Study in Ireland

Overview

Ireland, located on the western coast of Europe, is a member of the European Union and, following Brexit, will soon be the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone. Ireland is a welcoming nation with cosmopolitan cities and a strong history related to literature.

Why Ireland

Ireland is one of the quickest developing economies in the world, and the Irish education system is one of the most advanced. Therefore, the student's degree will be the same as the UK equivalent. Ireland's education system is ranked among the top 20 education systems worldwide. 

Ireland is also an ideal destination for international students interested in stunning scenery, beautiful coastal and mountain walks, ancient culture, and architecture. Aside from the breathtaking nature surrounding Ireland, it is ranked #13 as the most peaceful place on Earth, making it safe for international students. Dublin, the capital of Ireland, has been voted by Lonely Planet as the world's friendliest city.

Ireland is home to the world's greatest technology and pharmaceutical companies. The world's biggest companies have situated vital strategic and research facilities in Ireland,  such as Google, Microsoft, and Medtronics.

Admissions

The admission process differs from college to college, but the following documents remain/general requirements remain a staple for admission to higher education in Ireland.

Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)

GMAT/GRE for postgraduate programs

Letters of recommendation

Statement of purpose

Academic transcripts

Copy of a valid passport

Universities

Higher education in Ireland consists of universities, specialist colleges, and institutes of technology. 7 public universities from Ireland were ranked within the top 700 in the QS World University Rankings. These institutes are also among the top 1% of research universities in the world in terms of research impact.

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, Leinster

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University College Dublin

Dublin, Leinster

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University College Cork

Cork, Munster

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Courses

Ireland is considered the leader in Europe in the Information, Communication, and Technology sectors. Many international companies have set up their European headquarters in Ireland, including Google, Airbnb, Pfizer, Dell, and others. Many industries, such as financial services, life sciences, engineering, pharmaceutical, Technology, etc., have been on the rise in Ireland.

Computer Science MBA Engineering Design Data Science

Finances

Cost is a primary factor for many students in selecting their destination for education. To their benefit, quality education in Ireland is available at lower tuition rates than in many European countries. The duration of graduation courses is mostly 12 months because of their intensive nature.

Living Expenses 

Scholarships

The government of Ireland offers 870 million EUR every year for research in higher education. To encourage international students, the Irish government also offers multiple scholarships.

Government-funded scholarships

The International Education Scholarships 2022-23 offered by the Government of Ireland will be provided to international students at every education level - bachelor's, master's, or doctorate program. There are 60 scholarships provided to students by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

Non-government funded scholarships 

• Fulbright Scholarships

• Centenary Scholarship Program 

• Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarship for International Students

• The Walsh Fellowship

Apart from the scholarships mentioned above, various university-specific scholarships are also available for international students.

Accommodation

Every year, Ireland becomes home to around 32,000 international students from all over the world seeking quality higher education. The thumb rule for studying in Ireland is to start scouting as soon as possible to get the right combination of location and price.

On-Campus Accommodation 

On-campus accommodation is the most preferred option for international students. The accommodation offers students to reside on-campus where they will have access to all the campus facilities such as libraries, labs, cafes, and restaurants. On-campus accommodation also includes security and health services.  Students can also enjoy social life and be a part of diverse activities. 

Average cost: EUR 500 per month.

Off-campus Accommodation

Off-campus accommodation is majorly popular amongst postgraduate students and Ph.D. students. Most universities in Ireland assist students in finding private rentals and even offer them an updated list of available housing options.

Private Rentals: Building featuring flats where students can stay in single rooms or need to share with other students.

• Preferred by students who love a private lifestyle. 

• Give a sense of independence where one has to look over all the aspects of living such as cleaning, cooking, groceries, and more.

A single room: EUR 180 to EUR 200 per month.

Shared rooms: EUR 130 to EUR 150

Utilities (food, electricity, internet etc.): EUR 30

Homestay: Considered one of the safest types of accommodation, where students will be leaving with Irish families right in their home.

Easy access to all the basic amenities such as food and furniture.

• Valuable cultural experience 

• A fully furnished room

• Properly arranged meals

EUR 180 per month

Visa

The Irish government offers two types of visas for international students

Procedure 

Students should apply for their study visas three months before they plan to arrive in Ireland. One essential requirement is that students provide evidence that they have paid at least €6000 in tuition fees before applying. The amount must be fully paid if course fees are less than €6000.

Documentation 

Paperwork and documentation are a vital part of studying in Ireland for higher education. To ensure a hassle-free admission process, students must keep the following documents ready with them at all times.  

1. A current passport (passport needs to be valid for 12 months)

2. Passport-sized color photographs

3. Letter of acceptance or LOA from a recognised Irish institution

4. The score of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)

5. Proof of fee payment 

6. Evidence of funds (€7,000) that can pay for your living expenses for the duration of your course

7. Evidence that accounts for gaps in your educational history

8. Medical insurance details

9. Biometric information

10. Evidence of academic ability (Academic scores) to pursue your chosen course

Copy of valid Passport Financial Documents Form I-20 Copy of DS-160 SEVIS Fee Receipt

Careers

The Irish Education System also enables students with the right skills to find suitable jobs at large multinational organizations in the technology and management sectors. Ireland, thus, makes an excellent study abroad destination.

Part-time Work Opportunities

In Ireland, student VISA allows international students to work for 20 h/week during their course and up to 40 h/week during holidays. Working part-time also enables students to gain practical exposure and working experience. Students can also undertake an internship in the workplace or businesses associated with the study institutions.

Full-time Work Opportunity/Post-study Work Opportunity

After becoming a member of the European Union, Ireland quickly became Europe’s economic powerhouse. Ireland is one of the fastest-growing economies with a high employment rate of over 90%. The nation also boasts the highest quality of life in the world, ranking first in the Economist Intelligence Unit's Quality-of-life index. 

Ireland was ranked as the 16th most innovative country in the world by the Bloomberg Innovation Index 2020. It is home to five of Forbes top 10 companies; Google, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, and Samsung. Ireland is also the European Headquarter of ICT Companies such as Microsoft and LinkedIn.

FAQ's

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