STUDY IN IRELAND

Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for students from all over the world. Irish people’s friendliness and hospitality help overseas students adapt more easily to daily life, especially student life. Having developed from a predominantly agricultural economy in the 1950s, Ireland is now a thoroughly modern nation with well-developed manufacturing and international services sectors.

It has the highest economic growth rate in the E.U., hence the title ‘The Celtic Tiger’. The educated workforce produced by Ireland’s education system has been a key factor in attracting international investment to the country and in the growth of modern technological industries, which have helped make Ireland one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

The international dimension of education is important in Ireland, which has one of the most trade-dependent economies in the world. The Irish Government has invested in the internationalisation of our education system, both to promote the international activities and linkages of our colleges and to encourage students from overseas countries to study in Ireland.

International standards judge higher education in Ireland, and the employment market for graduates is global. Overseas students receive a quality education in a friendly environment. They, in turn, enrich our students’ educational experience and bring an international dimension to our campuses. Irish and overseas students build lifelong friendships and networks that later strengthen cultural and trade relationships between their countries.

Higher Education

Higher Education in Ireland comprises universities (with associated colleges of education), institutes of technology, and several private, independent colleges. Universities and institutes of technology operate as autonomous, self-governing institutions while receiving substantial state funding.

Universities

There are nine universities in Ireland – 2 in Northern Ireland and 7 in the Republic. The University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD), founded in 1592, is the oldest in Ireland. The National University of Ireland (NUI) is a federal institute comprising four constituent universities: University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Dublin; University College Cork, National University of Ireland, Cork; National University of Ireland, Galway; and National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

NUI also has three recognised colleges: the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and St. Angela’s College of Education. The University of Limerick (UL) and Dublin City University (DCU) are our newest universities, founded in 1989. The two universities in Northern Ireland are the University of Ulster (UU) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).

In addition to offering degrees at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels across a wide range of disciplines, universities and colleges also undertake research in many areas. Undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas are also available, and universities offer continuing and distance education programmes (aimed mainly at Irish residents).

Institutes of Technology

There are currently 14 Institutes of Technology located throughout the Republic offering programmes at degree, national diploma and national certificate levels in a wide variety of subjects. Their qualifications are externally validated by Ireland’s national certification authority, ensuring they meet the highest international standards. Many of the Institutes of Technology also run postgraduate diploma and degree programmes, both taught and research.

Colleges of Education

There are five Colleges of Education for primary school teachers. These colleges offer three-year full-time courses leading to a B.Ed degree, which is the recognised qualification for primary school teaching.

Independent Third-Level Colleges

These colleges offer programmes leading to certificates, diplomas and degrees that have been recognised by Ireland’s national certification authority or by other external accreditation institutions (such as universities). Courses on offer include: Accountancy and Business Studies, Law, Humanities, Hotel & Catering, Tourism Studies and Art.

Study Programmes Available to Overseas Students

In addition to complete undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, Irish universities offer a wide range of programmes that involve credit transfer arrangements with overseas universities and colleges. These range from Summer programmes to semester programmes to complete academic-year programmes across a broad spectrum of faculties. These programmes include:

Junior Year Abroad (JYA) and Study Abroad Programmes (mainly aimed at non-E.U. students)

SOCRATES (Applicable to citizens of Member States of the E.U. as well as to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). SOCRATES seeks to promote the concept of lifelong learning in response to constantly evolving education and training needs. There is a variety of programmes promoted by SOCRATES, including:

ERASMUS (higher education)

LINGUA (language-learning)

Student Expenses

The main costs that students can expect to incur while in Ireland include fees, accommodation and living expenses. These vary considerably depending on the course, the institution, and the student’s lifestyle. Third-level education in Ireland is free for first-time undergraduates who are E.U. nationals and have been ordinarily resident in the European Union.

Member State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third-level course. Universities and colleges offer a limited number of scholarships for overseas students. Students are advised to contact the institution directly to obtain the application.

Ireland Application Procedures

Studying overseas is a very enriching experience; however, it can be pretty costly. Hence, it is worth spending time and effort choosing the most suitable programme and institution.

Ireland Education Highlights

1. A world-class educational setup
2. Easy visa processing
3. One year of work rights after completion of studies
4. Part-time work opportunities available during studies
5. Ireland has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the whole of Europe, signifying a flourishing job market. Indoz Overseas is the leading Ireland Study Visa Consultant, providing study visa services.