Moving to Ireland is a popular choice for students from around the world because of its vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and friendly atmosphere. Plus, the shared language and easy travel between the UK and Ireland add even more appeal.
If you’re planning to study in Ireland, it’s important to have a good strategy and budget. Ireland is the 13th most expensive country in the world, which can make it pricey for students. (Source: The Irish Times) On average, the cost of living in Ireland is about EUR 842 per month, not including accommodation.
To help cover these costs, you can look into scholarships or work part-time jobs that follow government guidelines. There are also plenty of student discounts that can help you save money.
Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Ireland for international students and how you can plan your expenses.
Why choose Ireland for higher education
Here are some unique reasons moving to Ireland is a great choice for higher education:
- Internationally recognised degrees
- High-quality education
- Research opportunities
- Friendly culture
- Beautiful scenery
- Modern campuses
- Easy access to travel across Europe
- More affordable education compared to places like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia
- Safe environment
- Experience multicultural society
- Job opportunities after graduation
These features make Ireland an appealing destination for students looking for a high-quality education and an enriching experience.
Cost of living in Ireland for international students
1. Tuition Fees in Ireland
First, international students need to get a student visa to study in Ireland. A single-entry visa costs about EUR 60, while a multiple-entry visa is around EUR 100.
Now, let’s look at the cost of studying in Ireland for different degrees:
- Undergraduate: EUR 9,850-25,500
- Postgraduate: EUR 9,500-24,500
- Doctoral degree: EUR 10,000-35,000
2. Accommodation
If you’re too far down the waiting list for on-campus housing or prefer to live on your own, off-campus housing is a good option. You can find places through your university’s accommodations office or websites listing rentals in Ireland.
Let’s break down the accommodation costs while living in Ireland:
- Homestays: Also called ‘digs’ in Ireland, these are popular with undergraduates. They cost about EUR 180 per month. The benefit is that the host family usually covers utilities, meals, and activities, making it a cheaper option.
- Private rentals: These include apartments, studio apartments, houses, and more. Rent can vary a lot depending on the size and amenities, ranging from EUR 350 to EUR 3,000 per month.
- Long-term student hostels: Though limited in number, these are a budget-friendly option. They offer similar amenities to university halls and cost between EUR 5 to EUR 112 per night.
- Purpose-built student housing: These are like student halls but with fewer people sharing. The cost ranges from EUR 150 to EUR 273 per week.
- Each of these options has its own benefits and costs, so you can choose what fits your needs and budget best.
3. Food
While considering the cost of living in Ireland, it’s important to plan for food expenses. Here’s a quick look at the typical food costs for students in Ireland:
| Grocery Products | Average Cost |
| Fruits | EUR 0.30 to EUR 1.00 |
| Butter (250g) | EUR 1.00 to EUR 2 |
| Milk (1 litre) | EUR 1.00 to EUR 1.30 |
| A carton of 6 eggs | EUR 1.50 |
| A loaf of bread | EUR 1.50 |
| Chicken breast (300g) | EUR 3.50 to EUR 4.00 |
| Soft drinks | EUR 0.80 |
| Coffee (100g) | EUR 3.00 |
| 500g of pasta | EUR 1.80 |
| 1kg of potatoes | EUR 2.00 |
| 1kg of rice | EUR 2.50 |
| 3kg of detergent | EUR 4.50 |
| Toothpaste (100g) | EUR 3.00 |
| Toilet paper | EUR 2.00 |
4. Transport
When you live in Ireland, you can get discounts on transportation like Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, DART, LUAS, and Bus Eireann. After you register at your university, don’t forget to visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). You should budget around EUR 135 a month for travel, depending on how you get around.
| Type of Transportation | Cost |
| Bus Ticket | EUR 1.55 to EUR 3.80 |
| Tram ticket | EUR 1.54 to EUR 3.20 |
| Train ticket | EUR 1.70 and EUR 7.00 |
| Ferries | EUR 190 |
| Car rental | EUR 49.30 per day |
| Taxis | EUR 0.40 to 0.50 per minute |
Essential tip: Getting a Student Travelcard can really help cut down your living costs in Ireland. This card offers discounts of up to 40% on public transportation and at many stores across the country. You can buy the card for EUR 12 and top it up with any amount you need.
5. Everyday Essentials
Here’s the breakdown of essentials while you live in Ireland:
| Other Essentials | Average Cost |
| A pair of midrange rubber shoes | EUR 90.29 |
| Leather shoes | EUR 91.50 |
| Jeans | EUR 89.36 |
| Electricity, heating, water, etc. | EUR 274.17 |
| Mobile phone with a monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ | EUR 22.26 |
| 60 mbps or more internet connection at your accommodation | EUR 49.82 |
6. Health Insurance
If you’re not a citizen of an EU country, you won’t have automatic access to public healthcare in Ireland. You’ll need to get private health insurance unless you already have your own coverage.
A basic annual health insurance policy starts at around EUR 394. In Ireland, everyone pays the same price for a health insurance plan, no matter their age, gender, or health condition. This is called “community rating.”
Cost of living in Ireland in different cities
Living expenses in Ireland for international students can range from EUR 7,000 to EUR 12,000 per year, depending on where you live. You should budget around EUR 427 each month for rent, plus other monthly expenses. For food, plan to spend at least EUR 168 per month, though prices can vary depending on whether you’re on campus or off.
| City | Monthly Cost of Living in EUR | Monthly Accommodation in EUR |
| Dublin | 893 | 1,357-1,637 |
| Galway | 848 | 838-1,080 |
| Cork | 864 | 969-1,171 |
| Maynooth | 811 | 766-1,066 |
| Limerick | 787 | 865-1,016 |
Scholarship options for international students
When it comes to student scholarships in Ireland, there are three main types:
- Government of Ireland scholarships
- University scholarships
- Scholarships from other organisations
These options can help make studying in Ireland more affordable for international students.
Now, let’s check out a few money tips to reduce the cost of living in Ireland.
How to reduce the cost of living in Ireland: money-saving tips!
The cost of living in Ireland can vary depending on where you live, your housing choice, and how you get around. Here are some tips to help you save money and manage your budget while studying in Ireland:
- Save on food: Supermarkets often offer the best deals on everyday items, especially if you buy their “own brand” products, which are usually cheaper than name brands. You can also find great prices on fruits and vegetables at street markets like Moore Street and Camden Street in Dublin. Stores like Aldi and Lidl usually have lower prices than other supermarkets, which can help you save a lot on groceries.
- Use student discounts: Always carry your student ID with you when going to restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, or other places. Many places offer student discounts if you show your ID, which can help reduce your living expenses in Ireland.
- Get a travel card: Consider getting a Student Leap Card, which offers discounted fares and other savings for students enrolled in Irish colleges or universities. If you’re biking in city centres, be cautious, especially during rush hour, and always wear a helmet for safety.
- Save on phone costs: Mobile phone rates can be higher than landline rates, especially for international calls, but there are many discounts available. Using a pre-paid phone lets you buy credit in advance, helping you keep track of your spending.
- Claim tax refunds: Non-EU/Non-EEA visitors to Ireland can often get tax-free shopping on some items purchased within the last two months of their stay. You can claim these refunds through the cashback system at the airport before leaving Ireland, saving you even more money.
Try following these tips, you can make the most of your budget while living in Ireland.
IBAT College Dublin provides a range of excellent courses for those who want to study in Ireland, using innovative study methodologies integral to today’s job market. You’ll gain the specialised knowledge needed to understand, evaluate, and succeed in any industry that you wish to make your career.
A blog written by Serin Thankam Sam
