How to get into Ireland Universities?

Ireland is one of the most popular destinations for international students heading to Europe. Ireland, with its beautiful setting in the British Isles, has also earned a reputation as one of Europe's most beautiful countries. The country has a long and storied history, as well as centuries of tradition and culture.

Key Highlights Of Studying In Ireland

Key Highlights

Details Number of Universities

10 universities 10 Institutes of Technology

7+ private higher education institutions

Top 5 Universities (QS World University Rankings 2022)

Trinity College Dublin

University College Dublin

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

National University of Ireland Galway

University College Cork

Cost of Studying (per year)

€10,000 to €35,000, depending on the course and institution

Cost of Living (per month)

€1,502 to €1,614, depending on location and lifestyle

Top Scholarships for international students

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Irish Research Council scholarships

UCD Global Excellence Graduate Scholarship

Trinity College Dublin scholarships

NUI Galway scholarships

Part-time Work

20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays

Language Requirements

A minimum of IELTS 6.0 or 6.5, or TOEFL 80 or 90, depending on the university & course; some courses may have higher requirements

Education System in Ireland

If you’re planning to study abroad in Ireland, you will have access to multiple opportunities such as academic excellence, globally recognised qualifications, a dynamic campus culture, rich research & development, and numerous job prospects. For those of you who plan to study in Ireland, here’s a glimpse of the education system for you to gain a broader understanding of how to go about your studies.

The Irish education system is quite comparable to that of the United Kingdom, which explains the high level of education it gives to its students. Ireland's educational system is divided into four tiers: -

Pre-Primary & Primary Education

Post-Primary Education

Training & Further Education

Higher Education

Higher Education

In Ireland, higher education consists of universities, colleges, and institutes of technology, the majority of which are funded by the Irish government. Ireland has 7 universities, 7 colleges of education, 15 private higher education institutions, and 14 technological institutes (IoT). In Ireland, there are a few more private third-level institutions offering specialised education in fields such as business studies, art and design, law, medicine, and so on.

You can study in Ireland by opting for degree programmes, non-degree programmes, and/or, pathway programmes. Irish institutions have made arrangements with pathway providers to give students the additional support and guidance they require to succeed. Higher education in Ireland is divided into 2 semesters -

First Semester: September - December

Second Semester: Late January - May

Why Study in Ireland?

International students are drawn to Ireland for a variety of reasons. If you've considered studying a master's in Ireland or even a bachelor's for that matter, keep reading to see why so many international students have chosen to study in Ireland.

World-Class Education: One of the key reasons that international undergraduate and graduate students choose to study in Ireland is because it is an ideal location for anybody seeking a world-class education. Specifically, world-class education in a forward-thinking, dynamic country with exciting job opportunities.

Part-time Employment Opportunities: Typically, institutions in Ireland encourage students to work part-time in order to fund their basic expenses. Courses are typically flexible and developed in such a manner that you can study and work in Ireland at the same time. You can create a part-time plan with flexible course hours. Ireland provides post-work visas to students, allowing them to work in the country for an extended period of time.

Low Cost Of Education: Because most institutions are supported by the state, the cost of life and education in Ireland is comparatively low. While tuition costs vary depending on the course and university, the fee is quite low in comparison to other places. Aside from the cheap education costs in Ireland, the normal living expenditures are also reasonable.

Safety: Ireland is a highly safe, pleasant, and welcoming place to stay. Ireland is ranked 12th in the world on the Global Peace Index and 22nd on the World Happiness Index. According to the OECD 2019 Education Study, young Irish people have the world's fourth-highest educational standard.

Top Universities And Global Ranking

Available Courses To Study

Ireland's education system is rapidly expanding. Since 2012-13, there has been a 5% growth in the overall number of overseas students. Almost nine out of ten students engaging in research attend universities. English, History, Politics, Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Arts and Humanities, and other major courses are among those provided by Irish educational institutions. Ireland also provides English language classes as well as short courses for students who are interested.

Marketing and Advertisement

Marketing degrees in Ireland provide students with the knowledge and abilities required to succeed in their chosen marketing vocation. While some marketing and advertising degrees offer students post-study employment opportunities, other degrees are studied as joint honours degrees in marketing along with other subject areas of interest like management. Irish universities are closely linked to the industry and equip students with the latest marketing skills that top employers are looking for.

Mass Communication and Media

Universities in Ireland offering mass communication and media courses offer students a plethora of career opportunities and help students gain experiences beyond their comfort zone. Building strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for this field and Irish universities offer tonnes of opportunities for advancement. Mass communication and media graduates from Ireland often gain great creative and analytical skills that get them ready to work in the media industry.

Architecture and Real Estate

Students pursuing architecture and real estate courses in Ireland gain an in-depth understanding of the economic, financial, strategic, and legal aspects of real estate development. It is a comprehensive course which goes beyond traditional subjects. With urbanisation and the digital revolution, students acquire up-to-date knowledge and also use innovative tools involved in architecture and real estate, enabling them to become leading professionals in the future.

Accounting and Finance

An accounting and finance degree in Ireland gives you both theoretical and practical exposure to accounting and finance concepts including business, legal taxation, and IT context of work. Irish universities have a strong reputation for the quality of their accounting and financing programmes in addition to their affordability. In partnership with the leading corporates and MNCs, universities in Ireland give students the opportunity to work and gain solid experience in this field with industry leaders and experts to guide them through.

Finances

Cost of Education in Ireland

Ireland is one country where high-quality education is provided at a lesser cost than in other countries. This is b Because the duration of graduating courses is typically 12 months, as opposed to the 16-24 month duration of programmes in other countries. The tuition fees you pay are determined by the type of qualification and institution you choose. You will require between €10,000 and €25,000 each year to meet your tuition costs.

Courses in the humanities, education and arts are often less expensive, but areas such as medical, engineering, business, and management are more likely to be more expensive. If you want to study in Ireland at a higher level, the tuition price is usually more, and the expenses vary based on the programme.

Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living is primarily determined by where you reside in Ireland, as well as how often you socialise. However, an international student typically requires between €600 and €1000 per month. Prices in Ireland's main cities and smaller towns vary greatly, with Dublin being the most pricey place to live in. Some of the major elements that affect the cost of living as an international student in Ireland are as follows:

Particulars

Expenses (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

€488

On-Campus Accommodation

€600

Transportation

€109

Food

€540

Utilities

€185

Entertainment

€48

Groceries

€44

Clothes

€88

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation

€1,502

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation

€1,614

Annual Cost Of Living

€18,024

Admission Process

If you’ve set your mind to study in Ireland, there are some things you need to keep in mind prior to applying to the universities. A minimum academic score of 60 per cent or higher in Standard XII is required for each subject. Foundations and Diploma programmes are offered to students with a GPA of approximately 50%. Before commencing your degree programme, it is required that you must be at least 18 years old. It is vital to remember that, while the admittance requirements for Irish institutions are lower, the educational level is not. As a result, you should carefully prepare yourself to cope with the high grade of education during the following few years.

Documents Required:

Mark Sheets of Standard X, XII, and the bachelor’s degree (if applicable)

TOEFL or IELTS scores

Letter of Recommendation (s)

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Resume/CV

A Portfolio especially if you're getting into arts, media, or fashion courses

Certificates of extracurricular activities

Evidence of sufficient funds

A Health insurance policy

A copy of your passport

Process:

Start looking for colleges and courses.

For detailed information, contact universities or visit websites.

Shortlist the universities on your list.

Take language tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

Prepare a Statement of Purpose and get letters of recommendation.

Register at the Central Applications Office.

Apply to universities that are a good fit for your interests.

Attend video interviews with the universities that have shortlisted you (if applicable)

Apply for a Study Visa if you are accepted.

Admission Requirements to Study in Ireland's Universities

Ireland has approximately 2,000 study programmes in various universities, offering students with numerous options for studying in the country. Despite the fact that each programme has its unique application process, the prerequisites are not considerably different.

When applying to Irish universities, international students must take into account both the language requirements and the entry requirements.

Language Requirements

Because most universities in Ireland offer courses in English, students must first pass an English language proficiency test. Each exam requires a minimum score of:

IELTS: 6.0

TOEFL iBT: 90

PTE: 36 (UG), 63 (PG)

Cambridge ESOL: C1 or C2

If a student has completed English GCSE or GCE examinations throughout their school years, several universities may waive the language competence test requirement.

Other Aptitude Tests

Students planning to study medicine or other healthcare courses must take the Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT) &Graduate Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT).

A GMAT score is also required to obtain an MBA from an Irish educational institution.

Entry Requirements:

Scanned copy of passport

Academic transcripts, including High school leaving certificate (for UG courses)

Proof of a Bachelor's degree or similar (for PG courses)

Any other certificates showing academic merit

Statement of Purpose for Irish Universities

Financial statements

Resume/CV

LOR

Passport-size photographs

Intakes in Ireland

Intake Period

Application Deadline

Semester Start

Autumn

June/July

September

Spring

September/October

January

Visa Process and Requirements

If you are an international student from a country other than the EU or EEA, you must apply for an Irish student visa. You will be eligible for one of two types of visas depending on the length of your study programme .

FAQs

Can I work in Ireland while studying?

Non-EU students who have been given the approval to study in Ireland at a higher education institution listed on the ILEP can work part-time to supplement their income while in the country. During the holidays, students are permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time (up to 40 hours per week).

Are there scholarships to study in Ireland?

Yes. Universities and colleges provide scholarships to international students. These are granted purely at the discretion of the individual universities, which establish their own eligibility conditions. These scholarships to study in Ireland help students cover a major part of their expenses including a part of their tuition fees, and additional course costs.

Can I get PR after studying in Ireland?

Yes. After 5 years of staying in Ireland, a person is entitled to apply for PR. If you are in Ireland as a student, apart from your stay, your academics and experience will be very important in obtaining PR in Ireland.

What are the language requirements for studying in Ireland?

The language requirements for studying in Ireland depend on the university and the course of study. Generally, international students must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English through recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

What are the eligibility requirements for an Irish student visa?

To be eligible for an Irish student visa, students must be enrolled in a full-time course at an approved institution, have proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay, and provide evidence of health insurance coverage. The specific requirements may vary depending on the student's country of origin.

How much does it cost to study in Ireland?

The cost of studying in Ireland varies depending on the university and the program of study. Tuition fees for international students can range from €9,000 to €25,000 per year, excluding living expenses.

What are the top universities in Ireland for international students?

Some of the top universities in Ireland for international students are Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, National University of Ireland Galway, University College Cork, and Dublin City University.

What are the popular courses to study in Ireland?

Ireland offers a wide range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Some of the popular courses to study in Ireland include: Business and management Engineering Computer science and information technology Medicine and healthcare Law Arts and humanities.

What is the Ireland student visa success rate?

The Ireland student visa success rate is approximately 96%.