Important Facts About Ireland
All courses developed for international students are closely monitored by the Irish educational authorities to ensure their quality.
International students can work for 20 hours while studying in Ireland and 40 hours during holidays.
More than 100 MNCs operate from Ireland, bringing plentiful career opportunities.
More than 300 leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies across multiple sites in the country.
Irish universities are known to support students develop software and computer-related programs, which is why Ireland has emerged as the second largest exporter of software.
Why Study in the Ireland?
Ireland is located at the westernmost edge of Europe. It boasts one of the stable, yet fastest-growing economies in the world. The country is known for its world-class education system, and universities globally collaborate with some of the best study institutions and international companies. This gives students the opportunity to build their careers in different parts of the world after successfully graduating from a university in Ireland. In addition to the education system, the students can enjoy the greenery, fascinating countryside, and travel through vibrant and culturally sophisticated cities like Dublin.
Ireland has become a popular study-abroad destination amongst international students. The country is open to having diverse cultures living among them. As per the Global Peace Index, 2024, Ireland is ranked 3rd for the most peaceful country at 1.312%.
Ireland has seen a rise in international students yearly because of the warm affection the residents shower on new immigrants. Despite the different cultures entering the country, the residents here have been more than welcoming.
As an international student, the first thought that comes to mind is, ‘how will I be treated?’. This fear of discrimination is common, especially among international students. But Ireland eliminates this fear upon arrival as residents are warm, friendly, and helpful to new faces.
Upon graduation, Ireland encourages international students to resume their stay in the country to provide them with the opportunity to work and contribute towards the economy. The country offers stay-back visas available for any international student with a level 8 or above qualification from an Irish institute.
This is a great opportunity as a student since Ireland is a widely recognised study-abroad destination, and acquiring work experience here creates an impressionable professional background.
When it comes to learning, Ireland follows a unique method. Students pursuing academics in any Ireland university will soon learn the independent learning process. Universities encourage students to identify challenges and find solutions by themselves. Expression of opinions too is highly appreciated during class for more insightful engagements that make the learning experience more efficient.
At first, getting started with independent learning could be difficult, but with the help of your peers and experienced tutors, this form of learning can work wonders when you enter the real world.
Apart from having the world’s best academic institution, Ireland is also home to top business brands. Gaining a work opportunity with these brands can expose students to the skills and knowledge required to build their professional footsteps well in the market. Gaining employment in leading brands can kickstart your professional journey towards the right path. These top corporate brands include Accenture, Bank of Ireland, Kingspan Group, etc.
Education System in the Ireland
n Ireland, the education system is distinguished into three levels
First Level Education – Primary
Second Level Education – Post-Primary
Third-level Education – Higher Education
In this, the third-level education comprises universities, institutes of technology, private colleges, and colleges of education. All these educational institutes are funded by the government.
The universities offer degree programs at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate Levels.
The bachelor’s programs or undergraduate programs can be pursued part-time and full-time. Generally, full-time bachelor’s courses last three years.
Irish master programs take a year to complete, however, some master programs by research may last two years.
Irish doctorate programs may last three or four years. You can enroll for structured and traditional programs. The structured programs are similar to traditional programs, but have an additional element of evaluation and training.
Intakes in the Ireland
Irish universities follow Spring and Autumn (Fall) Intakes. Let’s look at the timeline of the intake season.
The Fall intake begins in August – September.
June: Shortlist the courses and colleges.
July – August: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
September – October: Start applying to colleges with supporting documentation such as LORs and SOPs.
December – January: You will receive acceptance letters from the university.
February – April: Apply for education loan and VISA.
August – September: Make your travel arrangements. Get ready for your new semester in Ireland!
This intake season begins in January – February. Most Universities do not have this intake.
April: Shortlist the courses and colleges.
May – June: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
July – August: Start applying to colleges with supporting documentation such as LORs and SOPs.
October – November: You will receive acceptance letters from the university.
November – December: Apply for education loan and VISA.
December – January: Make your travel arrangements. Get ready for your new semester in Ireland!
Types of Educational Institute in the Ireland
There are currently seven universities in Ireland, which are self-governing institutions or autonomous.
These institutes provide training and education in areas such as engineering, science, business, linguistics, and music at diploma, certificate, and degree levels.
Top Courses to pursue in the Ireland for Indian Students
Before analyzing the study in Switzerland cost for Indian students, one should be cognizant of the popular courses. The popular courses in Switzerland for international students are:
Top courses to pursue: Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Biomedical/Civil Engineering (Engineer Ireland stated, in 2024, 67% of engineering employers will be recruiting potential engineers).
Top Universities: University College Dublin, University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin.
Top courses to pursue: Computing, Information Technology, Data Science are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Big Data/Data Analytics (The World Economic Forum stated the data analytics sector is projected to grow at 40% yearly).
Top Universities: Dublin Institute of Technology, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin.
Top courses to pursue: Finance, Financial Risk Management, Business Analytics are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Business Analytics (Reuters stated, by 2026, the government will add 5,000 more employment opportunities in fintech, sustainable finance and digital financial services).
Top Universities: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.
Top courses to pursue: Industrial Pharmaceutical, Pharmaceutical and Drug Formulation, Pharmaceutical Science are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Pharmaceutical Science (Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association states, Ireland caters to over 120 overseas pharmaceutical plants, which includes 9 out of 10 most prominent and reputed pharmaceutical companies).
Top Universities: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.
Top courses to pursue: Biology, Biotechnology, Digital Transformation are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Biomaterial Science (The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry stated, the Northern Ireland’s life science sector is worth £2.4 billion and supports over 19,500 jobs directly and 15,000 jobs indirectly (provides jobs spread across the economy)).
Top Universities: University College Dublin, University of Galway and University College Cork.
Admission Process to Study in the Ireland for Indian Students
Choose your course wisely.
List the universities and colleges offering the course.
Carefully compare the course structure and shortlist the courses and universities.
Check the university or college websites to see their eligibility criteria.
Contact the university or institute for information related to admission intake.
Take English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or any other alternative test.
Make a registration at the Central Applications Office (CAO) for bachelor’s program.
Apply to the college that matches your criteria.
Attend the video interview conducted by the university or college.
Apply for the student VISA after accepting the admission.
Book your tickets and get ready for new innings at an Irish university or college!
Types of Visa's in Ireland
Any international student wishing to study in Ireland must possess any of the following visas
This VISA is issued for any program or course that lasts for less than 3 months.
This VISA is issued for any program or course that lasts longer than 3 months.
