Study in Ireland

Key Highlights 

Reviewing Education System in Ireland

The Irish education system follows the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a 10-level system similar to the UK. Broadly, it can be divided into three main levels: 

• Primary Education: Primary education is obligatory in Ireland and normally lasts eight years, from the ages of six to thirteen. English, Irish, math, science, history, geography, and physical education are among the disciplines taught to children.
• Secondary Education: In Ireland, secondary education normally lasts six years, from the ages of 13 to 19. In their first two years, students must study a variety of disciplines, including English, Irish, math, science, and social studies. Students choose a combination of topics to study at a higher level in their last two years. Many prefer to study for the Leaving Certificate, the ultimate secondary education system exam.
• Third-Level Education: Universities, institutes of technology, and other colleges provide third-level education in Ireland. The academic year normally lasts from September to June, and most undergraduate courses last three to four years. Ireland's third-level education is recognized worldwide for its strong academic standards, and graduates are in high demand by businesses. 

If you wish to study a third-level course longer than three months, you must ensure it is an approved program. You must check the Irish government’s Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), which contains the current list of approved programs.

Ireland also offers a variety of further education and training choices, such as vocational training, apprenticeships, and adult education programs. Overall, Ireland's education system is considered highly for its quality and rigor, with a strong emphasis on academic accomplishment and professional development.

Credit System in Ireland

Ireland follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). It is a common European credit system that allows qualification recognition and credit transfer between institutions. 

The effort necessary for a course or program, including lectures, seminars, practical work, and individual study, determines the number of ECTS credits given. One ECTS credit corresponds to 20-25 hours of student workload, including contact hours and independent study. 

Most undergraduate courses in Ireland are worth 180 to 240 ECTS credits, with each academic year generally earning 60 to 120 credits. Postgraduate courses typically range from 60 to 90 ECTS credits (at NFQ level 9). To receive their degree, students must fulfill a particular number of credits, which varies based on the subject and school. 

One of the primary benefits of the ECTS credit system is that it promotes qualification recognition across Europe. ECTS credits obtained at one university can be transferred to another in a different nation if both universities are members of the ECTS network. Overall, the ECTS credit system is a powerful instrument for easing qualification recognition and credit transfer between institutions, and it is widely utilized in Ireland.

What are the Best Courses to Study in Ireland

With an exquisite education system and state-of-the-art facilities, Ireland is home to the top universities offering the best courses. Listed below are the best courses to study in Ireland. 

• Data Analytics 
• Data Science 
• Pharmaceuticals
• Software Engineering 
• Cyber Security 
• Artificial Intelligence 
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Business Management
• Digital Marketing
• Investment Banking and Finance 
• Construction 

Top Universities to Study in Ireland

Listed below are the best universities in Ireland for Indian students. 

Intakes Available in Ireland

While planning to study in Ireland, international students must pay attention to the available intakes. There are two main intakes in Ireland - Autumn and Spring intakes. 

Create Your Budget: Cost of Studying in Ireland for International Students

Tuition fees for studying in Ireland vary based on the student's home country. Students from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom pay the same tuition as Irish students, usually around €3,000 or may be exempted from paying fee if it meets the Irish government's  Higher Education Authority (HEA).

On the other hand, the cost of studying in Ireland for Indian students or students from outside these nations must pay their tuition fees, which the Irish government does not regulate. Tuition fees vary depending on the subject, duration of study, and degree of study. Costs for undergraduate studies are paid each semester, while postgraduate programs fees are paid annually. 

1) The annual tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree is between €9,850 to €25,500. 

2) The annual tuition fee for a master’s degree is between €9,500 to €24,500. 

3) The annual tuition fee for a doctoral degree is between €10,000 to €35,000.  

4) Being a student also involves the additional cost of books, stationery, and personal accessories which may be around €200 per month. 

What is Cost of Living in Ireland

The estimated average cost of living in Ireland is €10,000 for one academic year. Below is a generalized breakup of the monthly cost of living for Indian students in Ireland. 

Best Student Cities in Ireland

Listed below are the best cities for Indian students in Ireland:

• Dublin: As Ireland's capital, Dublin is a bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis with a diversified student population. It is well-known for its historic sites, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife. The city provides several chances for part-time jobs, internships, and post-graduation employment in numerous sectors.

Popular Universities and Colleges:

• University College Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin
• Dublin City University 
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
• Cork: Cork is a charming city on Ireland's southwest coast. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage, flourishing music scene, and magnificent surroundings. The educational institutes offer various programs with specializations in different subjects.

Popular Universities: 

• University College Cork 
• Cork Institute of Technology
• Galway: Galway is a dynamic and colorful city on Ireland's west coast. It amalgamates traditional and modern-day Ireland and is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, traditional music scene, and breathtaking natural beauty. You can find diverse programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Popular Universities: 

• NUI Galway
• Galway Business School 
• University of Galway
• Limerick: Limerick is a lively city in southwest Ireland, located on the banks of the Shannon River. It is well-known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage. It offers a strategic location in the country with great connectivity options. 

Popular Universities: 

• University of Limerick
• The Limerick Institute of Technology. 

Admission Requirements to Study in Ireland

The requirements to study in Ireland for Indian students may vary per the different universities; however, a general idea is given below. 

• You must be 18 years of age. 
• If you are applying for a postgraduate program, you must have completed your bachelor's degree in the relevant field. 
• You must have an academic score of a minimum of 60% in the 12th standard
• Proof of English proficiency 

A Breakdown of the Admission Process in Ireland’s Universities

A generalized admission process to study in Ireland for Indian students is discussed below:

• The initial step is to research and choose the course and the university you wish to study at. 
• After selecting the course and university, cross-check the eligibility and admission requirements before filling out the form. 
• Along with your application form, you must submit the test scores of various standardized tests like the IELTS/ TOEFL, GRE, SAT, etc. 
• You can fill out the application form through the university’s online portal, add your information, upload documents and deposit the fee.  

Documents Required to Study in Ireland

Whether you are applying for a master's or bachelor's in Ireland for Indian students, listed below are the important documents that you should keep handy:

For Undergraduate Degree:

• Two academic references
• Final high school exam results
• A 500-word statement of purpose
• A recognized certificate of English Language Competency
• Proof of Application Fee payment 
• Medical insurance/ health coverage 

For Postgraduate Degree:

• Bachelor’s degree with 60% or equivalent from a recognized university
• Two academic references (or, where appropriate clinical referees)
• Academic transcript(s) which must be certified by the issuing body
• Certified copy of degree certificate(s)
• A recognized certificate of English Language Competency 
• Any other qualifications that may be required (such as GMAT for Business Master’s programs)
• Proof of Application Fee payment 
• Medical insurance/ health coverage 

One must remember that the exact list of documents may differ per each university’s specifications. Hence, it is important to thoroughly browse your preferred university’s official website before filling out the application form.

Student Visa: Requirements for Ireland

International students wishing to study at an Irish university must apply for a student visa. There are two types of Ireland study visas: 

• C Study Visa: If you plan to study in the country for less than three months, for instance, for a training program, you need to apply for a C study visa. 
• D Study Visa:  If you wish to stay and study in the country for more than three months, then you must apply for a D study visa. 

To pursue a higher education program in Ireland, you must apply for the D Long Term Study Visa. You can apply for it 3 months before your travel date to Ireland.

The documents required are: 

• Application Form
• Two Recent color passport-size photographs
• Valid Passport 
• Acceptance/Offer letter 
• Proof of tuition fee payment 
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Bank statement to show proof of financial stability 
• Private Medical Insurance cover

Study in Ireland: Accepted Exams 

You need to qualify for certain tests to showcase your language and academic proficiency. 

For English proficiency, the following tests are accepted: 

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• Cambridge English Language Assessments (CELA)
• English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes
• Oxford Test of English
• .Language Cert.
• Duolingo English Test

Other tests include: 

If you wish to take any healthcare course, you must take the Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT) and GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admission Test). 

Popular Scholarships for Higher Studies in Ireland for Indian Students

Whether you are applying for a bachelor's or master's in Ireland for Indian students, you can benefit from the plethora of scholarships available in the country. Listed below are the top scholarships for higher education in Ireland. 

Post-Study Work Options for International Students in Ireland

International students who complete their studies in Ireland have various post-study work opportunities that allow them to get significant professional experience while remaining in the country. One such channel is the Third-level Graduate Programme, which permits non-EEA students (NFQ level 8 or 9) to stay in Ireland for up to two years after finishing their studies. Students can work in any area during this period and do not need a work permit. This is an excellent opportunity for students to obtain work experience and explore job prospects in Ireland.

Conclusion 

International students studying in Ireland have an exceptional opportunity to receive a world-class education, enjoy a rich cultural history, and experience a welcoming and dynamic community. Ireland is a popular choice for students looking for an exciting and fulfilling educational experience, thanks to its top-ranked universities, innovative academic programs, and a diverse range of post-study career opportunities. So, if you are seeking a study abroad destination with academic brilliance, cultural diversity, and interesting employment chances, Ireland is the place to be.

Facts about Ireland

Before learning more about study in Ireland for Indian students, you should keep a few pertinent facts in mind. 

Population 

Ireland has a population of 5,065,665 citizens, as of 29th October, 2022. 

Language

Irish and English are the official languages of the country. 

Currency

Euro is the currency of Ireland. 

Capital

The capital of Ireland is Dublin. 

Number of International Students

Ireland has 32,000+ international students as per estimates. Many students look up how to apply for MS in Ireland from India or other courses. 

Number of Universities

There are seven universities in Ireland. 

GDP

The GDP of Ireland is US$498.56 billion as of 2021. 

Average Study Costs

Average study costs of higher studies in Ireland for Indian students hover around 6,000-12,000 Euros per year for undergraduate courses at public institutions and also between 6,150-15,000 Euros per year for postgraduate programs.