Study in Limerick, Ireland

About Limerick

Limerick is a city on the River Shannon in the Mid-West of Ireland, near the Atlantic coast. It is the third-largest city in the Republic of Ireland, according to the University of Limerick, and lies about 20 km from Shannon International Airport. It is smaller and quieter than Dublin.

For international students, Limerick offers two things: a large public university with many international students, and English courses in a city where English is the everyday language. Ireland is also the only English-speaking country in the eurozone.

Studying in Limerick

Our directory lists three schools in Limerick: one university and two English language schools.

• University of Limerick (UL) is a public university with over 19,000 students, including more than 3,300 international students each year. Its 130-hectare campus lies along the River Shannon, and it teaches undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts, humanities and social sciences; business; education and health sciences; and science and engineering. As elsewhere in Ireland, each institution sets its own entry requirements for international students, usually based on national exam results and English level.
• The University of Limerick Language Centre teaches General English and Academic English on the UL campus and is a Cambridge exam centre. It also offers a pathway to undergraduate study, a 25-week study and work programme and the CELTA teacher training course.
• Griffith Institute of Language is the English language school of Griffith College, with campuses in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. In Limerick, classes run Monday to Thursday from 9:20 to 13:35.

Cost of living for students

We found no official figure for student rents in Limerick, so we give none; as in the rest of Ireland, accommodation is the main cost. Universities usually offer halls of residence in shared apartments for four to eight students, and homestays with a host family are common for English language students.

Course fees vary by school. At Griffith Institute of Language in Limerick, English courses of under 26 weeks cost from €205 per week for 2 to 6 weeks to €145 per week for 20 to 24 weeks. Non-EU students who apply for a study visa must show €10,000 to support themselves at the start of their stay. With Stamp 2 permission they may work up to 20 hours a week during term and 40 hours a week in the holidays.

Visa and residence

Ireland is not part of the Schengen area. Non-EU students who need a visa apply online for a long stay study visa; the course must be full-time, last an academic year and include at least 15 hours of classes a week. After arrival, students staying longer than three months register for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

Getting around and climate

Bus Éireann runs the city bus services in Limerick, and students with a Student Leap Card save up to 50% on fares.

The climate is mild and wet, typical of the west of Ireland. At Shannon Airport the average temperature is 6.1 °C in January and 16 °C in July, and rainfall is about 1,020 mm a year, wettest in winter (Met Éireann, 1991-2020 normals).

Frequently asked questions

Is Limerick a good place to learn English?

Yes. The University of Limerick Language Centre and Griffith Institute of Language both teach English in Limerick, including academic English and exam preparation, in a city where English is the everyday language.

Which university is in Limerick?

The University of Limerick (UL), a public university with over 19,000 students, including more than 3,300 international students a year.

How much does an English course in Limerick cost?

At Griffith Institute of Language in Limerick, courses of under 26 weeks cost between €145 and €205 per week, depending on length.

Can international students work in Ireland?

Non-EU students with Stamp 2 permission may work up to 20 hours a week during term and up to 40 hours a week in the holiday periods.