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Why Study in Ireland?
Choosing Ireland for studying abroad is a wise choice. The country offers a high-quality education, a low cost of living and easy access to international students from around the world.
Reasons to Pick Ireland as Your Study-Abroad Destination
So, we have listed below some more interesting facts about Ireland, making it a good choice for studying abroad:
- English is the predominant language of communication and instruction– Sounds convenient, isn’t it? English is the official language of Ireland, which has led to the majority of schools in Ireland being English-language schools. So, if you want to study here, make sure that your first language is indeed English!
- Hosts 25,000 international students yearly: Ireland hosts close to 25,000 international students worldwide from nearly 160 countries. What is even more exciting is that the numbers are exponentially increasing, encouraging cultural diversity and communion!
- Avail Third Level Grant Benefits: You can avail of a Third Level Grant of €1,500 per year and also the tax back on college fees. This grant is paid directly to the college once every year in September.
- Lower Living Costs: The cost of living in Ireland is comparatively 25% lower than in London and New York cities. Since, the average cost of living per month in Ireland is €1,500 ($1,865), it makes it one of the cheapest cities to live in Europe.
- Top-notch Career Prospects: Over 800 companies have their headquarters in Ireland, which makes it one of the best places to study for an MBA, with career-shaping job opportunities.
- Irish Education Structure: In Ireland, some bachelor degrees are free for citizens from EU or EEA-listed countries, Ireland and Switzerland as the costs are covered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
Further Reading: Cost of living in Ireland
Top Irish Universities and their IELTS Score Requirements
Here is the IELTS score requirement for top universities in Ireland.
Top Universities |
IELTS Requirement (Bachelor’s Programs) |
IELTS Requirement (Masters Program) |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
|
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
National University of Ireland, Galway |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
6 |
6.5 |
Explore: Top Masters Universities in Ireland
Top Courses and their IELTS Requirements
To help you save time sorting through the programs, we have shortlisted some of the popular programs with their IELTS score requirements for Ireland.
Top Bachelors Programs with minimum IELTS requirement.
Bachelor Programs |
IELTS Requirement |
BA (Hons) in International Business |
6.0 to 6.5 above |
BSc in Nursing |
6.5 or 7.0 above |
BA in European Studies |
6.0 to 6.5 above |
Bachelor of Architecture |
6.5 or 7.0 above |
Top Masters Programs with minimum IELTS requirement.
Masters Programs |
IELTS Requirement |
MSc in International Management (CEMS) |
6.5 or 7.0 above |
MSc Human Resource Management |
6.5 or 7.0 above |
Music Therapy MA |
6.5 or 7.0 above |
MSc in Chemical Engineering |
7.0 or 7.5 above |
Some Foundational Courses with minimum IELTS requirements.
Foundational Courses |
IELTS Requirement |
Standard International Foundation Programme |
5.0 and above |
Extended International Foundation Programme |
4.5 and above |
IELTS Score for Ireland Student Visa
When applying for a student visa to Ireland, demonstrating proficiency in English is crucial. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) requires international students to provide proof of their English language skills, typically through an IELTS score. The minimum IELTS score required for Ireland student visa applications is as follows:
English Language Proficiency Test |
2nd level and foundation level or preparatory English course |
All other courses (not 2nd level and not preparatory English) |
IELTS |
4.0 |
5.0 |
Learn: To Ace your IELTS cue card | Tips and Tricks for Fluency
Summary
Understanding the IELTS score requirements for studying in Ireland is essential to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for your desired course and student visa. Most universities in Ireland require an IELTS score ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, depending on the level and type of program you are applying for. Learn everything you need to know about the IELTS score requirement for Ireland and start applying to your desired university.
FAQs
Ques 1: Can I study in Ireland without IELTS?
Answer 1: The answer is ‘yes’. If you have completed your high school or university education in English, some universities in Ireland may waive the IELTS requirement. In such cases, universities may accept proof of your previous education in English, such as transcripts or certificates.
Ques 2: What is the minimum IELTS score required for an Ireland student visa?
Answer 2: The minimum IELTS score required for Ireland student visa applications is generally 5.0-6.0, depending on the course and level of study.
For undergraduate courses, universities usually require an IELTS score between 6.0 and 6.5, while for postgraduate programs, the requirement can go up to 6.5-7.0.
Ques 3: What is the success rate of an Ireland student visa?
Answer 3: The success rate of the Ireland student visas generally falls between 70-85%, and this rate depends on certain factors like academic credentials, financial requirements, all complete documents and most importantly, your intention to study. While this percentage is generally positive, you must remember that each application is evaluated individually. So, it’s advisable to consult the Irish embassy or a specialized visa consultant for the most up-to-date criteria and guidance.