Is It Expensive To Be a Student in Ireland?
According to Education in Ireland, you are likely to pay between €10,000 and €16,000 per year. Given that you will need to stay at your university accommodation for most of the year, you will be paying around €1,000 to €1,600 a month for all your essential costs.
What Will My Monthly Outgoings Look Like?
Your monthly outgoings are going to be in the range of €1,000 to €1,600. This figure does not include tuition fees (mostly covered by the state under the Free Fees Initiative) but does account for bills, socialising, transport and food costs.
Monthly Student Expenses in Ireland
Source: Selectra Research
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How Much Does Accommodation Cost in Ireland?
Due to the housing crisis in Ireland, accommodation costs are sky-high. Your accommodation is going to be the biggest part of your spending every month.
What Are Rent Prices Like in Ireland?
Mainstream rent prices are currently some of the highest in Europe. The average standardised rent has reached €1,460 a month according to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
Average Standard Monthly Rent Prices 2012 Q1 – 2022 Q1
Source: Housing Agency Standardized Average Rent Data
How Much Is Student Accommodation?
As a student, you can avoid most mainstream rental costs by getting into student accommodation. Prices depend on where you are studying and what type of accommodation you are looking for.
| Accommodation Type | Dublin | Outside Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room | €600 | €400 |
| Private Room in Shared Flat | €1,000 | €850 or more |
| Private Apartment | Up to €1,679 | Up to €1,000 |
How Can I Reduce My Accommodation Costs?
The location of where you are renting will vary the price — students renting in Dublin do not pay the same price as those renting in Cork. Consider whether staying outside the city and spending more on a commute would be cheaper.
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What Are Household Bills Like in Ireland?
Household bills are going up. The biggest driver of price rises is coming from utility bills. However, you can lock in your prices for energy, broadband and waste bills so you can avoid them increasing too much.
What Is the Average Utility Bill in Ireland?
The average monthly utility bill in Ireland is around €400:
| Utility | Average Monthly Bill |
|---|---|
| Electricity | €179 |
| Gas | €152 |
| Broadband | €35 |
| Water | €15 |
| Waste Collection | €20 |
Besides the basic utilities, keep in mind other costs such as your mobile phone contract and your TV licence (€13.33 a month).
How Can I Reduce My Household Bills?
Unfortunately, there are no special tariffs offered to students for energy, broadband, waste or water. However, you can consider house sharing to split costs, and call a utilities advisor for the best deals available.
How Much Does It Cost To Travel?
Ireland has some of the most expensive transport in the world, but there are cheaper options available with student-specific travel discounts.
How Much Is Public Transport?
For a standard public transport card in Dublin (Leap Card), you pay based on how many trips you want to make. The Leap Card requires a €5 deposit and gives access to trains, buses and coaches.
How Can I Reduce Transport Costs?
- Young Adults Travel Card — If you are a student between 19–23, you can apply for the Young Adult travel card which gives you 50% off travelling costs.
- Student Leap Card — For those 24 and over in full-time education, the Student Leap Card gives the same benefits.
Is It Expensive To Socialise in Ireland?
Socialising has also become a victim of inflation. Here is what to expect:
- Pubs and Bars — Expect to pay around €5.20 for a pint of Guinness and €5.50 for a pint of lager. In Dublin, add an extra euro onto these prices.
- Going to a Club — Entry ranges from free to €5–€10 depending on the venue. Drinks cost around €15–€25.
How Can I Save on Socialising?
Student discounts exist across the board. One of the most important tools is an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
What Will My Food Bill Look Like?
Food is an expense that is often forgotten about. In Ireland, food inflation has reached 7.7%, though this is lower than other Eurozone countries.
What Is the Average Student Shopping Basket?
| Food | Cost |
|---|---|
| Milk | €1.11 per litre |
| Loaf of Bread | €1.63 per 500g |
| Rice | €1.35 per kg |
| Pasta | €3.25 per kg |
| Eggs (12) | €2.90 |
| Cheese | €7.52 per kg |
| Chicken Fillets | €4.24 per 500g |
| Apples | €2.34 per kg |
| Bananas | €1.69 per kg |
| Tomatoes | €2.62 per kg |
| Potatoes | €1.58 per kg |
| Onions | €1.13 per kg |
| Beer (500ml) | €2.70 |
The best way to save on food is to buy supermarket own-brand products and share shopping costs with your housemates.
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Are There Any Grants or Schemes To Help with Costs?
What Is the Student Grants Scheme?
You can receive a means-tested maintenance grant from the government to help with the cost of living as a student. The amount depends on your family's financial situation:
| Type | Near Institution (less than 30km) | Far from Institution (more than 30km) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Grant | €3,225 | €1,415 |
| 75% Grant | €2,470 | €1,110 |
| 50% Grant | €1,715 | €805 |
| 25% Grant | €955 | €505 |
Based on figures from Citizens Information for the academic year 2022–23.
What About Erasmus+ Grants?
If you are an EU student moving to Ireland to study, you can access grants and schemes from the Erasmus+ programme, which can help with tuition fees and costs of living.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Costs in Ireland
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