Pursuing MS in Ireland- The Allure of an Irish MS

What image does Ireland bring to mind? Castles, lighthouses, and natural beauty? Or even tasty brews and lip-smacking food? Ireland is truly one of the best places for international students with its vibrant culture. If you wish to do your MS in Ireland, you’ll also be happy knowing that the country is ranked at number 3 in the Global Peace Index 2023. On that note, here’s looking at the key aspects of a master’s in Ireland for Indian students. 

MS in Ireland: Highlights 

Here are some of the key facts that you should know if you wish to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland. 

MS in Ireland- Top MS Colleges in Ireland 

Here are some of the leading institutions to pursue your MS in Ireland based on the QS World University Rankings 2024 list. 

Top MS Specializations in Ireland

There are numerous specializations for master’s in science degrees in Ireland. Some of them include the following: 

• Human Resource Management
• Civil Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Business Analytics
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Public Health
• Chemistry
• Zoology
• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Earth and Ocean Sciences
• Economics
• Law
• Accounting and Finance Management

MS in Ireland – Eligibility Criteria

Here are the usual eligibility criteria for MS programs in Ireland (may vary across universities and courses). 

• A bachelor’s degree with second-class honors or grade one.
• Upper second-class degree/equivalent bachelor’s degree for graduate research programs (if applicable). 
• Program-specific requirements may also have to be met. 
• Candidates should also meet the English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in every section or equivalent). 
  Work Permit After Studying MS in Ireland

International students can benefit from the Third Level Graduate Program, which enables them to stay in Ireland for twelve months after completing their studies. However, graduates should have current Stamp 2 student immigration permissions with updated registration cards. They should not have crossed the limit of seven years as non-EEA nationals in the country. 

The purpose of the initiative is to enable graduates to find work and apply for general employment/critical skills employment permits. The award/qualification from the institution should be presented along with some other documents like medical insurance and a copy of your passport for applying. A fee of €300 is payable (per individual) for registration under the scheme. The permit may be renewed for another twelve months, subject to several conditions. 

MS Scholarships for Ireland

To cover MS in Ireland costs, here are some of the scholarship options worth considering (there are many other options available in the country). 

1. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Program- This scholarship is offered for all disciplines, and the selection committee looks for pioneering research proposals from meritorious candidates. The benefits include an annual stipend of €19,000 along with direct research costs of €3,250 per year and a contribution to tuition fees (maximum €5,750 per year). 
2. University College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships- University College Dublin offers coverage for 100% and 50% of tuition fees for selected candidates under this scholarship program. 
3. Trinity College Dublin Postgraduate Scholarships- These scholarships are provided in the form of a reduction in tuition fees by €2,000-5,000 for the first year of the course. 

Doing your MS in Ireland can be a good step in terms of studying at a reputed higher education institution and setting the tone for a fulfilling global career ahead. Here’s to enjoying your stay in this beautiful and dynamic country.