Study In Ireland

Ireland has become a popular study-abroad destination in recent years. The country has a global reputation for providing high-quality education that is based on a commitment to excellence. Ireland is home to numerous internationally renowned higher education institutions that provide a wide range of courses in fields such as health, science, technology, engineering, business, and law, among others. International students who want to study in Ireland would be delighted to hear that the majority of the courses taught in Ireland are in the English language thus making the country one of the most viable options for studying abroad.

Candidates who wish to pursue higher education in Ireland may be happy to know that studying a full-time master’s programme in Ireland allows them to up to two years of post-study leave to look for suitable jobs in their field of study. Ireland, one of the world’s fastest growing economies and an integral part of the European Union, offers attractive job prospects as the home of over 1,500 multinational companies (MNCs) such as Google, Facebook, Apple, Coca-Cola, and Amazon to name a few.

Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland is one of the most popular study abroad locations for foreign students. Top-ranked universities in the country offer high-quality education and a high return on investment (ROI).

The English language is widely spoken throughout the country, and major universities in Ireland use English as their medium of education. Many of Ireland’s higher education institutions are internationally ranked, with many good programs in a variety of fields.

The country’s education system is student-friendly, offering post-study stay-back options of up to two years. With close proximity to Europe, Ireland is a growing business hub with numerous corporate titans, providing excellent career opportunities.

Education System in Ireland

In this section, we will discuss the education system in Ireland. The country is organized into three sections: primary education, secondary education, and tertiary education. In Ireland, tertiary education is commonly referred to as studying higher education, with 10 universities, 10 Institutes of Technology (IOTs), and 7+ private higher education institutes. Ireland follows to the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ). The Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a ten-level system for describing qualifications in Ireland’s education and training system.

The NFQ shows how General Education Awards, Further Education and Training Awards, and Higher Education Awards are mapped against the framework’s 10 levels.

Top Universities in Ireland

In this section, we are going to be talking about the top universities in Ireland.

Top Courses in Ireland

Ireland is home to some of the world’s top universities, which offer a wide range of courses suitable for anyone interested in studying higher education in Ireland. Popular courses in Ireland are determined by a variety of reasons, which might vary from the candidates’ own interests to work opportunities accessible in a specific county. When we talk about top courses in Ireland, we have:

Cost of Studying in Ireland

Let us analyse the expenses of studying in Ireland for international students. In Ireland, there are three major schools of study. These are public universities, private universities, and technology institutes (IOTs). Fees would differ depending on the type of school you attend.

The same is provided in the table below. 

Cost of Studying in Ireland by School

• Public universities – €14,000 Euro – €21,000 Euro
• Private colleges – €12,000 Euro – €14,000 Euro
• IOTS – €10,000 Euro – €12,500 Euro

Cost of Studying in Ireland by Programme

Note: There are also additional costs incurred, such as books and stationery, summing up to €200 per month. | source: DIFC

Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland is greatly depend on a variety of factors such as lifestyle choices, accommodation quality, leisure activities, and so on. If you share your flat with other students or tenants, your rent will be much lower because it will be divided. Students should spend between €500 to €18,000 each month. The average monthly rent for a two-room apartment in a city is around €1000-1200, and €800-€900 in the suburbs.

In addition, the student would be responsible for utilities such as electricity bills and maintenance costs. On-campus boarding may cost students between €600 and €800 per month.

Living Cost in Ireland

Ireland Student Visa

Candidates who intend to study in Ireland for more than three months must apply for an Ireland Study Visa. To complete their online student visa application, candidates must visit the Irish Immigration Service’s official website. Applicants for an Ireland Study Visa should complete the online application form, submit supporting documents, and follow the instructions on the summary application form generated by the system.

Students can apply for an Ireland study visa up to three months before their travel to Ireland. The processing time for an Ireland visa is around 8 weeks from the date of application. Students are advised not to purchase plane tickets till the outcome of their visa application is confirmed. Reasons for Ireland Student Visa Rejection

Ireland Study Visa Fees

Student Visa requirements for Ireland

Applicants would be required to bring the following documents with them to the visa centre. These include: 

• Application Form along with the appropriate fee
• Application Letter which would include
  • Full name and postal address, and the:
  • The reason you want to come to Ireland
  • Dates you plan to arrive and leave.
  • Your letter must also include a commitment from you that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiry of your permission to remain.
• Two colour passport-sized photographs not more than 6 months old
• Your current passport and a full copy of all previous passports. Your current passport must be valid for at least 12 months after your proposed date of arrival
• Evidence that you have enrolled on a privately funded course
• Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history
• Evidence of fee payment to the college
• Evidence that you have the academic ability to follow your chosen course
• Evidence of your level of English
• Financial proof
• Private medical insurance
• Previous visa refusals
• Summary of finances for study visa application

Ireland Permanent Residence Permit

Students who have been legally residing in Ireland for at least five years (60 months) on an employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment can apply for Long Term Residency permission.

Admission Requirements to study in Irish Universities

The autumn admission in September is the main enrolment season for Irish universities. Some universities also admit students for January sessions. Irish universities accept applications for undergraduate courses through the Central Applications Office (CAO), an online enrolment system. Candidates for postgraduate courses must apply directly to the university. The documents required as part of your admission requirements to Irish universities are as follows:

• Academic Transcripts: Mark Sheets of Standard X, XII, and the bachelor’s degree (if applicable)
• Internet-based TOEFL or IELTS scores
• If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation (LOR) from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Academic Resume
• Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses or architecture programs)
• Others (Certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds
• Health insurance
• A copy of your passport

Photocopies of these documents should be translated into English and certified by the educational institution or by a notary.

Top cities Preferred by students

Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Cork, and Waterford are some of the most popular cities in Ireland, and they also have some of the best colleges in the country.

Scholarships to study in Ireland

The high tuition fee is one of the most significant disadvantages of studying abroad. However, many Irish universities are willing to waive application fees and offer scholarships to individuals with excellent academic background. Candidates interested in studying in Ireland should also visit our website for a list of Scholarships to study in Ireland.

Education Loan for studying in Ireland

Candidates who are unable to obtain a fee waiver should try applying for an education loan. Studying abroad promises a high return on investment, which means you’ll be able to pay off your education loan in a matter of years. Candidates can search our website for Education Loan providers.

Part-time work options for international students in Ireland

Overseas students in Ireland on an Irish Student Visa who are enrolled in a full-time programme on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) would be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the holidays (summer and winter holidays).

Post-study work permit in Ireland

Students who have enrolled as full-time students and holding an Irish certified degree would be eligible for a non-renewable extension of up to two years following course completion as a post-study work permit. This extension is provided in order to find suitable job.

Job prospects in Ireland (ROI)

Skill Shortage Jobs in Ireland are an option for candidates. Critical Skill Employment Permit Ireland allows students to work in a profession where there is a skills deficit in the country. The Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland is intended to attract and encourage highly talented people from other nations to contribute to the Irish economy. The list is periodically updated by the government and you can access the same on the official website.

In-demand skills and job opportunities in Ireland include:

• Business and Finance – Accountants, Business Intelligence Analysts, Financial Advisers, Risk and Compliance Professionals
• Science & Engineering – Biomedical Engineers, Chemical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Energy Engineers
• ICT – App Developers, Data Analysts, Software Developers, IT Support Specialists, Programmers
• Healthcare & Social Care – Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Opticians, Radiologists
• Hospitality – Chefs
• Transport and Logistics – Logistics and Supply Chain Managers, Supply Chain Analysts, and Transport Managers.

Popular Job Sectors in Ireland

Broadly speaking, the job sector in Ireland can be classified into the following professions.

• Primary Industries
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Technology Industries
• Software and ICT Industries
• Financial Service Industry
• Export and Trade Industry

Average Salary in Ireland – By Job

Study in Ireland FAQs

Q. Why should foreigners study in Ireland?
Ireland is home to world-class universities and the education system in Ireland is very different from the foreign education system. Studying in Ireland would allow students to live among Europeans who are famous for their rich lifestyle. Close proximity to Europe would also allow students to travel to nearby countries on a Schengen Visa. Part-time work opportunities and post-study work permits make studying in Ireland a dream come true for many. 

Q. How to apply to universities in Ireland?
For undergraduate admissions, candidates would be required to apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). And for postgraduate admissions, students are required to apply online directly with the university.