Students have to introspect before planning to study abroad in Ireland. It is necessary to make awell-versed decision before you plan foranoverseas higher education. The country has emerged as a leading study abroad destination known for its top-quality education. Here are the top 10 reasons why you shouldchoose to study in the Ireland:
1. Education System
If you are unsure if an Irish university will have the program you are looking for, don’t worry.Universities in Ireland offer degree programs in every possible discipline you can think of. If you want to take advantage of programs in which the country excels on a global scale, then pharmaceuticals, chemistry and technology are the fields to pursue. However long you pursue your education there, you are likely to find your credits will transfer to many other universities around the world, possibly even in your home country, where you can finish your degree.
2. Work Opportunities for Students
For many students, earning money while studying abroad is very important. In Ireland, the government allows students to apply for a green card, also known as a work permit. Many universities also provide internship opportunities to help students acquire practical experience in their field of study. There is also a variety of study abroad loans to help international students finance their education in Ireland. If the prospect of working does not appeal to you, you may be able to apply for a scholarship for study abroad in Ireland. For the best results, you will want to research financial aid options before applying to a particular program.
3. Global Awareness
Study abroad puts students in a situation where they learn about themselves and about the world. When you study abroad in Ireland, you put yourself in the middle of a new culture and new environment. You gain new experiences you cannot get anywhere else. This is a time in your life that you will likely never forget, and it will probably shape the person you become in the future.
4. Hospitality
The Irish are also some of the most welcoming people around. Hospitality plays a large role in Irish culture, so you’ll likely get to know a lot of locals right away. Although social circles (among locals) are very solid – friendships often last a lifetime – people are also very keen to make new friends and make visitors and resident foreigners feel very welcome.
5. Low costs
Dublin is considerably less expensive than big metropolitan centers like London or New York, a particular perk for students who need to manage a tighter budget and find cheap accommodation, for example. For those studying English, it’s even more important to free up cash to do and experience as many things as possible while you’re there – you’ll learn as much from putting your skills to use with locals as you will from memorizing grammar rules in class.
6. Proximity to Europe
Another killer reason to study English in Ireland is how incredibly close you are to the rest of Europe. Is the Eiffel Tower on your checklist? How about Big Ben? Taking a quick flight to many of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations for a long weekend is easy (and affordable). With quick flights and some planning, you’ll be back in time to finish studying for Monday’s exams.
7. Modern meets mythic
While Irish culture holds its history in high regard, the country is also very modern and tech-savvy with any amenity you can imagine and some of the biggest tech companies headquartered in the country’s capital. It’s this mix of the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ that make Ireland particularly charming, friendly and interesting.
8. Take Classes in Almost Any Subject
From business to humanities to engineering, studying abroad with CEA in Ireland gives you a chance to choose from a huge selection of courses that fulfill requirements for most degrees.
9. Castles. Everywhere.
There are over 30,000 castles and castle ruins in Ireland. For anyone who is even a little bit interested in exploring these amazing structures, Ireland is the place for you. Also, you might run into the filming places of Game of Thrones, Saving Private Ryan, Star Wars and Harry Potter.
10.Industry knowledge
It will give students more industry experience and will help them build more networks which will eventually help them get good jobs and healthy living. As you all know Ireland is the hub of many tech giants in the Europe side, so this will help them in getting more industry knowledge.
Higher Education in Ireland
Though many people come to Ireland for the scenery and peace it often offers, there are still plenty of reasons to visit if you want to further your education. This English-speaking country has a strong western feel to it. It is modern and just as diverse as the UK or US. It has a stronger cultural identity than that of either country though. If you want to study the arts or you hope to learn about agriculture, this is the area to be.
There are three main study options available to students once they complete their secondary education. This includes attending universities, specialized colleges, and institutes of technology. Specialist colleges are a common option, but they are more like an apprenticeship program. Students enroll in this type of school to learn one subject area. Technology institutes are not just technology related, though. Most of these schools are vocational programs. The main area of student study here includes any of the following areas:
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Media
- Textiles
- Marketing and business
- Sciences
Applying for a Masters in Ireland
The minimum academic prerequisite for admission to a Masters programme in Ireland will usually be a relevant undergraduate degree with second class honours or better.
Universities may also ask applicants to submit a personal statement describing their interest in the course and field as well as outlining their research aims (where appropriate).
In some cases you may be required to attend an interview; this is more likely for competitive courses at particularly prestigious institutions.
The Postgraduate Applications Centre
Several Irish universities conduct their applications process through a separate organisation, known as the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC).
The PAC operates an online registration and applications portal that provides detailed information about the requirements for individual courses and conducts the process from initial application to the final decision. Multiple applications may be made in parallel, but the PAC charges a non-refundable processing fee of €50.
To find out whether it operates the applications process for a given course, visit the PAC website.
Language requirements
Though the official language of the Republic of Ireland is Irish (and many citizens speak Irish to some degree) English is the first language for most of the population and used for teaching at all of the country's higher education institutions.
If English is not your first language (and you have not previously studied on a programme delivered in English) you may be asked to submit a score from a recognised language test as part of your application.
Irish universities and IoTs accept various internationally recognised tests, including the TOEFL, IELTS and PTE Academic formats.
| Test
|
Score Requirement
|
| Internet-Based TOEFL
|
88
|
| IELTS
|
6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each component)
|
| PTE Academic
|
Minimum score of 6.3
|
Of course, you can also use your time as a Masters student in the Republic of Ireland to learn a little Irish. Irish is an ancient language with a unique cadence and is the medium for the oldest vernacular literature in Western Europe.
Documents required for the student visa in Ireland
- Two recent colour passport sized photographs
- Passport and a full copy of any previous passports
- A signed letter of application including your full contact details (stating the reason you want to come to Ireland)
- Letter of Acceptance from the college/university
- Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history
- Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees
- Copies of all academic qualifications, exam results required for university study
- English language proficiency certificate
- Proof you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment
- Medical Insurance (the insurance coverage covers the student at a minimum of 25,000 EUR)
- Commitment to leave Ireland on the expiry of your visa
Tuition Costs
Tuition costs vary depending on the course, the institution and whether you are classified as an EU student or non-EU student. They also fluctuate so make sure to double-check the fees with your chosen institution before you begin the application process.
Course average fees:
| Medicine and related | €9,000 - €20,000 |
| Engineering | €9,000 - €17,000 |
| Science & Technology | €9,000 - €17,500 |
| Arts & Humanities | €5,100 - €13,500 |
| Business | €5,000 - €14,000 |
Apply for a work permit in Ireland
EU and EEA students are allowed to work in Ireland without any restrictions, whether they take up full-time or part-time work.
Non-EU/EEA students can work:
- work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during semesters)
- full-time (40 hours per week during scheduled holidays)
However, they have to meet the following criteria:
- Hold a GNIB card – a certificate of registration you receive from the Immigration office at your arrival in Ireland
- Be enrolled in a study programme that is included on the government's list of visa eligible courses.
