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How to Apply to Universities in Ireland (2027): Step by Step

Ireland is an English-speaking EU member state with seven public universities, five technological universities and a number of private colleges. Non-EU tuition ranges from about EUR 10,000 a year at technological universities to over EUR 60,000 for medicine, and most applications go directly to each institution rather than through the CAO system used by Irish and EU school leavers.

Verified 7 Sep 2026 Sources
Public tuition, per year
€10,300 to €62,500
international students
Living cost, per month
Not listed
typical range
Work during study
20 h
per week
Post study work
2 yr
after graduation
Intakes
Autumn, Spring
main application cycles

Bachelor (undergraduate)

  1. Choose your course and check whether the university lists a fixed non-EU closing date or reviews applications on a rolling basis.
  2. Apply directly on the university's own international application system; non-EU applicants generally do not use the CAO, which is for Irish and EU school leavers.
  3. Pay the application fee, typically EUR 35 to EUR 75 depending on the institution (some technological universities charge none).
  4. Submit secondary school transcripts, an English language test result if required, and any course-specific documents such as a personal statement, portfolio or references.
  5. Receive a decision and accept your offer, paying any deposit requested.
  6. Apply for your Irish study visa or register your student permission, allowing several weeks for processing.

Master (postgraduate)

  1. Confirm entry requirements, which normally include a relevant undergraduate honours degree.
  2. Apply directly to the university; many taught masters review applications on a rolling basis with no fixed closing date, though some set a specific deadline, often in May, June or July.
  3. Submit transcripts, an English test result, and any programme-specific documents such as a research proposal or references.
  4. Accept your offer and pay any deposit.
  5. Apply for your study visa or register your student permission well before your course starts.
Sources, checked 7 September 2026
  1. https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=timetableevents&bb=importantdates
  2. https://www.educationinireland.com/en/plan-your-study-abroad/undergraduate-tuition-fees
  3. https://www.educationinireland.com/en/plan-your-study-abroad/postgraduate-tuition-fees
  4. https://www.educationinireland.com/en/plan-your-study-abroad/the-application-process
  5. https://www.educationinireland.com/en/plan-your-study-abroad/student-visas
  6. https://www.educationinireland.com/en/why-study-in-ireland/irish-education-system
  7. https://www.irishimmigration.ie/reminder-on-student-finance-requirements-from-30-june-2025/
  8. https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/third-level-graduate-programme/
  9. https://hea.ie/policy/internationalisation/goi-ies/