A Master’s degree in Ireland is attractive for German students mainly because the courses are taught in English. Tuition fees, however, are well above the amounts for state Master’s programmes in many other European countries, and they differ strongly by subject. This guide shows the ranges and the main funding routes.
Quick answer: As an EU student, you typically pay EUR 8,000 to 10,800 per academic year for a Master’s degree in Ireland, according to the fee schedule of University College Cork (UCC) for 2026/27. The amounts range from EUR 5,200 to 14,500. Your health insurance depends on your place of residence. Last updated: October 2026.
Key points
- For EU students, most Master’s programmes at UCC cost between EUR 8,000 and 10,800 per academic year.
- According to the schedule, Business and Law are usually the most expensive, while Science and Engineering are often cheaper.
- Many taught Master’s programmes last one year, but the exact length is set in the study plan.
- The EHIC also applies in Ireland, but only for the services that residents receive.
- Students from non-EU countries pay different rates, which were not checked for this guide.
What does a Master’s degree in Ireland cost for EU students?
For 2026/27, UCC publishes a fee schedule for postgraduate taught programmes, arranged by subject area. The values below are typical amounts for full-time study per academic year.
| Subject area (UCC) | Typical amount per academic year | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Celtic Studies, Social Sciences (MA and MSc) | usually EUR 8,100 | e.g. history, philosophy, sociology |
| Business and Law (MSc) | usually EUR 10,800 | LLM usually EUR 9,200 |
| Science, Engineering, Food Science | usually EUR 8,000 | single programmes may differ |
| Medicine and Health | varies widely, e.g. EUR 7,900 to 11,500 | e.g. Public Health EUR 7,900, Physiotherapy EUR 11,500 |
The schedule also lists a minimum of EUR 5,200 for an online programme and a maximum of EUR 14,500 for a two-year programme. Part-time amounts are usually about half of the full-time amount. Assumption: a one-year MSc in Business and Law costs EUR 10,800 in fees, plus rent and living costs.
How can you fund a Master’s degree in Ireland?
For a Master’s degree abroad, savings, a student loan, scholarships and Auslands-BAföG (German state student aid for study abroad) are possible. The competent German office for training support decides on BAföG case by case. The guide on Auslands-BAföG (in German) explains the rules.
| Funding route | Suitable for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Auslands-BAföG | Support within the rules | Submit the application before the start of studies |
| Student loan | Bridging study and living costs | Calculate interest and repayment in advance |
| University scholarships | Partial funding, depending on the programme | Check deadlines and selection criteria on the university page |
Rents in Ireland are considered high, particularly in Dublin. Plan a realistic budget from the start, for example using the budget planning guide (in German).
Which health insurance do you need in Ireland?
You request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your German statutory health insurer. It is valid across the EU, but only for the services that residents of the host country receive. Outpatient and emergency treatment are covered, repatriation is not. This is described in a guide published by Hochschule Offenburg (in German).
Whether you remain in the German statutory system depends on where your main residence is and how long you stay in Ireland. Clarify this with your health insurer before you start. The same guide recommends additional study-abroad health insurance, even within the EU.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay less as an EU citizen than non-EU students in Ireland?
Yes, the UCC schedule distinguishes EU students from international students. The rates for non-EU students were not checked for this guide, so ask the university directly.
How long does a Master’s degree in Ireland take?
Many taught Master’s programmes last one year. The exact length is set in the study plan and can differ between universities.
Do I need travel or study-abroad health insurance in Ireland?
The EHIC does not cover everything and does not include repatriation. The guide from Hochschule Offenburg therefore recommends an additional insurance, even within the EU.
Can I get BAföG for a Master’s degree in Ireland?
This is possible if the conditions are met. The competent office for training support examines the application, so submit it early.
How do I know which fee applies to my subject?
The fee schedule of the university is arranged by subject area. Check your programme and the academic year 2026/27 before you apply.
Next steps
- Find your subject area in the university fee schedule and note the amount for 2026/27.
- Ask your German statutory health insurer whether you can request an EHIC and how your insurance is handled during studies.
- Plan a budget for the whole period of study, including rent, living costs and travel.
- Check funding routes such as Auslands-BAföG, scholarships and student loans before you accept a place.
- If needed, take out study-abroad health insurance that covers repatriation and the whole stay.
Related reading
- Master’s Degree Abroad: Countries, Applications and Costs
- Master in Dänemark: Kosten, Finanzierung und Krankenversicherung
- Auslandssemester Irland: KV, Visum, Kosten 2026 (in German)
- Master in Großbritannien: Kosten, Finanzierung und Krankenversicherung
- EHIC: Europäische Krankenversicherungskarte (in German)
Sources: University College Cork, Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2026/27 (accessed October 2026), Hochschule Offenburg, guide to insurance cover abroad (accessed October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
