phd student salary in ireland

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PhD in Ireland for International Students: Top Universities, Tuition Fees & more

• Last Updated On August 29, 2024
• Published In Study in Ireland 🇮🇪

Ireland offers a diverse range of PhD programs across various disciplines, from humanities to sciences and engineering. 

Table of Content

PhD programs in Ireland are highly research-focused, with students diving into their projects early on. 

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Typically, PhD programs in Ireland last between 3 and 4 years, which is the same as the duration in the UK but shorter than in the US. 

Approximately 35% of Irish PhD graduates pursue academic careers after completing their degrees. 

Ireland’s universities increasingly attract international students, enriching the academic environment with diverse perspectives.

Key Highlight Table

Why Study a PhD in Ireland?

Pursuing a PhD in Ireland provides access to cutting-edge research facilities, a supportive academic environment, and significant global networking opportunities.  

Ireland is known for its strong research focus and high-quality education. 

Here are five compelling reasons to consider Ireland for your PhD:

World-Class Research Facilities and Expertise:

• Irish universities, such as Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, are renowned for their advanced research facilities and academic expertise. 
• For example, Trinity College Dublin’s research centres are internationally recognised for their contributions to various fields.

Strong Global Reputation:

• A PhD from an Irish institution is highly respected globally, offering graduates substantial international recognition. 
• This reputation can lead to prestigious academic and professional opportunities worldwide.

Extensive Funding and Scholarships:

• Ireland offers a variety of funding options and scholarships for PhD students.
• Institutions like University College Dublin provide numerous grants and fellowships to support research and living expenses.

Diverse Research Opportunities:

• Irish universities offer a wide range of research opportunities across various disciplines, enabling students to engage in innovative projects with significant real-world impact. 
• For instance, University College Cork provides extensive research options in health sciences and engineering.

Networking and Collaboration:

• Studying in Ireland facilitates connections with leading researchers, professionals, and industry experts. 
• Institutions like the University of Galway have strong ties with industry partners, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.

What are the Top 10 Universities for a PhD in Ireland?

Ireland has several prestigious universities known for their excellent PhD programs and research opportunities. 

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, these institutions stand out for their academic rigor and global impact:

What are the Top PhD Specialisations in Ireland?

Ireland is well-known for its advanced research facilities and expertise across various fields. With a focus on innovation and global impact, PhD programs in Ireland often lead to groundbreaking discoveries and influential academic contributions. 

Here are some of the top PhD specialisations:

PhD in Environmental Science

• Focus: Climate Change, Conservation, Ecology
• Courses: Environmental Policy, Climate Modeling, Conservation Biology
• Career Paths: Environmental Scientist, Policy Advisor, Conservationist

PhD in Data Science

• Focus: Big Data, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics
• Courses: Advanced Statistics, Data Mining, AI and Machine Learning
• Career Paths: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst

PhD in Biotechnology

• Focus: Genetic Engineering, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology
• Courses: Genomics, Biostatistics, Biomedical Research
• Career Paths: Biotech Researcher, Geneticist, Academic

PhD in Engineering

• Focus: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
• Courses: Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Structural Analysis, Robotics
• Career Paths: Research Engineer, Project Manager, Consultant

PhD in Psychology

• Focus: Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Social Psychology
• Courses: Psychopathology, Neuropsychology, Research Methods
• Career Paths: Clinical Psychologist, Academic, Researcher

What are the Admission Requirements for a PhD in Ireland?

Applying for a PhD in Ireland involves meeting specific academic and English proficiency requirements. 

Here’s what you need:

General Requirements:

• Master’s Degree: A relevant Master’s degree or equivalent research experience.
• Research Proposal: A detailed proposal outlining your intended research project.
• English Proficiency: TOEFL (minimum score of 90) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5), with no band below 6.0.
• Letter of Recommendation : Usually two academic references supporting your research capabilities.

Documents Required:

• Transcripts: Academic transcripts from previous institutions.
• Statement of Purpose : An essay describing your research interests and career goals.
• CV/Resume: Detailing academic and professional achievements.

Visa Requirements:

• Irish Student Visa : Required for non-Irish students, including a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) form and proof of financial support.

Work Permit:

• Post-Study Work Visa : Allows international students who have completed a PhD in Ireland to stay and work for up to 2 years. This visa is essential for those wishing to gain work experience or pursue further career opportunities in Ireland after their studies.

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What is the cost of studying a phd in ireland.

The cost of pursuing a PhD in Ireland varies based on the university and specific program. 

• Typically, tuition fees range from EUR 12,000 to EUR 24,000 per year, translating to approximately INR 15,00,000 to INR 30,00,000 . 

Additionally, students should budget for living expenses, which can add to the overall cost.

What is the Cost of Living in Ireland?

The cost of living in Ireland can vary greatly depending on location and lifestyle. 

Here’s an approximate breakdown of monthly expenses:

Which are the Scholarships for PhD in Ireland?

Pursuing a PhD in Ireland can be financially demanding, but various scholarships are available to help cover the costs. 

These scholarships provide support for tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs, making it possible for talented individuals to undertake advanced research without financial strain. 

Here’s a look at some of the available scholarships:

Curious about scholarships in Ireland? Click here to learn more .

What are the Job Prospects After a PhD in Ireland?

Ireland offers strong job prospects for PhD graduates across various sectors. 

After completing a PhD, many graduates pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in industry and government. 

The skills and expertise gained during a PhD program are highly valued, leading to diverse career opportunities. 

Here’s a look at some of the top job roles for PhD graduates in Ireland, along with their annual salaries:

Wondering about jobs in Ireland? Click here to learn more.

Which are the Top Recruiters After a PhD in Ireland?

PhD graduates in Ireland often secure positions with leading organisations known for their research excellence and innovative approaches. 

Here are five top recruiters:

• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin (UCD)
• University of Galway
• Intel Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what are the job prospects for indian students with a phd in ireland.

Ans. Ireland offers promising job prospects for Indian students with a PhD. Graduates often find opportunities in academia, research institutions, industry, and public sector roles. Common career paths include becoming university lecturers, research scientists, or data analysts. The skills acquired during a PhD are highly valued, and graduates can expect competitive salaries, ranging from EUR 50,000 (INR 46L)  to EUR 95,000 (INR 88L) annually. The growing research environment in Ireland further enhances job prospects.

Q. Which universities in Ireland are known for their PhD programs?

Ans. Several Irish universities are renowned for their PhD programs, offering a diverse range of research opportunities. Top institutions include Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD), and University of Galway. These universities are noted for their advanced research facilities and strong global reputations. Other notable mentions are University College Cork and Dublin City University, which also provide excellent PhD programs across various disciplines.

Q. What is the cost of pursuing a PhD in Ireland?

Ans. The cost of a PhD in Ireland typically ranges from EUR 12,000 to EUR 24,000 per year, equivalent to INR 15,00,000 to INR 30,00,000. This fee can vary based on the university and specific program. In addition to tuition, students should budget for living expenses, which can add to the overall cost. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset these expenses.

Q. What is the cost of living for a PhD student in Ireland?

Ans. The monthly cost of living in Ireland for a PhD student ranges from EUR 1,030 to EUR 2,000, which translates to INR 90,500 to INR 1,70,000. This includes expenses for food, rent, transport, and other necessities. Rent can vary significantly depending on location, while other costs such as food and transport will also impact the overall budget.

Q. What are the minimum English language requirements for a PhD in Ireland?

Ans. For a PhD in Ireland, international students typically need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL score of 90-100. These scores demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to handle academic coursework and research. Meeting these requirements is crucial for admission into PhD programs at most Irish universities.

Q. What are the top PhD specialisations available in Ireland?

Ans. Ireland offers several top PhD specialisations, including Environmental Science, Data Science, Biotechnology, Engineering, and Psychology. Each field focuses on innovative research and has strong career prospects. For example, a PhD in Data Science involves advanced statistics and machine learning, while a PhD in Environmental Science covers climate change and conservation, leading to impactful research and diverse career opportunities.

Q. What are the admission requirements for a PhD in Ireland?

Ans. To apply for a PhD in Ireland, you need a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent research experience, a detailed research proposal, and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 90 or IELTS 6.5). You must also provide academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and usually two academic references. Non-Irish students need an Irish Student Visa and must prove financial support.

Q. What scholarships are available for PhD students in Ireland?

Ans. Scholarships for PhD students in Ireland include the Irish Research Council Scholarships, Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship, and university-specific awards. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses. Additionally, the SFI Stipends offer financial support for both domestic and international students. Applying for these scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of PhD studies.

Q. What are the job roles and salaries for PhD graduates in Ireland?

Ans. PhD graduates in Ireland can work in various sectors with roles such as university lecturer, research scientist, data analyst, policy advisor, or machine learning engineer. Salaries typically range from EUR 50,000 (INR 46L) to EUR 95,000 (INR 88L) annually. 

Q. What are the top recruiters for PhD graduates in Ireland?

Ans. Top recruiters for PhD graduates in Ireland include prestigious institutions and leading companies. Prominent organisations hiring PhD graduates are Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD), University of Galway, Allergan, and Intel Ireland. These employers value the advanced research skills and expertise that PhD graduates bring to their roles.

Q. Why should someone consider doing a PhD in Ireland?

Ans. Pursuing a PhD in Ireland offers access to world-class research facilities, a strong global reputation, and extensive funding options. Ireland’s supportive academic environment and diverse research opportunities make it an attractive destination. The country’s robust network of industry connections and high-quality education contribute to significant academic and professional benefits for PhD students.

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Home » For Researchers » Researcher Salary Scales

University Research Salary Scales/Guidelines

The Researcher Salary Guidelines have been agreed with funding agencies and should be used by universities when hiring researchers. These salary guidelines are correct from January 1 st 2024 – June 1 st 2026.

The IUA researcher salary guidelines have been updated to reflect the 2024-2026 national pay agreement.

For detailed information on research budgeting and employment costs you can download the Researcher Salary Scales and Employment Costs below.

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Master, PhD and Postdoc Scholarships

• Salary of PhD and Postdoc in Ireland

Ireland boasts a cadre of esteemed universities, including Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the National University of Ireland. This post is designed to shed light on how PhD students and postdoc salary in Ireland can anticipate their salaries.

As an Irish PhD or Postdoc, What’s Your Earning Potential?

In Ireland, much like in Denmark , Germany , Switzerland , Sweden , Finland , Austria , Norway , France , Netherlands and the UK ., PhD students and postdocs are typically employed by universities on fixed-term contracts. While Irish universities often reference the IUA Researcher Salary Guidelines (salary scales) when determining salaries, it’s important to note that these guidelines are not compulsory and hold no legal basis.

Increasing PhD Stipend 2023-2024 in UK

Academic Salaries Before Tax in Ireland

PhD students in Ireland typically receive a fixed scholarship (varies depending on the source), although some may secure research assistant positions. Scholarship amounts for PhD students and Postdocs in Ireland generally fall within the range of €16,000 per annum. Research assistant positions, on the other hand, offer gross salaries ranging from €21,000 to €34,000 per annum.

Postdocs, understandably, command higher base salaries. Gross salaries for Postdocs start at €36,000 and can reach €47,000 per annum in exceptional cases. The level of salary is contingent on funding availability, the researcher’s experience, and the discipline.

PhD and Postdoc Salaries After Tax in Ireland

Ireland’s taxation system is highly individualized. In general, deductions from your gross salary in Ireland include income tax, Pay-Related Social Insurance, Universal Social Charge, and pension contributions. Income tax rates are typically 20% for PhD students (research assistants) and most Postdocs, unless hired with an annual salary exceeding €43,000, where the rate becomes 40%. Notably, these percentages are applied after considering tax relief. For example, for a single worker in Ireland, tax is levied on the gross annual salary minus €3,300. This tax allowance increases if you are married or have dependent children.

As an illustration, if you secure a research assistant position with an annual salary of €28,000, your monthly take-home pay will be around €1,950. For a postdoc employed on a project with an annual salary of €35,000, the net monthly salary will be approximately €2,400.

• Available Fully Funded Academic Positions in Ireland

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Fully Funded PhD Positions with Salary

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Stay informed about various academic positions by regularly visiting our Home Page and Academic Jobs page . To be among the first to hear about new vacancies, follow us on Facebook . If you prefer visual content, explore our YouTube channel for informative PhD and Postdoc-related videos.

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7. Earnings Analysis

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Graduates Earnings Analysis: This section includes detailed analysis on graduate earnings across several key characteristics. Average salaries are estimated using the midpoint of the earnings bands reported by each respective graduate. 

Overview of Graduate Earnings

• The average salary for all graduates in 2020 was €37,104 , while younger graduates reported an average salary of €32,596.
• The gender salary gap in 2020 stood at €4,740 for all graduates and €3,106 for younger graduates. When like-for-like students are compared, the gender pay gap reduced by approximately 50%.
• Affluent graduates earned €4,868 more than those from disadvantaged areas. When like-for-like graduates are compared, the gap reduced to €1,504.
• Average salaries were highest for ICT graduates at €42,562 , while Arts & Humanities graduates reported the lowest salaries ( €27,951 ).
• Graduates working in the Transport and Storage sector had the highest reported average earnings (€42,015) .
• Graduates with over 500 Leaving Certificate Points are shown to have the highest salaries nine months after graduation.
• The gender pay gap widened by €586 between 2017 and 2018 for all graduates, whilst remaining broadly stable between 2018 and 2020. The gender pay gap for younger graduates contracted marginally in 2020, reducing by €62 .
• The average ICT graduate salaries rose by €3,166, or 8%, between 2018 and 2020.
• Graduates working in the Transportation and storage sector experienced double digit growth in earnings in 2018 and 2020.

About Graduate Earnings

This chapter focuses on graduates that reported their main activity as working in full-time employment nine months post-graduation. Excluding working graduates where salary information is not provided, the sample size for section one of this analysis is 13,668 (class of 2020). This sample is further reduced to isolate earnings for younger graduates only, which are defined in this analysis as graduates younger than 30 years of age (10,136). Results outlined below are therefore split into ‘All Graduates’ and ‘Younger Graduates’, and these can be compared by selecting the available filters in the charts provided. Finally, results provided in this chapter are weighted to account for differing response rates by institute, NFQ level and mode of study.

Results in section one of this chapter reflect mean predicted salaries by key characteristics before and after controls are used. ‘Before controls’ equates to raw mean salary, without accounting for any differences in characteristics between groups. ‘After controls’ equates to model predicted mean salary after all controls are used in an effort to explain the variation in earnings. The key characteristics explored are earnings by gender, socio-economic background (based on Census small area deprivation index scores derived from student home address data), ISCED broad field of study, NACE sector of employment, NFQ level, Leaving Certificate points and region of employment.*

The second section of this chapter explores developments in mean reported earnings over time. Average earnings are analysed across various student characteristics for the class of 2017, 2018 and 2020. Pooling these three years of data provides a sample of 41,990 graduates. Results are provided for gender, ISCED broad filed of study, NFQ level, NACE sector of employment and region of employment.

The gender earnings gap was €4,740 for the class of 2020.

On average, male graduates earned €39,611 compared to €34,871 for females. As such, the gender salary gap stood at €4,740 for the class of 2020 nine months after graduation. Younger graduates experienced a smaller gender salary gap at just over €3,100. Controlling for factors likely to influence graduate earnings, the gender pay gap is predicted to reduce by almost 50% for all and younger graduates. For example, when comparing like-for-like graduates, predicted earnings for males reduced to €38,372 while the predicted salary for females increases to €35,981. This reduces the salary gap to €2,391. Similarly, the gender pay reduces to just over €1,500 for younger graduates, when controls are applied.

By Socio-Economic Background

Affluent graduates reported the highest salaries (€38,165), while those from disadvantaged areas reported the lowest (€33,297).

Before controls are applied, the gap in earnings between those from affluent and disadvantaged areas was just under €5,000. For younger graduates the gap is less than €2,750. When like-for-like students are compared however, the predicted gap in earnings by socio-economic background reduces significantly. After controls are applied, the gap is reduced to €1,504 for all graduates and €1,040 for young graduates. There is very little variation in earnings between those from marginally above and marginally average, as measured by the small census area deprivation index scores.

By ISCED Broad Field of Study

ICT graduates were the highest paid nine months after graduation (€42,562).

For younger graduates, ICT remains the highest earning field of study, followed by Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction. While younger Education graduates still report above average salaries, they are overtaken by those from the Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics and Health & Welfare fields of study. However, after controlling for the set of earnings determinants, and like-for-like graduates are compared, younger graduates from the Education field are predicted to have the highest earnings nine months after graduation.

The highest earning detailed fields of study nine months after graduation were, Dental studies (€57,795), Education science (€52,198), Education not further defined or elsewhere classified (€48,481), Transport services (€47,325) and Pharmacy (€46,737). Note: detailed fields of study where the number of responses were less than 25 were excluded.

By NACE Sector of Employment

Transportation and Storage is the highest paid sector for all graduates nine months after graduation.

Graduates employed in the Transportation and Storage sector were the highest paid according to these data, with an average salary of €42,015. Those working in Industry and Construction also report average annual salaries above €40,000. At the other end of the scale, graduates working in the Accommodation and food services and Wholesale and retail trade sectors earned the least nine months after graduation. Comparing like-for-like graduates reduces the predicted variance between the highest and and lowest paid sectors, however the ordering remains broadly unchanged.

Focusing on younger graduates only, the sector with the highest average salary nine months after graduation was Information and Communication (€35,442), followed by Industry (€35,028). The two lowest paid sectors is unchanged for younger graduates working in Wholesale and retail (€25,557) and Accommodation and food services (€24,977).

By NFQ Level

Masters and PhD graduates earn more on average than undergraduate graduates at NFQ levels 6, 7, & 8.

PhD graduates (Level 10) earned the most nine months after graduation at €50,017. Masters (Level 9) and Diploma (Level 7) graduates also earned above the average at €42,791 and €39,454, respectively. Undergraduates (Level 8) meanwhile earned the least, which was driven primarily by the composition of their student population. For example, the average age of Level 8 graduates (in this sample) was 25, compared to 35 and 32 for PhD and Diploma graduates, respectively. Looking separately at earnings across gender, there is a strong positive relationship between the two variables, which may go some way to explaining this difference. Additionally, a higher proportion of Level 7 graduates study subjects that are typically associated with higher salaries, while the opposite is true for Level 8 graduates. For example,  Level 8 graduates had a relatively high proportion of Arts and Humanities graduates (8%) compared to Level 7 graduates (2%). On the other hand, the proportion of all Level 7 graduates studying Engineering (41%) is  significantly higher than those graduating with a Level 8 qualification (12%).

Before controls were applied, the salary premium for PhD and Masters graduates, compared to undergraduate graduates, was €17,437 and €10,211 respectively. When like-for like graduates are compared, the premia falls to €9,789 for PhD graduates, and €3,222 for those with a Masters degree. For younger graduates, the salary premium attached to a Masters degree is €1,568 and €8,634 for PhD graduates, when controls are applied.

By Leaving Certificate Points

Note: This section includes only those where Leaving Certificate Points are available and younger graduates (<30), resulting in a sample size of 6,020. The average salary for graduates in this sample is €31,425.  

Graduates that achieved over 500 points in the Leaving Certificate reported the highest salaries nine months after graduation.

On average, graduates with 555+ Leaving Certificate Points report the highest average salaries nine months after graduation (€36,642). This also holds true when like-for-like graduates are compared (€35,360). At the other end of the scale, graduates that achieved less than 255 points had the lowest earnings nine months after graduation, and again, this is true when like for like students are compared. The strong positive relationship between Leaving Certificate Points and graduate earnings implies that performance in the Leaving Certificate is a strong predictor of early labour market earnings.

By Employment Region

At €38,297, graduates working in Dublin had the highest salaries nine months after graduation.

Graduates working in the Dublin region had the highest average salary nine months after graduation (€38,297). Graduates working in the Border region had the lowest average salary at €33,018. Comparing like-for-like graduates, those working in the Border region are expected to earn €34,386, marginally below those working in the West (€34,971). Focusing on younger graduates, a similar picture emerges; graduates working in Dublin have the highest salaries on average, whilst those in the Border region of the lowest.

Developments in Graduate Earnings (2017 - 2020)

This section analyses key developments in graduate earnings over time. The purpose is to examine whether specific graduate subgroups have been affected – in terms of earnings – by the Covid-19 pandemic. Research by the Central Bank of Ireland (2021) shows that sectors such as accommodation and food services, arts and entertainment, and administrative and support services were most affected in terms of reduced employment during the pandemic, while developments in earnings played a larger role for earners higher up the income distribution. Presently, little remains known about the impact of the pandemic on graduate earnings in Ireland. While we cannot attribute changes in earnings in this section solely to the pandemic, it is useful for policy makers to see which graduates were most resilient/exposed to changes in earnings when entering the labour market in 2020.

By Gender (2017-2020)

Average earnings rose by 2% for both males and females in 2020, when compared to 2018.

At 2%, the rate of growth in graduate salaries was broadly consistent for males and females between 2018 and 2020. Consequently, the gender pay gap remained largely unchanged over the period, up €127. Between 2017 and 2018 however, the rate of growth in graduate salaries for males outstripped that of females; the average graduate salary for males increased by 7%, compared to 6% for females. This resulted in a widening of the gender salary gap from €4,027 in 2017 to €4,613  in 2018, an increase of €586.

Turning to younger graduates, females experienced a larger increase in salaries (+6%) between 2018 and 2020, compared to males (+5%). While the absolute change in wages by gender was relatively small (+€1,673 for females versus +€1,575 for ,males), the larger gains by females graduating in the class of 2020 lead to a modest reduction in the gander pay gap for younger graduates in 2020.

By ISCED Broad Field of Study (2017-2020)

ICT graduates saw their salaries increase by 8% between 2018 and 2020.

Between 2018 and 2020, the average ICT graduate salary rose from €39,396 to €42,562, an increase of 8%. According to these data, ICT graduates reported the highest average salaries nine months after graduation in 2020 and 2018. Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics graduates also saw average earnings increase by 8%, an increase of over €2,500 over the same period.

Fields of study that experienced declines in earnings were Business administration and law (-6%) and Services (-5%).  While Business administration and law graduates saw the largest decline between 2018 and 2020, these graduates experienced the largest increase in average earnings between 2017 and 2018 (+14%). As such, the class of 2020 Business, administration and law graduates reported higher earnings than the class of 2017. Services  is the only field of study to report lower average earnings in 2020 than in 2017.

These data suggest that younger graduate salaries were more resilient in 2020, specifically Business, administration and law, and Services graduates. For example, younger Services graduate salaries rose by 2% between 2018 and 2020, in line with the overall average increase in earnings, and significantly higher than the decrease seen for all graduates in this sector, as outlined above. Similar results emerge when all and younger Business, administration and law graduate salaries are compared over the same period.  This suggests that reduced earnings in certain fields of study were concentrated primarily in older graduates (>30 years of age).

By NFQ Level (2017-2020)

Average salaries for Level 7 graduates rose by 10% between 2018 and 2020.

Level 7 graduates experienced the largest increase in earnings between 2018 and 2020, rising by 10%. Graduates with a Level 8 and Level 10 degree saw more modest increases over the same period at 4% and 3%, respectively. Those graduating with a Level 9 degree in 2020 meanwhile, reported 2% lower average salaries than the class of 2018, the only decrease across NFQ levels over the period.

Younger graduates from the class of 2020 experienced a rise in earnings across all NFQ levels.  The largest of these increases was for Level 6 graduates (+11%), followed by Level 10 (+6%) and Level 7 (+6%) graduates.

By NACE Sector of Employment Level (2017-2020)

Average salaries for graduates working in Transportation and storage increased by 12% between 2018 and 2020.

Transportation and storage graduates experienced significant growth in average salaries across all years, up 11% (y-o-y) in 2018 and 12% between 2018 and 2020. This reflects an increase of over €8,000 in the average salary for graduates working in this sector between 2017 and 2020. Other employment sectors that experienced large increases in average salaries between 2018 and 2020 include Construction (+5%), Industry (+4%) and ICT (+4%).

Agriculture and Public Administration graduate salaries experienced the largest decline in 2020, down 10% and 8%, respectively since 2018. Other sectors of employment with salary decreases included Wholesale and retail trade (-4%), Human health and social work (-1%) and Accommodation and food services (-1%). However, focusing only on younger graduates, average salaries only fell in two NACE sectors – Public administration and defence and Agriculture –  while the percentage decrease was less pronounced. In line with results provided above, this suggests that salary decreases in certain employment sectors were concentrated in older graduates, while younger graduates were more resilient.

By Employment Region (2017-2020)

Graduates working in the Midlands experienced the largest increase in salaries between 2018 and 2020 (+6%).

Graduates that reported working in the Midlands in 2020 saw an increase in average of earnings of just over €2,000, or 6%, compared to the class of 2018. Other significant increases were seen in the Mid-West (+5%) and the South-West (+4%). On the other hand, 2020 graduates working in the Border and South-East region reported lower average earnings than those from the class of 2018 working in the same regions.

For younger graduates, the largest increases in 2020 were evident for those working in the Mid-West (+11%) and Mid-East (+10%) regions, while graduates in the Border saw their average earnings fall by 2% between 2020 and 2018. Whilst all and younger graduates working in the Border region experienced lower salaries in 2020 compared to 2018, average salaries in this region grew significantly between 2017 and 2018 (+16% for all and 21% for younger  graduates).

The true impact of the pandemic on employment by region, and subsequently earnings by region, is not yet know from these data. Additional questions may be required in future surveys to better understand how working patterns have evolved in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, region of employment (where an employee’s physical office is located) may be different from where a graduate actually conducts their work. This is particularly important given the sustained utilisation of working from home policies deployed since the onset of the pandemic. While the current scale of remote working may be a transitory phenomenon, understanding how these policies impact graduates warrants further investigation.

Next Chapter: COVID-19 Impact

*Full list of controls included in the main earnings model: Gender, ISCED Broad Field of Study, Institute Type, NACE Sector of Employment, Employment Region, NFQ Level, Age, Employment Type, Contract Type, Occupational Group, Deprivation Index Score Group, Leaving Certificate Points.

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Phd-Study-In-Ireland

• Living in Ireland – A Guide for PhD Students

Written by Chris Banyard

Ireland is a popular and hospitable destination for students looking to study for a PhD . You can experience the country’s ancient heritage sites, verdant landscapes, cosmopolitan vibrant cities, and its famously welcoming and sociable culture.

This guide provides useful information for students thinking of moving to Ireland for doctoral study. It covers accommodation options, work permits, transport and banking.

On this page

Student life.

The Republic of Ireland is a popular location to live and study in. PhD students will be able to experience the historic Irish arts and culture and the country’s passion for food and drink. There are also plenty of activities and events to take part in.

Culture and tourism

Ireland is well-known as a hospitable and welcoming country. The Emerald Isle is also full of history and culture, famous for its beautiful architecture and cities, traditional music and many festivals.

The country is also one of Europe’s premier literary hubs, famous for its association with writers such as Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Oscar Wilde and Seamus Heaney.

Sport and leisure

Sport is huge in Ireland, where there is a passion for rugby, golf and horseracing. You may also experience traditional – and unique - sports like Gaelic football and hurling.

The scenery of the wild countryside and beautiful cities offer plenty of reasons to explore the Emerald Isle. The likes of Star Wars , Games of Thrones and others have all been filmed in Ireland’s stunning ancient landscape – and you won’t have to be researching a PhD in Film Studies to see why!

Food and drink

Ireland isn’t just famous for Guinness and whisky – its cuisine is also well-renowned. There are lots of cafés and restaurants where you can experience traditional and hearty Irish food, such as Dublin coddle (Irish stew), oysters, colcannon (potatoes and cabbage), soda bread, Armagh apple tart, and much more.

Find a PhD in Ireland

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in Ireland ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

Accommodation

There are several types of accommodation you can choose during your PhD in Ireland. In general, housing costs are relatively high and your budget may be an important factor in finding the best residence.

Accommodation types

Types of available student accommodation in Ireland include:

• Halls of residence – most universities have on-campus apartments for 4-8 students with single bedrooms and shared kitchen, living room and bathroom
• Rented accommodation – standard rented rooms, flats or houses from a landlord / letting agent
• Homestay – some students may choose to live with a host family in Ireland

Accommodation costs

The cost of accommodation in generally a little higher than in the UK. You can expect to pay around €427 per month , and this varies depending on your accommodation type, size and location.

Living costs

The overall cost of living in Ireland as a doctoral student is similar to most other countries of Western Europe.

You can expect to pay around €970 per month , budgeting €427 for accommodation, €167 for food and €380 for miscellaneous costs such as utilities and travel.

Prices in Ireland

The following table gives an indication of prices for some common expenses during a PhD in Ireland:

Working during your PhD

All students who are enrolled full-time at university do not need a work permit to work in Ireland.

However, non-EU / EEA / Swiss students will need a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) from the Irish Immigration Service . You will also need the Stamp 2, enabling a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during holidays.

Employment contracts with your university

Many Irish doctorates follow a structured PhD programme with industry placements and / or engagement with research enterprise partners. These may require specific immigration permission or documentation and may affect your ability to carry out other work. You should contact your university for more information.

The Irish currency is the Euro (€). This means that travel between other EU countries is relatively easy.

Doctoral students are normally free to open an Irish bank account. Most banks in Ireland offer student rates or student bank accounts. In most cases opening a bank account will require:

• A valid passport / ID card
• Proof of your Irish address (through a bank statement of utility bill)

Please note that you will only be able to open a bank account after arriving in Ireland.

Ireland has a modern nationwide transport system and getting around the country is generally quick.

Most of the following travel services accept discounts via the Student Leap Card and / or the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

Rail travel

The Irish Rail train network connects to many places around the country, offering simple and comfortable journeys along many popular routes. You can receive student discounts using the Student Leap Card .

Ireland has ten airports, the largest being Dublin Airport , which has regular connections to the major cities of Europe and the rest of the world.

Inner-city travel

Most Irish towns and cities have a Bus Éireann bus service, and Dublin also has the Dublin Bus , Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) and LUAS Tram services.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

This guide tells you all about everything you need to apply for a PhD programme in Ireland.

This guide tells you all about how much a PhD in Ireland costs and where to find the right funding for it.

Want to study a PhD in Ireland? This guide gives a detailed introduction to the kind of visa you need to study in Ireland and how to apply for it.

We cover the types of student accommodation available in Ireland, typical costs and what to keep in mind when booking.

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