Every year, at least 300,000 international students choose to study MBA abroad. A master’s in business administration is one of the top academic programs with an excellent curriculum and employment opportunities abroad.
Ireland is a widely preferred study destination for its remarkable programs and quality of life. An MBA in the country will boost your academic and professional life, paving the way for plenty of scopeful opportunities.
Table of Contents
- A master’s in business administration in Ireland: Key highlights
- Why pursue an MBA in Ireland?
- Eligibility for studying MBA in Ireland
- Cost of pursuing an MBA in Ireland
- Best universities to study MBA in Ireland
- Documents required to study MBA in Ireland
- Career opportunities for MBA in Ireland
- Frequently asked questions
This article helps you understand the importance of pursuing an MBA in Ireland, the prerequisites, the cost of studying, and the best colleges in Ireland for an MBA.
Ireland awaits your arrival with exceptional opportunities! Begin your academic journey today!
A master’s in business administration in Ireland: Key highlights
| Course-type | Full-time, part-time |
| Course duration | 1-2 years |
| Course entry requirement | An international student with an undergraduate degree in business administration or related programs with a GPA over 3.0. |
| English proficiency | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63, Duolingo: 100 |
| Entrance exam | GMAT: 550-600 |
| Work experience | Relevant work experience for at least two to three years. |
| Fees range | €10,000–€36,000 |
| Visa | Ireland Student Visa |
Data updated as of January 2024
Why pursue an MBA in Ireland?
- Ireland is a preferred study destination as the country’s universities have a great reputation for offering exceptional business administration programs.
- There is also an abundance of MBA courses in Ireland, with accreditations from the likes of EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), AMBA (The Association of MBAs), and AACSB (The Association of Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business). They are the three largest business school accreditation organisations.
- The courses are structured to give a better understanding of business principles, ideas, leadership and other topics. They offer hands-on experience to improve students’ skills and prepare them for a career in the business sector.
- Ireland is a global hub for business, entrepreneurship, and finance, paving the way for various new opportunities for graduates.
- Professionals with an MBA degree are among the highest-paid employees in the country. Ireland has ample options for graduates to begin their careers in the business analytics sector.
Common subjects in an MBA program
| Human resource management | Enterprise simulation game |
| Business analytics | Sustainable business leadership |
| Finance | Management in postmodern markets |
| Entrepreneurial dynamics | Commercial law |
| Project economics | Corporate governance, business ethics and CSR |
| Macroeconomics in a global context | Strategic project management |
| The science of decision-making | Marketing in a global environment |
| Research methods | Employment law |
| Contemporary issues in global finances | Business intelligence |
| Strategic management of human capital | Doing business on the cloud |
Also read: Top 100 universities in the world | MBA without GMAT
Eligibility for studying MBA in Ireland
Irish universities offer globally accredited courses and often require you to satisfy the eligibility criteria set for the specific program. While the requirements vary with every specialisation and university, here are the standard eligibility criteria for engineering courses in Ireland.
Admission requirements to study MBA in Ireland
| Factor | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| Educational qualifications | An international student with an undergraduate degree in business administration or related programs with a GPA over 3.0. |
| English proficiency | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63, Duolingo: 100 |
| Entrance exam | GMAT: 550-600 |
| Work experience | Relevant work experience for at least two to three years. |
| Visa | Ireland Student visa |
Data updated as of January 2024
Note: The eligibility requirement varies with every program and university. Ensure you check the course page for the requirements before submitting the application.
Also read: Which Ireland student visa do I need?
Cost of pursuing an MBA in Ireland
Ireland is an affordable study destination for international students in terms of education and living costs compared to other countries. An MBA degree costs between €10,000–€36,000.
Related articles
Best universities to study MBA in Ireland
Trinity College, Dublin
| Acceptance rate | 34% |
| Employability rate | 90% |
| Course duration | Full-time: 1-year Part-time: 2 years |
| Course fees | €18,300 |
Data updated as of January 2024
One of Europe’s most prestigious old universities, Trinity College Dublin, offers one of the most popular MBA courses in Ireland. Students can study the Trinity MBA as a full-time, one-year course or a part-time, two-year executive MBA.
Trinity Business School is the number one business school in Ireland, ranked in the top 20 in Europe. The MBA course's focus on project-based and "live-action" learning makes the program unique. You'll work as part of a group of students with senior management teams in three separate company projects, solving real-life business issues.
If you need more practical learning, the TCD business school also grants the opportunity to travel to Belgium, Brazil or South Africa for a week-long study residency.
Explore MBA programs at Trinity college
University College, Cork
| Acceptance rate | 41% |
| Employability rate | 96% |
| Course duration | 2 years |
| Course fees | €27,260 |
Data updated as of January 2024
A part-time, two-year executive MBA course designed for already employed professionals, the University College Cork course focuses on turning professionals into innovators and leaders.
It does this by taking students beyond their fields of expertise or experience to gain more understanding of the concepts and mechanics of business organisations.
Areas of study for the MBA program include decision-making & strategy, operations management, HR, financial analysis, business innovation, sustainability, and leadership development.
The UCC MBA focuses on understanding how all these facets work together in the bigger picture of a large, complex business. By learning about and appreciating this bigger picture, students develop their ability to apply their skills strategically and effectively across a much broader range of industries.
Explore MBA programs at University college, cork
Also read: Why study a Masters in Ireland?
University College, Dublin
| Acceptance rate | 20% |
| Employability rate | 93% |
| Course duration | 2 years |
| Course fees | €36,990 |
Data updated as of January 2024
University College Dublin is a prominent university in Ireland, and the Smurfit Business School therein is ranked in Europe's top 25 business schools. The Smurfit MBA program carries the most accreditations of any of the top MBA colleges in Ireland—with endorsements from EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB.
It's the only Irish business school with this triple accreditation— an honour afforded to only 1% of business schools worldwide.
There are plenty of modules on the core principles of business administration, from finance to strategy, leadership to HR. However, the UCD MBA's standout quality is its special attention to global business issues, with modules on global & corporate strategy and an international consulting project.
During this project, you’ll work with an overseas-based company and provide a live consultation in a tight timeframe. The international, globally-minded approach of this course is reflected in the make-up of the classroom, 65% of which is made up of international students on average.
Dublin Business School
| Acceptance rate | 55%-60% |
| Employability rate | 97% |
| Course duration | Full-time: 1-year Part-time: 2 years |
| Course fees | €29,000 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Dublin Business School courses have grown in reputation for several years, and it's now considered one of Ireland's leading independent colleges. As its name suggests, DBS education focuses on the student's career growth.
The MBA program at DBS can be done full-time over one year or over two years with part-time attendance. But one thing that stands out about this MBA is the diversity of choices students have.
You can elect to complete the standard MBA, which sets you up for business management across various industries. Alternatively, students can choose more specialist MBAs in cloud computing, human resources management (HRM), finance, information systems, marketing, and project management.
Also read: International students' healthcare and medical insurance in Ireland
University of Limerick
| Acceptance rate | 70% |
| Employability rate | 96% |
| Course duration | 2 years |
| Course fees | €30,124 |
Data updated as of January 2024
The University of Limerick’s Kemmy Business School comes with a fantastic reputation. It’s ranked in the top 2% of business schools globally and is both AMBA and AACSB accredited.
As for the course, its unique selling point is the flexible schedule. For the last two years, students attended for three days at a time every month (for eight months). This gives working professionals the flexibility to continue their careers and allows family commitments to remain as undisturbed as possible.
The course content allows students to choose specialised modules that match their desired career path alongside the core modules that focus heavily on internationalisation.
This emphasis on internationalisation is reflected in the annual online "International Workshop". Students can participate in a series of conferences, listen to business leaders and entrepreneurs all around the globe and gain fresh perspectives about doing business in new cultures.
Also read: Study in Ireland for International Students Guide
Queen’s University, Belfast
| Acceptance rate | 31% |
| Employability rate | 92% |
| Course duration | 2 years |
| Course fees | €28,000 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Belfast is in Northern Ireland, which is in the UK, but it’s also in Ireland… here’s a quick explainer. Ireland is an island with two countries—The Republic of Ireland or Ireland, and Northern Ireland, which is still a part of the UK, just like Scotland and Wales.
You’re free to come and go between the North and the Republic as you wish, but do know that if you study at Queen’s University Belfast, you’ll need a UK study visa!
Queen’s University Belfast is a Russell Group University (the UK’s Ivy League equivalent), so it’s got a fine reputation.
The MBA program employs an innovative "integrated teaching style," meaning it doesn't simply offer a range of standalone modules. Rather, it progresses through a series of developmental "mindsets" via which academic topics are integrated through experience.
In addition to the core study areas of strategy, leadership, finance, and accounting, students can also elect to study areas more specialised to their industry or career ambitions by taking a deeper look at areas like business analytics, business planning, and social innovation.
And finally, the Queen’s MBA course has the added bonus of career development opportunities, with one-on-one coaching sessions, interview skills training and CV analysis to help boost your work prospects.
Also read:
Documents required to study MBA in Ireland
Once international students meet the basic eligibility criteria, the Irish universities will request certain documents for the application process. Here are some of the standard documents required by educational institutions in Ireland.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Application form
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Admissions test results
- Entrance exam results
- English language proficiency test scores
Also read: Difference between an MBA and an MSc
Career opportunities for MBA in Ireland
Business administration graduates have the choice to work in various industries in the global market. The average annual salary of a Business Administration graduate in Ireland is around €44,872. You can earn around €32,500 in entry-level employment roles, while experienced employees earn up to €54,717 annually.
Career options for business administration graduates in Ireland
- Business Administrator
- Human Resources Officer
- Actuary
- Accountant
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Business Consultant
- Management Consultant
- Market Research Analyst
- Human Resources Manager
Also read: 5 top graduate recruiters in Ireland
Edvoy strives to provide the finest opportunities for international students aiming to pursue higher education in Ireland. We assist and guide you in finding the right university and course that suits your interests and paves the way for a fantastic academic experience.
Ready to pursue MBA in Ireland? Click here and apply for the upcoming intake today!
Frequently asked questions
How much does an MBA in Ireland cost?
MBA colleges in Ireland cost around €10,000–€36,000 for international students.
Is Ireland good for an MBA?
Ireland is one of the top study destinations for international students. Irish universities have well-established business schools that excel in business administration and their specialisations. Students have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills and also obtain hands-on experience. Ireland is a business hub, offering plenty of employment opportunities to international students.
What is the eligibility for an MBA in Ireland?
| Educational qualifications An international student with an undergraduate degree in business administration or related programs with a GPA over 3.0. |
|
| Entrance exam GMAT: 550-600 | Work experience Relevant work experience for at least 2-3 years. |
Can I do an MBA in Ireland without a GMAT?
Although GMAT is a mandatory entry requirement for international students applying to study for an MBA in Ireland, some universities do not require these scores to evaluate your profile. Check the university and course page to verify the admission requirements before submitting the application.
What are the exam requirements for an MBA in Ireland?
English proficiency requirements to pursue an MBA in Ireland.
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 90
- PTE: 63
- Duolingo: 100
Entrance exam requirements to pursue an MBA in Ireland.
GMAT: 550-600
Discover endless possibilities and begin your learning journey!
Edvoy helps international students discover the finest academic experience by assisting them in choosing their desired course and university to pursue higher education abroad. Connect with an Edvoy Counsellor, and begin your journey today!
