20 cheapest universities in Ireland in 2026
The most affordable universities in Ireland, ranked by minimum bachelor fees. Ideal for optimising your study budget.
Lowest fee
3,300 EUR/yr
Price range
20 universities ranked by increasing fees
No. 1Setanta College
An Irish college focused on sport science, strength and conditioning and sports psychology, online and on campus.
No. 2Marino Institute of Education
A Dublin institute dedicated to teacher education for over a century, in association with Trinity College Dublin.
No. 3ICD Business School Dublin
A private business school in central Dublin, part of the Kaplan network, focused on management, finance and data analytics.
No. 4Dundalk Institute of Technology
A public technological institute halfway between Dublin and Belfast, known for its welcoming international community.
No. 5Independent College Dublin
A private Dublin college renowned for law and business programs in the heart of the Irish capital.
No. 6Holmes Institute Dublin
A private Dublin institute offering business, management and IT programs with a strongly international student body.
No. 7National College of Ireland
A respected Dublin college in the IFSC financial district offering business, computing, psychology and education programs.
No. 8American College Dublin
A private college on historic Merrion Square in Dublin blending American and Irish academic traditions.
No. 9Technological University of the Shannon
The public technological university of Ireland's Midlands and Midwest (2021), anchored on the Shannon economic corridor.
No. 10Atlantic Technological University
A public technological university of Ireland's west and northwest, formed in 2022 through the merger of technological institutes.
No. 11Technological University Dublin
Ireland's first technological university (2019): engineering, business, arts and sciences across Dublin campuses.
No. 12University of Limerick
A public university on the Shannon, pioneer of cooperative education, with a campus renowned for its quality of life.
No. 13Mary Immaculate College
A Limerick college founded in 1898 specialising in teacher education and liberal arts, linked to the University of Limerick.
No. 14Technological University South East
Ireland's South East technological university, established in 2022, with campuses in Waterford and Carlow.
No. 15National College of Art and Design
Ireland's leading art and design college in central Dublin, founded in 1746, spanning fine art, design and visual culture.
No. 16Griffith College Dublin
Ireland's largest private college: law, business, media, design and computing in the heart of Dublin.
No. 17Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Ireland's public campus for the creative industries in Dún Laoghaire: art, design, film, media and psychology.
No. 18Munster Technological University
The public technological university of Ireland's South (2021), with campuses in Cork and Kerry, strongly industry-focused.
No. 19Dublin City University
A young, dynamic public university in north Dublin, renowned for employability and excellence in education and business.
No. 20Royal Irish Academy of Music
A historic Dublin music conservatoire founded in 1848 offering world-class instrumental and vocal training.