Study in Ireland

The land of castles, also a popular destination for students from all over the world- Ireland is a small independent nation situated on the West Coast of Europe. Ireland is a member of the European Union since 1973. It has developed from being a predominantly agricultural economy in the 1950s to a thorough modern nation with a well-developed manufacturing and international service sectors having their presence in Ireland.

Ireland is a country which is renowned for the hospitality and friendliness of its people. Having developed from being a predominantly agricultural economy Ireland is now a thoroughly modern nation with well developed manufacturing and international services sectors and has the highest economic growth rate.

Why Ireland

Ireland is a country which is renowned for the hospitality and friendliness of its people. Having developed from being a predominantly agricultural economy Ireland is now a thoroughly modern nation with well developed manufacturing and international services sectors and has the highest economic growth rate.

The island of Ireland is divided into two countries - the south which is officially known as The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, on the northern end of the island. Ireland embraces parliamentary democracy. The national parliament consists of the President and two Houses: a House of Representatives (DáilÉireann) and a Senate (SeanadÉireann). The Committees of the State are exercised by, or on the authority of, the Government.

Culturally speaking, the Irish have a great impact on the world of literature.. International airports at Ireland have regular flights to major British cities. Train service and bus service is common in Ireland for public transportation. Train services are usually quicker than bus services, especially on longer journeys. Irish Rail operates a 'talking' timetable phone service which is an automated summary of InterCity rail services.

Education systems

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.

Cost of Living & studying
  • The annual tuition fee varies from 8000 to 15,000 Euros (i.e. RS. 6 lakhs to Rs12 lakhs) depending on the program and institution. The approximate annual living expense of an Indian Student is projected as 7000 Euros.
  • An exact estimation about the cost of living of a student at Ireland may be difficult since no two people live in the same way. However for a nine-month academic year, in addition to course fees and other academic expenses an international student living in Ireland will need approximately € 7000.
  • University College Dublin (UCD) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD) make annual estimates for students living outside their family home. Their estimates for the academic year 2013-2014 were € 9036 and € 10 500 respectively. These figures include rent, electricity, food, books and laundry and medicine as well as travel and social life expenses.
  • These figures are near the minimum sum needed for a person to survive in Ireland. Costs can be higher or lower according to the way of life the person chooses to lead. Costs should be increased proportionately if you are calculating costs for a period of one full year.

Courses and universities

True Ireland MBA programs like ‘SMURFIT’ are among the top MBA programs in the world and not in the very reach of normal Indian student (work experience, GMAT scores and excellent academic background are the basic entry requirements). However there are good institutions that offer MBA programs for fresh gradates and such MBA programs are very popular among Indian students. Being the silicon valley of Europe with all major IT giants like Facebook, Google having their European headquarters in Ireland, Computer Science (IT Programs) are always among the most popular courses in Ireland. Civil/Construction engineering and other engineering disciplines, hospitality/tourism management, pharmacy, psychoanalysis etc. are the other popular programs which majority of the students opt for.

There are nine universities in Ireland - 2 in Northern Ireland and 7 in the Republic.

The University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD), founded in 1592, is the oldest university in Ireland.

The National University of Ireland (NUI) is a federal institute consisting of four constituent universities; University College Dublin, National University of Ireland Dublin; University College Cork, National University of Ireland Cork; National University of Ireland Galway and National University of Ireland Maynooth.

NUI also has three recognized colleges: National College of Art and Design (NCAD), The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and St. Angela's College of Education.The University of Limerick (UL) and Dublin City University (DCU) are our newest universities and were founded in 1989.

The two universities in Northern Ireland are: the University of Ulster (UU) and the Queen's University of Belfast (QUB).

Eligibility Test Requirements

For postgraduate programs most of the good universities prefer a first class or high second class honors degree. In the undergraduate level most of the good universities look for 75% or higher.

Most of the institutions have only one intake that begins in September. Recently few institutions have started accepting students for February intake, but this is not available for all programs.

IELTS
International English Language Testing System is normally known as IELTS which is administered by University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES) , British Council and IDP Education Australia. The score of IELTS is valid for 2 years. The test fee comprises Rs. 11,800/. For more info visit the official website at www.britishcouncil.org or www.ieltsindia.com. Students can make registration either in person or by mail.

TOEFL
TOEFL is Test of English as a Foreign Language. The test is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and the test fee is $130. Those who want to study in UK have to clear the test with definite scores. The score is valid for 2 years and the score is sent to 4 universities by ETS free of cost at the time of exam. ETS charges additionally for scores sent to universities later. For more info visit the official website at www.toefl.org or www.ets.org

PTE Academic
The Pearson Test of English Academic.PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking

Admission and application procedure

It is highly recommended that you begin your application process at least 6 months prior to course commencement date (Preferably by March for September admissions). Majority of the post graduate applications are administered through Post Graduate Application center (PAC) which is a common application system for many universities and institutes of technologies. Also Ireland Education authorized representatives (Like Global Education) will be able to process the application more effectively and efficiently.

Visa process

Students need to submit the application to Ireland Embassy in India through online applications and the supporting documents needs to be processed through Visa Facilitation centers (VFS) . Normal processing times are 4-6 weeks and may take higher during peak seasons.

Normally first year fees need to be paid prior to the visa application. But students applying to certain universities and institutions are allowed to lodge the applications without paying first year fees under ‘Approval In Principle” (AIP Scheme), where you can pay the fee once the visa is approved in principle. However the embassy will stamp the visa only after submission Proof of first year fees paid.

Application:

  • Copies of your educational qualifications.
  • Letter of acceptance from a recognized school/college/university confirming that youhave been accepted on a course of study. The course of study must be full time and havea minimum of 15 hours per week study time.
  • Evidence that the fees have been paid in full.
  • Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself for the entire duration of your stay.

Scholarships

Higher Education in Ireland consists of the universities (with associated colleges of education), institutes of technology, and a number of private independent colleges. The universities and institutes of technology are autonomous and self-governing, but are substantially state-funded. There are a number of merit based tuition fee bursaries in some institutions which can reduce your fees up to 40%. Also there are common fee bursaries of 2000- 5000 Euros for early applications.

Work opportunities

Students are permitted to work 20 hours part time during semesters and full time (40 hours/week) during vacations. Fortunately Ireland has the lowest unemployment rate in Europe and it is quite obvious there will be great many opportunities for part time jobs. Students can expect to earn substantially to support their living expenses during studies. Also there are Sandwich courses (the course contain PAID JOB PLACEMENT), which help students to ‘earn while they learn’.

Post Study Work Visa

In 2017 Education Ireland has announced 2 year post study work visa which allows post graduate level international students to stay and work for a period of two years. Those who are successful in finding employment may apply for further stay under Critical Skills Employment Permits (formally known as Green card) subject to the conditions set by INIS (Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service)

FAQ

In Ireland the Education system consists of Universities, Institute of Technologies and Private Independent Colleges. The entry requirement for the courses offered by them vary from Institution to Institution.

As compared to the cost of studying in India only, going abroad can seem to be steeply expensive. However one must keep the possible returns in mind which are in the form of quality of education, international exposure and boost to ones career when evaluating the costs of studying abroad. A student can rely on sources like family funds, bank loans, scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships etc to provide for funds required by him.

Bank Loans

Most nationalized banks offer students loans at competitive rates for considerable time periods which may enable a larger section of students to go and study abroad. They will ask for a collateral security to be pledged.

Sponsorships

A blood relative is always preferred but other sponsors can also help to fund your education in the Ireland provided a logical explanation is given as to why he is willing to sponsor you.

Garda National Immigration Bureau ( GNIB) is an Immigration Service in the Ireland.

International students are not covered for any free medical attention off-campus and must therefore have their own private insurance. Kindly note that heavy amount are charged for all hospitalization and it is advised to make provision for adequate medical insurance. International students are required to show proof of comprehensive medical insurance when registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. While applying for student Visa, proof of health insurance is required.

All universities, colleges and Institute of Technologies require the students to pay a deposit of 500 to 1000 Euros in advance in order to reserve a place for them. In any case we recommend that all students should make a deposit payment as it facilitates in getting a student visa.