Ireland is one of the choicest European countries for many international students because of the friendly and peaceful environment this country posses, and this our article on study abroad in Ireland for international students is here to guide such students who wants to study and get their degree in the great European country.
You’d get to find out more about studying in Ireland in this research content at World Scholars Hub with a quick look at the educational system of this country and other crucial information which includes the available scholarships, best universities and the courses in high demand in the country, the student visa requirements among other study abroad in Ireland tips to help you study in the European country.
Table of Contents
Educational System of Ireland
Education is compulsory for every child in Ireland from the age of 6 to the age of 16 or until the child has completed 3 years of second-level education.
The Irish education system comprises of primary, second, third-level and further education. State-funded education is available at all levels, unless the parent chooses to send the child to a private school.
Primary schools are generally owned by private institutions such as religious communities or could be owned by boards of governors but are usually State-funded.
Study Abroad in Ireland
Ireland is a place where education is taking very serious and is recognized around the globe. The Educational institutions in Ireland offers programs in almost all the courses you could think of which is really great for students worldwide.
To study abroad in Ireland offers you the opportunity to build your knowledge, discover yourself, grow, develop your skills, and also to enjoy personal experiences that will help shape you into a better version of yourself.
Top 10 Best Universities to Study Abroad in Ireland
Ireland Universities usually appear among the world rankings of the best universities. Below is our list of the best universities with excellent academic results and quality education being offered to the students who study in each of them.
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- National University of Ireland, Galway
- University College Cork
- Dublin City University
- Maynooth University, Maynooth
- University of Limerick
- Technological University Dublin
- Royal College of Surgeon in Ireland.
Get more information on their rankings in the list of the world best universities.
Courses You can Study Abroad in Ireland
The below courses are not limited to the courses available in Ireland.
There are vast professional courses being offered to international students in Ireland but these are courses in high demand for students to study in Ireland.
- Acting
- Actuarial Science
- Business Analytics
- Investment Banking and Finance
- Data Science
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Construction
- Agribusiness
- Archaeology
- International Relations.
Scholarships to Study Abroad in Ireland
There are lots of scholarships available for international students from a various sources which could be from the Government of Ireland, the Irish higher education institutions, or other private organizations. These scholarships are given by the above said organizations which set down their eligibility requirements for interested applicants.
Therefore, students are advised to get in touch with the institution or organization of their choice directly, to obtain information about these requirements and procedures in order to benefit from this program that are available.
Below is a list of available scholarships you could apply for as an international student;
1. Government of Ireland Scholarships 2021: This scholarship is open and available for all international students from any part of the world.
2. Inclusive Ireland Scholarship 2021: For U.S students only.
3. Irish Aid funded Fellowship Training Programme: This scholarship application is available to only Tanzanian citizens.
4. DIT Centenary Scholarship Programme: This is a scholarship that is awarded to only students studying in the university of Dublin.
5. Galway Mayo Institute of Technology scholarships: Like the above university, Galway provides a scholarship program for her students.
6. Claddagh Scholarship Programme: This is only available to Chinese students.
7. Opportunities in Ireland for Ontario College Graduates: Colleges Ontario signed a unique agreement with Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) that allows Ontario College students to complete honours degree programs in Ireland.
This agreement allows graduates of two-year college programs in Ontario to secure an honours degree with two further years of study in Ireland at no cost.
In some cases, graduates of three-year programs will secure an honours degree with one further year of study.
For more information on this scholarship, check this out.
8. Fulbright Scholarships: Fulbright College allows only U.S international citizens studying in the school to get access to this scholarship program.
9. Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS): IRCHSS funds excellent and innovative research in the area of humanities, social sciences, business and law with the objectives of creating new knowledge and expertise beneficial to Ireland’s economic, social and cultural development. Through its membership of the European Science Foundation, the Research Council is committed to integrating Irish research in European and international networks of expertise.
10. Law PhD Scholarship Opportunity at DCU: This is a 4-year scholarship that is available for an outstanding PhD candidate in the field of Law, within the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University. The scholarship includes a fee waiver and also a tax-free stipend of €12,000 per year for a full-time PhD student.
Student Visa Requirements
To study abroad in Ireland, the first step is to secure your visa to this country.
Most of times, international students do not have an idea of the requirements needed for a visa application to be accepted but don’t worry we got you covered.
Below are some requirements you need to put in place or posses before your application is granted by the embassy:
1. To start with, the student would need a signed summary of his/her application form, original passport, passport-sized color photographs.
2. You will have to pay the relevant fee and submit a copy of an Electronic Transfer of fees from the applicant to the Irish Bank of the college, showing the following details; beneficiary’s name, address, and bank details.
These details should also the reflect as the same details for the sender and a copy of a letter/receipt from the Irish college confirming that the fee has been received.
3. The student should have a valid receipt that shows that the course fees have been lodged to an approved student fee payment service.
Please note that if you are refused a visa you may reapply in the space of 2 months. Also note that, any fee paid to the college would be refunded if the visa application of the student refused (apart from any small administration charge) within a reasonable period.
4. Bank Statement: You will have to present an evidence of the amount of money in your bank account and also provide an evidence that you have access to sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and cost of living expenses, without having an alternative to public funds, or the a dependence on casual employment.
A bank statement covering the six-month period immediately prior to your visa application would be asked of you so get yours ready.
Are you a scholarship student? You would be asked to produce an official confirmation that you are a scholarship student in receipt of a scholarship.
There is an alternative in the provision for an evidence of bank statements for international students which you’d get to see in a blink or two.
This pilot programme allows international students coming to Ireland for a degree programme to provide an alternative to bank statements as a method of proof of finances. This alternative method is called an “education bond” and the affected student must have a minimum amount of €7,000.
The bond must be lodged to an approved student fees payment service.
5. Lastly, when you get to Ireland, you would have to meet the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service office with the Registration Office, and pay the sum of €300 fee so as to be given a residence permit.
It is worthy to put into account that before you book your flight, your documents must be checked and must be approved by the embassy first.
Why Study Abroad in Ireland?
Here are the things you need to know before studying abroad in Ireland:
1. Welcoming and Safe Atmosphere: There’s a popular saying among visitors of this beautiful country. They call it ‘Ireland of the welcomes’ and this didn’t come as a mere saying, it’s exactly what it is; that’s why it’s one of the safest countries to study abroad.
The Irish has always prided themselves on the warmth of their welcome and are rightly famous for making visitors feel at home. And as one of the safest counties in the world, there is provision of an environment where security is taken as read.
International students do not take time to settle in this welcoming country.
2. English-speaking Country: It’s usually comforting to get to study in a country that speaks English and this is it for Ireland. It is one of the few English-speaking countries in Europe, so settling in and making the most of your stay with the citizens is easy.
So language to communicate with the people of Ireland is not a barrier thus making new friends and communicating your thoughts is ice on a piece of cake.
3. All Programs are Available: No matter the program you choose to study or the course, this English speaking country covers them all.
Regardless of what you want to study, ranging from Humanities to Engineering, there’s always an institution in Ireland that will match your curriculum perfectly. So you don’t need to be scared about the probability of your course being offered, to study abroad in Ireland increases your learning capacity and offers you just what you want.
4. Friendly Environment: You have heard of the peaceful and safe environment of Ireland. This country is as friendly as it is peaceful, and is very keen in observing this slogan ‘home away from home’.
For many of international students, studying abroad in Ireland is their first big break away from life at home, so because of this fact, the Irish people do everything possible to make sure that these students feel right at home and well settled into their new surroundings as soon as they possibly can.
5. Studying is More Fun in Ireland:
When you study abroad in Ireland, you would hear the Irish speak about ‘craic’ (pronounced as crack), when they say this, they are actually referring to a uniquely Irish trait of making sure they enjoy every moment as it comes to its fullest.
The multicultural population of Ireland is mostly made up of the younger generation and because of this majority in the population, there are more events tailored with a lot of fun filled activities thus making living in one of the most dynamic and forward-looking counties in Europe real fun for study abroad students.
Also because of the younger generation, Ireland is one of the European countries developing in the arts, music, culture and emerging technologies.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Ireland?
Before you decide to study abroad in Ireland, you should make sure that you have sufficient funds to cover your costs of living. For international student requiring a visa, fulfilling this part will grant your application.
And you can be able to get a part-time work during your time here, so that you would not have to rely on this income to meet all your expenses.
Student Living Costs in Ireland
You should know that the amount you will need varies depending on your location in Ireland, on the type of accommodation and, on your personal lifestyle.
But on an average, the estimated amount that a student could spend is between €7,000 and €12,000 annually. Big amount of money right? on the other hand, it’s worth it!
Other Costs of Studying Abroad in Ireland
Aside your cost of your course, there are other one-off costs (costs you only have to pay once) which you might pay if you are travelling to Ireland.
These one-off costs include:
- Visa application
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- Post/baggage to/from Ireland
- Registration with police
- Television
- Mobile phone
- Accommodation.
Below are some costs you should know when studying abroad in Ireland
1. Rent: On a monthly basis, you could spend €427 and €3,843 yearly.
2. Utilities: A total cost of €28 could be acquired monthly.
3. Food: Are you a foodie? You don’t need to get scared of the cost, you could spend a total of €167 monthly and a total of €1,503 per annum.
4. Travel: Do you want to travel around this peaceful country or even to the neighboring countries around it? You can acquire a cost of €135 on a monthly basis and a yearly basis of €1,215.
5. Books & Class Materials: Off course you would buy books and other materials you would need in your course of study, but you shouldn’t be afraid of buying these books. You can spend up to €70 per month and €630 yearly.
6. Clothes/Medicals: Buying of clothes and cost of medicals isn’t expensive. In Ireland they take your health as a major concern, thus the cost of these is €41 per month and €369 yearly.
7. Mobile: You could spend a total of €31 monthly and €279 per annum.
8. Social Life/Misc: This depends on your lifestyle as a student but we estimate a total of €75 monthly and €675 yearly.
We’ve come to an end of this article on Study Abroad in Ireland. Please feel free to share your study abroad experience in Ireland with us here using the comment section below. What are scholars all about if not gaining and sharing useful information from their wealth of knowledge. Thank you!
