Are you interested in studying in Ireland? Follow this post to know everything about how to study, work and live in Ireland. Situated in Europe; Ireland is a small island nation famous for its diverse culture. It is a popular destination for international students, who can study in Irish or in English medium. There are lots of English programs offered in graduate and undergraduate degrees across its universities and colleges.
Ireland’s education system is comparable to that of the United Kingdom, as its tertiary institutions adopted the United Kingdom’s higher education system when it got independence in 1922. In Ireland, there are currently seven universities. Bachelor’s degrees are usually completed in three or four years. A postgraduate degree usually takes one year to complete.
Ireland has one of the best educational systems in the world. Some of its universities are ranked among the top 150 universities in the global university rankings. A degree from an Iris institution is recognized all over the world, and most of them have links to universities in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Wales. The following are some of the most persuasive reasons to study in Ireland.
Why study in Ireland?
• Serene study environment
Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world. Its universities provide learning in a serene environment. To make learning interesting, Irish Universities engage students in practical teachings.
• Wide range of English programs
The official language of Ireland is Irish, but English is spoken by the majority, and universities in Ireland teach in Irish and English. International students who wish to study in an English-taught program have a variety of programs to select from.
• Excellent education
Irish universities and colleges offer excellent education. it uses the British system of education.
• Globally recognized degree
You can use your degree obtained from any Irish institution of higher education in Europe, the UK, and other parts of the world.
How to apply for admission in Ireland
1. Choose your program
There are Irish colleges and universities where international students can study. Check the school website to see the lists of programs offered in the school and check the entry requirements.
2. Provide the admission requirements
After selecting the course you want to study, provide the admission requirements. See below the specific admission requirements for Ireland.
Admission requirements to study in Ireland
Passport ID
A recent passport-sized photograph
Letter of acceptance from a recognized Irish university
Scores of either IELTS or TOEFL
Two letters of recommendation (LOR)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume
Portfolio
Health insurance
Proof of payment of tuition fees.
3. Apply for admission
You’re to apply through the selected school website. Click on the apply button, then upload your scanned documents and wait for approval from the confirmation office of the university.
4. Pay the application fee
The application fee for all students is the same, regardless of the country. Some schools might require you to pay a tuition fee for a semester before your admission letter would be sent.
5. Get your admission letter
If your application is considered among the best, you will receive an admission letter from the school.
6. Apply for a study permit (visa)
Students who are not from the United Kingdom or the European Economic Area will need to apply for a student visa. Within a month of your arrival in Ireland, you must also register with the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service.
Original documents (in English or with a notarized translation) are necessary.
Visa requirements for study in Ireland
A recent passport-sized photograph.
Official Letter of acceptance from a recognized Irish university or college
Proficiency test Scores of either IELTS or TOEFL.
Proof of payment of tuition fees.
7. Get a health insurance
All international students must obtain a minimum policy that covers emergency medical costs, according to the Irish immigration office. At the time of applying for a student visa, proof of insurance is required.
Tuition fee
Students from the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom pay the same fees as Irish nationals. It cost around €3000 (registration fee). The Department of Education and Skills regulates tuition fees in Ireland.
International students studying outside of Ireland and the EU/CTA-related area pay their fees without paying through the Department of Education. Depending on the course, the level of study, and the length of the program, fees range from €9000 to €26,000.
Tuition costs vary depending on where you study and where you’re from in Ireland. In Ireland, full-time undergraduate courses are free. You will not pay tuition if you are an EU student attending a public university. However, you will pay tuition if you are an EU student who is not enrolled in a public university or a postgraduate program.
Please note that tuition fees might be waived for EU undergraduate students but they are required to pay a €3,000 registration fee.
Regardless of what level of study you are taking or where you are studying, if you are from another country, you will be required to pay fees. You should budget between €5,000 and €10,000 per year, on average. You might be eligible for a scholarship to help fund your studies; inquire at your chosen institution for details.
PROOF OF FEE PAYMENT
One of the following options:
A copy of an Electronic Fund’s Transfer from the applicant to the college’s Irish Bank, showing the beneficiary’s name, address, and bank details, as well as the sender’s name, address, and bank details, and a copy of a letter/receipt from the Irish college confirming that the fee has been received.
An official receipt indicating that the course fees were paid to an authorized student fee payment provider.
Recently, a pilot initiative has been launched, allowing degree program students to give an alternative to bank statements as proof of financial status. An “education bond” with a minimum value of €7,000. The bond must be paid to a student fee payment service that has been approved.
Evidence that you have enough money (€7,000) to cover your expenses for the first few months of your stay.
Intake Seasons
Irish universities have one major enrolment season, which is the autumn intake in September. Some universities admit students for January sessions as well.
Language of instruction
Ireland has two official languages; Irish and English. There are courses offered in Irish and English, but all postgraduate courses are taught in English. Students who plan to enroll in an English-taught program will need to write the English proficiency test like IELTS, GRE, or TOEFL.
Universities in Ireland
Ireland has roughly 9 major government-run universities. For international students, these public universities in Ireland are usually inexpensive. The following is a list of Irish universities.
University of College Dublin
University College Cork
Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT)
Cork Institute of Technology (CIT)
Dublin City University (DCU)
Griffith College
Institute of Technology Carlow
Institute of Technology Sligo
Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT)
Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT)
Maynooth University
NUI Galway
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
University College Cork (UCC)
University College Dublin (UCD)
University of Limerick
In Ireland, there are cheap universities for international students. These are universities with low tuition fees.
Cheap universities in Ireland
University of Limerick
Tuition link
University College, Cork
Tuition link
Dublin Business School
Tuition link
Cork Institute of Technology
Tuition link
Athlone Institute of Technology
Tuition Fee Link
Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Tuition Fee Link
St. Patrick’s College Maynooth
Tuition Fee Link
Scholarships
There are scholarships for International Students to Study in Ireland. Government, Universities, Organizations; assist bright students through scholarships. Here are scholarships options in Ireland.
1. V.V. Giri Global Excellence Scholarship
2. Global Excellence Graduate Scholarships
3. Max Arthur Macauliffe Special Merit Scholarship
4. Quercus Taught Masters Academic Scholarships
Are there Part-Time jobs for international students in Ireland?
While studying in Ireland, all citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) are allowed to work full-time or part-time. Also, students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) on a study permit are allowed to work. During the academic session, they can work up to 20 hours per week, and during the holidays, they can work up to 40 hours per week. For more information, check http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/.
Can international students stay back in Ireland after graduation?
International students can remain in Ireland after graduation. The stay-back option varies depending on the degree completed. Students who finished their master’s degree in Ireland are eligible to stay for a two-year extension. While students who completed a bachelor’s degree program are eligible for a one-year.
Upon completion of your studies in Ireland, you may be eligible to stay back in Ireland for 24 months. This permit is for two years under the Graduate Scheme at the Third Level.
What you should know about the two years under the Graduate Scheme at the Third Level.
This allows non-EU/EEA students to work in Ireland for up to 24 months after graduating from an Irish higher education institution.
A student must meet the following requirements to be eligible for two-year permission under the third-level graduate scheme:
A degree awarded by an Irish awarding body that is well-known in the country
If you have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree, you are eligible for the plan.
Graduates who are eligible to work up to 40 hours per week can be hired.
Must have a valid GNIB card, which can be extended for up to 24 months, is required.
Conclusion
International students find Ireland an interesting place to study. Its universities utilize the UK system of education. There are lots of English-taught programs for students from English-speaking countries to choose from.
You can study and work in Ireland, and after completing your studies, there is an option to stay back either one or two years as the case may be.