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Ireland is a fantastic destination for postgraduate study – but earning your Masters or PhD there can come with a hefty price tag. Between tuition fees and Ireland’s above-average living costs, expenses often add up quickly.
That said, there are ways to study in Ireland without breaking the bank! We’ve listed some in this blog post.
The Irish government offers many generous funding opportunities for international students, often contributing towards both tuition fees and living costs. Examples include the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, which includes a fee waiver and a €10,000 living cost stipend.
Most individual universities also offer their own scholarships for international students. You’ll be able to find more information about these on your chosen university’s website. You can also read our full guide to PhD funding in Ireland to learn more about what’s on offer.
As a general rule, on-campus university accommodation is more expensive that off-campus accommodation in Ireland. For example, at the University of Dublin a room in student accommodation costs an average of €1,025 per month whereas the cost of private rented housing can be as low as €750 per month.
Renting private accommodation also means you can organise your own utility bills and hunt around for the best deal rather than having to pay a potentially higher all-inclusive bill.
That said, the cost of accommodation in Ireland (both on and off campus) varies widely. It may be possible to find university-owned accommodation that is cheaper than private rented housing, or the price difference could be marginal. The key is to start your search as soon as you receive your university offer to track down the best deal possible!
Read more about accommodation in Ireland.
If saving money is a key consideration, you may want to consider choosing a cheaper Irish city to study in. Dublin is Ireland’s most expensive city, with estimated living costs of €1,460 per month for international students. Other popular student cities such as Limerick and Cork have lower living costs, according to crowdsourced data from Numbeo.
You could also choose to save on rent by living in one of Ireland’s many commuter towns. These places offer cheaper accommodation options and are a short distance from the major cities. Popular student hotspot Maymooth and coastal town Greystones are both within an hour’s commute of Dublin via public transport, for example.
Casual, part-time employment could be a great way to bring in extra cash while you study! EU and EEA students have the same access to the job market as Irish students, meaning you can work unlimited hours alongside your degree. Other international students can work for up to 20 hours during term time, or 40 hours during the holidays.
Many Irish universities have their own portals allowing students to search for casual jobs. You can find out more from your university’s website or careers service.
There are many companies offering money off for students in Ireland. You’ll be able to get discounts at many restaurants, shops and from online retailers by presenting your student card. Some cinemas, theatres and music venues also offer reduced prices.
You can also register for a Student Leap Card for discounts on public transport across Ireland.
Obvious as it may sound, you’re much more likely to stick to your money-saving goals if you make a budget (and stick to it!). It’s a good idea to plan out your monthly expenses, allowing for major outgoings such as food, entertainment and travel.
Most universities have cost of living guides on their websites which lay out average expenses for students. These can be a good template for your own personal budget. You can also find out more about typical costs in our guide to living in Ireland as a postgraduate.
Decided that Ireland is the study abroad destination for you? Browse Irish PhD projects in our course finder now!

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