Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland is one of the very popular destinations for Indian students looking to study abroad. The country is home to top-ranked universities that provide quality education and a High Return on Investments (ROI). The English language is widely spoken in the country with top universities in Ireland opting for English as the medium of education. Many of Ireland’s institutions of higher education are internationally ranked, offering many strong programmes in a variety of areas.

The education system followed by the country is student-friendly offering up to 2 years of post-study stay-back options. With close proximity to Europe, Ireland is an upcoming business hub offering very good career opportunities as it is home to multiple corporate titans.

Education System in Ireland

In this section, we are going to be talking about the education system followed in Ireland. The country is broadly divided into Primary Education, Secondary Education and Tertiary Education. Tertiary Education is often referred to as pursuing higher education in Ireland which splits into 10 universities, 10 Institutes of Technology (IOTs) and 7+ private higher education institutions. Ireland follows the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a 10-level system used to describe qualifications in the Irish education and training system.  The NFQ shows how General Education Awards, Further Education and Training and Higher Education Awards are mapped against the 10 levels of the framework.

Cost of Studying in Ireland

Let us take a look at the cost of studying in Ireland for International Students. There are three major schools of study in Ireland. These are Public Universities, Private Universities, and Institutes of Technology (IOTs). Fees would vary sending on the type of school you have enrolled into. The same is provided in the table below. 

Cost of Studying in Ireland by School

• Public universities – €14,000 Euro – €21,000 Euro
• Private colleges – €12,000 Euro – €14,000 Euro
• IOTS – €10,000 Euro – €12,500 Euro

• Student Visa requirements for Ireland

  Applicants would be required to bring the following documents with them to the visa centre. These include: 

  • Application Form along with the appropriate fee
  • Application Letter which would include
    • Full name and postal address, and the:
    • The reason you want to come to Ireland
    • Dates you plan to arrive and leave.
    • Your letter must also include a commitment from you that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiry of your permission to remain.
  • Two colour passport-sized photographs not more than 6 months old
  • Your current passport and a full copy of all previous passports. Your current passport must be valid for at least 12 months after your proposed date of arrival
  • Evidence that you have enrolled on a privately funded course
  • Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history
  • Evidence of fee payment to the college
  • Evidence that you have the academic ability to follow your chosen course
  • Evidence of your level of English
  • Financial proof
  • Private medical insurance
  • Previous visa refusals
  • Summary of finances for study visa application

  Ireland Permanent Residence Permit

  Students who have been legally residing in Ireland for a minimum of five years (60 months) on an employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment would be eligible to apply for Long Term Residency permission.

  Admission Requirements to study in Irish Universities

  Irish universities have one major enrolment season, which is the autumn intake in September. Some universities admit students for January sessions as well. For undergraduate courses, Irish universities accept applications through Central Applications Office (CAO) an online enrolment system. For postgraduate courses, candidates are required to apply directly to the university. The documents required as part of your admission requirements to Irish universities are as follows:

  • 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

  Photocopies of these documents should be translated into English and certified by the educational institution or by a notary.