Study in Ireland: Universities, Courses, Scholarships, Fees, and Intakes
Ireland is the home to some internationally renowned universities that offer world-class education and an array of courses like medicine, science, technology and engineering, law, and business. Ireland provides opportunities to students who want to study in Ireland and gain valuable educational experience. It is also ranked amongst the world’s top 20 countries for its exceptional quality of education. This is why, over the years, Ireland has increasingly become a top, most sought-after choice among Indian students. English is widely spoken in Ireland and is the medium of instruction in the top universities in the country. According to Ireland’s higher education authority, 35,140 (12%) international students have been granted the Ireland study visa and are pursuing various courses. There are 7,000 Indian students currently who study in Ireland.
Ireland Study Visa: An Overview
International students who wish to study in Ireland must fulfill the Ireland student visa requirements in terms of eligibility conditions and documents. The following are the Eligibility conditions for the Ireland study visa:
Ireland’s Education System
Did you know that the education system in Ireland is almost similar to the education system in the UK?. The quality of Education Ireland provides makes it an ideal destination for international students to study in Ireland. Ireland follows the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a 10-level system that describes qualifications in Irish Education. Education in Ireland is broadly divided into Primary Education, Secondary Education, and Tertiary Education. Tertiary Education is referred to as higher Education. Tertiary Education is divided into as follows:
10 universities
10 Institutes of Technology (IOT)
7+ private higher education institutions
Popular Courses to Study in Ireland
Business Analytics
Data Analytics
Software Engineering
Computer science
Banking and Finance
Medicine
Eligibility Criteria to Study in Ireland
To study in Ireland, one needs to meet several eligibility criteria and application requirements, which can vary based on the level of education (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) and the specific institution. Here’s a general overview:
Undergraduate: Completion of secondary school (high school diploma or equivalent).
Graduate: A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
Non-native English speakers typically need to demonstrate proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE.
Ireland Study Visa Requirements:
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Ireland
Even though sometimes the expense in Ireland is quite cheaper than in other countries, students always remain on the lookout for scholarships. Different amounts of funds are offered for scholarships for international students in Ireland based on the type and level of the course of study. For first-year programs, grants can start from € 9,360 to the full tuition fee. These range from about € 9,360 to 37,442 annually.
Post-graduation grants often pay for total tuition fees and also cover living costs. The awards are usually between €9,360 - € 22,466 a year. Research grants, especially for PhD students, can cover more funds. They range from €37,443 annually, covering education, living costs, and tuition.
Eligibility criteria for scholarship to study in Ireland
- The student must have excellent academic scores
- They must have a volunteering experience
- Must have relevant letters of recommendation
- Must be accepted into a recognized institution in Ireland
- A strong statement of purpose explaining your academic goals
FAQ's
Yes, International students can opt for employment opportunities in Ireland after completing their education. To work in Ireland, international students must obtain Irish General Work Permits, which are valid for two years. Graduates can also apply for work permit extensions for a few years after getting their jobs and then apply for permanent residency in Ireland after studying and completing a five-year stay in Ireland.
General Work Permit holders must stay in Ireland for five years for permanent residency. In contrast, Critical Skills Employment Permit holders can apply for permanent residency after two years.
The student must have health insurance that covers €25,000 worth of stay in Ireland.
The student needs to demonstrate speaking, reading, writing, and understanding English at the required level of the course. Students can take approved English language tests like IELTS and TOEFL. A minimum of 6.0 bands is generally required for an Ireland study visa.