Last Updated on August 22, 2025
Northern Ireland is one of the states in the United Kingdom, where you can choose a world-class education at a low cost. Get the opportunity to propel your career while becoming a part of an immersive and rich culture. Northern Ireland is more affordable compared to other places in the UK, and that acts as a big draw for study abroad aspirants. The best colleges in Ireland are also included in the affordable segment. Apart from educational costs, the cost of living is also lower in Irish areas. Find out top universities in Northern Ireland, the courses they offer, the cost structure, and the application process.
Top Universities In Northern Ireland – Equivalent To Ivy League Colleges
When you start looking for the universities in Northern Ireland, you will come across the best ones considered at par with Ivy League colleges.
Let us understand the top two universities in Northern Ireland, Queen’s University, Belfast and Ulster University in more detail.
| Queen’s University | Ulster University |
| Campus at Belfast | Campuses at Belfast, Jordanstown, Coleraine, and Magee |
| Ranks 200-250 on QS World Rankings and Time Higher Education | Not yet ranked |
| Member of Russell Group – Equivalent to Ivy League | Ranks 200-250 on QS World Rankings and Times Higher Education |
| Popular Courses are Law, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Politics, Business, and Social Sciences | Popular Courses are Data Science, Nursing, Hospitality and Tourism, Business Analytics, Art & Design, Biomedical Sciences, and Computing |
| Victorian infrastructure with modern labs | High reputation. Though not a part of the Russell Group |
| Good job prospects for graduates | High employability of graduates |
Timeframes To Study At The Top Universities in Northern Ireland
The top universities in Northern Ireland offer a huge variety of courses, ranging from 1 year to 4 years. The education quality is at par with the best in the world. No matter which course you choose to study in Ireland, you will surely excel in life after completing it. The standard grading system at the best colleges in Ireland are given below.
| Course | Duration |
| Foundation Degrees | 2 years |
| Bachelors’ Degrees | 3 years |
| Master’s Degrees | Bachelor’s degree + 12 months |
| Diploma | 2 years |
| Higher National Diploma | Higher National Certificate + 1 year |
| National Certificate | 1 year |
| Higher National Certificate | NC + 1 year |
| PhD | Master’s degree + 3-4 years |
Different Courses Offered By The Best Universities In Northern Ireland
| Queen’s University | Ulster University |
| Arts and Humanities | Engineering |
| Engineering | Software and Computer Sciences |
| Business Studies | Medicine and Biotechnology |
| Creative Games Technologies, Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Leadership In Sustainable Rural Development | Architecture, Irish Language, Event Management, Photography, Digital Animation. |
Cost of Studying At Top Northern Ireland Universities
Those eager to study in Ireland must understand that the cost depends on the course and level they are choosing. On an average, a student may expect to shell out at least 13,600 British pounds as the tuition fee. Apart from the above, the university also matters. Here is a brief on that as well.
| University | Bachelors’ International Tuition Fee (British Pounds) | Master’s International Tuition Fee (British Pounds) |
| Queen’s University | 17,900 – 22,000 | 18,200 – 22,100 |
| Ulster University | 9,250 – 15,900 | 6,720 – 17,800 |
Apart from tuition fees at the best colleges in Ireland, students who want to study in Ireland also need to consider other costs associated with the universities in Northern Ireland. They include accommodation, travel costs, and miscellaneous expenses. You can talk to a study abroad consultant to know more about the costs.
Miscellaneous Costs At The Universities In Northern Ireland
- Accommodation – 3,500 – 5,500 British Pounds
- Food and Groceries – 1,500 – 2,000 British Pounds
- Transport: 400 – 600 British Pounds
- Study Materials and Personal Costs at the colleges in Ireland: 800 – 1,200 British Pounds
- UK Student Visa (Tier 4)- 490 British Pounds
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)- 776 British Pounds per year
- Flight Cost (India to UK)- 500 to 700 British Pounds – 0ne way fare
Decoding The Requirements To Study In Northern Ireland For International Students
Academic Requirements At The Colleges in Ireland
At the universities in Northern Ireland, you must follow the guidelines and meet academic criteria, to get admission. Here we have compiled a few prerequisites.
Undergraduate Courses
- Matriculation with 65-75% marks
- In fields like Law, Medicine, and Engineering, one needs 80% and above.
- For certain courses, you should have studied specific subjects like Mathematics for Engineering.
Postgraduate Courses
- 3-4 year bachelor’s degree
- Overall 55-65% marks
- Competitive courses may demand 60-70%
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Academic- 6.0 – 6.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT- 79 – 90
- PTE Academic- 56 – 61
- Duolingo English Test (DET)- 100 – 120+
- Cambridge English- 169 – 180
In addition to the above academic criteria and English language proficiency scores required at the best colleges in Ireland, to seek admission to the universities in Northern Ireland, you need to furnish other documents.
Documents
- Mark sheets of 10th, 12th, and Graduation
- English Proficiency
- SOP
- LORs
- Updated CV
- Passport with validity
The study abroad consultant can further make things simple for you with their expert input. So, working with them is a good idea if you want things to be hassle-free.
Visa Application Process For Northern Ireland
In order to travel to Northern Ireland as a student, you must secure a student visa. The formalities include the submission of the visa application form along with various transcripts.
- CAS
- Proof of funds
- Passport size photographs
- IHS payment receipt
- Visa fee receipt – 363 British Pounds
- Tuberculosis test results
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate
One must be able to show proof that they can live and study in Ireland, without any external support for at least 9 months.
How Do The Top Universities in Northern Ireland Grade Students?
| Grade | Percentage | Description |
| First Class Honours | More Than 70% | Outstanding |
| Upper Second Class Honours | 60-70% | Strong |
| Lower Second Class Honours | 50-60% | Satisfactory |
| Third Class Honours | 40-50% | Minimum pass mark |
Scholarships Offered By The Top Universities in Northern Ireland
Queen’s University
- India Academic Excellence Award
- Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship
- Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship
- Queen’s Loyalty Scholarship
Ulster University
- International Undergraduate Scholarship
- International Postgraduate Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarships
External Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
You can get in touch with a study abroad consultant to understand in-depth about the scholarships.
How Can Admissify Help?
Admissify is your one-stop solution provider for information on the best colleges in Ireland and immigration formalities. From the first free counselling session itself, you will get an inkling of how professional they are. You will get to know about living conditions in specific countries and university campuses, based on real-time information provided by their alumni. With decades in the industry, they are the best ones to advise you on all the nitty-gritty of studying abroad in Northern Ireland. So, avail of their counselling session today itself.
Conclusion
Studying in Northern Ireland is one of the best experiences for a study abroad student. You will be able to get the best education at affordable costs, while getting to immerse yourself in a traditional atmosphere. The most popular universities in Northern Ireland provide practical and industry-oriented knowledge, which makes one proficient in the subject and also communication skills. Joining a course at any level in Northern Ireland can change the course of your life.
FAQs
Northern Ireland is a part of the UK, which makes it one of the popular choices for foreign education. Beyond academics, the cost of studying is also more affordable than other parts of the UK, which is why students from India prefer it over many others. One can also avail of post study work opportunities easily in Northern Ireland.
The average cost of studying in Northern Ireland is between 10,000 to 38,000 British Pounds, depending on the course level, subject, duration, and your nationality.
International students after graduating from the best colleges in Ireland can land work opportunities in various sectors like technology, healthcare, business and engineering.
Yes, English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are a requirement for admission.
Yes, international students can work part-time during their studies in Northern Ireland, for 20 hours per week during term, and full-time during vacations.
Abhrajita Mondal, is a Content Writer who has dabbled in numerous genres including education since the last five years, and has a deep interest in Holistic Wellness & Lifestyle practices. She is an Ex-HR with over 10 years of corporate experience. For a voracious reader and consumer of information, which finds a way of expression through writing, she does that with elan. Abhrajita loves to travel and is a complete foodie. She has a thirst for the unknown, and loves to read esoteric books.
