Study in Ireland..

Ireland has over the years become a popular study-abroad destination. The country enjoys a worldwide reputation for their superior quality of education that is built on the foundation of commitment to excellence. Ireland is home to multiple institutions of higher education that are internationally renowned and offers a variety of programmes in areas such as medicine, science, technology, engineering, business and law among others. International students looking to study in Ireland would be pleased to know that the majority of the courses taught in Ireland are in the English language thus making the country one of the most viable destinations for studying abroad.

Candidates looking to pursue higher education in Ireland would be happy to know that pursuing a full-time master’s programme in Ireland would entitle them to up to two years of post-study stay-back option to look for suitable employment in their area of study. One of the fastest growing economies and an integral part of the European Union, Ireland provides lucrative career opportunities as it is home to more than 1,500 MNCs such as Google, Facebook, Apple, Cocoa Cola, and Amazon to name a few.

Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland is one of the very popular destinations for Indian students looking to study abroad. The country is home to top ranked universities that provide quality education and a High Return on Investments (ROI). The English language is widely spoken in the country with top universities in Ireland opting for English as the medium of education. Many of Ireland’s institutions of higher education are internationally ranked, offering many strong programmes in a variety of areas.

The education system followed by the country is student-friendly offering up to 2 years of post-study stay back options. With close proximity to Europe, Ireland is an upcoming business hub offering very good career opportunities as it is home to multiple corporate titans.

Study in Ireland 2023: Highlights

Education System in Ireland

In this section, we are going to be talking about the education system followed in Ireland. The country is broadly divided into Primary Education, Secondary Education and Tertiary Education. Tertiary Education is often referred to as pursuing higher education in Ireland which splits into 10 universities, 10 Institutes of Technology (IOTs) and 7+ private higher education institutions. Ireland follows the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a 10-level system used to describe qualifications in the Irish education and training system.  The NFQ shows how General Education Awards, Further Education and Training and Higher Education Awards are mapped against the 10 levels of the framework.

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 top universities in the world offering a multitude of courses fit for anyone looking to study higher education in Ireland. Popular Courses in Ireland are determined by a number of factors; these could vary from the candidates’ own interests to job prospects available in a particular county. When we talk about top courses in Ireland, we have:

Cost of Studying in Ireland

Let us take a look at the cost of studying in Ireland for International Students. There are three major schools of study in Ireland. These are Public Universities, Private Universities, and Institutes of Technology (IOTs). Fees would vary sending on the type of school you have enrolled into. 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 Studying in Ireland by Course

Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland would greatly depends on a number of factors including, lifestyle choices, the standard of accommodation, leisure activities, and so on. If you share your apartment with other students or tenants, then the rent will be a lot less individually as it will be divided. Students would be looking to spend anywhere between €500-€18,00 monthly.

The average rent for a two-room apartment within cities is around €1000-1200 per month, and €800-€900 in suburban areas. In addition to this, the student would have to pay utilities such as electricity bills and maintenance charges. On-campus boarding could cost students anything between €600-€800 per month.

Living Cost in Ireland

Ireland Student Visa

Candidates who are planning to pursue a course of study for more than 3 months are required to apply for the Ireland study visa. Candidates would be required to visit the official website of the Irish Immigration Service to complete their online student visa application. Ireland Study Visa applicants would be required to complete the online application form, submit supporting documents, and follow instructions on the summary application form generated by the system.

Students can apply for their Ireland study Visa up to 3 months before their date of travel to Ireland. The Ireland visa processing time is roughly 8 weeks from the date on which you lodge your application. Students are advised not to buy travel tickets before they know the outcome of their visa application.

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 a minimum of five years (60 months) on an employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment would be eligible to apply for Long Term Residency permission.

Admission Requirements to study in Irish Universities

Irish universities have one major enrolment season, which is the autumn intake in September. Some universities admit students for January sessions as well. For undergraduate courses, Irish universities accept applications through Central Applications Online (CAO) an online enrolment system. For postgraduate courses, candidates are required to 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

Some of the preferred cities across Ireland that are also home to the best colleges in the country are Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Cork and Waterford.

Scholarships to study in Ireland

One of the biggest drawbacks of studying abroad is the high tuition fee. However, a lot of Irish universities are happy to waive application fees and also provide scholarships to students who have strong academic backgrounds. Candidates looking to study in Ireland can also check for a list of scholarships to study in Ireland which includes:

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships.
• Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC etc. candidates- (All countries except UK).
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program.
• Dr. Jade Malay High Achiever Scholarship.
• GyanDhan Scholarship.
• Women Techmakers Scholars Program.
• Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarship.
• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Programme- UG.

Education Loan for studying in Ireland

Candidates who are not able to get their hands on a fee waiver can definitely apply for an education loan. Studying abroad promises a high return on investments and this would mean paying back your education loan in a matter of years.

Part-time work options for International students in Ireland

Indian students in Ireland on an Irish Student Visa and enrolled on a full-time course that’s included on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) would be allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours a week during the school year and up to 40 hours a week on holidays (summer and winter holidays).

Post-study work permit in Ireland

Students who have enrolled as full-time students, with an Irish accredited degree would qualify for a non-renewable extension of up to 2 years after course completion as a post-study work permit. This extension is granted for the purpose of finding suitable employment.

Job prospects in Ireland (ROI)

Candidates can opt for Skill Shortage Jobs in Ireland. Critical Skill Employment Permit Ireland allows students to work in an occupation where there is a shortage of skills in the country. The Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland acts as an incentive to attract and encourage highly skilled people from foreign countries to contribute to the economy of Ireland. 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 includes:

• 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

Why should Indians study in Ireland?

Ireland is home to world-class universities and the education system in Ireland is very different from the Indian 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 Indians. 

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. Indian students looking to study in Ireland can get in touch with our ENroute Counselor for assistance with university admissions.