About the university
Dublin Business School (DBS) was established in 1975 and describes itself as Ireland's largest independent third-level college, with more than 9,000 students. It is part of the US education group Kaplan Inc. Its certificates, degrees and master's awards are issued by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the national awarding body.
DBS teaches business, accounting and finance, marketing, computing and data, law, psychology, and arts and media. Many of its master's courses run for one year full time, and several professional bodies (such as ACCA and ICAI) give exemptions for relevant DBS degrees.
For Indian students the main draws are the city-centre location and lower fees than most Irish universities. For 2026/2027 most master's degrees cost €14,500 for non-EU students, and the analytics, AI, cyber security, FinTech and digital marketing MSc courses cost €15,575. Many of these offer January, April and September starts.
The campus is on Aungier Street and George's Street, a short walk from St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street. Dublin is home to the European offices of many technology, pharmaceutical and finance companies, but rents are high, so plan your budget carefully.
- Founded
- 1975
- Type
- Private, independent college, part of Kaplan Inc.; degrees are awarded by QQI
- Total students
- More than 9,000 (DBS website)
- International students
- Students from more than 70 countries (DBS website)
- Campus
- Dublin city centre, on Aungier Street and George's Street (Dublin 2)
- Intakes
- January, April and September 2027 for many full-time master's courses
- Global rankings
- Not ranked in the QS or THE world university rankings
Rankings
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
Master of Science (MSc) in Data Analytics
- Fee / year
- €15,575
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- January 2027, April 2027 and September 2027
- English
- CEFR B2+: IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, TOEFL iBT 76 or Duolingo 105
- Postgraduate
Master of Science (MSc) in Business Analytics
- Fee / year
- €15,575
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- January 2027, April 2027 and September 2027
- English
- CEFR B2+: IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, TOEFL iBT 76 or Duolingo 105
- Postgraduate
Master of Science (MSc.) in Cybersecurity
- Fee / year
- €15,575
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- January 2027, April 2027 and September 2027
- English
- CEFR B2+: IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, TOEFL iBT 76 or Duolingo 105
- Postgraduate
Master of Science (MSc.) in Artificial Intelligence
- Fee / year
- €15,575
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- January 2027 and September 2027
- English
- CEFR B2+: IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, TOEFL iBT 76 or Duolingo 105
- Postgraduate
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Fee / year
- €14,500
- Duration
- 1 year (full time, 90 ECTS)
- Intakes
- Check the course page for 2027 start dates
- English
- CEFR B2+: IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, TOEFL iBT 76 or Duolingo 105
- Postgraduate
Master of Science (MSc) Information Systems with Computing
- Fee / year
- €14,500
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- January 2027, April 2027 and September 2027
- English
- CEFR B2+: IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, TOEFL iBT 76 or Duolingo 105
- Postgraduate
Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Marketing and Analytics
- Fee / year
- €15,575
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- January 2027, April 2027 and September 2027
- English
- CEFR B2+: IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, TOEFL iBT 76 or Duolingo 105
- Postgraduate
Master of Science (MSc) in Financial Technology
- Fee / year
- €15,575
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- January 2027 and September 2027
- English
- CEFR B2+: IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, TOEFL iBT 76 or Duolingo 105
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (EUR) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science (MSc) in Data Analytics | 1 year (full time) | €15,575 | ≈ ₹16.5 lakh |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Business Analytics | 1 year (full time) | €15,575 | ≈ ₹16.5 lakh |
| Master of Science (MSc.) in Cybersecurity | 1 year (full time) | €15,575 | ≈ ₹16.5 lakh |
| Master of Science (MSc.) in Artificial Intelligence | 1 year (full time) | €15,575 | ≈ ₹16.5 lakh |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1 year (full time, 90 ECTS) | €14,500 | ≈ ₹15.4 lakh |
| Master of Science (MSc) Information Systems with Computing | 1 year (full time) | €14,500 | ≈ ₹15.4 lakh |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Marketing and Analytics | 1 year (full time) | €15,575 | ≈ ₹16.5 lakh |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Financial Technology | 1 year (full time) | €15,575 | ≈ ₹16.5 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Dublin Business School with similar universities in Ireland.
Scholarships
- Undergraduate and master's (not ACCA, pre-master's or pre-undergraduate courses)
DBS Partial Scholarship (overseas students)
Value: €1,000 off Level 9 (master's) programmes; €500 off Level 6 to 8 programmes
Eligibility: Applicants living abroad who pay the acceptance fee within 30 days of the confirmed offer and pay the balance before the course starts. Terms and conditions apply; only one scholarship or discount per student per year.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Non-EU applicants apply directly to the DBS International Admissions Office, not through the CAO.
- Overseas school qualifications, including Indian Class 12, are assessed case by case; the course pages do not list a set Class 12 percentage, so ask the admissions office.
- Honours degrees ask for IELTS 6.0 or an equivalent test.
Postgraduate
- Most master's courses ask for a Level 8 honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least a 2.2, usually in a related subject.
- Some courses accept a degree in an unrelated subject with relevant work experience (for example four years for the MSc in Cybersecurity, 1 to 2 years for the MSc in Financial Technology).
- The MSc in Cybersecurity and MSc in Artificial Intelligence also ask for programming ability in an object-oriented language and some mathematics.
- The full first-year tuition fee must be paid before the course starts, because it is needed for the study visa.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Degree certificate and transcripts (Class 10 and 12 mark sheets for undergraduate)
- English test result dated within two years of the course start
- CV and personal statement where the course asks for them
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 overall (CEFR B2+) |
| PTE Academic | 52 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 76 overall |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 overall |
| Waiver | Applicants who studied previously through English may be eligible for a waiver depending on their country; ask admissions@dbs.ie. No Class 12 English waiver is stated. |
Accommodation and living costs
DBS does not run its own halls; it points students to purpose-built student accommodation and private rentals in Dublin. Its cost-of-living page suggests budgeting at least €2,500 a month for basic living expenses.
| Item | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose-built student accommodationDBS cost-of-living guide | €275–450per week | ≈ ₹29,150 – ₹47,700 |
| Rent (any accommodation)DBS cost-of-living guide | €1,000–2,000per month | ≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹2.1 lakh |
| Total monthly living costsDBS estimate including rent, food, travel and bills | €1,715–3,425per month | ≈ ₹1.8 lakh – ₹3.6 lakh |
| Irish Residence PermitDBS cost-of-living guide | €300per year | ≈ ₹31,800 |
Campus and location
DBS is a city-centre college with buildings on Aungier Street and George's Street in Dublin 2, close to St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street.
- Walking distance to shops, Luas tram and bus routes in central Dublin.
- Students from more than 70 countries.
- Relevant degrees carry recognition or exemptions from ACCA, ICAI, PSI and other professional bodies.
- Repeat exams and dissertations are charged again, so check the repeat fees before you start.
Careers and graduate outcomes
DBS degrees are QQI awards. Irish Immigration's Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) covers QQI awards: a Level 9 master's can give 12 months, renewable for a further 12 months, and a Level 8 honours degree 12 months. See our Ireland guide for the rules.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stay-back after a Level 9 master's (Stamp 1G) | Up to 24 months (12 months, renewable once) | Irish Immigration Service Delivery |
| Stay-back after a Level 8 honours degree (Stamp 1G) | 12 months | Irish Immigration Service Delivery |
Studying in Ireland
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Ireland. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much is a master's at DBS?
For 2026/2027 the non-EU fee is €14,500 for most master's degrees and €15,575 for the MSc in AI, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing and Analytics, Financial Analytics, FinTech and Trading and Investing.
Can I start in January or April?
Yes, for many courses. The MSc in Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity and International Accounting & Finance list January, April and September 2027 starts. The MSc in AI and FinTech list January and September.
What IELTS score do I need?
DBS asks for CEFR B2+, which it lists as IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, TOEFL iBT 76 or Duolingo 105. Results must be dated within two years of the course start.
Is DBS a university?
No. It is a private, independent college. Its awards are made by QQI, Ireland's national qualifications body, so they are recognised Irish qualifications.
Are there scholarships?
DBS offers overseas applicants a partial scholarship of €1,000 off a master's (€500 off lower levels) if the acceptance fee is paid within 30 days of the confirmed offer.
Sources
- DBS: full-time international programmes fee sheet 2026/2027 (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- DBS: courses for international students (opens in a new tab)
- DBS: MSc in Data Analytics (opens in a new tab)
- DBS: MSc in Cybersecurity (opens in a new tab)
- DBS: English language requirements for international students (opens in a new tab)
- DBS: scholarships for international students (opens in a new tab)
- DBS: Why DBS (opens in a new tab)
- DBS: cost of living in Dublin (opens in a new tab)
- Irish Immigration Service Delivery: Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.dbs.ie (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details