Ireland popularly known as Emerald Isle is a dream destination for several students interested in pursuing higher education. Engineering in particular is one of the most sought-after courses to study in Ireland. Ireland has some of the world’s best universities which are highly ranked for offering the best engineering programs. These universities are well-known for having the best facilities, experienced faculty, research opportunities, and strong industry networks. Also, they do not require GRE or GMAT scores, for studying engineering. Since Ireland is the only country in the European zone to teach courses in the English language and has a relatively lower tuition fee, it has emerged as one of the top study-abroad destinations. Through this blog, we will give you an overview of the Top 10 Universities in Ireland for Engineering.
List of the Top 10 Universities In Ireland For Engineering
Ireland is one of the best study-abroad destinations for studying engineering. The average cost of pursuing a Bachelor’s in Engineering (4 years) would be between €15,000- €25,000, while a Master’s in Engineering (1 year) would be around €17,000 to €27,000 , in Ireland. The eminent Irish universities for studying engineering are:
University College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin City University
University of Galway
University of Limerick
University College Cork
Technological University Dublin
Maynooth University
Griffith College Dublin
South East Technological University
Now, let us have a look at the engineering courses offered by the above-mentioned universities in Ireland, which makes it a suitable choice for international students.
1. University College Dublin (UCD)
Established in 1854, University College Dublin is one of the prominent research universities in Ireland. It is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide, as per the QS World University Rankings 2024. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive engineering colleges in Ireland. UCD’s College of Engineering and Architecture teaches the following engineering courses at UG and PG levels:
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Engineering
All the above-mentioned engineering disciplines are accredited by esteemed bodies like Engineers Ireland, the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3). These courses focus on solid mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles.
During your first year at UCD, you will be taught how to solve problems of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computing, and learn about engineering subjects like mechanics, energy engineering, creativity in design, and electronic and electrical engineering. After which, you can choose further specializations and alternative degrees.
As part of its application process, you must submit references , a personal statement , and at times, a research proposal, outlining your reasons for choosing DCU for studying engineering and how you plan to contribute to the university. To write as per the university requirements, it is better to take guidance from professional SOP and LOR writers.
2. Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
Trinity College Dublin was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I and is Ireland’s oldest university. The School of Engineering at TCD is known for the following programs:
Bachelor’s – Biomedical Engineering, Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering (Joint Program), Engineering, Engineering with Management, Environmental Science and Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
Master’s – Biomedical Engineering, Computational Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering (Specializations- Environmental, Transport, Structural and Geotechnical, and Sustainable Energy).
During their first year, all Engineering students are taught introductory courses in Engineering Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Graphics and Computer-Aided Engineering, and a group design and build project. In the second year, students learn about further engineering science modules, such as solids and structures, thermo-fluids, and electronics, and complete two more group design and build projects.
Apart from this, you also have to choose an elective module. During the third and fourth years, you need to pick one area to specialize in, and you can also be a part of the Erasmus student exchange program. TCD in collaboration with Columbia University also offers a dual engineering masters pathway program.
Trinity College Dublin provides the E3 Balanced Solutions for a Better World Scholarship to out-of-state students. E3 stands for Engineering, Environment, and Emerging Technologies. Under this, UG students of Engineering, Engineering with Management, Environmental Science, and Engineering are provided with one-year scholarships worth €2,000- €5,000 and scholarships valued at €4,000 for all four years of study.
Engineering PG students can avail themselves of 1- year scholarships worth €2,000- €5,000. To apply for this scholarship, you will need to include a 200-word statement on “How I will contribute to the E3 Initiative and provide Balanced Solutions for a Better World at Trinity College Dublin.” If you are interested in applying for an engineering course at TUD, you need to submit two academic references and an SOP. Contact experienced SOP and LOR writers , to write in a way that impresses the admission authorities of TUD.
3. Dublin City University (DCU)
Created as the National Institute for Higher Education, in 1975, Dublin City University is among the list of youngest Irish universities. At different levels, DCU’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing offers various courses such as:
Bachelor’s – Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering, and Mechatronic Engineering.
Master’s – Electronic and Computer Engineering, Electronic and Computer Technology, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
In the 1st year, students build a strong foundation on subjects like maths, materials engineering, and basic sciences, while also improving their logical reasoning and critical thinking skills. Second-year onwards, you get to specialize in mechatronics or sustainability engineering.
During your third year at DCU, you get to be a part of the INTRA internship program (6-10 months) that allows students to gain hands-on experience during their study years. The engineering degrees offered by DCU are recognized by Engineers Ireland. And once, you graduate, you are eligible to complete a Master’s at DCU in your chosen field of engineering.
Foreign Students enrolled in the following Master’s courses such as Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Computing, Electronic and Computer Engineering, and Electronic and Computer Technology are eligible for the DCU’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing International Scholarship , worth € 6,400.
4. University of Galway
The University of Galway, formed in 1845, was previously known as the Queen’s College, Galway. It is a part of the Coimbra group, a network of 40 long-established European universities. Its School of Engineering offers a diverse range of programs, which are recognized by Engineer’s Ireland such as:
Bachelor’s – Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Engineering (Undenominated), Integrated- B.E.-M.E. in Engineering (Energy Systems), Mechanical Engineering, Project and Construction Management
Master’s – Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, and Energy Systems Engineering.
During the initial years, students are taught about the core concepts of the specific engineering program they have chosen. In the final years, they are made to delve into one of the specializations. After that, they can do internships with major companies that the university has partnerships with.
The University of Galway offers Excellence Scholarships worth €7,640 , and Merit Scholarships worth €10,000 to international students enrolled in the university’s PG engineering courses. These scholarships are awarded on a highly competitive basis.
To apply for an engineering course at the University of Galway, applicants need to submit a personal statement (600 words) , explaining why they wish to study at the university and how it fits into their career objectives along with two LORs. To write as per the prescribed format, seek help from study abroad consultants specializing in SOP and LOR writing services.
5. University of Limerick (UL)
The first university to have been established since the Irish independence in 1922, is the University of Limerick. It was founded in 1989. Its School of Engineering teaches the following courses:
Bachelor’s : Aeronautical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Immersive Software Engineering.
Master’s : Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Aeronautical Engineering.
In the 1st year, the common entry engineering program at UL has been designed to provide you with a general understanding of your preferred engineering discipline. Second-year onwards, you get to pick your specialization.
Non-EU students can avail of the UL Faculty of Science and Engineering Merit-based scholarships valued at €2,000 per year. These are given to students who perform exceptionally well in academics. To apply here, you need to submit a supporting statement, which talks about how studying at the University of Limerick will enhance your career prospects.
6. University College Cork (UCC)
Formed in 1845, the University College, Cork is a part of the National University of Ireland. It is among the group of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Cork, and Galway. It is ranked among the top 1.1% of universities worldwide. UCC boasts of having an engineering department for almost a century. UCC’s School of Engineering and Architecture teaches the following programs:
Bachelor’s : Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering, Energy Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Process and Chemical Engineering.
Master’s : Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
As a UCC Engineering Bachelor’s student, you will study a common first-year program that provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of engineering. At the end of the first year, you get to choose any one specialization, from the ones mentioned above. In the second and third years, you will study the modules for your chosen engineering degree route.
At the end of the third year, you can choose to finish with an Honours BE degree in the fourth year or to continue by enrolling in an Integrated Masters of Engineering (ME) program which is for two years. This five-year program up to level 9 (Master) is required by Engineers Ireland, especially if you wish to become a Chartered engineer.
After completing your final year of bachelor’s, you can be a part of the university’s 3-month paid placement program. All the students who have completed their Masters of Engineering at UCC can be a part of the eight-month paid placement in their fourth year.
To nurture the academic endeavor of its students, UCC grants the Joe Gantly Prize In Engineering award to the Best Student on the Work Placement module in the BE(Hons) Programmes. It is worth €1,500. Apart from this, UCC also offers the Dr Elmer Morrissey Memorial Scholarship worth €1,500 to outstanding Engineering students who have excelled in academics.
7. Technological University Dublin (TUD)
Established in 2019, Ireland’s 1st technological institute is the Technological University Dublin. Its Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment provides several courses such as Electronic Engineering, Control Engineering, General Entry Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
In your 1st year, you will be taught about the basics of the engineering course that you have chosen, followed by an in-depth study of the specialization you pick to study, in the subsequent years. Final-year students are made to participate in a summer training program or can also be a part of the Erasmus student exchange program. The Technological University Dublin awards the final-year students of Engineering with the Jones Engineering Awards. It is worth €5,000 and is awarded to six exceptional international students.
For studying a postgraduate engineering course at the Technological University, Dublin, you need to submit a 500-word personal statement, highlighting how studying engineering here, will benefit your plans, along with a description of any previous work experience you may have had, that related to your discipline of study.
8. Maynooth University (MU)
Located in County Kildare, the Maynooth University was earlier known as the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. It was built in 1997. Its Faculty of Science and Engineering provides the following courses:
Bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering course teaches students about the Engineering fundamentals and mathematics modules. Learners then take part in a Problem-Based Learning Project in 1st year, followed by other kinds of projects. In the 4th year, students specialize in one of the following three options:
Electronic Engineering with Computers (COE)
Electronic Engineering (EEG)
Electronic Engineering with Communications (COM)
They also have the option of working in an industry for 6 months or taking part in the Erasmus student exchange program. They can also do a Research Internship or work on any other significant project.
In case a student, achieves a minimum grade of 2.2 (50%), then s/he can do a Master in Electronic Engineering (5-year course) at MU.
These courses are accredited by the Engineers Ireland.
MU also provides a PhD degree in Electronic Engineering . The Electronic Engineering department at Maynooth University is known for its expertise in the areas of mobile communications, biomedical diagnostics and technologies, and the intelligent control of large machines such as Robots or wave machines.
Apart from this, the Maynooth International Engineering College in collaboration with the Fuzhou University, in China also teaches the following UG courses:
Electronic Engineering
Computer Science & Software Engineering
Robotics & Intelligent Devices
Multimedia, Mobile, and Web Development.
The Maynooth University provides the following scholarships:
The W.A. Barrett Scholarship in Engineering provides €3,000 to eligible first-year students enrolled in a Level 8 course at the university for UG programs of Electronic Engineering and Robotics and Intelligent Devices).
The Endress+Hauser Scholarship in Engineering supports high-achieving students by providing them with €4000 per year to help cover costs like accommodation, study materials, and living expenses. It is given to two students, every year out of which one is a female, to promote greater gender diversity in the engineering field.
Apart from, this scholarship recipients might also receive internships or employment opportunities with the Endress+Hauser company. Students enrolled in UG courses in Electronic Engineering and BSc Robotics and Intelligent Devices are eligible for this scholarship.
9. Griffith College Dublin (GCD)
Griffith College is one of the longest-established private colleges located in Dublin, Ireland. It was established in 1974. Its Faculty of Engineering provides various programs such as:
Bachelor’s in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Diploma of Engineering
Higher National Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering
Part-time Higher National Certificate Course in Manufacturing Engineering
Certificate Course in Industrial Electrical Safety and Systems
Certificate Course in Industrial Manufacturing and Maintenance Skills
The curriculum has been designed in a way that covers areas like industrial engineering, transportation systems, consultancy, and distribution. These programs equip students with the skills required in various sectors like pharmaceuticals, safety management, and life sciences.
10. South East Technological University (SETU)
The South East Technological University was formed after the merger of two previous technological institutes in Ireland, Waterford IT, and IT Carlow. It was created in 2022 and is among the youngest Irish universities. SETU’s campuses are located in Waterford and Carlow. It teaches a wide variety of engineering programs such as:
Bachelor’s – Aerospace Engineering, Aircraft Systems, Engineering (Common Entry), Pilot Studies (Direct Entry), Automation Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering, Sustainable Civil Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems, Biomedical Electronics, Robotics and Automated Systems, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
Master’s – Innovative Technology Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering, Applied Materials, Flight Test Engineering, Industrial Networks and Cybersecurity.
SETU’s common entry engineering program has been designed for those individuals who are unsure about which area of engineering they would like to work in. The course helps you get a strong grip on the basics of engineering, after which you can choose a specific discipline within the field of engineering for further studies.
To apply for a Master’s program, students need to submit an SOP , which explains their motivations for choosing Ireland, their desire to study at SETU, and the specific program they have selected. You also need to provide a detailed CV , as your prior work experience will be taken into consideration for your application. To write in a full-proof manner, consult academic writers recognized for their resume, and SOP writing services.
Admission Requirements to Studying Engineering in Ireland
Students who aspire to study engineering in Ireland, need certain documents which form an important part of their application process. While the admission requirements, might differ based on the university you have applied for and the level of course you are about to study, there are certain common documents that a student has to submit:
Secondary school-leaving certificate and official transcripts from a recognized institute.
To pursue a Master’s, the university requires you to have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Engineering, Computer science, etc. from an accredited institution/university.
Good academic record in subjects like Science, Mathematics, English, Physics, and Chemistry. Minimum qualifying marks might differ based on the type/level of Engineering course and university you have applied for.
English language proficiency test scores obtained in exams such as the IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo. These scores are required to assess whether you will be able to study in an environment where the medium of instruction is English.
Academic documents like an SOP, LOR, Cover Letter, Resume, and research proposal (in case of a PhD) that outline your objective of studying a specific engineering program at a university in Ireland, and how that aligns with your goals and career plans.
To make your application stand out and write eloquently, you must seek advice from study-abroad consultants like Contentholic who have academic writers known for providing one of the best SOP and LOR writing services.
Financial Proof which shows that you have sufficient funds to cover your educational and other sort of expenses for the duration of your course in Ireland.
A valid Student Visa for Ireland and a passport bearing your correct initials and other essential details.
Career Prospects after Studying Engineering in Ireland
Ireland being home to some of the major industries in the world, provides ample job opportunities for engineering students. As per a survey conducted by Engineers Ireland , the average starting salary of an engineering graduate in Ireland is €33,000 and once you gain experience of more than a decade, it can rise to €65,000. Senior engineers having an experience of over 30 years, go on to earn €100,000.
Some of the prominent fields where engineering graduates are employed include Information Technology, biotechnology, construction and infrastructure, the pharmaceutical industry, Environmental Engineering, Energy, Aerospace, and Defence sectors. Apart from these, transportation, manufacturing, chemical, consulting, etc. are other areas where they can work.
Conclusion
Thus, we see how Ireland consists of world-class universities which provide a wide array of engineering courses. These programs also have several specializations, which help students gain an in-depth knowledge of the particular type of engineering field they are interested in. These universities also provide placement assistance. In addition to that, Ireland’s welcoming atmosphere, diverse culture, strong economy, major industries, and focus on technology make it an ideal place for students to study engineering, and gain valuable skills for the workforce.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which university and Engineering course to select in Ireland. However, if you require any sort of guidance regarding university applications, you may contact experienced study-abroad consultants. We, at Contentholic , provide one of the best career counseling, and visa guidance , and have a team of dedicated SOP and LOR writers in India. Reach out to us, and have an enriching experience of studying in Ireland.
