3 Top Colleges in Ireland
Searching for MORE affordable study options in Ireland?
Below you will find the list of colleges in Ireland that can save you from spending a fortune.
Okay, so making your mind up and deciding on one study option can be the hardest part.
So here we are giving all the information to help you make informed decisions about the top colleges in Ireland.
- 3 Top Colleges in Ireland for Masters
- Difference between University and College in Ireland
- Colleges in Ireland: An Overview
- Scholarships Offered by Colleges in Ireland
- Requirements to Study at Colleges in Ireland
3 Top Colleges in Ireland for Masters
| Colleges for MS in Ireland | Webometrics Ireland Rankings | |
| 1 | National College of Ireland | 16 |
| 2 | Griffith College | 24 |
| 3 | Dublin Business School | 25 |
People also read: Universities in Ireland for Masters
Difference between University and College in Ireland
| University | College |
| The university offers masters and research programs in a broad range of fields. Universities sometimes allow students to pursue their PhD after their Master’s. | Colleges in Ireland offer a wide range of undergraduate courses. While Masters and Research studies cover a limited field of study |
| Universities comprise smaller divisions called colleges or schools based on specialization. Examples are Trinity Business School and UCD College of Engineering and Architecture. | The structure of college courses is similar to that of a university’s department. |
| Tuition fees vary between €12,000 to €36,500 | Tuition fees vary between €13,000 to €14,000 |
| Larger class size | Relatively small class size |
| Getting admission to your desired course is competitive | College admissions are less competitive or easily achievable |
Colleges in Ireland: Overview
1. National College of Ireland (NCIRL)
The National College of Ireland – NCI – is a partly state-funded college in Ireland. The college has a great reputation for being one of the best institutions for career development.
Moreover, the college uses industry connections and invites working professionals with a PhD to teach its students. Unlike universities where students are taught through the lens of academia and cutting-edge research, graduates from NCI pass with the exposure that results from blending academic insights and advancements in the industry.
One of NCI’s distinguished courses is its MSc in Cybersecurity. This one-of-a-kind course is the only cybersecurity Masters in Ireland that offers an internship component in its final semester.
Adding a feather to its cap, this college has been ranked 17th out of 28 Irish higher-education institutions in Unirank’s 2022 Irish University Ranking.
2. Dublin Business School (DBS)
Dublin Business School is one of the best independent colleges in Ireland. It is the largest college in Ireland concerning student numbers, with 4 campuses across the city centre. Its location exhorts you to absorb the city exposure the cosmopolitan city of Dublin puts in the offing.
This college is committed to continuous improvement in its world-class teaching and research activity. The evidence of this has been reflected with over 960 DBS students having achieved worldwide and national individual prizewinner success.
All courses at DBS have been designed in collaboration with industry and professional bodies. With this, the students are equipped with the most advanced academic qualifications, enabling them to succeed in their career goals.
Dublin Business School is popular for its lower barriers to entry to MBA programs. Students with degrees in a cognate discipline can apply for an MBA.
Since this college does not expect work experience for an MBA, it has positioned itself as an escape route for freshers who wish to pursue an MBA in Ireland.
3. Griffith College
Established in 1974, Griffith College is another leading college in Ireland that offers technical and business courses with 4 campuses in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork.
Courses at this college are complemented by a wide range of professional, short term and corporate training educational solutions. For these reasons, Griffith College conceits itself on providing students with excellent lectures and award-winning study materials.
Griffith College is keen on giving all its international students a place of ease to stay and study in. They can assist with the various practical and personal matters which arise for any student settling into a new environment in an unfamiliar country.
Read our TOP rated article: 17 Benefits of Study in Ireland for Indian Students
Scholarships Offered by Colleges in Ireland
So here comes the most rewarding part for all the students with a study abroad dream.
Let’s be transparent. University scholarships in Ireland can be more rewarding than that of colleges.
There is no worry, though. Colleges in Ireland are much more affordable than universities, and you can still waive a decent amount if you qualify for one of their scholarships.
| Colleges | Scholarship | Waiver |
| Dublin Business School | Dublin Partial scholarships | €1,000 |
| National College of Ireland | Masters Academic Merit Scholarships | €2,000 to €4,000 |
| Griffith College | Academic Merit Scholarship | Up to €1,500 |
You can learn more about these scholarships here: A Guide to Scholarships in Ireland
Colleges in Ireland: Requirements
UG and English language Requirements:
| UG Score | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE | DET | |
| NCIRL | 65% | 6.5 | 86iBT | 58 | – |
| DBS | 60% | 6.0 | 78iBT | – | 95 |
| Griffith College | 60% | 6.0 | 78iBT | – | – |
| IBAT | 60% | 6.0 | 60iBT | 46 | 95 |
Document Requirements for Masters:
Document requirements are crucial when you pursue a Masters in Ireland or any other country.
- A completed online application form
- Official copies of the academic transcripts
- English language proficiency certificates (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL, Duolingo)
- C.V./Resume
- 2 Reference letters are an academic reference from a former lecturer and the other from the employer. If a graduate doesn’t have work experience, the letters can be from their academic lecturers
- Statement of Purpose. Your statement should be approximately 500 words
- Scanned copy of the passport
We understand all these processes can make you white-eyed 😵. Don’t worry. That is why we have the most straightforward and tension-free protocol to make your study in Ireland journey as easy as pie!! Book your FREE counselling call, and we will tell you how.
FAQs
1. How much does college cost in Ireland?
Colleges in Ireland can charge you a tuition fee somewhere between 10 to 12 Lakhs. Ireland colleges are the most affordable option for international students pursuing their master’s.
2. How many colleges are there in Ireland?
There are three colleges in Ireland for Masters – Dublin Business School, Griffith College, and National College of Ireland. These are completely private and are not part of any universities in Ireland.
3. Are Ireland colleges best for international students?
Colleges in Ireland are best for international students as all of them are accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). It sets rules for ensuring quality and global recognition of education.
How can Sarem Education help you?
Our mission at Sarem Education as a study in Ireland consultants is to help aspiring students pursue their dreams by guiding them through the complexities of applying to their dream universities or colleges in Ireland for an MS.
Hence, this is what we can do for you (free of cost):
- Provide help in applying to universities
- Help write LORs and SOPs
- Offer 100% authentic information on universities in Ireland
- Relieve the various pains you have in processing your visa
- Offer a Lyca sim card before you travel to Ireland
- Help connecting to alumni from various Irish universities
- Assist in finding part-time jobs and accommodation