Maynooth University for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Foundation Year required via Maynooth University Foundation Programme. WAEC/NECO accepted as O-level equivalent. Foundation route required for WAEC holders. Maynooth is 30 min from Dublin by train.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: €15,000–€20,000. Application deadline: Rolling — apply by March for September intake.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 2.75/4 (2:2 UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: €14,000–€18,000. Application deadline: Rolling. Decision time: 3–6 weeks.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available.
Specific Requirements
Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.
Deadline
Rolling
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)
by Irish Government (HEA) · Masters, Phd
Learn more →VP International Scholar Award
by Maynooth University · Masters
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maynooth University accept WAEC?
WAEC/NECO is accepted as a secondary school qualification for undergraduate foundation entry at Maynooth. For Masters admission, a recognised Nigerian Bachelor's degree with minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 (2:2 equivalent) is required — WAEC is not relevant at Masters level.
What GPA is needed for Masters at Maynooth University?
Maynooth University requires a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 (UK 2:2 equivalent) for most Masters programmes. Named Sunday Times University of the Year, Maynooth offers a quality education with accessible entry requirements, 30 minutes from Dublin by train.
Are there scholarships for Nigerian students at Maynooth University?
Yes. The VP International Scholar Award offers €7,500 (2 awards annually) for Africa-eligible applicants, and the International Excellence Scholarship provides €5,000. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) also applies at Maynooth for full tuition waiver plus €10,000 stipend.
Tips for Applying to Maynooth
Maynooth University offers a rare combination: the academic credibility of a National University of Ireland institution, lower tuition than Dublin universities, and proximity to Dublin (30 minutes by train) — ideal for Nigerian students who want Dublin career access without Dublin living costs. The VP International Scholar Award at €7,500 is one of the most generous individual awards in Ireland for African students. After graduation, the 24-month Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) enables graduates to work in Ireland, with the Dublin commuter belt location making job opportunities in the capital readily accessible.
Official source: Maynooth University ↗Cost of Living in Maynooth
Maynooth is 30 minutes from Dublin — more affordable than the capital.