Indian students eyeing an MBA in Ireland keep looking at private options in Dublin like Dublin Business School (DBS) and CCT College Dublin. Both sit right in the city centre, focus on practical skills rather than heavy research, and pull in international crowds with affordable fees and job-oriented courses. As education consultants working with Irish colleges, we notice these two get compared a lot for their location and value. Let me lay out the main differences to help you figure out what might suit better.
What the Programs Look Like
DBS offers a proper one-year full-time MBA with loads of streams,general, finance, marketing, project management, cloud computing, HRM, and more. It’s geared for fresh grads or pros wanting solid strategy, leadership, and global business know-how.
CCT has a Master’s in International Business (Level 9 on the Irish framework), which works like an MBA but zeros in on global trade, cross-cultural management, and international ops. Also one-year, but narrower focus on worldwide business.
Both get QQI accreditation, valid in Ireland and recognised elsewhere, but DBS gives more variety in specialisations.
How Much It Costs
DBS MBA for internationals runs around €13,500-€14,500 these days. Dublin living,rent, food, buses, adds another €12,000-€15,000 a year.
CCT doesn’t list exact fees openly; you contact them, but similar private spots fall in €12,000-€15,000 ballpark for postgrad business.
City expenses stay the same either way, central spots mean great access but pricey housing.
Getting In and How Easy It Is
DBS sits moderate, acceptance around 55-60%. They want a bachelor’s (50-55% or better), prefer 2-3 years work, IELTS 6.5. Plenty of Indian students apply at Dublin Business School with high acceptance rate for Indian students when the basics line up.
CCT feels more open—smaller place, rolling apps, flexible on experience if academics are strong. Some say acceptance pushes 85-90%, but hard numbers vary.
Both handle direct apps, fast responses.
Size, History, and Feel
DBS is bigger and older (back to 1975), around 9,000 students with a hefty Indian chunk. Known for business, accounting, hands-on teaching.
CCT started 2005, smaller crowd, grew from computing roots into business. Good at blending IT with management, more intimate classes.
Both private, no public uni status like Trinity or UCD, so lower global rankings but strong on practical employability.
Jobs After and the Stay-Back Visa
Ireland gives Level 9 masters grads two years post-study work (Stamp 1G), loads of time to hunt roles in Dublin’s tech, finance, pharma scene (Google, Accenture, Pfizer all here).
DBS bigger network, more alumni links, solid career help for placements.
CCT pushes industry projects, internships baked in.
Results look similar,management, consulting, international roles.
Campuses and Daily Life in Dublin
Both smack in the centre, quick transport, pubs, culture everywhere.
DBS spreads across spots like Aungier Street main, modern setups.
CCT on Westmoreland Street, compact and handy.
Dublin vibe identical, lively but hunt hard for affordable flats.
So, DBS or CCT-What Tips the Scale?
No outright winner. CCT fits for smaller groups, easier possible entry, and that specific international business angle if it matches your plans.
Things change yearly, so check directly. Bigger scale and variety pull many to DBS; compact, focused feel draws to CCT.
If the larger setup calls, apply at Dublin Business School with high acceptance rate for Indian students for those stream options. For a tighter, personalised college, Get admission at CCT College Dublin in Ireland by reaching out straight. Always verify current fees, modules, entry on their sites, private places tweak often. Go with the specialisation and atmosphere that lines up with your goals.
