OVERVIEW

Ireland is an island that lies off the coast of England. While Northern Ireland belongs to Great Britain, the remaining five-sixth of the island is an independent sovereign state. The beautifully landscaped country is completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The population of Ireland is over 4.5 million, with at least a third of its inhabitants living in the capital, Dublin. Ireland is considered one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP. It has also been ranked the seventh most developed country in the world by United Nations. Ireland is a member of the European Union and ensures economic freedom, civil liberty and a good quality of life to its people.

Why Study in Ireland

Ireland has placed a lot of emphasis in the education sector and over 37% of the Irish population holds a university degree and is considered among the top ten in the world. Irish universities offer some of the best higher education courses in the field of art, design, business, law, music, technology, communications and environmental science.

Here are some reasons why international students prefer to take up their higher education in Ireland:

• Globally recognized education system.
• Opportunities for extensive scientific research.
• Ability to study in English.
• Large number of courses covering all major study disciplines.
• Major hub of creativity and innovation.
• Presence of hundreds of multinational companies.
• No language barriers.
• Proximity to other European countries.
• World renowned universities.
• Government supported developments in the education sector.
• Cutting edge job prospects in various fields.

Courses Offered

International students can take advantage of the myriad opportunities offered for higher studies in Irish universities.

The higher education system in Ireland is categorized based on the type of institutions, such as:

• Universities
• Institutes of Technologies
• Colleges of Education
• Independent Third Level Colleges

International students can take advantage of the myriad opportunities offered for higher studies in Irish universities. The higher education system in Ireland is categorized based on the type of institutions, such as:

• Universities
• Institutes of Technologies
• Colleges of Education
• Independent Third Level Colleges

Each of these institutions provides a variety of courses ranging from certifications and diplomas, to degrees and doctorates. All educational institutions are recognized and accredited by the national education certification authority.

The higher education programs offered in Ireland are as follows:

• Certificate Course (1 year)
• Diploma Course (1 to 2 years)
• Bachelor’s Degree (3 years)
• Master’s Degree (1 to 2 years)
• Doctorate Degree

Education Requirements

Each university and course would have its own individual admission criteria corresponding to academic qualifications and prior education. Universities in Ireland also require students to be well versed in the English language and provide proof of the same through any of the following certifications.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
• English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

The IELTS score requirements are as follows:

• Diploma Course – 5.5
• Bachelor’s Degree – 6.0
• Master’s Degree – 6.0

The TOEFL score requirements are as follows:

• Diploma Course – 75
• Bachelor’s Degree – 80
• Master’s Degree – 80

Cost Of Education

The fee for various courses is highly dependent on the complexity of the course and its duration. The annual tuition fee for a reputed college in Ireland starts from ___ lakh rupees.

International students may avail certain scholarships offered by the universities themselves, or independent organizations. Ireland does have a high cost of living, so students must be prepared to shell out 8000 to 12,000 euros per year for living expenses.

Application Procedure

The academic year in Ireland consists of two semesters. The first semester runs from October till the end of December; the second semester starts towards the end of January and lasts till May. Since the major intake is during the first semester, applications need to be sent out in February or March.

The application procedure for most universities in Ireland is pretty straightforward:

• Talk to our guidance counsellor and narrow down universities and courses that meet the student’s aspirations.
• Send out college applications with supporting documents.
• Once the letter of acceptance is received, apply for a visa with related documents such as, fees receipt, medical insurance coverage, English proficiency certificate, sufficiency of funds, etc.
• When the visa has been approved, coordinate the accommodation details with the university and book the flight tickets.

Work Rights

Some universities permit international students to take up part time jobs for up to 20 hours per week. They are also allowed to work full time, up to 40 hours per week, when the college is on vacation.

Students who have successfully completed a primary, masters or doctorate degree in one of Ireland’s third level colleges are eligible to stay back for 12 months after their course. These students may use this timeframe to continue working full time in their student jobs, or seek better job opportunities within Ireland.