• Ireland

Top Universities for Masters in Ireland in 2025

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  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Mar 25,2025 04:36 PM IST

  • Home to the world’s top 1% universities providing globally recognised programs, Ireland is a preferred study destination for pursuing master’s degrees.
  • Irish universities have a lecturer-to-student ratio of 1:20, which compels lakhs of international students to pursue their post-graduation there every year.
  • Top master’s programs available in Irish universities are Digital Marketing Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Marketing

Top Universities for Masters in Ireland.webp


Learning never stops. Humans learn till their last breath. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you might be considering pursuing a master’s degree in this fabulous island country called Ireland. That’s a fantastic decision, showing your passion for advancing your knowledge in the same field. But have you thought of a university where you could study? If not, don’t worry; in this blog, you will learn about the best universities in Ireland for master’s degrees. Let’s dive in and see the best institutions for your postgraduate options in Ireland.

Why Study Master’s in Ireland?

Before jumping straight to top universities for a master’s degree in Ireland, let’s first build the base by knowing why to study a master’s degree in Ireland. Here are some of the most compelling reasons:

1. English-Speaking Country: The first and foremost reason is that it’s an English-speaking country, and a student does not need to learn a foreign language for his lecture sessions or day-to-day survival in Ireland.

2. Short-Duration Courses: Masters programs are mostly of 1-year duration as Ireland follows the British model of education. This allows students to complete their degree more quickly and begin earning.

3. Reputed Universities: Ireland is home to top-ranked universities that provide high-rated master’s programs recognised by employers globally. Some notable names are Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), and University of Limerick (UL).

4. Wide Range of Programs: You can choose from a broad range of in-demand master’s programs while studying in Ireland. Some master’s programs available in Irish institutions are Information Technology (IT), Engineering, and Healthcare & Sciences.

5. Financial Aid: Universities in Ireland for master’s degrees offer many scholarships to the deserving students which reduces the tuition fee substantially to pursue their dream programs. Further, one can also avail of education loans to cover expenses.

6. Safe Environment: Safety is the most essential concern of any Indian parent while sending their children abroad. According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Ireland is ranked 2nd most peaceful country globally, which ensures students’ safety.

7. Part-Time Work Opportunities: When studying in universities in Ireland for a master’s degree, you can work part-time 20 hours a week. This allows you to earn extra money to pay for your living costs. 

8. PSW options: Ireland offers a generous PSW formally known as the Third Level Graduate Program (1G Visa). This allows extra stay for career development and gives access to the Irish job market, eventually leading to permanent residency.

Universities for Masters in Ireland

Ireland is home to 30+ universities, each offering excellent facilities and opportunities to international students. However, some stand out from others. Here is the list of best universities in Ireland for master's degrees:

1. University College Dublin

Ranking in the top 1% of universities worldwide, University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s most international university with more than 11,500 international students. According to QS World University Rankings 2025, it is ranked at 126th position. UCD is one of the best universities in Ireland for pursuing a master’s degree, as it allows you to connect with students from 151 countries. Also, it’s a great Irish university for a master’s in Finance. Besides its high-quality education, you can also take advantage of extracurricular activities by joining over 50+ sports clubs and 70+ student societies.

Why Choose University College Dublin?

If you love everything 1st, then UCD can be your go-to institution in Ireland for a master’s degree for the following reasons:

1. It is the number one institution for students with 450 study abroad opportunities and a top 50 world ranking in 4 subjects. 

2. Since it is ranked in the top 1% of universities globally, it is number one for education.

3. It is also number one in other aspects like research, course flexibility, global community, and sports.

Top Master’s Programs at UCD:

1. Supply Chain Management

2. Digital Marketing Strategy

3. Entrepreneurship

4. Finance

5. Marketing

2. University College Cork

With a ranking of 273rd in QS World University Rankings, 2025, University College Cork (UCC) is another fantastic university in Ireland for a master’s degree. The university has won several awards in the last few years, including Spin-out Company of the Year, Research Support Person of the Year, and Research Supervisor of the Year. While gaining a high-quality education, you can also join over 100 sports clubs and various student societies.

Why Choose University College Cork?

1. 100+ clubs and societies

2. Ireland’s first five-star university

3. Won the Sunday Times University of the Year award three times in the last decade

Top Master’s Programs at UCC:

1. Nursing

2. Archaeology

3. Pharmaceutical Science

4. Literature, Pharmacy, Pharmacology

5. Computer Science and Information Systems

3. University of Galway

Sharing the same QS World University Ranking (273) as UCC, the University of Galway is another excellent university in Ireland for a master’s degree. Established in 1845 with the first batch of just 68 students, the University of Galway has grown massively, with a current student population of over 19,000. While academic excellence is something you’ll absolutely receive at this university, you can participate in many on-campus activities for an outstanding student life. There are over 122 societies and 41 sports clubs to choose from that will make your journey wonderful.

Why Choose the University of Galway?

1. Relevant Award-Winning Courses 

2. Excellent Career Prospects

3. Modern Facilities

Top Master’s Programs at University of Galway

1. Psychology

2. Mechanical Engineering

3. Business Analytics

4. Marketing

5. Computer and Information Systems

4. University of Limerick

Next on the list is an independent research-led university that compels 18,000 students annually to study there. The University of Limerick (UL) is another preferred university in Ireland for master’s degrees. Ranked at 421st in QS World University Rankings 2025, UL offers over 100 master’s programs. When studying here, you can also explore Limerick, Ireland’s most energetic city, through different public transit and can watch live football matches in Thomond Park.

Why Choose University of Limerick?

1. 5-star ranking by QS World University Rankings 2025

2. Highly Recognized Industry-led Programs

3. Award-Winning Career Services

Top Master’s Programs at University of Limerick

1. Business Studies

2. Engineering and Technology

3. Mechanical Engineering

4. Sports-Related Subjects

5. Computer Science and Information

5. Griffith College

The last but not least on the list of universities in Ireland for master’s degrees is Griffith College. Established in 1974, Griffith College is the third-largest institution in Ireland. Every year, 8,000 students study internationally-recognised postgraduate programs at Griffith. You can enjoy a great student life by participating in multiple sports clubs and societies. Moreover, you can meet people from 100+ countries while studying at Griffith.

Why Choose Griffith College?

1. Competitive Fees

2. Student-Centered Programs

3. Average Lecturer to Student Ratio is 1:20

Top Master’s Programs at Griffith College

1. Media and Journalism

2. Computing Science

3. Design

4. Law

5. Technology

Conclusion

Global giants like Amazon, Google, Samsung, PayPal, SAP, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson & many more have made their European headquarters in Ireland because of their flexible tax regime. Due to Brexit, Ireland got JP Morgan and Citi Bank to shift their European headquarters to Ireland, which in itself is a huge gain. The ROI after the successful completion of a master's program is no less as students can stay back on a 2-year post-study work visa, which can eventually lead to permanent residency (PR). Students opting for STEM-related programs can fast-track their PR process due to the critical employment permit in bottleneck professions. Contact study abroad consultants today to study your desired master’s program in Ireland.

FAQ

Ireland is a great study destination for pursuing master’s degrees as it offers affordable, high-quality education, a wide range of programs, a multicultural environment and a post-study work visa.
Some of the best master’s degrees in Ireland are an MSc in Artificial Intelligence, an MSC in Environmental Technology, an MSc in Public Health, and an MSc in Project Management.
The best universities in Ireland for master’s degrees are University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Galway, University of Limerick, and Griffith College.
The average salary after completing a master’s degree in Ireland is €40,000 to 60,000 per year.
While securing PR in Ireland can't be defined as easy, students can become permanent residents after staying there for 5 years.
Pursuing a master’s degree in Ireland can cost between EUR 7,500 and 38,000 annually.
To apply for an Ireland student visa, you must have a minimum of EUR 10,000 in your bank account.

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