IRELAND · CHAPTER 1
Why Ireland,and is it right for you?
Ireland offers one-year master's degrees in English, a European base for global tech and pharma companies, and up to two years of post-study permission (Stamp 1G) after a master's. The main trade-offs are very high Dublin rents and a smaller job market than the UK or Germany.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
Source review: · How to use our guides
- Living funds (year 1)
- €10,000
- Plus tuition
- Work in term
- 20 h / week
- 40 h in holiday periods
- Stamp 1G after master's
- Up to 24 months
- Registration fee
- €300
What Ireland does well
- One-year master's degrees
- English-speaking EU country
- European headquarters of many tech and pharma firms
- Stamp 1G post-study permission
- Critical Skills Employment Permit for in-demand jobs
Trade-offs
Accommodation in Dublin is scarce and expensive; start looking early or consider Cork, Galway or Limerick. Competition for graduate roles in tech is high.
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Ireland compared with the UK
| Ireland | UK | |
|---|---|---|
| Master's length | Usually 1 year | Usually 1 year |
| After graduation | Stamp 1G up to 24 months (level 9) | Graduate visa |
| EU membership | Yes — EU job market access later | No |
| Big employers | Tech and pharma European headquarters | Broad across sectors |
| Housing | Very tight, especially Dublin | Tight in London |
Cities
| City | Known for |
|---|---|
| Dublin | Tech headquarters, finance, Trinity, UCD, DCU |
| Cork | Pharma, tech, University College Cork, MTU |
| Galway | Medical devices, University of Galway, ATU |
| Limerick | Manufacturing, University of Limerick |
| Maynooth | Research university near Dublin |
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Yes for one-year master's in tech, data, pharma and business, with up to two years of Stamp 1G afterwards. Plan housing early and budget for high rents.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
IRELAND GUIDE
Universities & degrees
Universities, technological universities, NFQ levels 8–10, one-year master's and September intake in Ireland.
IRELAND GUIDE
Fees & cost of living
Irish tuition for non-EU students, €10,000 living funds, €300 registration and monthly costs in Dublin and other cities.
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Compare countries
Compare countries on fees, living costs, visa rules and post-study work, in one table.
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