Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021
Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021 - International Education, Post a Comment
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- Ireland
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- Europe
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[starportillo](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/author/beyondstellar/)
[August 24, 2021August 24, 2021](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/2021/08/24/)
##### Because of its affordable cost of living and educational fees, the Republic of Ireland has been a steadily growing [study destination for African students](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/ireland-a-skyrocketing-study-destination-for-african-students/).
##### In this article, Scholarships for Africans suggests Irish universities which are ideal for international student education.
Eight universities in Ireland have been featured in the QS World University Rankings 2021. The rankings are based on a [methodology](https://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings/methodology) that assesses each university on six indicators including its academic and employer reputations, research impact, and more.
Just last year, the European Migration Network revealed a 45% spike in non-European Economic Area (EEA) students within Ireland.
With its quality education offerings, low visa rejection rate, as well as part-time work and post-study opportunities, Ireland is set to outweigh other European study destinations for African students and other international learners.
## QS World Rankings: Top 8 Universities in Ireland
Ireland is ranked in the top 10 of the IMB World Competitiveness Ranking 2019 for education. Additionally, the country provides students with one of the best education systems in the world; offering world-class universities, a diverse range of degree options, and globally recognized qualifications.
**If you’re considering to study in Canada, check out the following world-class institutions:**
### 8\. Technological University of Dublin (TU Dublin)
Global Rank: 801-1000
Founded in 2019, the [Technological University of Dublin](https://tudublin.ie/study/international-students/) is Ireland’s first technological university. Its 29,700 students come from 138 different countries— a testament to the university’s diversity and inclusion.
On another note, the institution takes pride in the high employment rate of its graduates. Ninety-three percent of its students are in employment or have been accepted into higher education within nine months after graduating from TU Dublin.
### 7\. Maynooth University
Global Rank: 701-750
Humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences form the academic and intellectual core of [Maynooth University](https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/international). The university also has an international reputation for research in humanities; social and spatial sciences; mathematics, communication and computation; and human health.
Comprised of more than 12,500 students from over 20 countries, Maynooth specializes in internationally-focused programs. Furthermore, it is duly recognized for the quality and value of its research and scholarships.
### 6\. University of Limerick (UL)
Global Rank: 511-520
The [University of Limerick](https://www.ul.ie/international/) offers a range of programs up to doctoral levels in the disciplines of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Education and Health Sciences, Science and Engineering.
UL has strong links to industry, commerce, as well as the public sectors. The university has also built partnerships through the university’s Cooperative Education program, which is one of the largest in Europe.
Each year, approximately 2,000 UL students across 56 degree programs undertake six- to eight-month work placements as part of their undergraduate degree program. Consequently, one-fifth successfully enters international companies.
As a result, UL’s graduates experience a 15 percent higher employment rate than the national average.
### 5\. Dublin City University (DCU)
Global Ranking: 439
[DCU](https://www.dcu.ie/international) is Ireland’s university of Enterprise. The institution is labeled as Ireland’s most innovative and market-driven university. It promotes research and encourages entrepreneurship through a state-of-the-art Innovation and Enterprise Centre – The Invent.
Focused on increasing its students’ employability and building transferable skills, Dublin City University was the first higher education institution to integrate workplace internships (INTRA) into its undergraduate courses.
### 4\. University College Cork (UCC)
Global Ranking: 286
Known as Ireland’s leading research institution, [University College Cork](https://www.ucc.ie/en/international/) has drawn over 3,400 students from over 104 countries globally. The university offers a research-led curriculum that attracts the highest caliber of Irish and international students.
UCC currently offers 130 degree and professional programs based in its four colleges, namely: Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, Business and Law, Medicine and Health, Science, Engineering and Food Service.
Steadfast in their promotion of academic rigor, practical application, and participation, UCC has graduate employment rates of 94% for undergraduate studies and 95% for postgraduate studies.
### 3\. National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)
Global Ranking: 238
Out of the more than 18,000 students housed by the [National University of Ireland in Galway](http://www.nuigalway.ie/international-students/), 12% are international students. The university teaches four colleges, namely: the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies; the College of Business, Public Policy and Law; the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; and the College of Science and Engineering.
NUIG offers an extensive list of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as part-time degrees, flexible learning, and online learning options.
### 2\. University College Dublin (UCD)
Global Ranking: 177
[UCD](https://www.ucd.ie/global/) is the second-best university in Ireland for another year running. As of date, it teaches around 30,000 students from 136 different countries.
The University College Dublin is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. Its flexible curriculum and research-led learning taught by top academic staff mean that students graduate with an internationally accredited degree from a university in the top one percent worldwide.
### 1\. Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
Global ranking: 101
[Trinity College Dublin](https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/) is Ireland’s leading university. The institution has risen by seven positions in this year’s QS World University Rankings. In addition, it is the only Irish member of the prestigious League of 22 European Research Universities (LERU).
TCD is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research, and innovation. With 24 academic schools, Trinity offers [**undergraduate and postgraduate courses**](https://www.tcd.ie/courses) across all the major disciplines including the arts and humanities, business, law, engineering, science, maths and health sciences.
Trinity is ranked as the 8th most international university in the world (Times Higher Education Rankings 2021) and has students and staff from over 120 countries, making it a truly diverse and international campus.
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Eligibility criteria
Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.
- Citizen or permanent resident of an eligible African country
- Willing to study in Ireland
- Strong academic record — typically a minimum GPA equivalent to a UK 2:1 / US 3.3
- English-language proficiency demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL or an MOI letter
- Two academic or professional references able to speak to your potential
Required documents
A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.
- Valid international passport (bio page scan)
- Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
- Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
- Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
- Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
- Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
- Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders
Deadline timeline
The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.
- 12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
- 6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
- 3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
- 1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
- Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021?+
Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the the stated level level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Various, and be able to relocate to Ireland for the duration of the programme.
Is the Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021 fully funded?+
Funding model: Funding type varies — check the official site. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.
When is the application deadline?+
The application deadline is varies by intake — see the official site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
What documents do I need to apply?+
At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.
How can I improve my chance of winning?+
Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.