Ireland

Higher Education in Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful island with modern cities and countryside, cityscapes and a rich historical habitat. The republic of Ireland is located very close to most of the European countries and the United Kingdom. In the last 20 years, it has grown into one of Europe’s wealthiest nations.

An Irish degree will be recognized and respected, no matter in which country you are employed. It will provide you with a solid foundation and boost your potential for having a higher salary and finding exactly the job you want. Irish study methods are similar to the UK. It is an English-speaking country which is one of the top reasons to choose Ireland for higher studies. The climate is mild and not extreme. The summers are warm and winters are considerably cold.

Ireland is known as the land of saints and scholars. The people are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The country is home to brand like Google, HP, IBM, Facebook, Twitter, Pfizer


Why Ireland?

Quality Education

Ireland has some of the best and oldest universities in the world including the famous Trinity College of Dublin. Universities in Ireland rank in the top 3% world-wide. It has close links to industry providing students an international edge. Irrespective of the course choice, you can be guaranteed of the highest quality of education based on research and innovation.

Economic Power

Ireland is a highly developed economy in technology, financial services, agribusiness, life science and engineering. Foreign-owned multinationals make up a significant percentage of Ireland’s GDP. It ranks first in the Foreign Direct Investment flows. Completing a degree from a prestigious university gets you ready to enter the dynamic job market that it offers in various sectors. Work experience in Ireland will be beneficial in making global contacts and preparing for a career in any part of the world, due to its cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Post-study work visa

Ireland gives you the option of completing your bachelors degree in 3 or 4 years, followed by a 1-year masters degree. The Irish government offers a one-year stay back visa for bachelors graduates and up to two years for masters graduates. Many international students stay back after finishing their studies and start their careers here. This leads you straight where you want to be professionally, without any wastage of time or money.

History and Culture

Ireland is surrounded by sea, it is separated from Great Britain to its east by the north channel, the Irish sea. It is an extremely interesting country to study in, owing to its extensive history including the historic buildings, landscapes and famous chapels. The cities, towns and countryside are a treat to visit, each having a unique story of its own. Ireland is the second largest isle of the British Isle. The country is known for its famous Irish whiskey Jameson and Guinness, horse race and literature.

Your Gateway to Europe

The access to Europe is very easy. You can reach most countries of Europe within a few hours, by train or short flights. For instance, if you are studying in Dublin, you can make a short trip to Germany, Amsterdam, the U.K and several other cities. With a racial, ethnic and religious mélange, it is very open to new traditions and cultures, encouraging students from other Asian and European countries to live together and move freely.

Career opportunities

Irish universities are in the top 1% of research institutions in the world. Many leading global companies are located in Ireland. It is one of the major contributors for the growth of Ireland economy. It is especially good for careers in software development, engineering, financial services, food, life sciences and pharma.


Quick Facts

Tuition Fees
€ 9,000 – 34,000 PA

 

Living Cost
€1000 – 1,700 per month

 

Part Time Work
20 Hours per week

Program Duration
Bachelors: 3 – 4 years
Masters: 1 year

 

Post-Study Work Visa
Up to 2 Years (for Indian students)

 

Intakes
September and February


Top Universities in Ireland

According to Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Trinity College Dublin
University College Dublin
National University of Ireland
University College Cork
Dublin City University
Maynooth University
University of Limerick
Griffith College
National College of Ireland
Technological University Dublin
Limerick Institute of TechnologyCork Institute of Technology

What is the admission procedure?

Step 1: Course research

Since there are several universities and programs available, you must research before choosing your desired course. The Ireland is known for its highly specialized courses, including Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Digital Marketing, Law, Business Analytics, Finance and Management.

Step 2: Check requirements

You must check the requirements for the course of your choice. There are different entry requirements applied within the same university, ensure you are reading and following accurately. You can reach the university through email or if you are unsure, contact your counsellor. Once you have your IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT score in hand, narrow down on the universities based on your budget, city, profile, and interests.

Step 3: Procure your documents

Each course and university require certain documents for applying for an eligibility check. Some universities prefer you to get your undergraduate transcripts attested before submission. Write a letter of intent explaining why you are passionate about the course and why you are qualified to pursue a degree. Also, be sure to check if GMAT is mandatory for some business courses.

Step 4: Submit your application

Create an account through the university website and upload your documents. You must apply individually to your preferred course and university. Most universities charge approximately € 25 for applications or some free.

Step 5: Accept the admission letter.

Eligibility

Some of the common eligibility criteria to get into top universities:

Postgraduate eligibility requirements

  • Bachelor degree in relevant subject
  • 60% in relevant UG degree
  • Average GMAT score for some of the business and finance course
  • Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL
  • Work experience, if applicable

Undergraduate eligibility requirements

  • Passed 10+2 exam.
  • School or diploma transcripts.
  • Some universities might require students to submit an aptitude test.
  • Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL.

Documents required 

To enroll in a masters degree, you must have a relevant bachelor’s degree recognized by Irish universities. The following are the list of common documents required by universities:

  • Online Application Printout – the application form submitted on the university portal.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency – TOEFL, IELTS, if required.
  • Degree Certificate – a recognized 3- or 4-year bachelor degree
  • CV – updated resume
  • Letter of Motivation – a letter stating your purpose of study in the respective course.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation – a recommendation from professor and/or work colleague.
  • Work experience certificates (if any)

Types of Visas

Indian students require a visa to enter and stay in Ireland for the course duration. You get a general student visa for study duration more than 3 months. The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3- months before you start your course.

The following documents required to receive a student visa are:

  • Valid passport
  • Two color photographs
  • Proof of funds
  • Fee payment evidence
  • Evidence of English language
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Academic transcripts
  • A letter of acceptance
  • Statement of Purpose for visa

If your course is at degree level, you can stay in Ireland for up to 2 years.

Cost of tuition and living expenses

Most universities offer low tuition fees for students. The top universities around Dublin may charge a slightly higher fee than average. The tuition fee can range from EUR 10,000 to 34,000 per year.

Living expenses for students in Ireland are slightly higher compared to other countries, but the standard of living is high. The average monthly living expenses are around € 600 – 1500 per month, includes expenses like accommodation, books, materials, lifestyle and others. The total cost of living depends on factors like the location and type of lifestyle. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week and 40 hours during vacation.

Job Opportunities

A masters degree in Ireland will provide you with a 24-month work permit visa, as per the current policy (subject to change). The country has a plethora of opportunities to offer for any field of graduation. The most demanded jobs are Project Manager, Software Engineer, Medical Practitioner, Hospitality Managers, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Investment Manager, Marketing and Consultant.

The top employers in Ireland are:

  • Salesforce
  • Google
  • IBM
  • Morgan Stanley
  • E&Y Ireland
  • Grant Thornton
  • Workday
  • SAP
  • DHL
  • tesco

FAQs

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for a masters degree?

A: Each university and course have different criteria, but the most common is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Check the institute website for the course to find the exact requirements.

Q: Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for applying to courses?

A: Not if you are a native speaker of English. Otherwise, you will need to prove your English language skills through one of these exams.

Q: Will I be allowed to work as an international student Ireland?

A: Yes, you will be allowed to work part-time while studying your course for a limited period.

Q: What are the most affordable cities in Ireland?

A: Some of the most affordable cities to live in are Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick.

Q: Are international students eligible for the scholarship?

A: Yes, there are plenty of scholarships available.

Q: Can I stay in Ireland after my studies?

A: Yes, Indian students can stay and look for a job. All Indian masters students are eligible to avail of 2 years post-study work visa and bachelors for 1 year (as per current visa policy, subject to change).

Q: Is it difficult to find a job after post-graduation?

A: No, it is not difficult, but challenging as it is in any country. Having good professional contacts and seeking a university employability team will help you find the relevant job.

Q: Do Irish institutions accept 10+2+3 education system of India?

A: Yes, the 15 years education system is accepted in Ireland for masters program.

Q: Is Ireland cheap to pursue higher studies?

A: Yes, compared to the U.K and the U.S.

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