Healthcare science education encompasses diverse disciplines aimed at understanding and improving human health. Students who choose to study healthcare programmes are driven by a sense of purpose to contribute to the improvements in human health, apart from being attracted to the high-paying job opportunities available across the globe. While pursuing their degrees, they study various subjects, including biological sciences, healthcare systems, clinical skills, public health, research methods, and ethics prevalent in healthcare.
With its vibrant healthcare ecosystem, Ireland is increasingly becoming a favourable destination among international students who want to study healthcare science. Irish universities are globally recognised for their high-quality education and academic excellence in various subjects, including healthcare, and several Irish institutions rank among the top universities worldwide for healthcare courses.
Learn more about leading healthcare courses at Irish universities below. To apply, contact SI-Ireland today for a free consultation with our experienced applications team who can take you through all your available study options.
Top Universities for Healthcare in Ireland
1. Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin, one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities, delivers exceptional healthcare education through its Faculty of Health Sciences. The faculty comprises the Schools of Medicine, Dental Science, Nursing & Midwifery, and Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Science. Working closely with clinical partners, the university develops programmes grounded in clinical expertise and cutting-edge research.
Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare courses, taught using innovative methods designed to prepare graduates for the rapidly changing global healthcare landscape.
- Suggested Course: BSc in Human Health and Disease
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold educational qualifications equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate with H4 in Biology and H4 in either Physics or Chemistry. English language proficiency is also needed for international students.
- International Fees: €25,680
2. University College Dublin
As Ireland's largest university, University College Dublin offers a diverse range of health science programmes under the UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences. Established in 2015, the College unites health professionals to collaborate under the unique ‘One Health’ initiative, addressing human, animal, and environmental health challenges holistically. This initiative underpins the College's teaching and research across five schools.
- Suggested Course: BSc Nursing
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must have educational qualifications equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate with English, Mathematics and a laboratory science subject. English language proficiency is needed for international students.
- International Fees: € 29,100
3. University College Cork
The College of Medicine and Health at University College Cork delivers student-focused healthcare education across six schools. These include Medicine, Dental Science, Public Health, Pharmacy, Clinical Therapies, and others. The university’s broad portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-based courses equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in healthcare and medical research.
- Suggested Course: BSc Medical & Health Sciences
- Entry Requirements: Applicants to the course must have educational credentials equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate in specific scores in Maths, English, Chemistry and a laboratory science subject. English language proficiency is also required to gain admission to the course.
- International Fees: €25,600
4. University of Limerick
The University of Limerick’s Faculty of Education and Health Sciences offers specialised programmes in healthcare through its Schools of Medicine, Education, and Allied Health, along with Departments of Psychology, Nursing & Midwifery, Sport Sciences, and Physical Education. Its innovative Health Sciences Academy bridges education, research, training, and clinical practice to equip students with real-world skills.
- Suggested Course: MSc in Public Health
- Entry Requirements: Applicants to the course must have a second-class honours bachelor's degree and showcase proficiency in the English language.
- International Fees: €14,400
5. University of Galway
At the University of Galway, the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences provides world-class education in healthcare. With its three schools—Health Sciences, Medicine, and Nursing & Midwifery—the college blends academic excellence with clinical expertise and innovative research. Its partnerships with healthcare providers ensure students are well-prepared to excel in their professions.
- Suggested Course: Bachelor of Medicine (MB) of Surgery (BCh) and of Obstetrics (BAO)
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must have educational credentials equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate, having H4 in two of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Agricultural Science. English language proficiency is also required to gain admission to the course.
- International Fees: €50,135
Study Healthcare in Ireland
Are you interested in studying for a healthcare degree in Ireland? Book a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to learn all the details and start your application.
FAQs
Which Irish University offers scholarships for healthcare courses?
Several Irish universities offer scholarships for health courses, providing financial assistance to deserving students pursuing medical, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and related disciplines. Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) are among the top universities offering scholarships.
What career opportunities are available after completing a healthcare degree in Ireland?
After completing a healthcare degree in Ireland, graduates can pursue fulfilling health science careers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers, biomedical scientists, healthcare administrators, public health professionals, and clinical researchers. They may work in hospitals, clinics, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or academia.
What kind of healthcare exposure do Irish universities provide for international students?
Students can undertake internships, clinical placements, and research collaborations with healthcare institutions and industry partners during their study years. Many universities also provide support services tailored to the needs of international students, including orientation programmes, academic advising, language support, and cultural integration initiatives.
