Ireland's one-year taught master's programmes combine EU-standard research quality with direct access to Dublin's tech and pharma employer cluster — and one of Europe's most generous post-study work windows for master's graduates. In 2026, tuition ranges from €10,000 to €30,000 for the full programme.
Summary: How Much Does an Irish Master's Degree Cost in 2026?
| Category | Estimate (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (MSc/MA, most disciplines) | €10,000 – €22,000 |
| Tuition (MSc Computer Science / Data Science) | €13,000 – €25,000 |
| Tuition (LLM) | €12,000 – €22,000 |
| Accommodation (1 year) | €8,400 – €18,000 |
| Food and groceries | €4,200 – €7,200 |
| Health insurance | €500 – €1,200 |
| Total for full 1-year programme | €25,000 – €50,000 |
Tuition by University (2026 Estimates)
| University | Graduate Tuition (EUR/year) |
|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin (TCD) | €14,000 – €25,000 |
| University College Dublin (UCD) | €14,000 – €28,000 |
| University College Cork (UCC) | €12,000 – €22,000 |
| University of Galway (NUIG) | €11,000 – €20,000 |
| Dublin City University (DCU) | €12,000 – €22,000 |
| University of Limerick (UL) | €11,000 – €20,000 |
| Maynooth University | €10,000 – €18,000 |
Cost of Living for Master's Students by City (2026)
| City | Monthly Living (EUR) | Full Year (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | €1,850 – €3,000 | €22,000 – €36,000 |
| Cork | €1,350 – €2,200 | €16,000 – €26,000 |
| Galway | €1,250 – €2,050 | €15,000 – €25,000 |
| Limerick | €1,150 – €1,900 | €14,000 – €23,000 |
| Maynooth | €1,180 – €1,950 | €14,000 – €23,000 |
Dublin housing note: Ireland's acute housing shortage is most severe in Dublin — students commonly share houses with 3–5 roommates to manage costs, or choose Cork/Galway for significantly lower rent.
Total Cost of an Irish Master's Degree — Realistic Estimates
| Profile | Total Cost (EUR, full 1-year programme) |
|---|---|
| MSc Computer Science at Trinity or UCD (Dublin) | €36,000 – €48,000 |
| MA at UCC or Galway (Cork/Galway) | €26,000 – €36,000 |
| MSc Data Science at DCU (Dublin) | €30,000 – €42,000 |
| LLM at Trinity or UCD | €34,000 – €47,000 |
Student Visa and Immigration Costs
| Fee | Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Study visa (visa-required nationalities) | €60 |
| Irish Residence Permit (IRP) | €300 |
| Minimum proof of funds required | €10,000/year |
Work Rights and Stamp 1G Post-Study
Master's students on Stamp 2 can work 20 hours/week during term and 40 hours/week during holidays. After graduating, master's holders qualify for Stamp 1G — 24 months of unrestricted full-time work under the Third Level Graduate Programme, one of the longest post-master's windows among EU study destinations.
Why Dublin's Tech Hub Matters
Dublin hosts European headquarters for Google, Meta, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Apple, and Stripe. Master's graduates in Computer Science, Data Science, and Business have direct access to this recruiting pipeline without needing to relocate.
IELTS and TOEFL Requirements for Irish Master's Programmes
| University | Min IELTS |
|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| UCD | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| UCC | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| University of Galway | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| DCU | 6.0 – 6.5 |
TOEFL iBT is also accepted at all major Irish universities.
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