An MBA in Ireland is an excellent option for studying in European culture with a strict budget. Ireland has one of the best education systems globally, with multiple universities ranking in the top 3% of the world. And Ireland B- schools receive an increasing number of applications from international students each year due to their affordable fee structure. Ireland ranked 12th in the Global Peace Index 2013, attracting students due to its post-study work opportunities and university facilities.

Why pursue an MBA in Ireland?

Ireland is one of the few European countries that offer MBA students from The United States and other non-European countries a two-year graduate work visa. After two years, MBA graduates can apply for a green card or participate in Ireland's work permit scheme.

Having an MBA degree can propel your career in an entirely new direction. However, the business skills and knowledge you will gain will benefit your future career. The financial cost for an MBA in Ireland is significant, with fees ranging from $;8,000 on the low end to nearly $;30,000 on the high end.

The tuition fee for an MBA in Ireland is determined by the college where you will be studying. The minimum tuition fee is $;11,250, with costs ranging from $;34,500 to $;34,500. The minimum admission requirement for an MBA in Ireland is 60% or 6.0 CGPA.

Top universities for MBA in Ireland

Students are allowed to work in Ireland after completing an MBA from there. Ireland's best business schools offer '1 year MBA' programs instead of 2-year programs as in other countries. That saves students time and money. Students gain incredible experience and skills working on live projects with some of the world's most renowned companies while completing their full-time projects as part of their curriculum.

So, if you are planning to study in Ireland, finding the right university may be a difficult task. To assist you, we have compiled a list of the top universities in Ireland.

1. Trinity College Dublin

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Trinity is Ireland's top-ranked university, with a beautiful campus in the heart of Dublin's city center. According to QS World University Ranking 2022, it is ranked #101 and provides both the MBA (12 months) and EMBA (24 months) programs, and the total program fee is $;34700. It has 18,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students from all major disciplines, including the arts and humanities, business, law, engineering, science, and health sciences.

It is a top international research center and a world leader in nanotechnology, information technology, immunology, mathematics, engineering, psychology, politics, English, and many other fields.

2. University College Dublin

University College Dublin ranks at 173rd according to QS World University Ranking 2022. It is one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities, ranking among the top 1% of universities worldwide. Furthermore, four UCD subjects have made the top 50 list, including veterinary science, sports-related subjects, library and information management, and agriculture and forestry.

University College Dublin alumni work for companies such as Deloitte, Google, Microsoft, EY, KPMG, and others. QS ranks UCD first in Ireland and 78th worldwide for graduate employability. Top-tier companies hire UCD graduates with starting salaries ranging from 40 to $;50 per year. The total program fee for an MBA is $;34500, and $;31900 for an EMBA. 

3. National University of Ireland Galway(NUI Galway)

NUI Galway is a world-renowned research-led university. National University of Ireland Galway admissions is moderately competitive and has an acceptance rate of 86 percent. Students only need to complete the academic requirements and work on recommendations and personal statements. A strong personal statement written by an eligible student can increase their chances of admission more than any other document. According to QS World University 2021, NUI Galway ranks #238 globally and its total program fee for an EMBA (24 months) is $;31000.

Furthermore, NUI Galway is one of Europe's leading research universities, its faculty members being among the most highly cited worldwide. The university also receives significant research funding and has published over 3,000 high-quality papers in 21 different fields in the last ten years.

4. University College Cork (UCC)

University College Cork (UCC) is a world-class university founded in 1845 and has a long history of teaching, research, and scholarship. UCC is well-known for the high calibre of its academic programs, the beauty of its campus, and the vibrant student life.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Impact Rankings 2021, UCC is now ranked eighth globally for impact with a score of 96.0 for its work on the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and is now in the top 1% of the world (out of 1115 institutions). According to QS World University Rankings 2022, UCC ranked #298, with a total program fee for an EMBA (24 months) being $;27000. 

5. University of Limerick (UL)

The University of Limerick (founded in 1972) is Ireland's only university to have received 5-star rankings from QS for graduate employability, teaching, and innovation. The university ranks in the top 2% of all universities globally.

According to QS, some of the top subjects at the University of Limerick include education, chemical engineering, law, literature, business management, social science, and material sciences. For Indian students, the cost of attending UL is around 13 to 15 lakhs per year.

In terms of placement, the University of Limerick is well-known worldwide. Over 2000 students are placed in paid and semi-paid posts every year, with 30 percent being international, giving UL graduates a 15% higher employment rate than the national average.

6. Technological University of Dublin (TU Dublin)

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is Ireland's first technological university, founded on January 1, 2019, but with a history dating back to 1887 through the amalgamated Dublin Institute of Technology, which progressed from the first technical university.

TU Dublin is the only university in the country that offers specialist programs in, for example, optometry. It offers over 200 programs to students from more than 85 countries across disciplines such as creative arts, humanities, built environment, engineering, business, sciences, tourism, food, and sports.

Why should you pursue an MBA in Ireland?

• Ireland, regarded as Europe's most appealing business location, is home to the European headquarters of various global giants such as Facebook, Google, Airbnb, Apple, LinkedIn, and others, which provide job opportunities to MBA graduates.

• Fees for an MBA in Ireland are lower than those in The United Kingdom or The United States.

• According to a recent European study, MBA students in Ireland see a 50-60% increase in their annual pay.

• According to recent data, top Irish universities claim that most of their graduates are placed within six months of graduation. 

• After completing their degree, international students can stay in Ireland for two years enabling students to find work in Ireland while holding a valid permit.

• The Irish government's investment in higher education in Ireland has increased by 10% over the last decade, providing students with a world-class education. An MBA in Ireland is taught in English and is recognized globally.

Documents required for MBA in Ireland

International students must submit the following documents to apply for an MBA in Ireland

• Complete the admission application.

• Academic transcripts from all educational institutions attended, accompanied by English translations.

• Must pass several standardized exams for an MBA in Ireland.

• IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of English language proficiency.

• Recommendation Letters

• CV vs Resume

• Passport photocopy

• Payment of a non-refundable application fee.

Obtaining an MBA in Ireland without taking the GMAT

Although the GMAT or GRE is considered an important part of the MBA admission application in Ireland, some universities accept MBA applications without the GMAT. However, there are some prerequisites. Students can apply for a GMAT (or GRE) waiver for admission to Irish universities if they meet the following criteria:

• They have a master's or PhD from a reputable university in a quantitative discipline.

• Have a more professional work background (8-10 years or higher).

• Other professional accomplishments and qualifications deemed worthy of a waiver.

• The decision to grant an exam waiver is made at the MBA director's discretion, usually following an interview. In addition, certain universities in Ireland do not require GMAT scores for admission. NUI Galway, Griffith College, and others are among them.

Conclusion

Why should you pursue an MBA in Ireland? Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in Ireland provide a haven for students looking to differentiate themselves through a European experience on a tight budget. Furthermore, as rules and regulations in The United States become more stringent, candidates are looking for more options in the European Union.

MBA is a globally recognized degree that is designed to develop the skills required for careers in business and management. Ireland's universities have been identified as being among the top research-based education hubs. As a result, more students are interested in pursuing an MBA in Ireland.

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