STUDY IN IRELAND

Overview

Many Irish universities rank impressively well at world level, and Ireland as a whole is understandably a popular choice for international students.
Higher education in Ireland consists of universities, specialist colleges (offering courses in a single subject area), and institutes of technology. The latter do not just offer courses in technology subjects, but also a wide range of vocational programs, in subjects including hospitality, healthcare, pharmacy, media, textiles, marketing, and many more.
Ireland’s seven public universities are all ranked within the world’s top 700 in the 2012/13  World University Rankings, as is one of the 14 institutes of technology. Three make the top 200: Trinity College Dublin (TCD) at 67, University College Dublin (UCD), 131, and University College Cork, 190.
Ireland also has seven private-sector colleges, ranging in size from the tiny Burren College of Art, which has only about 200 students, to the huge Dublin Business School, which has a student community of about 9,000.
This varied selection of higher education institutes combines with historic cities, beautiful countryside and Ireland’s unique culture to make the country a highly attractive study destination.
If that’s not enough, there’s an extra incentive for students coming from within the EEA or Switzerland, who qualify for the Free Fees Initiative – this means undergraduate courses at Ireland’s public institutes is free, apart from a relatively minor ‘registration fee’.
Search universities in Ireland >

Fast Fact

• Capital city is Dublin
• Currency is the euro
• One land border, with Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK
• Coastal borders with the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and St George’s Channel – all part of the Atlantic Ocean
• First official language is Irish, also known as Irish Gaelic, but English (the second official language) is more widely used
• The Irish name for Ireland is Eire (pronounced AIR-uh)
• Famous Irish authors include Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, Maeve Binchy and Roddy Doyle
• Famous Irish playwrights include George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde
• The most successful country in the Eurovision Song Contest, having won seven times
• Known for producing whiskey and Guinness (a dry stout beer)
• Traditional sports include Gaelic football and hurling
• Major agricultural products include potatoes, barley, turnips, beef and sugar beets
• The country’s huge annual celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day (17 March) has spread across the world
• A reputation for being rainy, which is justified; depending on the region, it rains between 150 and 225 days a year, according to the Irish Meteorological Service

Lifestyle

Discover some of Ireland’s top cities for students...

Dublin

The Irish capital has by far the greatest concentration of universities and colleges – among the reasons for its top-ten placing in the 2012 QS Best Student Cities.
A popular city-break destination, there’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do in Dublin – from admiring beautiful medieval architecture and retracing the steps of famous novelists, to visiting the Guinness Brewery and discovering the meaning of ‘craic’ in one of the city’s lively pubs.
The city is known for being expensive, and living costs are higher here than elsewhere in Ireland. But Dublin is certainly not the world’s priciest student destination – and it gives a lot back.
Find out what makes Dublin one of the world's best cities for students >

Galway

Parallel with Dublin, but on the west coast instead of the east, lies Galway – home to the National University of Ireland, Galway, and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.
Combining beautiful beaches with a buzzing city center, Galway offers all the traditional (and modern-day) Irish experiences you could want: cobbled streets, brightly painted buildings and heaving pubs hosting throbbing live music.
The city is known as a hub for arts and culture, and hosts popular annual events such as the Galway Arts Festival and Cúirt International Festival of Literature.

Cork

Also well known for its cultural activity is Cork City, located on the south coast and home to University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology. Since polishing itself up for its time as the European Capital of Culture in 2005, Cork has arguably never looked better, and =its combination of historic architecture and vibrant cultural life makes it a popular stop for tourists.
There’s a good selection of nightlife, from traditional pubs to trendy bars, and as usual in Ireland, stunning countryside is never far away.
Top ten things to do while studying in Ireland >

Practical Information

Fees

Undergraduate student from countries within the EEA and Switzerland can benefit from the Free Fees Initiative. This means you’ll only need to pay a ‘registration fee’, which varies between institutions, but is capped €2,250 (US$2,950) for the 2012/13 academic year.
For students outside the EEA/Switzerland, tuition fees vary depending on both the institution and the subject. For 2012/13, the government organization Education in Ireland advises undergraduate students to expect to pay €31,000-€45,000 for medicine and related subjects, €9,100-€20,300 for engineering, €9,100-€16,500 for science and technology, and €9,100-€15,500 for business and arts and humanities.
Student grants are available through the centralized Student Grant Scheme, and scholarships are offered by the government, individual universities, and independent organizations. Check with your university to find out which you may be eligible for.

Applications

EU students applying for undergraduate courses should use the Central Applications Office (CAO). The usual deadline for online applications is 20 January, and for paper applications is 1 February. However, ‘late’ online applications can be made until 1 February, and paper applications until 1 May.
There is a small application fee, ranging from €30 (US$40) for an early online application, up to €80 (US$105) for a late paper application.
Entry requirements vary, but proficiency in the English language is a set requirement. For students who need a little extra practice, preparatory English courses are available at many universities, and also at separate English tuition schools.

Visas

Students from within the EU, EEA or Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Ireland. There are also a number of other countries whose citizens do not need a visa – a full list is provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Students from countries exempt from visas should bring proof of acceptance onto a course when entering the country, and register with immigration authorities if intending to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days.
Those who need to apply for a visa should do so online, via the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. The process requires students to submit:

• A letter of acceptance onto a course offered by a recognized institution
• Evidence that fees have been paid (though not more than $7,000 before the visa is issued)
• Evidence of medical insurance
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses – currently set at a minimum of $7,000 per year
• Passport which is valid for at least six months after the course will end

Search universities in Ireland >

Universities in Ireland

Universities       Locations

1  Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin

Dublin

2  University College Cork

Cork

3  University College Dublin

Dublin

4  Dublin City University

Dublin

5  University of Limerick

Limerick

6  National University of Ireland, Galway

Galway

7  Dublin Institute of Technology

Dublin

8  National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Maynooth

9  Limerick Institute of Technology

Limerick ...

10  Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Galway

11  Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Dublin

12  Waterford Institute of Technology

Waterford

13  Cork Institute of Technology

Bishopstown

14  Institute of Technology, Tralee

Tralee

15  Athlone Institute of Technology

Athlone

16  Institute of Technology Sligo

Sligo

17  Institute of Technology Carlow

Carlow

18  Institute of Public Administration

Dublin

19  Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

Blanchardstown

20  Letterkenny Institute of Technology

Letterkenny ...

21  Mary Immaculate College

Limerick

22  National University of Ireland, System

Dublin

23  St Patrick's College of Education

Drumcondra

24  National College of Art and Design

Dublin

25  Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

Dún Laoghaire

26  Institute of Technology Tallaght

Tallaght

27  Saint Patrick's College, Maynooth

Maynooth

28  National College of Ireland

Dublin ...

29  Dundalk Institute of Technology

Dundalk

30  St. Angela's College

Sligo

31  All Hallows College

Drumcondra

32  Shannon College of Hotel Management

Shannon

33  Froebel College of Education

Blackrock

34  Carlow College

Carlow

35  Royal Irish Academy of Music

Dublin

36  Marino Institute of Education

Dublin

Why Study In Ireland?

Destination Ireland

Ireland is a part of European Union and is a very dynamic and modern country with a young population of 40% population below 25 years and one of the fastest growing economics in the world, with population of 4.33 million. The country also boasts the highest quality of life in the world, ranking first in the Economist Intelligence Unit's Quality-of-life index. Ireland has topped a list of the World's Friendliest Countries in a survey drawn up by the Lonely Planet travel guide group.

Why Ireland

Accepts student's for post graduation with 15 yrs of education, unlike some countries.

One of the best education systems in Europe (2004 IMD World competitiveness Report) with a history rich in tradition and learning.

Quality education leading to rapid growth of economy. It has 4.4% unemployment rate.

Education System

The Irish Education System was traditionally divided into three basis levels: Primary (8 years), Secondary (5 or 6 years) and Higher Education which offers a wide range of opportunities from post-secondary courses, to vocational and technical training, to full degree and the highest post-graduate levels.

The higher education system in Ireland is broad in scope and encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the colleges of education and private, independent colleges. The institutions which fall within the first three groupings are autonomous and self governing, but substantially state funded. Education has been a key factor in making Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the past decade.

“Cooperative Education” involves placement of students in employment relevant to their Degree programmes for six or eight months during their undergraduate studies. Some Institutions in Ireland adopts this model as an integral part of the academic programme.

Application Proceduce

Intakes

The main intake offered by all Colleges and University is September and few Universities offer Feb Intake also.

English Requirement

As English is the language of instruction at all Irish Institutions of higher education, students must demonstrate a proficiency in English to be accepted for a third level Programme. Generally, the required minimum score in TOEFL is 90 Internet Based Test. Many universities and colleges provide English Language training programmmes for intending students. Furthermore, there are over 110 private English language training schools throughout the country which run both short and long terms courses.

Entry Requirements

Overseas students wishing to study in Ireland have two options:

a) Attend secondary school in Ireland and complete the Leaving Certificate Examination with Irish students. This route is chosen by a 

 number of students who commonly take the examination in conjunction with English language tuition.

b) Undertake recognized public examinations in their own countries. This is a more common route and it is essential that every applicant check that the educational qualifications she/he is presenting are adequate to satisfy entry requirements. To have a realistic prospect these results should be very good, e.g. for medicine 3 good 'A' Level passes (grades A/B) or the equivalent, in relevant subjects are required. The minimum requirement for most degree level programmes is 3 grade 'C's at A level or equivalent. If there is any doubt about the acceptability of an applicant's qualifications, clarification should be sought in good time from the particular third level institution..

c) Student can apply to the institutions directly or to the Central Applications Office for Undergraduate Programmes.

Documents Required

Attested copies of the mark sheets of Std X, XII, etc.

2 Academic Reference Letters from professors who have taught you most recently.

If you have work experience then at least one work reference letter from the employer who can comment on your professional skills and abilities.

Statement of Purpose.

Curriculum Vitae/ Resume.

Portfolio in case of students applying for Arts and Design courses.

4 Extra Curricular Activities certificates.

 Entry and visa regulations

Students from within the EU, EEA or Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Ireland. Other countries exempt from visa requirements are listed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

• Students from countries exempt from visas should bring proof of acceptance on to a course when entering the country, and register with immigration authorities if intending to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days.
• A fee of €300 is charged for a certificate of registration issued to non-EEA nationals.

Visa applications should be made online, via the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. Applicants need:

• A letter of acceptance onto a course offered by a recognised institution.
• Evidence that fees have been paid.
• Evidence of medical insurance.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses – currently set at a minimum of €3,000 a year.
• Passport which is valid for at least six months after the course will end.

English language tests

• Except for students intending to study an English language course, anyone who requires a visa to study in Ireland must meet minimum English language requirements.
• It is recommended that all applicants, regardless of nationality or educational background, undertake the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) English language test, and provide the original certificate with their visa application.
• Other commonly recognised exams are: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE); and English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP).
• Minimum scores for IELTS and other accepted examinations are under review but are currently: IELTS – minimum of five; TOEFL: minimum of 173.
• Colleges and universities have specific language requirements for admission, though these generally vary significantly from one course to another. Contact the International Office or Admissions Office at the institution to check this information for specific courses.
• Find out more about English Language Tests.

The university system

The strength of Ireland's higher education is a big draw and a variety of academic paths are open to international students.

• As well as the arts and literature, Irish universities offer programes in technology and communications, history, environmental science, and peace and conflict studies.
• Higher education in Ireland is provided mainly by seven universities, 14 institutes of technology, including the Dublin Institute of Technology and seven colleges of education. There is also a number of other tertiary institutions providing specialist education in fields such as art and design, medicine, business studies, rural development, theology, music and law.

Applications for entry to undergraduate courses in universities, colleges of education, institutes of technology and some other institutes of higher education, are centrally processed by the Central Applications Office (CAO).

• Universities retain the function of making decisions on admissions, using a points system based on the Leaving Certificate. Points can also be scored for results in other examinations, such as UK A levels. The current CAO point allocation for A levels is: A* (150), A (135), B (120), C (100), D (75) and E (40).
• Each university has a minimum entry requirement, usually requiring a pass grade in either English or Irish, as well as maths. Some also require a pass grade in a modern continental European language (French, German, Spanish or Italian).
• The closing date for normal applications is in February of the year of entry. Late applications must be received by a date in May (1 May in 2013).

Tuition fees

Most UK students will effectively pay no tuition fees. The Irish government picks up the bill for students who are EU/European Economic Area nationals, or have been granted official refugee status, or have been resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding entry to the course.

• However, all students are required to pay a "student contribution" on entry to their courses, covering costs such as equipment usage, administration fees and exam fees. This replaced the discredited "registration fee" in 2011 after a series of large annual increases. For 2012–13, the contribution is €2,250 (£1,900), rising to €3,000 by 2015.
• For the current year (2012–13) Education in Ireland has advised those undergraduates who do not qualify to expect to pay €31,000–€45,000 for medicine and related subjects, €9,100–€20,300 for engineering, €9,100–€16,500 for science and technology, and €9,100–€15,500 for business and arts and humanities.
• Student grants may be available to EU/EEA residents through the centralised Student Grant Scheme, administered by Student Finance. Scholarships are offered by the government, individual universities, and independent organisations.

Accommodation

• Accommodation ranges from on-campus residencies to student hostels and private rented accommodation. On campus accommodation can be scarce.

Costs of living

Ireland, in common with much of the EU, is not a cheap country in which to live.

• Recent estimates for the cost of a year in Dublin have ranged between €8,000 and €12,100, largely depending on the type of accommodation chosen, including rent, electricity, food, books and laundry and medicine as well as travel passes and social expenses, but excluding tuition fees.

Typical costs

• Accommodation, shared room: €300 a month
• Accommodation, self-contained flat: €600 a month
• Cinema: €7–€12 a ticket
• Pint of beer (Dublin):  €4.50
• Glass of wine: €5
• Nightclub entry: €7€15
• Cigarettes: €9.00 for a packet of 20
• Haircut, men: €8–€12
• Haircut, women: €15–€30
• Restaurant, modest, lunch: €10.00–€12.00
• Restaurant, modest, dinner: €16.00–€18.00
• Loaf of bread: €1.13
• Toothpaste: €1.80–€3.00

Working while studying

All nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA) are free to take up employment in Ireland while studying.

• Students from outside the EEA on recognised courses can to take up casual employment (up to 20 hours part-time work per week or full-time work during normal college vacation periods). All other work is prohibited.

Health and safety

Under EU/EEA regulations students from other member states who are attending a course of study are entitled to medical services in Ireland.

• In order to be eligible for any of these services, you will be required to provide the Irish health authorities with documentation from your home country that validates your entitlement.
• All non-EEA students are required to have private medical insurance when coming to and residing in Ireland for the purpose of study.

Helpful links

Department of Education and Skills

Irish National Immigration Service guidance for students

Student Finance

Irish Council for International Students

http://www.iua.ie/