Colleges in Ireland rank highly in quality education, having been in the top percentile in the world where graduates often enjoy plentiful career opportunities, both locally and abroad. Studying in Ireland is an attractive prospect for many international students. To help interested learners start their academic journey in the country, here’s a list of some of the best colleges in Ireland:
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin is among the top colleges in Ireland, ranking first in the country according to the QS World University Ranking 2024 and Times Higher Education (THE) 2024. THE 2024 also ranks it 31st in the Most International University in the World category, making it one of the best colleges in Ireland for international students.
In 2023, Trinity ranked in the top 50 worldwide in English Language and Literature (22nd), Pharmacy and Pharmacology (28th) and Nursing (41st). In 2022, it held first place in Ireland for employer reputation and alumni outcomes.
Trinity offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs (it’s also one of the top colleges in Ireland for master’s degrees) that are designed to prepare students for the ever-changing 21st-century workplace. Students can enjoy a vibrant campus life, receive research-centred education and join the ranks of globally recognised alumni. This includes the likes of writer Oscar Wilde and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson.
National College of Ireland
The National College of Ireland (NCI) is an award-winning institution in Dublin. It’s been awarded five out of five stars (overall) by QS Stars, a worldwide college rating system. QS Stars particularly acknowledges the college for:
- employability
- internationalisation
- facilities
- social responsibility
- inclusiveness
- specialist criteria (program strength) in Accounting and Finance.
Additionally, NCI is an Athena Swan Bronze Award Holder, attesting its commitment to advancing the careers of women in employment in higher education and research.
NCI offers internationally recognised full– and part-time programs accredited through Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). It also offers small class sizes with experienced faculty, excellent student support and a modern city centre campus.
Independent College Dublin
Established in 2007, Independent College Dublin is a contemporary independent third-level college specialising in Business and Law. It’s “a college for free thinkers who wish to do great things.” It leverages immersive, challenging and high-quality programs accredited by QQI. Independent College is a member of Education in Ireland, an education marketing program managed by Enterprise Ireland that promotes Irish higher education institutions abroad.
Students who enrol in Independent College Dublin can take advantage of learner-centred and economy-driven courses and a student environment focused on belonging. The school thus offers a wholly valuable academic experience.
Dorset College Dublin
Dorset College Dublin is an independent higher education institution accredited by QQI, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Service (ACELS). It offers multiple specialised programs across its School of Business and School of Computing. It also provides a range of professional and healthcare courses. Dorset College graduates have gone on to work for leading companies in Ireland and abroad, including Accenture, Google and TikTok.
International students who study at Dorset College can maximise:
- career-focused learning experiences
- industry-experienced academic and professional staff
- an innovative learning environment
- a diverse student community
- small class sizes
- a far-reaching alumni network.
Cork English College
Cork English College (CEC) is Ireland’s premier family-run English language school. It offers a wide range of courses, accommodating both adult and junior students. It also includes programs for teaching training and business corporations. It’s highly acknowledged for its 45 years of experience in teaching English; it was named the “Best Language School” at the Irish Education Awards for three consecutive years (2019–2021) and is fully accredited by multiple language education accreditors such as Eaquals, Quality English (QE) and ACELS. It’s also the authorised testing centre for international English language proficiency exams like IELTS, Cambridge and more.
Explore the best colleges in Ireland for international students
upGrad GSP is a proud partner of several colleges in Ireland that welcome and nurture students from all over the world. Learn more about our partner institutions—which include each college on this list—by visiting our app or getting in touch with our business development experts today!
