Why study in Ireland?
Ireland is growing in popularity each year as a destination for international students. As of 2021, 35,000 international students from over 160 countries are pursuing their educational dreams at one of Ireland’s globally recognized institutions. It host top-ranked universities in it picturesque cities, making it a preferred destination in Europe for International Students.
Why study in Ireland?
Ireland is a popular study destination for international students because of its world-class education system, high quality of life, affordability, multicultural communities, and direct access to the rest of Europe.
Top reasons students choose Ireland as their study destination:
- Internationally recognized education institutions and research centres
- A global science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and tech startup hub, known as the “Silicon Valley of Europe”
- A gateway to the rest of Europe and the only English-speaking majority country in the European Union
- Students can get work experience while studying and job opportunities post-graduation
- An education in Ireland is more affordable than other popular study destinations
- Students can enjoy a safe, high quality of life
Receive Internationally Recognized Education
- Ireland’s higher education system ranks within the top 20 worldwide, and all Irish universities rank among the top 5% globally.
- Ireland’s 34 higher education institutions offer over 5,000 program choices each year. Students can pursue STEM-related fields, business, the arts, and more at a top-ranked institute of technology, specialized college, or world-renowned university.
- Ireland ranked 11th out of 129 countries in the 2018 Global Innovation Index because of its cutting-edge research, especially in STEM-related fields.
Study in a Global STEM Hub
Ireland has recently become a major science and technology hub due to its:
- Infrastructure
- Highly skilled labour
- Connection to Europe as well as other major English-speaking countries
- Lenient corporate tax rate to encourage economic growth
Many top STEM-related companies have core operations in Ireland, including Intel, Pfizer, Twitter, Google, Facebook, Huawei, Amazon, Allergan, Shopify, and many more. Ireland ranked 11th on Forbes’ Best Countries for Business list in 2019, placing above the US, Japan, and China. This translates to excellent post-study job opportunities for students
Gateway to Europe
As the only majority English-speaking country in the European Union (EU), Ireland can be a student’s gateway to the European experience. Students are able to plan weekend getaways to France, Italy, and other popular tourist destinations while on a budget because travel is typically affordable.
Students also benefit from using the Euro while studying in Ireland. The Euro is a stable currency and makes it easy to compare prices between countries
Get Valuable Work Experience While Studying
International students have many options for working while studying and after graduation during their time in Ireland. Students enrolled full-time in a program with a duration of one year or longer can work in Ireland without applying for a work permit.
Valid immigration stamp 2 visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week during summer and winter breaks
High Quality of Life
Ireland performs well across many well-being indicators compared to most other countries, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index.
The OECD reports that Ireland ranks above the average in jobs and earnings, housing, personal security, health status, education and skills, social connections, subjective well-being, work-life balance, and environmental quality.
Ireland is also a peaceful, safe, and friendly place to live. It ranks 8th out of 163 countries on the 2021 Global Peace Index. Dublin is ranked at #22 and Cork is #32 in the top 40 happiest cities in the world according to the 2020 World Happiness Report
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Top Course to Study in Ireland
1. Business Analytics
This course is quite popular with students as it’s a combination of Data Analytics, Business Intelligence and Computer Programming. It allows you to analyse the data of an organisation to plan strategies to profit the business. Good news – there is a demand for business analysts across industries including IT companies, banks, e-commerce and telecom, etc. as every sector is looking for people who can support and enhance their operations.
Career scope: Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Financial Analyst, Software Engineer, Acquisitions Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Statistician
Average salary: For an entry-level business analytics graduate, average salary in Ireland is €40,000 per annum, while an experienced employee can earn up to € 52,000 per annum. In fact, for three consecutive years, Glassdoor ranked data analyst and data scientist as the best job of the year in Ireland with approx. €50,000 as the salary of Business Analytics graduates.
2. Investment Banking and Finance
Number of world’s leading investment banks and asset management companies operate in Dublin, which has increased the demand of people who can work particularly in the risk and compliance department. Given this, there are many opportunities for students to work in the finance and investment banking departments. Barclays and Bank of America Merrill Lynch are some prominent employers are based in Ireland.
Career scope: Financial Analyst, Financial Trader, Financial Regulator, Investment or Corporate Finance Banker, Retail Banker
Average salary: The average salary of a finance graduate in Ireland depends upon the profession opted for. For example, average yearly salary of a Financial Analyst is €42,000, Investment Analyst is €34,000, Fund Accountant is €29,000, Associate – Investment Banking is €44,000, Risk Analyst is €39,000, Credit Risk Analyst is €32,000 and Financial Accountant is €49,000.*
3. Big Data / Data Science
In today’s digital world, data is everywhere. In fact, it’s said that the amount of data existing is doubling every two years.
| As per the study by Bain & Co, “Early adopters of Big Data analytics have gained a significant lead over the rest of the corporate world. Examining more than 400 large companies, we found that those with the most advanced analytics capabilities are outperforming competitors by wide margins.” |
With many major IT companies being based in Dublin, it has open doors for all the international tech students who wish to work with such MNCs. This course talks about multiple areas such as statistics, mathematics, intelligent data capture techniques, data cleansing, mining and programming to prepare and align big data for intelligent analysis to extract insights and information. This structure helps the companies to work on leads and gain more profits.
Career scope: Data Analytics, Business Intelligence Analyst, Big Data Solutions Lead Engineer, Technical Product Manager, Big Data Architect, Data Analytics Consultant, Video Analytics and Data Scientist, Data Science Expert, Multimedia Systems Developer and IT Operations Manager.
Average salary: An entry-level Data Scientist with less than one-year experience can expect an average total compensation of €36,000 per annum approx. (including tips, bonus, and overtime pay).
4. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ireland is recognised as a popular pharmaceutical European location. The country’s pharma industry is a balanced mix of international and local companies, wherein 120 are foreign players with manufacturing set up in Ireland. This also includes 9 out of the 10 largest pharma companies in the world.
Pharmaceutical Science degree courses comprise the study of biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, analytical and medicinal chemistry, which develop the skills required for individual and collaborative research in various pharmaceutical areas such as drug development.
Graduates take up employment opportunities in laboratory settings across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, research and development in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, cosmetic, forensic and environmental sectors, as well in the food processing and drinks industries. You can work in local companies such as Temmler, Kerry Group, Astellas, Metpro and Southern Scientific, as well as global companies Johnson and Johnson, Roche, Pfizer and many more.
Career scope: Development Chemist, Process Chemist, Pharmacologists, Pharmacovigilance Officer, Retail Pharmacist, Research and Teaching.
Average salary: Pharmacovigilance Officers (graduate level) can expect average salaries that range from €28,000 to €55,000 per annum for drug safety associates. For a senior manager, the average salary is €50000 per annum (i.e., usually, after M.Sc. Pharma in Ireland). If you opt to be a Pharmacist, then the salary ranges from €31,000 to €40,000 yearly on an average.
5. Construction
The construction courses are designed to meet the needs of the industry to place graduates into the technical professional workforce as they will be equipped with the required principles and fundamentals of construction technology and its management, along with general management skills.
These courses are specifically for those who want to be employed in site management, contract management, estimating and surveying in the construction industry at a technical management position.
Career scope: Site Technicians, Estimators, Quantity Surveyors, Programmers, Planners, Contract Managers and Site Managers.
Average salary: An early-career Construction Manager in Ireland earns €43,000 per annum (approx.), whereas, the average salary for an early-career Project Manager in the Irish construction industry is €44,000 per annum (approx.).
Career Opportunities in Ireland
Third-Level Graduate Programme
The Third Level Graduate Programme allows non-European Economic Area (EEA) students who have graduated from an Irish institution with an NFQ level 8 qualification or above to remain in Ireland to seek employment.
Eligible students must not have already exceeded the total of seven years that students are able to stay in Ireland. Students who qualify will be granted a Stamp 1G on their visa. Stamp 1G allows students to work full-time, or up to 40 hours per week. Students can stay in Ireland for up to 24 months, depending on their level of study.
- NFQ Level 8 (e.g., Honours Bachelor’s degree): maximum of 12 months
- NFQ Level 9 and 10 (e.g., Master’s and PhD degrees): maximum of 24 months
Students with Level 9 or 10 qualifications will initially be granted permission to stay for 12 months and then they’ll need to renew their permission for another 12 months.
Students can renew their permission online if they’re living in Dublin or visit their local Garda Siochána office if they’re outside of Dublin. They can apply as soon as they receive confirmation of their degree results. They should apply within six months of receiving their results.
Students who have graduated can continue to work full-time between June 1 and September 30 under their Stamp 2 student permission.
They’ll need the following documents to extend or change their immigration permission:
- A copy of their degree and exam results
- Passport
- Medical insurance
- €300 registration fee
Education Costs in Ireland
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending on a variety of factors such as the course, institution, level of education, and whether or not the student is from the EU.
Undergraduate students who are citizens of a country in the European Union may be eligible for the Free Fees Initiative, in which the Higher Education Authority (HEA) pays for all or part of the student’s tuition fees. This program may not be available for non-EU international students who want to study in Ireland. Visit the Citizens Information website for Free Fees Initiative eligibility details.
Tuition fees and the cost of living are considerably lower than in other popular study destinations such as the UK, the US, or Australia, making Ireland a great place to access affordable education.
These are the average undergraduate tuition fees for non-EU students for 2019/2020:
| Program Type | Tuition Cost |
| Business | €9,850–€19,500 |
| Engineering | €9,850–€25,500 |
| Science and Technology | €9,850–€25,500 |
| Arts and Humanities | €9,850–€19,500 |
| Medicine and Health Sciences | €39,500–€55,000 |
These are the average postgraduate fees for non-EU students for 2019/2020:
| Program Type | Tuition Cost |
| Business | €9,950–€34,500 |
| Engineering | €9,950–€25,500 |
| Science and Technology | €9,950–€27,000 |
| Arts and Humanities | €9,950–€19,000 |
| Medicine and Health Sciences | €18,000–€32,000 |
Students should always check the program page and the financial information page of the institution’s website for the most accurate information about tuition fees.
Top Scholarships in Ireland
There are many scholarships available for international students at all levels of study. These scholarships come from a wide variety of sources, including the Government of Ireland, Irish higher education institutions, and other organizations.
Some of the most common scholarships Irish higher education institutions offer include:
- Entrance scholarships, which students are automatically considered for and are based on their secondary school grades
- Program-specific or country-specific scholarships
- Study abroad scholarships
- Sports scholarships
- Other scholarships that require an application
- Government of Ireland Scholarships: 60 scholarships are available to non-EU students who have been accepted to an Irish higher education institution and are studying at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level. Successful applicants will receive a €10,000 stipend for one year of study and a full fee waiver for tuition and registration costs.
- Fulbright Scholarships: Fulbright has a number of scholarships available for students who apply to specific programs at certain Irish higher education institutions. Students need to submit an application and meet eligibility criteria.
- The Walsh Fellowship: This scholarship is for postgraduate students studying agriculture, horticulture, food, agri-food economics, rural development, and rural environment. There are 35 places available, each with a grant of €24,000 per year. Students must submit an application and meet eligibility criteria.
- Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS): The IRCHSS funds postgraduate research and supports education under the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Students must apply and submit a research proposal.
- Claddagh Scholarship Programme (Chinese Students): This scholarship is for Chinese students who are studying at a participating Irish higher education institution in all fields and levels of study. Students must submit an application and meet the eligibility criteria.
Grants and Bursaries
Students from Ireland, the UK, any EU or EEA (European Economic Area) country, or Switzerland may be eligible for the Student Grant Scheme, also known as the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant. Maintenance grants help students with their living costs, and fee grants pay tuition fees for students who aren’t eligible for the Free Fees Initiative.
Students must meet the following criteria to qualify for a SUSI grant:
- Nationality condition: Students must be a citizen of Ireland, the UK, any EU or EEA country, or Switzerland. Students may still qualify for the grant if they have refugee or subsidiary protection status, if a family member is an EU/EEA citizen, or if they have leave to remain status.
- Residence condition: Students must have been in Ireland for three of the last five years unless students were pursuing education in another EU country.
- Means test: Based on the student’s or their family’s gross income.
- Approved course of study: Students must be attending an approved course of study.
- Progression: Students must be progressing from their previous level of study.
Maximum period of grant assistance: Students don’t qualify if they’ve already received a grant for the maximum number of years allowed at their current level of study.
The SUSI grant rate students will receive depends on the following factors:
- Their assessed means (student’s or family’s gross income)
- The distance the student normally lives from the institution they’re attending
- If they’re a disadvantaged student
Loans
Students can apply for private student loans either through a private bank or lending firm. Students should be aware that loans need to be repaid with interest.
Students with a student bank account at an Irish bank can typically apply for a student loan. Education loans may only be available to students over the age of 18 or require a guarantor or co-signer. Student loans usually have a lower interest rate than other personal loans.
Here are some things to consider when applying for a student loan:
- The maximum amount you can borrow
- The interest rate
- The repayment terms
- The loan term
- Any setup or account fees
- Whether collateral is required
- When the funds will be dispersed
Students should research government banks and financial institutions to find a loan or financial support that best meets their needs. Students can usually check their eligibility and apply for a loan online.
Choosing the University and Course
- The first step that you take towards turning your dream of studying in the Ireland into reality is to shortlist the best universities and courses. Ask yourself the question, “What do I want to study in the Ireland?” Irish Universities have some of the highest rankings globally, with seven institutions currently in the top 100 world-wide. International graduates are highly sought-after and employable both in Ireland , as well as globally post study
- After you have shortlisted the courses you would like to pursue, start looking for the best universities for the same.
- After shortlisting your favourite courses and universities, you must check the eligibility requirements and documents required.
Application Procedure in Ireland
Post-secondary education in Ireland, also known as third-level education, includes universities, colleges, institutes of technology, and Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses. Students should consider the following factors when deciding which schools to apply to:
- Course options suited to students’ study interests
- The school’s location
- Housing options
- Tuition and cost of living
- Scholarship opportunities
- Internship or co-op opportunities
- Extracurricular activities
Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP)
Programs included on the Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP) must meet and maintain certain criteria and quality standards. Programs listed on the ILEP include:
- English language programs lasting at least 25 weeks
- Higher education programs and professional awards (NFQ levels 6–10)
- Foundation programs that prepare students for a higher education program
Students must choose a course on the Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP) to be eligible for a student visa.
Application Process for Non-EU Students
It’s important to know that the application process is different for European Union (EU) students and non-EU students. Processes also vary by the level of study students wish to pursue.
Students can apply for undergraduate courses through the Central Applications Office (CAO) if they’re an EU citizen. The CAO provides an application pack and handbook, which lists all the courses available and how to apply for each one. Students can submit their application online.
Undergraduate education in Ireland includes bachelor’s degree programs typically offered at universities. Each post-secondary institution has its own admissions requirements. Students are usually required to have an NFQ Level 5 Certificate qualification, such as a Leaving Certificate, or their home country’s equivalent. They must also have competitive secondary school grades.
Students can use the Qualifications Recognition Service to check whether the qualifications from their home country are sufficient for admission. Students should also confirm with their institution of choice before applying.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is also acceptable to meet the minimum entry requirements for post-secondary education.
In general, post-secondary institutions look at the following:
- Certificate of secondary education
- Competitive secondary school grades
- Minimum academic requirements
- Past academic transcripts
- English language test scores
Depending on the program and institution they’re applying to, students may also have to complete additional requirements such as:
- A statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- An interview or audition
Students who are applying to undergraduate medicine programs need to take the Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT).
Graduate Admissions
Graduate education in Ireland includes master’s degrees, PhD degrees, and higher diploma courses.
Students must apply directly to the institution that offers the graduate program they’re interested in. Most applications can be done online. Some schools may require students to apply through the Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC).
Some of the most common admissions requirements for graduate programs include:
- Undergraduate degree in a related field
- Previous academic transcripts
- English language test scores
- Work samples
- Academic references
Students who are applying for an MBA program may need to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Records Examination (GRE) standardized test.
Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) Students who are applying for graduate medicine programs need to take the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)
International students must show proof of English proficiency, issued in the last two years, to be accepted to a degree program.
English is the primary language of instruction at Irish post-secondary institutions. Students meet certain English language proficiency requirements to make sure they succeed during their studies.
Many universities offer English language courses for students who are interested in studying there. There are also over 100 private English language training schools in Ireland that offer both short and long-term courses.
| IELTS | Overall score of 6.0–6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any one component |
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines in Ireland vary depending on the institution and program of study, so it’s important to check the course website to ensure that students are meeting the correct deadlines.
Most Irish universities have two major intakes:
- Autumn – September
- Spring – Late January or early February
Not all universities and courses have a spring intake, so students should plan accordingly. Universities in Ireland may have different application deadlines for different courses. It’s important to check the institution’s website for the most up-to-date deadlines to ensure that everything is submitted on time.
International students should contact the admissions office of the institution they’re interested in if they have any questions about application deadlines and requirements well in advance of the February 1 closing date.
These are general deadlines to be aware of:
Early November
Applications open for the next academic year.
February 1st
CAO application deadline. Applications for some restricted courses can’t be made after February 1. This deadline is for EU applicants only.
March and April
Interviews and portfolio presentations for most restricted courses.
May 1st
Late application deadline.
May and June
Offers of admission are sent.
Education System in Ireland
Learning Environment
All schools in Ireland aim to create an inclusive, student-centred environment for students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Children are at the centre of the country’s education strategy and policies.
There are many programs in place to help all students succeed. We’ll learn more about these schools later in this section. While each school provides a different learning experience, all Irish schools must adhere to state or territory government policies.
The Intercultural Education Strategy (IES) ensures that students experience an education that “respects the diversity of values, beliefs, languages and traditions in Irish society and is conducted in a spirit of partnership” (Education Act, 1998). The IES also helps all education providers integrate inclusion and intercultural education into everyday activities.
National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
The National Framework of Qualifications is a 10-level system that defines Irish qualifications. Primary and post-primary education in Ireland includes NFQ levels 1 to 5.
Students typically progress through the NFQ levels in order. For example, students need a Level 3 qualification before they can progress to a Level 4 or 5 qualification.
| Education Levels | Qualification | School Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Level 1 Certificate | Level 1 and 2 certificates are primarily designed for learners with different abilities, adults returning to education, and those with few or no previous qualifications. These certificates often focus on basic numeracy and literacy. | |
| 2 | Level 2 Certificate | ||
| 3 | Level 3 Certificate Junior Cycle Profile Certificate of Achievement |
Junior Cycle | The Level 3 Certificate recognizes learners’ achievements in personal skills, practical skills, and knowledge, basic transferable skills, and individual talents and qualities. |
| 4 | Level 4 Certificate
Leaving Certificate |
Senior Cycle | The Level 4 Certificate recognizes learners’ achievements in vocational and personal skills, knowledge and understanding to specific standards, and learning relevant to vocational employment and programs leading to a Level 5 Certificate. |
| 5 | Level 5 Certificate
Leaving Certificate |
Senior Cycle | The Level 5 Certificate allows students to develop a wide range of vocational and theoretical skills and knowledge.
Students with a Level 5 Certificate may go on to employment or higher education |
Irish Student Visa
International students can apply for their student visa once they’ve been accepted to an educational institution in Ireland. Many international students who wish to study in Ireland need a student visa, but there are also many nationalities that don’t require a visa to study in Ireland. Student visas allow students to temporarily live and work in Ireland while they’re studying.
| Details | Short Stay Visa | Long Stay Visa |
| Course Duration | For courses that are less than 90 days long | For courses that are more than 90 days long |
| Proof of Study | Can apply with a detailed study plan and proof that they’ve reserved their spot in the course | Can apply once they’ve been accepted to their program and have a proof of enrollment |
| Other Documents | Additional documents required | Additional documents required |
| Work While Study | Not permitted | Can work 20 hours per week while school is in session, and 40 hours per week during breaks |
| Application Deadlines | Approximately three months before program start date | Approximately three months before program start date |
| Eligible for Naturalization | Not eligible | Can stay as a student for up to seven years and may be eligible for naturalization |
Long Stay Student Visas have a Stamp 2 to indicate that they’re long-term students who are able to work, stay as a student for up to seven years, and may be eligible for naturalization. Short Stay Student Visas have a Stamp 2A to indicate that they’re short-term students who aren’t able to work and aren’t eligible for naturalization.
Students should ensure they have all of the required documents for a complete visa application by referring to the Irish Immigration Service website. In general, required documents are listed below.
- Valid Passport
- Passport Photographs
- Application Letter
- Enrolment letter
- Proof of English language knowledge
- Evidence of Education Gap and reason with Resume
- Work experience Letters
- Reference Letters
- Previous qualifications proof
- Evidence of Fee payment
- Proof of accommodation while studying Ireland