An MBA diploma is more than just a piece of paper that you can show to potential employers. Pursuing an MBA degree is a huge investment that requires dedication and careful consideration.
So whether you’re a local or an international student, we’ve compiled a list of the best business schools to get you started on your MBA journey in Ireland. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about MBA programmes in Ireland.
Of course, we understand that pursuing an MBA is also a major financial commitment. So before going any further, let’s talk about that first.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an MBA in Ireland?
Like most post-graduate degrees, you would need to shell out quite a sum on tuition fees alone. Contrary to popular belief though, pursuing an MBA is relatively more affordable in Ireland compared to other popular graduate school destinations.
Take note that the table you’ll see below is just a rough estimate of tuition costs for 2021-2022, which may increase per year depending on the institution. There are also other things to consider such as living expenses, application fees, non-refundable deposits, etc.
| UNIVERSITY | TUITION COSTS |
| Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin | €35,800 (Full-Time MBA) €17,900 per year (Executive MBA) €17,900 per year (Flexible MBA) |
| Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick | €15,360 (year 1) €15,060 (year 2) |
| J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway | €13,850 per year |
| Cork University Business School, University College Cork | €13,500 per year |
The Best Business Schools To Get Your MBA in Ireland
Now that we’ve sorted that out, read on to discover the best business schools to get your MBA in Ireland.
1. Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin
| PROGRAMMES | Full-time MBA, Executive MBA (part-time), Flexible Executive MBA |
| WEBSITE | https://www.tcd.ie/business/mba/ |
| ADDRESS | Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin College Green Dublin 2, Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +353 1 896 3683 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
Trinity Business School is part of the historical Trinity College Dublin, an educational institution that traces its roots to the 16th century. Its business school was founded in 1925 and has since then consistently ranked as the top business school in Ireland and among the best globally.
They currently have three main MBA programmes designed to cater to full-time and part-time students. For instance, you may get your MBA degree within a year should you choose to go through its intensive full-time programme.
If you’re working and studying at the same time, you can either complete its Executive MBA programme or its Flexible Executive MBA programme in two years. While the former is conducted on campus, remote learners can also benefit from the latter due to its online learning approach, with only 20% of the programme being done on-campus.
Conveniently located at the heart of Dublin, the campus is easily accessible by public transport. Being in the middle of a bustling city centre also gives students access to a wide range of business institutions and services right at its doorstep.
And because Trinity Business School consistently sits among the best schools in the country, graduates are highly favoured by employers.
Pros
- Flexible MBA programme durations
- Convenient campus location
- Scholarships and funding available
- High graduate employability numbers
- Ideal for international students
Cons
- Steep tuition fee costs
- Highly competitive admissions process
2. Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick
| PROGRAMMES | Executive MBA |
| WEBSITE | https://www.ul.ie/mba/ |
| ADDRESS | University of Limerick, Plassey Ave, Sreelane, Limerick, Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +353 61 234377 (local) or +353 61 213034 (international) [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm |
Outside of the capital, the University of Limerick also offers a top-notch MBA programme. It is AMBA accredited, meaning that it has been proven to deliver innovative teaching, career development, and employability.
Compared to the previous entries on our list, Kemmy Business School has only one MBA programme spanning two years. Despite this, the programme still allows working professionals to only be on campus three days per month over the course of eight months, giving you the flexibility to plan your calendars in advance.
Due to its part-time nature, applications are closed for non-EU students. However, the University of Limerick similarly has an MA programme in business management for full-time international students, among others.
If the fees are still a little bit steep for you, a variety of funding options are also available. Some students are eligible for financial assistance subsidised by the government, covering up to €6,270 for tuition fees and field trips.
Take note that only around 30 students are admitted to the programme per year. So be sure to plan early and pay attention to application deadlines, which are available on their website.
Pros
- Scholarships and funding available
- Limited on-campus attendance
- Access to international workshops
- Ideal for aviation management specialists
Cons
- Closed to non-EU students
- Less flexibility in class attendance/programme durations
- Highly limited slot availability
3. J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway
| PROGRAMMES | Executive MBA |
| WEBSITE | http://www.nuigalway.ie/mba/ |
| ADDRESS | National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +353 (0)91 49 2612 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
NUI Galway is also home to one of Ireland’s leading MBA programmes. Their only two-year part-time MBA programme combines on-campus teaching and online learning.
A key feature of this programme is a week-long intensive learning exchange at Fordham University, New York City. Participants will be able to attend seminars, visit institutions, and interact with business leaders in different fields.
Their curriculum requires students to commit to five blocks of two days on campus per semester, followed by weekly online classes. This arrangement may not be suitable for students who are always working around the clock.
Despite this, NUI Galway also offers one of the most affordable tuition fees on our list for EU students. Additionally, their wide range of scholarships may also cover up to 50% of tuition fee costs.
Currently, their MBA programme doesn’t accept international students outside of the EU. However, international students can still apply for other full-time business programmes that the school offers, which can be found on their website.
Pros
- Relatively affordable tuition fees
- Includes an international exchange programme
- Scholarships and funding available
- Online learning available
Cons
- Closed to non-EU students
- Less flexibility in class attendance/programme durations
- Highly limited slot availability
4. Cork University Business School, University College Cork
| PROGRAMMES | Executive MBA |
| WEBSITE | https://www.cubsucc.com/executive-mba/ |
| ADDRESS | Cork University Business School West Wing, Main Quadrangle, University College Cork, Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +353 (0)21 490 3252 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
To conclude our list is Cork University Business School, which also has a proven track record in producing high-quality MBA graduates.
Along with our previous entries, Cork University also only offers a two-year part-time MBA programme, closing applications to non-EU students. However, the university also has similar programmes worth checking out for international students.
What sets them apart from other entries on our list is its programme structure. Each academic year consists of two parts spanning over 12 weeks with a five-month break in between.
Students need to attend lectures on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 4:30 pm with occasional evening workshops, which will be discussed in class prior.
The newly-established UCC Centre for Executive Education is where MBA students take their classes. Located at the heart of Cork’s business district, this facility is fully equipped with the latest teaching technology suitable for meetings, lectures, and conferences.
Pros
- Convenient campus location
- Scholarships and funding available
- No weekday lectures except Fridays
- Relatively affordable tuition fees
Cons
- Closed to non-EU students
- Less flexibility in programme durations
- Highly limited slot availability
FAQs about MBA Programmes in Ireland
Our list of the best business schools to kickstart your MBA journey in Ireland has come to an end! We hope our guide made it simpler for you to plan your next steps.
If you think we missed a business school that also deserves to be on our list, drop us a message and we’ll check them out ASAP.
Know someone in need of suggestions for a co-ed school? Check out our list of the best private schools in Dublin.