Undergraduate, MastersVaries by award

Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021

Last verified 10 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021 - International Education, Post a Comment

Provider: Various
Host country: Ireland
Deadline: Varies — check official site
Region: Europe

Official source Track this application

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Open to international students including Africans; specific eligibility (nationality, age, academic record, field of study) varies by program — see the official site for full requirements.
Funding: Varies by award
Study level: Undergraduate, Masters
Deadline: Varies — check official site

Key eligibility criteria

Open to international students including Africans; specific eligibility (nationality, age, academic record, field of study) varies by program — see the official site for full requirements.

Recorded funding information

Varies by award

About the Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021 (2026)

##### 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:** ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/technological-university-dublin.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1) ### 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. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/maynooth-university.jpg?resize=1024%2C427&ssl=1) ### 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. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/university-of-limerick.jpg?resize=1000%2C500&ssl=1) ### 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. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dublin-city-university.jpg?resize=1024%2C520&ssl=1) ### 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. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/university-college-cork.png?resize=1000%2C500&ssl=1) ### 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. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/national-university-of-ireland-galway.jpg?resize=1024%2C435&ssl=1) ### 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. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/university-college-dublin.jpg?resize=1024%2C501&ssl=1) ### 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. **\| SEE RELATED POSTS:** [Top Universities in Canada According to QS World University Rankings](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-canada-according-to-qs-world-university-rankings/) [Recommended UK Universities for Distance Learning](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/uk-universities-distance-learning/) * * * _brought to you by Scholarships for Africans_ [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/) is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. They are part of the African Scholar Initiative, powered by Scholarship Hippo. Be a part of our growing community! **JOIN:** [Scholarships for Africans Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScholarshipsforAfricans) **LIKE:** [African Scholar Initiative Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AfricanScholarInitiative) ### Share this: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/?share=facebook&nb=1) - [Share on X (Opens in new window)X](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/?share=twitter&nb=1) - [Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/?share=jetpack-whatsapp&nb=1) - [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)LinkedIn](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/?share=linkedin&nb=1) - [Share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Telegram](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/?share=telegram&nb=1) - [More](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/#) - [Print (Opens in new window)Print](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/#print?share=print&nb=1) - [Share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/?share=reddit&nb=1) - [Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Tumblr](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/?share=tumblr&nb=1) - [Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-ireland-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/?share=pinterest&nb=1) ### Like this: LikeLoading… ### _Related_ [Ireland: A skyrocketing study destination for African students](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/ireland-a-skyrocketing-study-destination-for-african-students/ "Ireland: A skyrocketing study destination for African students") [Top 10 German Universities According to the QS World University Rankings 2021](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-10-german-universities-according-to-the-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/ "Top 10 German Universities According to the QS World University Rankings 2021") [Top Universities in The Netherlands – QS World University Rankings 2021](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-the-netherlands-qs-world-university-rankings-2021/ "Top Universities in The Netherlands – QS World University Rankings 2021") In[Ireland](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/ireland/), [QS World University Rankings](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/qs-world-university-rankings/), [Study in Ireland](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/study-in-ireland/), [top universities](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/top-universities/)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Varies by award

Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021 eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Open to international students including Africans; specific eligibility (nationality, age, academic record, field of study) varies by program — see the official site for full requirements.

Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021 document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings/methodology to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Open to international students including Africans; specific eligibility (nationality, age, academic record, field of study) varies by program — see the official site for full requirements.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Varies — check official site. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021 deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Varies — check official site. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Varies — check official site
Provider deadline information: Varies — check official site. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

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Editorial verification note

Auto-flagged 2026-05-10: title or deadline references past cohort (2019-2023).

Last checked 5/10/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021?+

Open to international students including Africans; specific eligibility (nationality, age, academic record, field of study) varies by program — see the official site for full requirements.

What funding does the Top Universities in Ireland – QS World University Rankings 2021 offer?+

Listed funding: Varies by award. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Varies — check official site. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings/methodology to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Open to international students including Africans; specific eligibility (nationality, age, academic record, field of study) varies by program — see the official site for full requirements.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Varies — check official site. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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