Have you made up your mind to get your higher education from abroad but aren’t sure about which country to choose? Well, let us tell you about an amazing European country: Ireland. With its top-ranked global universities and welcoming community, it’s no wonder why thousands of international students choose to study in Ireland.
The Irish educational institutes are among the top 3% globally, giving you access to world-class education. Plus, their graduates are in high demand by employers around the world. And if you’re interested in research, Irish universities rank among the top 1% of research institutions worldwide.
Moreover, this country is incredibly beautiful and has so many stunning landscapes that can take your breath away. It’s also affordable and offers an easy pathway to permanent residency. Therefore, students fall in love with this charming country. So, why not join them and explore all the amazing opportunities Ireland has to offer?
Here is all you would need to know if you’re going to study in Ireland!
Reasons Why You Should Study in Ireland?
Here are the top 5 reasons that will answer your question about why thousands of international students flock to this country for study purposes:
1. A Hub to Multinational Companies
Were you aware of the fact that Ireland is the European hub of over 1,000 leading multinational companies?
Yes, you heard it right.
Some of the world’s top companies, such as iPhone, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google, have their headquarters in Ireland. This is because Ireland imposes a lower corporate tax rate of around 12.5%, which is much less than the UK and the US. As a result, Ireland has high employability rates, making it a prime location for students to find incredible opportunities here.
2. Academic Excellence
Ireland’s education system is regarded as one of the best globally. It has 3 universities that are on the top-ranked list in Europe. Moreover, this country strongly emphasizes cutting-edge research to develop its teaching methods. Here are the best-ranked educational institutes in Ireland:
- Trinity College Dublin is ranked 81st globally
- University College Cork is ranked 292nd globally
- University College Dublin is ranked 171st globally
Thus, when students study in Ireland, they get access to the world’s best education system and top-ranked educational institutes.
3. Affordable Education
Ireland is quite an affordable option to study as compared to other countries like the UK and USA. With plenty of scholarships, reasonable tuition fees, cost-effective living expenses, and the opportunity to work part-time during their studies, students can easily manage their finances here.
However, the budget you require to stay in Ireland can vary depending on where you are studying, the type of accommodation you choose, and your tuition fees. On average, students can expect to pay:
- €11,000 to €50,000 per year for undergraduate courses (inclusive of living expenses).
- €10,000 to €40,000 per year for master’s courses (inclusive of living expenses).
4. High Quality of Life
Ireland is the 3rd safest country in the whole world. It can be a great place to live if you want peace, security, quality of life, and human development. Moreover, one-third of the population is under the age of 25. Thus, by enrolling in an Irish university, you’ll be a part of 35,000 overseas students from 161 countries who have made Ireland their dream study destination.
5. English Language Advantage
Ireland has a unique advantage as it is the only country in the European Union with English as its national language. This is the reason overseas students coming to Ireland for study do not have to face any language barrier. Furthermore, Ireland offers excellent support to international students to improve their language proficiency.
In addition to the classroom, homestays offer a unique opportunity to live with Irish families and enrich the social and cultural experience. These experiences can enrich students’ social interactions and global outlook. This will, as a result, help them grow both professionally and personally.
Top Universities in Ireland
Whether you are studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program in Ireland, it is home to the world’s best universities. You will be happy to know that eight universities in Ireland are listed among the top-ranked universities across the world. Plus, educational institutes in Ireland are highly reputable, and their degrees are well-regarded globally.
Here are the top 8 best Irish universities:
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- National University of Ireland
- University College Cork
- Dublin City University
- University of Limerick
- Maynooth University
- Technological University Dublin
Best Courses to Study in Ireland
Ireland offers a diverse range of courses to global students coming to Ireland for their higher education. Here are some of the most high-demand courses at Irish universities:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Business Management
- Nursing courses
- Psychology courses
- Physiotherapy courses
- Journalism and Mass Communication
You can apply to any of these courses in the Irish educational institutes depending on your student profile and preferences.
However, finding the best study courses and universities here can be a bit hard for you. Therefore, you should get help from educational consultants. And for your assistance, StudyWise is here at your disposal to make things easier for you! So, reach out to one of our proficient student consultants and choose success!
Study in Ireland for International Students Requirements
Obtaining an Irish study visa is quite a simple procedure for international students. The authorities have made it as easy as possible. However, your course must be at least three months long; otherwise, you will be considered a tourist.
Ireland has streamlined the application process by moving it entirely online and eliminating bureaucracy that can sometimes make visa applications difficult.
To gain admission to one of Ireland’s universities, you must provide a set of supporting documents. The specific requirements differ depending on the institution and the course you are applying for.
However, the basic documents that you need to submit while applying for an Irish student visa are as follows:
- A copy of your passport.
- Statement of purpose.
- Evidence that you or a sponsor have immediate access to at least €10,000 for each year of your studies.
- Academic Transcripts.
- English language requirements.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Academic resume.
- Certificates or achievements and extracurricular activities.
Note: Photocopies of all the documents should be translated into English.
You can find more thorough information on the requirements for a student visa in Ireland on the official website of the Department of Justice.
Study in Ireland Scholarships
Ireland offers a range of scholarship opportunities to international students, making it an attractive destination for higher education.
Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University are among the top institutions that offer scholarships to eligible students. However, all these scholarships are dependent on your marks.
Here are some of the most well-known scholarships that educational institutes in Ireland offer to global students:
| Scholarship Names | Amount |
| 1. Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships | Up to 5000 EUR |
| 2. Academic Year Study Abroad Excellence Scholarship | Up to 3000 EUR |
| 3. Generation Study Abroad Scholarship | Up to 2000 EUR |
| 4. MSc Merit-Based Scholarships | Up to 2000 EUR |
These scholarships can definitely make studying in Ireland a more accessible and affordable option for you.
What to Do Next?
Have you decided to get your higher education in Ireland but don’t know what to do next? We understand that with so many options to choose from, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. And don’t even get started on the visa process, it may also seem a challenging process for you!
But worry not!
StudyWise is here to help you deal with all the confusion and make your study abroad journey a smooth sail. Counselors at StudyWise have years of experience in guiding students to the right path. Hence, they can certainly help you choose the best university and study program in Ireland.
So, what’s the wait for? Contact us, schedule a free consultation session, and let’s kickstart your educational journey to the beautiful Emerald Isle!
FAQs:
How much can it cost to study in Ireland?
The cost of studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Ireland starts at approximately €7,000 and can go up to € 22,000 per year for certain courses. Engineering may require up to €25,500. Business students should budget for somewhere between €9,850 and €19,500, and Science and technology students should expect to pay almost €25,500.
Can you get PR in Ireland after studying?
Yes. If you want to get PR in Ireland after getting done with your studies, you must have a valid work permit here and have stayed in this country for at least 5 years.
How much bank balance is required for a student visa in Ireland?
As an international student, you’re supposed to provide evidence showing that you have access to around €10,000 in funds. You or a sponsor must also provide evidence that you have at least €10,000 in your bank account for each year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years. The total back statement can round up to around €20,000.