range from €9,500 to €34,500 annually.
The following is a table that displays the average annual costs for each subject:
| Course (Masters) | Fees (indicative) |
| Medicine and related | €42,500 – €57,000 |
| Engineering | €10,000 – €25,000 |
| Science and Technology | €36,000 – €71,000 |
| Arts and Humanities | €9900 – €34,000 |
| Business Analytics | €12,500 – €19,000 |
Masters in Ireland 2023 – Top courses
- 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
Top Ireland universities for Master programmes in 2023
Some of the world’s most highly-ranked universities are located in Ireland. The following are the top universities in Ireland for 2024, as ranked by the QS World University Rankings.
| Ireland University | QS World University Ranking 2023 |
| Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin | 98 |
| University College Dublin | 181 |
| National University of Ireland, Galway | 270 |
| University College Cork | 303 |
| Dublin City University | 471 |
| University of Limerick | 531 |
| Maynooth University | 801 |
| Dublin Institute of Technology | 801 |
Scholarships to study MS courses in Ireland
When considering studying in Ireland as an international student, the following scholarships are frequently applied for:
| S. No. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
| 1 | The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship | As part of this initiative, 60 scholarships are awarded for a one-year period of study at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD levels to individuals who have been awarded admission to an Irish higher education institution. The scholarship will be awarded to you upon its acquisition.A stipend of €10,000 for a one-year academic programAt the higher education institution that was selected, tuition and other registration expenses were fully funded.(Source: https://hea.ie/2022/12/14/government-of-ireland-international-education-scholarships-2023/) |
| 2 | The Walsh Fellowship | Awarded to postgraduates who are engaged in projects that are pertinent to the Teagasc Research and Knowledge Transfer Program, with a particular emphasis on the disciplines of food, crops, animal and grasslands, environment, economics, and rural development. As a tribute to the late Dr. Tom Walsh’s contributions to agricultural and culinary research in Ireland, the fellowship is established.Each year, up to 30 new positions are created, with a grant of €22,000 per pupil. The location is preferably the Teagasc Research Centre and the duration of an MSc course is up to two years, while a PhD program is limited to four years.(Source: https://www.teagasc.ie/about/research–innovation/postgraduate-scholarships/) |
| 3 | Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2023 | The Council administers this scholarship, which is financed by the Department of Education and Skills. This provides international students with the opportunity to pursue a Research MS and PhD or a Direct PhD (MS leading to PhD). The sum comprises the following: an honorarium of €16,000 per year a contribution to fees, which includes non-EU fees, up to a maximum of €5,750 per year eligible direct research expenses of €2,250 per year.(Source: http://research.ie/funding/goipg/) |
The career scope after studying MS courses in Ireland
After completing your course, you are entitled to a two-year extension on your visa to remain and work in Ireland, which is one of the most significant benefits of studying there. Additionally, you are eligible to submit an application for Permanent Residency in Ireland after two years. Amazon, Accenture, Apple, Ernst & Young, and Airbnb are among the dream employers in Ireland’s thriving employment market. Your annual starting remuneration may range from €40,000 to €50,000.
Average salaries after studying MS courses in Ireland
| Job title | Average Salary |
| Data Analyst | €29k – €52k |
| Software Engineer | €33k – €72k |
| Marketing Executive | €25k – €38k |
| Project manager | €35k – €63k |
| Software Developer | €30k – €67k |
| Quality Control Analyst | €33k – €50k |
| Data Scientist | €29k – €63k |
*In accordance with data from 2023 on Payscale.com
Studying in Ireland can be a life-changing experience that can have a significant impact on your career and personality. It is consistently recommended that you initiate your application at least one year prior to your desired year.
If you are eager to pursue an MS degree in Ireland but are uncertain about where to begin, there is no need for concern. We are present to provide assistance. For additional information, please contact our international education specialists at Liveabroad.
Read more about studying in Ireland
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