Study in Ireland

Introduction

Ireland is one of Europe's most widely known overseas study destinations. Its universities provide an excellent education in a conventional yet contemporary environment. The wide range of top research programs offered at Irish Universities draw thousands of international students from all over the world.

Ireland's heritage is rich, including its location on the northwestern outskirts of Europe. The Celts were the first great tribes to establish themselves on this island. Studying here gives the international students not only quality education but also great sense of culture.

Top Reasons to Study in Ireland

1. High-Quality Education- Ireland’s education system is considered one of the best in the world. Universities in Ireland are always ranked higher in world university rankings. Graduates who complete their education in Ireland are regarded highly by employers throughout the world.

2. Good Research Opportunities- Irish universities are among the world's top 1% of educational institutes. Some of the world's largest and finest organizations have important strategic testing facilities here, and foreign students will participate in research programs that are accelerating growth and transforming lives all over the world.

3. Job Opportunities- Ireland is home to many of the world's largest corporations, where job openings abound. It is particularly beneficial for occupations in software development and information technology, engineering, finance, food and agriculture, Medtech, and pharmaceuticals.

4. Strong Economy- The Irish economy is considered one of the fastest expanding in the Eurozone and the world's sixth most competitive nation in terms of economy. It is a business-friendly nation with global links.

5. Stay Back Visa- International students who want to work abroad after completing their education there often get disappointed as they couldn’t get their visas upgraded. But the Irish government has a one-year stay back visa for Bachelors’s graduates and a two-year stay back visa for Masters’s graduates. Many foreign students want to remain in Ireland after completing their studies and begin their careers.

Types of Programs in Irish Universities

1. Undergraduate Degree Programs: Irish universities provide a range of different courses under undergraduate degree programs. These courses can be completed both part-time and full-time. The duration of these full-time courses are generally three years. The admission requirements vary from course to course and university to university. But completing upper secondary education and having a valid school leaving certificate is mandatory along with proof of proficiency in English. UK or EU students can apply to Irish universities’ undergraduate programs through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Non-EU and other international students have to directly apply to the universities.

2. Masters Degree: Irish Master's programs are structured similarly to those in the United Kingdom and usually require one year to finish. Some master’s programs related to research works can take up to two years to complete. Candidates need to progress through modular units of study, passing the necessary tests, before beginning a dissertation in their final year.

The eligibility differs based on the college and course, but most programs require a 2:2 undergrad degree in a similar specialty as a minimum. Since the bulk of postgraduate courses in Ireland are taught in English, you would need to have proof of your proficiency if English is not your first language.

3. PhDs: Doctoral degrees in Ireland usually span three to four years full-time, and you can choose between 'ordinary' and 'structured' programs. The formal Ph.D. includes all of the academic elements of a standard Ph.D. but adds an extra degree of support by integrating an organized teaching and assessment program.

The bulk of PhDs are completed at universities, but high-quality programs are still available at Institutes of Technology. To be admitted to a Doctoral course, you must have an upper class (2:1) Master's degree in a similar subject.

Admission Requirements for Irish Universities

A minimum academic score of 60 percent or higher in Standard XII is expected for each course. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students with a Percentage point of about 50%. Before beginning a degree program, the student must be at least 18 years old. It is worth noting that, while the entrance requirements for Irish universities are lower, the educational level is not. As a result, you should carefully prepare yourself to deal with the high level of schooling for the next few years.

Documents Required:

• 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

Admissions Procedure: For undergraduate classes, Irish universities approve applications from the Central Applications Office (CAO), an online enrolment system.

You would need to build a profile on the CAO website and provide basic details, search your records, apply for a TOEFL/IELTS ranking, and pay application fees. This account will keep you updated on the application process and its steps.

Admission Steps:

• Search for colleges and courses
• Contact schools and visit websites for information
• Narrow down your list of schools
• Take the language exams like TOEFL or IELTS
• Write Statement of Purpose, and ask for Letters of Recommendation
• Register at Central Applications Office
• Apply to the colleges which fit your interests
• Appear for video interviews of the colleges that shortlisted you (if applicable)
• If accepted, apply for a Study Visa.

Statement of Purpose (SOP): A Statement of Purpose (SOP) introduces you to the college and admissions officers. It is often written in the first person and explains why you are applying to a specific college. It should emphasize that you are an excellent candidate for the college and why the college should welcome you. The writing style can range from traditional to informal, but it is worth noting that it should also represent your character.

Essay: An aspiring student is also expected to submit college essays. Essays are a critical component of the university admissions phase. Students might be asked to compose one or two essays, as well as a few optional essays. Career goals, strengths, and shortcomings, abilities, experiences, and motivations for choosing a specific school are all common subjects.

LOR: A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a referral letter written by a third person outlining the aspiring student's attributes, qualifications, and skills in order to suggest him to the university in terms of that individual's capacity to accomplish a certain role or purpose. A third person may be a lecturer, a boss, or someone else.

Cost of Studying in Ireland

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate program- €9,850 to €25,500 annually
• Postgraduate master's degree- €9,500 to €34,500 annually
• Doctoral degree- €9,500 to €34,500 annually

Accommodation Costs:

• If the student stays in a private room alone then the average cost will be €427 per month.
• If the student stays within the campus, then the average cost will be €300-600 per month.
• For shared rooms, the average cost can range from €400 per month to €850, if the student resides in a private room inside a shared apartment.

Living Expenses:

• Utilities (like electric/gas/refuse)- €30 - €50
• Food expenses- €250 - €35
• Travel expenses (monthly bus ticket expense)- €65 - €85
• Book & stationery- €75
• Mobile phone- €20
• Personal expenses (Entertainment, etc)- €200 - €300

Ireland Student Visa Process

The Irish government welcomes all international students to enroll themselves in Ireland universities. But the first step is to obtain a student visa. So, let’s see how it categorized, how to apply, and the documents required.

Types of Student Visas:

1. If the Duration of study in Ireland is less than three months- C Study visa
2. If the Duration of study in Ireland is less than three months- D Study visa

Documents Required for ‘D Study Visa’:

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation
• Letter of acceptance from a recognized Irish institution
• As a mandatory condition, your passport needs to be valid for 12 months i.e., after your proposed date of arrival in Ireland
• Passport-sized color photographs
• The score of an English language proficiency test such as IELTS
• Proof of fee payment (this can either be a valid receipt showing course fees has been lodged to an approved student fee payment service or of the copy of Electronic Transfer of Funds by the applicant to the Irish bank of the university or college
• Evidence of funds (€7,000) to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course
• Evidence that accounts for any gaps in your educational history (if any)
• Medical insurance details
• You might also be asked to provide your biometric information as part of the application process
• A statement of your commitment that you’ll leave Ireland on the expiry of your visa.

Documents Required for ‘C Study Visa’:

(Along with all the documents mentioned in ‘D Study Visa’)

• For 'C' visa you need application summary sheets and proof of your return home as attested documents
• Evidence of academic ability to pursue your chosen course.

When and Where to apply:

Candidates can submit their visa application form online through the Irish government's website.  Candidates can submit visa applications up to 3 months before their travel to Ireland.

Visa Fees:

Candidates outside Ireland have to pay €60 as student visa fees for a single entry.

English Proficiency Requirements:

English is the mode of education in Ireland, hence international students have to submit proof of their proficiency in English for getting entry into Irish universities. IELTS exam is the most popular English language proficiency exam and is recognized by 10,000+ organizations, educational institutions, etc. The candidate needs to score at least 5.0 band to get his/her Irish student visa approved

Top Universities In Ireland

Ireland’s universities are very highly ranked among the top universities of the world. Ireland’s all seven public universities rank among the world’s 700 top universities in the QS World University Rankings. Here are five of Ireland’s top universities.

1. Trinity College Dublin
2. University College Dublin
3. National University of Ireland, Galway
4. University College Cork
5. Dublin City University

Top Courses In Ireland

Let’s now look at some of the most popular courses in Ireland.

1. Business Analytics
2. Investment Banking and Finance
3. Big Data / Data Science
4. Pharmaceutical Sciences
5. Construction

Work While Studying in Ireland

Foreign students enrolled in at least one year of full-time training (on a course leading to a degree approved by the Irish Department of Education and Skills) don't need any work permit to work in Ireland.

Students with a legitimate immigration stamp 2 will be allowed to serve 40 hours each week only during the months of June, July, August, and September, as well as from the 15th of December to the 15th of January inclusive. During the rest of the year, students with Immigration permit Stamp 2 will be reduced to working 20 hours a week. The students' license to serve expires as their Stamp 2 immigration permit expires.

Students enrolled in a degree (undergraduate) program will find part-time jobs if they fulfill the following criteria:

• GNIB registration
• Registered in a registered curriculum leading to a certification approved by the Minister of Education and Skills
• Attending a full-time college program at or above NFQ Level 7
• Putting in a minimum of 15 hours of daily study
• Getting instruction between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week for a period of 25 weeks per year
• On a program that lasts at least a year

Overseas students who satisfy the above requirements and want to work in Ireland must acquire a Personal Public Services Number (PPS Number). Employers can only pay staff who have a PPS number, and funds are normally sent to an Irish bank account. Students must also follow the Universal Social Contribution (USC), Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), work rules, and taxation requirements.

It is not unusual to have a probation time before being recruited on a permanent basis. The minimum wage in Ireland is €9.15 per hour.

Internship In Ireland

Students currently enrolled in the Degree Programme are permitted to complete an internship as part of their curriculum. This is subject to specific restrictions as follows:

• The internship or job placement component of the program must not surpass 50% of the program's duration; for example, a four-year program will allow for two years of work placement. Furthermore, the role cannot be held in a self-employed capacity.
• Work placements as part of an undergraduate curriculum must be an essential component of the program that leads to the overall recognition.
• Educational institutions must also ensure that placements are appropriate for the curriculum being followed.

Working In Ireland

It could be possible to remain in Ireland after completing your studies in order to pursue jobs via the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This permits non-EU/EEA students who have graduated from Irish higher education institutions to stay in Ireland for a period of 24 months in order to look for work. This arrangement allows lawfully residing non-EU third-level graduates to live in Ireland whilst looking for jobs or applying for a green card/work permit.

• A student can work full-time during their allowed stay under the scheme (40 hours a week).
• The Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme approval is not renewable.

Health Care Benefits in Ireland

European Students-

Students from other EU/EEA member states who are enrolled in a course of research are eligible for free hospital care under EU/EEA legislation if they have Form E.109 with them. To be qualified, you must have paperwork from your native country that legitimizes your right to the Irish health authorities.

Non-European Students-

Students from non-EU nations are not eligible for free medical care off-campus and must have their own health benefits. Please be aware that high levies are levied on all hospitalizations, and it is recommended that proper medical care be provided. When signing up with the Garda National Immigration Bureau, non-EU students must provide confirmation of detailed medical insurance. When trying to apply for a student visa, proof of health insurance is also mandated.

How We Help 

Our experienced consultants will guide you throughout your journey in pursuit of higher education and admissions into your dream universities/colleges. In specific but not limited to, following areas of assistance is provided by our consultants:

• Complete Profile Evaluation
• Guidance on curriculum and subject selection for high school (A levels, IB, IGCSE etc)
• STEM Coaching - Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business, Maths, Economics, English and many other subjects
• Preparation of different standardized tests - Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Helping you to build your profile by guiding you on leadership skills, co-curricular activities, internship, online courses etc.
• Shortlist and finalize the best-fit college / university
• Research the right programs / courses for students
• Craft academic CV
• Brainstorm ideas for essays and personal statements
• Draft pointers for recommendation letters
• Scholarship and Financial Aid guidance
• MMI and Panel Interview Preparation
• Submission of the application form
• Follow up with the universities and updating the status of the applications
• Visa assistance and guidance
• Assistance on safe accommodation options
• Pre-Departure Guidance