Study In Ireland
People who love nature, literature, and ancient history will really enjoy studying in Ireland. The Irish people are well known for their conviviality, and many of the cities outside of Dublin work hard to preserve their rich heritage, giving you many opportunities to explore the country. Also, since Ireland is so close to the United Kingdom, you can easily travel to and/or network in major cities like London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Ireland a dynamic, lively, modern country with a young population and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.40% population below 25 years and one of the fastest growing economics in the world, with population of 4.6 million Ireland is a part of European Union. Euro is the currency used in Ireland. First official language is Irish, also known as Irish Gaelic, but English (the second official language) is more widely used. Ireland ranked 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 Every year almost 200,000 students of all ages and from all over the world come to study in Ireland. Irish people have a great love of conversation and have a genuine interest in other people. This friendliness and hospitality for which the Irish people are renowned contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to the way of life and in particular, student life in Ireland.
The country’s huge annual celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day (17 March) has spread across the world. Southern Ireland is known as the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom. Dublin is the capital city of Ireland.
World-Class
Education
Great Diversity in
Course Options
Top Tourist Attractions In Ireland Includes
- Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin
- The Ring of Kerry
- Glendalough
- Grafton Street, Grafton Street
- Killarney National Park and Muckross House & Gardens
- The Book of Kells and Trinity College, Dublin
- The Cliffs of Moher
Advantages of Studying in Ireland
The education system in Ireland is one amongst the best in the world and offers a number of degree and diploma programs to resident as well as international students. Irish universities offer both under graduate and post graduate programs in a gamut of diverse and related fields. The quality of the curriculum as well as the standard of teaching and research are unparalleled anywhere in the world.
The new government rules allow students to stay back for at least 6 months on declaration of results to seek employment. Once a student gains employment, the student becomes eligible to apply for Green Card/Work Permit. Ireland is extremely friendly and safe for international students. Ireland is an English speaking country. Hence, communication is easy. Ireland accepts students with 15 years education on their post graduate (Masters) courses unlike some other popular study destinations. Ireland has one of the best education systems in Europe (2004 IMD World competitiveness Report) with a history rich in tradition and learning. Ireland boasts having over 200000 international students.
Apart from a strong Irish education system, one can easily determine the friendliness of Irish people and Institutions through this fact. International students can work part-time for 20 hours per week during the course. € 8-9 per hour can be earned by students in general. Ireland is the largest exporter of software in the world and rates amongst the top five producers of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals globally.
The ever-increasing demands of this high technology economy have ensured that the higher education technological sector offers the highest and most advanced standards and opportunities available today. Any student wishing to study in Ireland must meet the minimum English language requirements. SI-UK recommends all students undergo IELTS preparation before joining an Irish university.
Irish Education System
The following academic awards can be achieved at Irish third level institutions:
- Higher Certificate: Two year full-time course
- Bachelors Degree: Three year full time course
- Honours Bachelors Degree: Normally a three or four year course
- Graduate Diploma: Designed for graduates seeking a vocational reorientation – usually a one year course
- Masters degree: Either by research or through a taught programme. Normally one-two year(s) duration
- Doctorate (PhD): Usually takes a minimum of three years of original research
Education has been a key factor in making Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the past decade. Government policy on investment in research and “4th level” education as the key to developing Ireland as a knowledge society in the new global economy
Institutions in Ireland
The higher education system in Ireland is broad in scope and encompasses Universities, Institutes of Technology, Colleges of Education, Private Independent Colleges and National University of Ireland (NUI) Colleges. The institutions which fall within the first three groupings are autonomous and self-governing, but substantially state funded.
Ireland Checklist (for application)
- Copy of First & Last Page of Passport
- IELTS / TOFEL Score card (if you have)
- 10th / 12th Mark sheet and Certificates
- Updated Resume
- Bachelor’s Degree / Provisional Degree and All Semesters mark sheets
- Master’s Degree / Provisional Degree and All Semesters mark sheet
- Work Experience Certificate (If you have)
- Statement of Purpose (Sample format attached)
- 2 LORs (Sample format attached)
Cost of studying in Ireland
Tuition fees vary depending on the institution and the study programme. The following is only a general range:
Cost of Living in Ireland
On average, an international student needs approximately €600 to €1000 per month in Ireland. Prices differ a lot in the big cities and small towns all across Ireland, with Dublin being the most expensive city to live in.
Accommodation For Students In Ireland
Third level students: The higher education system in Ireland is called as Third level education or tertiary education. Most third level institutions have on-campus student residences, often resembling small villages with on-site facilities such as shops, launderettes, restaurants etc. Another popular option, particularly in the main cities is self-catering rented accommodation, often shared with other students. Students opting for this kind of accommodation are advised to arrive in the country two or three weeks prior to the start of the academic year in order to secure a place in a house/apartment. Some third-level students opt for host family accommodation. This can be a good option for those leaving home for the first time as it helps to integrate them into the local community and the Irish way of life. Students are normally provided with their own room and with morning and evening meals.
Scholarships For Students
Government of Ireland Scholarships for Indian students are available on one year taught Masters at participating Universities that include University of Limerick, NUI Maynooth, NUI Galway, Dublin City University, University College Cork, and University College Dublin (info. updated as on June 2013).
Individual University Scholarships in Ireland are also available. Several Institutes of Technologies offer merit-based scholarships to Indian students based on their academic percentage.
Requirements
For each course, a minimum academic score of 60% and above in Standard XII is required. Foundations and Diploma programmes are available for students who have secured around 50%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program. It is important to remember that even though entry requirement is lower at Irish universities, the education standard is not. Hence, you should carefully enhance your ability to cope with the high standard of education through the course of next few years beforehand.
The documents to be submitted are:
- 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 in English and certified by the educational institution or by notary.
Work Permit
Students who are pursuing a full-time course and are in possession of the GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) registration card can work for 20 hours part-time per week. There are two standardized periods when international students are allowed to work full-time, which is for up to 40 hours per week. The periods are from 15th December to 15th January and 1st May to 31st August. These dates correspond to the traditional summer and winter holidays. Note that these dates are fixed for all international students, regardless of the actual teaching calendar for their course.
24 Month Stay Back Option
The Irish Government has agreed to extend the Third Level Graduate Scheme, for non-EU/EEA students at level 9 and above of the National Framework of Qualifications. The new permission will double the ‘stay back option’ for masters and PhD students from 12 months to 24 months. This will allow eligible graduates who have studied in Irish higher education institutions and whose award is granted by a recognised Irish awarding body at Masters or PhD level to remain in Ireland for two years to seek employment.
PR in Ireland
Getting a student visa is not the only requirement for getting a PR in Ireland. In fact, international students should focus on making their academic and work profile so strong that they gain a PR in Ireland easily. Students can do this by doing internships and maintaining a good academic score. Then they need to get a work permit. Normally, you get PR after 5 years of living in Ireland.
Five most popular courses in Ireland
1. Business Analytics
This course is quite popular with students as it’s a combination of Data Analytics, Business Intelligence and Computer Programming. It allows you to analyse the data of an organisation to plan strategies to profit the business.
2. Investment Banking and Finance
Number of world’s leading investment banks and asset management companies operate in Dublin, which has increased the demand of people who can work particularly in the risk and compliance department. Given this, there are many opportunities for students to work in the finance and investment banking departments. Barclays and Bank of America Merrill Lynch are some prominent employers are based in Ireland.
3. Big Data / Data Science
With many major IT companies being based in Dublin, it has open doors for all the international tech students who wish to work with such MNCs. This course talks about multiple areas such as statistics, mathematics, intelligent data capture techniques, data cleansing, mining and programming to prepare and align big data for intelligent analysis to extract insights and information. This structure helps the companies to work on leads and gain more profits.
4. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ireland is recognised as a popular pharmaceutical European location. The country’s pharma industry is a balanced mix of international and local companies, wherein 120 are foreign players with manufacturing set up in Ireland. This also includes 9 out of the 10 largest pharma companies in the world.
5. Construction
The construction courses are designed to meet the needs of the industry to place graduates into the technical professional workforce as they will be equipped with the required principles and fundamentals of construction technology and its management, along with general management skills.
Student Visa
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation. The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation. You may be required to provide your Biometrics information as part of the application process.
The fees for visas are:
- Single entry €60
- Multi entry €100
- Transit €25
The visa fee is an administration fee which covers the cost of processing your application. This fee cannot be refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documents set out below.
- If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
- Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
- Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back.
- 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 in Ireland.
- A signed letter of application including your full contact details:
- outlining your reason for wanting to come to Ireland,
- giving details of any members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State,
- undertaking 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, and
- where the course you now wish to study does not naturally follow on or relate to your educational/employment history, giving valid reasons, supported by documentary evidence (where available), for this change.
- Evidence that you are enrolled on a privately funded course
- You must submit a Letter of Acceptance from the college:
- confirming that you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education, involving a minimum of 15 hours organised daytime tuition each week,
- giving details of the course that you will be studying,
- stating the amount of fees payable for your course, and
- stating the amount that has been paid,
- if the college has taken out medical insurance on your behalf, stating that the college has done so.
- Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history
- You must provide information to account for any gaps between your last period of full time education and your application to study in Ireland.
- If any such gap in education has been filled by periods of employment, you must give full details of your employment history.
- Evidence fees have been paid to college
- Evidence that you have the academic ability to follow your chosen course
- You must provide evidence that you have the ability to follow your chosen course e.g. exam results, qualifications.
- Evidence of your level of English (or Irish)
Finances
You must show that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment.
Private Medical Insurance
Private Medical Insurance cover is required. Your college may arrange this on your behalf. If so, details of this must be included in your Letter of Acceptance from the college. If it is not arranged by the college, you must organise this yourself and provide evidence with your application.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
- If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
- The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
- Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
Financial requirements for study visas
- Financial requirements: You must show you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment. You must show evidence that you have immediate access to at least €7,000. This is the estimated cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year. You must also demonstrate that you and/or your sponsor(s) have ready access to at least €7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies in addition to course fees for each of those years. If you the duration of your course is less than 6 months you must have access to €500 per month of your stay or €3000 whichever is the lesser. All details listed here must be proven by documentary evidence and, where sponsors are involved, it must be clear their documents relate to them.
- Documentary evidence required Your finances You must provide the following in relation to your finances.
- You must provide an up-to-date bank statement, showing what money has been paid into and out of the account over the last six months. You must submit this whether you are covering the costs of your studies yourself or not.
- Bank statements must be on headed paper. Where original bank statements are not available, internet printouts will be accepted once every page has been notarized by the bank and the statement is accompanied by letter from the bank confirming its authenticity. Handwritten entries or details on bank statements will not be accepted.
- Your name, address, account number and account type must be visible on the statement.
- Any large or irregular lodgements (e.g. student loans, lodgement of Savings Certificates, the sale of a property or any similar type sources) must be fully explained.
- If you are sending a bank statement from a deposit/savings account, you must also include a letter from your bank confirming that you can take money from that account.
- Credit cards are not accepted as evidence of finances. Details of your sponsor (where applicable) and their finances If a family member/friend is responsible or co-responsible for covering your costs, you must list each person sponsoring you, and give clear details of their relationship to you. You must provide evidence (e.g. birth certificates/marriage certificates etc.) of how you are linked or known to this person. Your must provide the following in relation to your sponsor(s) financial circumstance and the level of financial support that they intend to give you for the duration of your stay in Ireland.
- Clear details of the financial support that each sponsor intends to give you for the duration of your stay in Ireland, showing that the amount of financial support they intend to give you is available and that they have enough funds to maintain themselves and other family members. Evidence accepted can, for example, include a letter from your sponsor’s employer confirming employment details, plus 3 recent payslips. If your sponsor is involved in business, evidence of this must be provided, such as a Certificate of Registration from the authorities in your country
- An up-to-date bank statement for each sponsor, showing what money has been paid into and out of the account over the last six months.
- Bank statements must be on headed paper. Where original bank statements are not available, internet printouts will be accepted once every page has been notarised by the bank and the statement is accompanied by letter from the bank confirming its authenticity. Handwritten entries or details on bank statements will not be accepted.
- Your sponsor’s name, address, account number and account type must be visible on the statement.
- Any large or irregular lodgements (e.g. student loans, lodgement of Savings Certificates, sale of a property or any similar type sources) must be fully explained.
- If your sponsor is providing a bank statement from a deposit/savings account, a letter from their bank confirming that you can access the funds must also be provided.
- Credit cards are not accepted as evidence of finances.
- If you are receiving funding from a government body is responsible for covering your costs, you must provide full details of the funding.
Part Time and Full time work options in Ireland
International students engaged in full-time study of at least one year’s duration (on a course leading to a qualification which is recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Skills currently do not need a work permit to work in Ireland. Ireland government provides a post-study work visa to students who complete their graduation at an Irish university. This visa allows you to work in Ireland for an initial period of two years after which you can apply for living in Ireland on a longer term visa. In Ireland, study visa will allow them to work in Ireland for 20 hours per week during regular school terms and 40 hours per week for four months during term breaks to help defray the cost of their living expenses. The minimum wage in Ireland is €9.80 per hour.
To be eligible to work part-time, student needs to be:
- Registered with local police known as Garda National Immigration Bureau or GNIB
- Accepted to a course recognized by the Minister for Education and Skills
- Attending a full time programme of education at or above NFQ Level 7
- Attending classes between 8 AM and 6 PM per week
- On a programme of at least one year’s duration
The minimum wage here is €8.65 per hour and students can work legally up to 20 hours a week and 40 hours a week during vacations. As an employee you're entitled to sick leave, public holidays, maternity leave and parental leave and four weeks of paid holiday a year.
Some of the popular fields for getting jobs in Ireland are given below.
- Beverages and brewing
- Chemicals
- Food products
- Medical devices and pharmaceuticals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians, radiologists
- Business and finance
- Engineering such as biomedical engineers, chemical engineers, electrical engineers, energy engineers
- IT such as app developers, software developers data analysts, programmers, , IT support specialists