University in Dublin

For a relatively small city, Dublin has a great range of universities and colleges covering every conceivable course. Depending on their needs, expats and their children can choose from the historical Trinity College or newly established colleges like Griffith College. While the prestige of attending Trinity might seem attractive, most students base their university choices on the courses or the job prospects that seem available post-graduation.

Fees for universities in Dublin

As of 2010, EU nationals or those with official refugee status do not pay fees in Ireland. However there are limits on this; you must have lived in the EU for three of the five years before starting study, you must be doing an undergraduate course of at least two years duration and this must be your first undergraduate course. Those students who do meet the requirements then pay a services fee of €1,500 plus Sports Levy fees and a Students’ Union fee; these last two vary from college to college.
Non-EU nationals will be faced with a larger bill, but it is manageable in comparison to the international fees levied by universities in the United States.

Expats planning on working here in the next few years should note that the 'Free Fees' scheme is under review - thanks to the recession.

University options in Dublin

Trinity College, Dublin
This is where all tourist paths lead; home of the Book of Kells with a beautiful city-centre location. The college offers the full range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with a burgeoning evening diploma and degree sector.

Dublin Institute of Technology
This institute offers six different faculties: Applied Arts, Built Environment, Business, Engineering, Science and Tourism & Food.

University College Dublin
One of the largest universities in Ireland, this college has a great reputation in traditional and newer subjects – a successful law department for example, and a sports department known for turning out professional players who represent Ireland in many areas.

Griffith College
This college has established a great reputation over the 35 years of its existence with undergraduate and postgraduate courses available. They offer accountancy, business, law, media, music and drama, and design.

Dublin Business School/Portobello College
Recently merged, these two colleges offer a wide range of business and vocational courses including law, accounting, marketing and beauty therapy.

Independent Colleges
Closely linked to the Independent Media group, this new arrival offers undergraduate, diploma and masters level qualifications. Their faculties are accountancy, law, journalism, arts and corporate/CPD.