The Republic of Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe. Known for its incredible history, rich culture, scenic beauty, and high human development index, it’s one of the most popular study destinations. Its universities rank in the top 3 percent worldwide, providing exemplary education. Further, it is home to myriad multinational companies, making the country a global employment hub. If you’re planning to study in Ireland and live your dream, this quick guide is just for you.

Overview

English and Irish

Official language

Euro

Currency

49.9 Lacs

Population

#3

Global peace index

#2

Human development index

30+

Total universities and colleges

Why study in Ireland?

Studying in Ireland offers a variety of benefits that makes it an ideal destination for international students.

  • High-quality education
  • Home to the top 3% of global universities
  • Affordable tuition and living expenses
  • Excellent prospects of jobs after graduation
  • Opportunities to be part of several university clubs and societies
  • Work while studying
  • Friendly and welcoming culture
  • Among the world’s top growing economy
  • Home to numerous leading companies providing lucrative career prospects
  • Opportunity to get permanent residence

Post-graduation education system in Ireland

Ireland’s higher education system comprises universities, colleges, and institutes of technology. As of 2022, there are 12 universities in Ireland — all ranking in the top 3% globally, 2 Institutes of Technology — providing practical training programs, and several public and private colleges offering a variety of vocational courses. Some of the country’s world-renowned institutions include the following:

Top universities and colleges in Ireland

1 Trinity College Dublin
2 University College Dublin
3 Dublin City University
4 University of Galway
5 University College Cork
6 Maynooth University
7 University of Limerick
8 Technological University Dublin
9 Munster Technological University
10 Technological University of the Shannon (Athlone - AIT)
11 Technological University of the Shannon (Limerick - LIT)
12 Atlantic Technological University (LYIT)
13 Atlantic Technological University (IT Sligo)
14 Atlantic Technological University (GMIT)
15 South East Technological University (Carlow - IT Carlow)
16 South East Technological University (Waterford - WIT)
17 Griffith College Dublin
18 Dublin Business School
19 Dún-laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology
20 National College of Ireland
21 Dundalk Institute of Technology

Intakes in Ireland

Unlike Indian colleges/universities, Ireland education institutions conduct two intakes. These intakes are also referred to as semesters.

Autumn intake 1

Starts in September

Winter intake 2

Starts in January

Autumn intake is most popular among international students because of the larger number of courses available.

However, colleges offer programs for both intakes, and you can check your program’s availability with one of our Ireland expert consultants on the free consultation call.

Admission requirements in Ireland

The admission requirements may vary depending on the field of study and program credential you choose. However, the standard requirements include your previous field of study, academic record, and English language proficiency. Here are the details:

  • For undergraduate and bachelor’s programs, you’ll need 12 years of full-time education (A 10+2 or secondary school certificate).
  • For postgraduate and master’s programs, you’ll need 16 years of full-time education. (A three or four-year bachelor’s program).
  • For MBA at university, you’ll need an acceptable GMAT or GRE score.
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOFEL/PTE/Duolingo)
  • Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent
  • Letter of Recommendation

Popular programs in Ireland

Universities in Ireland offer myriad undergraduate and post-graduate programs — which may include your favourite and even yet-to-be-discovered career interests. Some of the popular programs of studies among Indian and other international students include:

Business and Management

Computer Science

Law

Health and medicine

Hospitality and Tourism

Arts

Media and Communication

Social Sciences

Engineering and Technology

Cost of studying in Ireland

Studying in Ireland will involve three primary expenses — tuition fees, visa requirements, and living expenses. Of these, tuition fees will take up most of your budget. Here’s the detail.

Tuition fees

The average tuition fees in most Irish universities and colleges range between 9,000 and 35,000 euros. These fees largely depend on the university and the type of program.

  • Undergraduate program tuition and ancillary fees can be between 9,000 and 20,000 euros per year.
  • Postgraduate or master’s program tuition and ancillary fees can be between 10,000 and 25,000 euros per year.
  • MBA degree tuition and ancillary fees can be between 20,000 and 35,000 euros per year.
Estimated living expenses

Some of the basic living expenses include house rent, food, and travel. These expenses majorly depend on the city you live in and your preferences. For example, the house rent in Dublin can go up to 800 euros per month while in other smaller cities it can be around 300 euros. Some standard expenses that you can consider while preparing your budget are as follows.

  • House rent: 300-800 euros per month
  • Food: 250-350 euros per month
  • Travel: 50 – 60 euros per month
Proof of funds for visa

To get a student visa, you must show proof of funds of 12,000 euros to cover your living expenses during your initial stay. You will also need to provide evidence of a minimum of 12,000 euros for each following year of your studies.

Scholarships in Ireland

The Government of Ireland and many Irish education institutions offer hundreds of scholarships for international students. These scholarships provide students with a huge financial boost to pursue their academic dreams and progress in their careers. All scholarship programs have individual requirements, and you can check your eligibility while applying. Here are some of the popular scholarships that you can consider:

  • Irish Aid funded Fellowship Training Programme
  • DIT Centenary Scholarship Programme
  • Galway Mayo Institute of Technology scholarships
  • Opportunities in Ireland for Ontario College Graduates
  • Fulbright Scholarships
  • DCU International Student Scholarships
  • Maynooth University Scholarships
  • UCC Excellence Scholarships
  • Postgraduate Fellowships: The Walsh Fellowships
  • Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS)
  • Law Ph.D. Scholarship Opportunity at DCU
  • NUI Galway International Student Scholarships
  • UCD Scholarships
  • Smurfit Business School scholarships
  • Government of Ireland Scholarship

Part-time work opportunities in Ireland

  • For many international students, part-time work opportunities are a deciding factor when choosing a study destination. Working while studying enables students to meet their living expenses and provides crucial work experience.
  • As an international student in Ireland, you can work part-time during academic sessions and full-time during academic breaks.
  • here are several jobs providing flexible hours that are ideal for students. This includes jobs in supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, department stores, and even many on-campus jobs, including tutoring and mentoring.

Work permit and PR in Ireland

  • Ireland provides 2 years of post-study work visa to international students upon successful completion of their study programs.
  • During your stay in the country, you can find graduate-level jobs and apply for various work permit programs, such as General Employment Permit and Critical Skills Employment Permit.
  • A General Employment Permit holder is required to stay for at least 5 years in Ireland to apply for permanent residence (PR), while a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder is eligible for PR within 2 years of stay.

Getting started with your admission process

Since now you have some information about studying in Ireland, here’s what you need to do next:

  • Understand your education requirements
  • Shortlist universities, colleges, and programs
  • Attempt an English language proficiency test and get acceptable scores
  • Apply for the programs, get an offer letter, and pay the fees
  • Apply for the study permit visa
  • Prepare to move to Ireland

And if you need any help to make your study in Ireland dream come true, feel free to reach out. We at Sarem Education – study in Ireland consultants are here to assist you at every step — from study counseling to short-listing the course to admission to help with fees to visa application and beyond.