Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students

Ireland is quickly becoming a popular destination for Indian students who want to study abroad, especially now that it’s the only English-speaking country in the EU after Brexit. In fact, over 9,000 Indian students are currently studying in Ireland, thanks to its top universities, scholarships, and strong job opportunities after graduation. 

But while studying in Ireland has many benefits, it’s important to understand how much it really costs to live there. On average, monthly expenses can range from €800 to €1,500 (around ₹70,000 to ₹1,35,000), depending on where you stay, how you live, and whether you’re working part-time. Cities like Dublin are more expensive, while places like Cork or Limerick are relatively cheaper. Many students manage their expenses by working part-time jobs (up to 20 hours a week), which usually pay around €10–€12 per hour. 

Here’s the breakdown of all the living expenses in Ireland for international students, from accommodation and groceries to transport and health insurance, so you can plan your budget with confidence before making the big move. 

What are the Key Factors Affecting Cost of Living in Ireland? 

The cost of living in Ireland for can vary widely from student to student. Here are some of the main factors that affect how much you’ll spend each month: 

1. City or Location 

Where you live in Ireland makes a big difference. Dublin is the most expensive city in Ireland, especially when it comes to rent. Smaller cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick are more affordable. Living in city centres costs more than staying in the suburbs or student towns. 

2. Type of Accommodation 

Your choice of housing will impact your budget the most. 

• On-campus housing is convenient but can be pricey. 
• Sharing a private apartment or renting a room in a shared house is usually cheaper. 
• Host families or homestays may include meals, which helps reduce food expenses. 

3. Lifestyle Choices 

Your daily habits affect your expenses. Eating out regularly, frequent travel, or shopping can quickly increase your monthly budget. Cooking at home, using student discounts, and budgeting smartly can save money. 

4. Part-Time Work 

Indian students in Ireland can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during holidays. 

• Part-time jobs usually pay around €10–€12 per hour, which can help cover living costs. 
• Balancing work and studies is important, but it’s a great way to earn and learn. 

5. Currency Exchange Rate 

Since the Euro to INR exchange rate can fluctuate, it’s smart to track the rates and plan your transfers wisely. A weak rupee means your money from home won’t stretch as far. Using international student-friendly banking options can help save on fees. 

6. Health Insurance and Medical Expenses 

All international students in Ireland are required to have health insurance. Basic student health insurance can cost €50–€100 per month. While students may access some university health services at a reduced rate, private medical care can be expensive if not covered. 

What is the Average Monthly Cost in Ireland for Indian Students? 

The cost of living in Ireland for Indian students depends on the city, lifestyle, and housing choices. Here’s a rough estimate of how much Indian students typically spend per month: 

Note: Actual expenses may vary depending on lifestyle, city, and currency fluctuations. 

Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students: Category Breakdown 

Here’s a closer look at what Indian students typically spend on different essentials while living in Ireland: 

1. Accommodation 

Housing is likely to be your biggest monthly expense. The cost depends on the type of accommodation and the city you live in. 

Types of accommodation: 

• On-campus student halls: Convenient but limited and often costlier 

• Private rentals/shared apartments: Popular among students, especially in Dublin and Cork 

• Homestays: May include meals, offering better value in some cases 

• Hostels or student housing platforms: Great for short stays or while you look for a long-term option 

Average rent (2025 estimates): 

• Dublin: €800 – €1,200/month (shared), €1,800+ (private 1BHK) 

• Cork & Galway: €500 – €900/month 

• Limerick & Waterford: €400 – €700/month 

2. Food & Groceries 

How much you spend on food really depends on your habits. Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out. 

• Monthly grocery budget: Around €150–€250 

• Affordable supermarkets: Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, Dunnes 

• Indian grocery stores: Available in larger cities like Dublin and Cork (but may be more expensive) 

3. Transportation 

Public transport in Ireland is reliable and student-friendly, especially if you live in bigger cities. 

• Leap Card: A must-have for students, gives 30–50% discounts on buses, trams (Luas), and trains 

• Monthly transport cost: €50 – €120 depending on travel distance 

• Biking and walking: Very common among students, especially in compact cities like Galway or Limerick 

4. Utilities and Internet 

Utilities usually aren’t included in rent if you live in a private apartment. 

Monthly utility bills (shared): 

• Electricity, heating, water: €60 – €100 

• Internet: €20 – €30 

5. Healthcare and Insurance 

Is insurance mandatory in Ireland? Yes, international students need private health insurance while studying in Ireland. 

Average cost: €50 – €100 per month depending on the provider and coverage 

Public vs. private healthcare: 

• Public healthcare is available but can have long waiting times 

• Many students prefer private clinics or university health centres for quicker access 

6. Entertainment & Miscellaneous 

Living in Ireland isn’t just about studying; you’ll want to enjoy life too. Here are the estimated miscellaneous costs: 

• Dining out: €10–€20 per meal 
• Movie ticket: ~€10–€15 
• Gym membership: €30–€60 per month 
• Monthly streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify): €10–€30 
• Festivals, trips, events: Budget €20–€50/month if you want to explore Ireland on weekends 

Budgeting Tips for Indian Students Living in Ireland 

Studying in Ireland is a big investment, but with some smart money habits, you can live comfortably without overspending. Here are some simple and effective budgeting tips to help you stay on track: 

1. Track Every Expense 

Use apps like Splitwise, Mint, or Wally to monitor your spending. Knowing where your money goes every month is the first step to saving it. 

2. Set a Monthly Budget and Stick to It 

Create a realistic monthly budget for essentials like rent, food, transport, and internet. Keep a buffer for surprise expenses like repairs or medical needs. 

3. Cook at Home 

Buying groceries and preparing your own meals is much cheaper than eating out. It also gives you more control over your diet and routine. 

4. Use Student Discounts 

Many stores, restaurants, and services offer reduced prices for students. Keep your Student Leap Card or university ID handy and don’t hesitate to ask. 

5. Share Accommodation 

Living with flatmates can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, especially for utilities and internet. 

6. Buy Second-Hand Essentials 

Look for used furniture, kitchenware, books, or even bicycles on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or local student forums. 

7. Limit Unnecessary Subscriptions 

Only keep the streaming or app subscriptions you truly use. Share plans with friends if possible, to split the cost. 

8. Plan Travel in Advance 

Booking bus or train tickets early can help you get cheaper fares. Student travel passes are also a great way to save money on transport. 

9. Take Up a Part-Time Job 

As an Indian student, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time. This can help cover a good portion of your living costs. 

10. Avoid Unnecessary Bank Charges 

Use student-friendly bank accounts and compare money transfer services to get better exchange rates when receiving money from India. 

What are the Scholarships and Financial Support for Indian Students in Ireland? 

Studying in Ireland can be expensive, but the good news is that there are many scholarships and financial support options available for Indian students. 

1. Government-Funded Scholarships 

One of the most popular scholarships is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES). It offers a full tuition fee waiver and a €10,000 stipend to cover your living costs for one year. Around 60 of these are awarded each year, and Indian students are eligible to apply. Applications usually close by early March, and results are announced in June. 

2. University Scholarships for Indian Students 

Almost all major universities in Ireland offer scholarships specifically for international students, including those from India. 

• Trinity College Dublin offers scholarships like the Global Business and Global Excellence Awards, with amounts ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 depending on your course and academic performance. 
• University College Dublin (UCD) has Global Excellence Scholarships that offer €2,000–€5,000 off your tuition. For PhD students, some programs even offer full tuition and a €25,000 stipend. 
• University of Limerick offers the UL India Scholarship, giving €2,000–€5,000 based on your academic profile. 
• NUI Galway offers India Undergraduate Scholarships of €2,000, while Maynooth University gives a €3,000 engineering scholarship for Indian undergraduates in that field. 

3. International and Private Scholarships 

There are also some international scholarships that you can apply for as an Indian student planning to study in Ireland. 

• The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program offers fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, travel, insurance, and living costs. Some Irish universities are part of this program. 
• The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is available to Indian students and covers tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel. 
• There are also private or global scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru that support Indian students for joint or research programs that may include Irish institutions. 

How Shuraa Education Can Help? 

No doubt, Ireland is a great place for Indian students – it offers high-quality education, friendly people, and a good lifestyle. Yes, living costs can be a bit high in some cities, but with the right planning and smart budgeting, you can manage everything quite comfortably. 

If you ever feel confused about how to plan your budget, find the right accommodation, or apply for scholarships, don’t stress. Study abroad experts like Shuraa Education are here to help. From guiding you on expenses to helping you settle in smoothly, they make your study-abroad journey easier and more stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your time and doing well in your studies.