Study in Ireland

The only english-speaking country in the Eurozone, Ireland offers students a high quality education experience in a picturesque setting. It is estimated that Ireland is home to over 35,000 international students that come from more than 150 countries.

The education system of Ireland is considered to be one of the best in the world. The factors that draw the attention of international students are its quality education, highly-ranked universities,  safety and a convenient student life. 

Apart from these factors, education in Ireland for Indian students also provides tons of opportunities professionally because of the presence of top companies.

Here’s an overview of all the factors that an international student must know about Ireland study abroad: 

The number of international students moving to Ireland for their studies has been increasing year after year. Given below are the top reasons to study in Ireland for overseas students:

• The universities in Ireland are ranked among the best in the world. They are known for their research intensive approach and global collaborations. 

• Due to lesser corporate taxes, multiple multinational companies like Google, Linkedin, etc have their European HQs in Ireland. This opens up employment opportunities for students.

• The cost of living and tuition fees are relatively less when compared to other student destinations like France, UK, etc. To make non-EU student’s lives convenient, scholarships and part-time jobs are available.

• Ireland has multiple sectors where the demand for the job is high such as ICT, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, etc. thus driving better job opportunities.
• Ireland has always been well equipped to face challenges. In times of COVID, compensation and healthcare were available for the affected working community. 

Ireland’s school system consists of different stages – primary, second, third-level and further education. Third-level education or Higher studies in Ireland is provided by three types of institutions – Universities, Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Education. Other than these there are a number of independent private colleges.

Let us take a look at the most important higher education institutions in Ireland-  

Here is a quick run-through of the type of educational degree offered in Ireland:

• Bachelor  Degree: It is a full-time undergraduate degree which is referred to as a Bachelor’s degree. It can be an ordinary Bachelors degree (3 years or Honours Bachelor Degree (3-4 years).
• Masters Degree: A graduate or master’s degree mostly covers 1 to 2 academic years in the universities of Ireland.  
• Doctorate Degree: A doctorate degree takes a total of 4 to 5 years to complete.

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

For those interested in Ireland to study abroad, it is essential to know about NFQ. All Irish institutions provide higher education degrees on the NFQ. The system specifies the standards of Irish education qualifications. NFQ allows the measurement and comparison of  qualifications. It also enables students to transfer between institutions and study levels. 

Here is how the Irish degrees are marked as per the NFQ:

• NFQ Level 7: Ordinary Bachelor Degree 
• NFQ Level 8: Honours Bachelor Degree 
• NFQ Level 8: Higher Diploma 
• NFQ Level 9: Postgraduate Diploma 
• NFQ Level 9: Masters Degree 
• NFQ Level 10: Doctoral Degree 

The process of admission or intakes in Ireland varies with the universities. However, each of them follow one standard process, which is listed below:

1. Determine whether you are an EU applicant or a non-EU applicant and the study level you wish to join – bachelor or masters
2. Choose the course you wish to study. 
3. Compare, contrast and shortlist the type of institutions offering your course.  
4. Apply for the desired courses at the university’s website along with all the relevant documents.
5. Be fully aware of the costs involved and scholarships available for the course. 
6. After getting accepted, apply for an appropriate student visa to match your studies.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirement for Irish universities may vary from university to university, but some requirements remain the same – 

The cost of studying in Ireland depends on your university, course, and location choice. The cost can be divided into the cost of living and tuition costs.

Tuition Fees

Ireland university fees depend upon the university you choose and the course you pursue. Here is a quick look at the tuition fees in Ireland:

Cost of Living

The cost of living for international students in Ireland depends upon your lifestyle. The cost of living can go upto 12,000 EUR per year. The major cost components in Ireland are 

Ireland has multiple student-friendly study destinations. Here are your top 5 picks along with their estimated cost of living and top universities:

You require a student visa for Ireland. This student visa gives you the opportunity to pursue your education and build your career. Ensure the below listed Ireland student visa requirements are being met:

1. Apply for a student visa online on the AVATS website. 
2. Fill the application form and pay the fees (Application fees: Single – 60 EUR, Multi entry – 100 EUR, Transit – 25 EUR)
3. Submit the required documents (ensure all official documents are translated into either English or Irish):

• Birth certificate
• 2 Passport sized colour photographs
• Copy of current passport
• Copy of previous passports
• A signed application stating your reasons to come to Ireland, that you will abide by all the rules and will leave Ireland based without any hassles
• Proof of letter of acceptance in any Irish university (share medical insurance details, fee structure, fee payments)
• Proof of academics, English proficiency test exams, medical insurance

4. The student visa process starts from the date order and can take anywhere between 4-8 weeks. The timeline can be extended based on the documents submitted or any issues that need clarifications.

There are multiple scholarships in Ireland that make it easy for international students to receive funding. The top scholarships are given below:

NUI Galway International Student Scholarships

• Students enrolled for undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral programs  
• Amount/ Benefit: 16,000 EUR per year

The Walsh Fellowship

• Students working on research projects (postgraduate level)  mainly in the field of food, crops, agriculture, rural development  
• Amount/ Benefit: 24,000 EUR grant per year

University College Cork Scholarship

• Students enrolled in different programs at undergraduate, graduate and PhD levels.   
• Amount/ Benefit:  Cost of living and partial fee is covered

University College Dublin International Scholarships

• International Students for Graduate programs.  
• Amount/ Benefit: Partial funding

Government of Ireland Scholarships

• International students pursuing their post graduate studies in Irish Universities
• Amount/ Benefit: Depends on the scholarship program

Education Future International Scholarships

• Students for bachelor and master programs.  
• Amount/ Benefit: Upto 11,000 EUR

Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship

• Indian Students for Masters, Ph.D., Post Doctorate programs.  
• Amount/ Benefit: Covers tuition fee, living expenses and travel expenses

International students can work part-time in Ireland. This is another source of funding available to them. 

In Ireland, non-EU students can work up to 20 hours/week during their term time and 40 hours/week during their holidays. However, for Stamp 2A visa holders, this option isn’t available. 

There are multiple part-time jobs in Ireland for International students. Here are a few to consider:

Post Study Work Options For International Students in Ireland

Students holding a valid student visa have the opportunity to stay back in Ireland after completing their studies provided they obtain specific permissions. 

Job Outlook for International Students after Studies

After you pursue your education, there are multiple job opportunities in Ireland for International students. The top areas students find job opportunities are:

Work Visa & PR in Ireland

You need to apply for a work permit to build your career in Ireland. There are two types of work permits:

• Irish General Work Permit
• Critical Skills Employment Permit

With the Irish General Work Permit, non-EU students are applicable to work in Ireland for two years. However, only non-EU students with valid job offers are accepted.

With a Critical Skills Employment Permit, students can work in professions that are listed in the eligibility occupations list. For those looking to settle in Ireland, having this permit speeds up your PR process. 

If you’re looking to settle in Ireland, you need to apply for permanent residency. To be applicable for PR, the below criteria must be met:

• Stayed in Ireland for up to 5 years
• If you have the Critical Skills Employment Permit, you can apply for PR after two years itself

Once you apply for PR, you can also apply for Irish citizenship to avail an Irish passport and perks the country offers. 

The decision to study in Ireland for international students has proven to be fruitful for multiple graduates who currently live or pursue their studies in the country. With a high employment rate and demand in certain job sectors, Ireland will always be a highly considered student destination. To receive more assistance on how to study in Ireland, feel free to reach out  for further help. 

1. Do Irish Universities accept the 10+2+3 education system in India?

Ans: Yes, the Irish Universities accept the 10+2+3 system for masters programs.

2. Can international students work in Ireland?

Ans: The Post-Study Pathways for international student’s scheme allows legally resident Non-EU third level graduates to remain in Ireland and search for employment or apply for a green card work permit. During their approved stay a student can work full time, i.e up to 40 hours per week.

3. Is studying in Ireland expensive?

Ans: The tuition fees you pay in Ireland varies depending on which university you study.

4. Can I bring along some family members during my studies in Ireland?

Ans: For non-EEA students, there exist no rights to bring their family members along with them during studies. The family members can apply on their own but their association with the studying student is not considered. However, PH.D. students or other students who show proof of enough funds to support their family can be exempted from this rule.

5. Which visa stamp doesn’t let students work in Ireland?

Ans: Students with stamp 2A are not allowed to work part-time in Ireland.

6. Can I change my course while studying in Ireland?

Ans: You can but only after completing one academic year but it has to belong to either same or higher level.

7. Can I change my course from full-time to part-time while studying in Ireland?

Ans: No, you cannot do this in Ireland.

8. What amount of funds are required to enter Ireland?

Ans: A student needs to show proof of EUR 7000 to get visa D approval.

9. Which is the minimum level an international student can apply to study in Ireland?

Ans: At or above NFQ level 6, non-EEA students can apply for studying in Ireland.

10. Is there a limit on study time in Ireland?

Ans: Yes, non-EEA students can study for a maximum time of 7 years in Ireland. Medical students, PH.D. Students or students under special conditions such as illness are exempted from this requirement.

11. What should I do if I am confused about applying during application process to an HEI directly or through CAO?

Ans: It is advised to contact the admission office of the HEI. It is best if inquiries are sent well before February 1. Only EE/EU students can apply through CAO.

12. Where can I read about tax reliefs on tuition fees in Ireland?

Ans: You can follow the link to know all about tax relief conditions.

13. Do I need a work permit to work as a student in Ireland?

Ans: For an Irish Department of Education and Skills recognized courses with length more than a year, a student need not obtain a work permit while studying in Ireland.

14. How many hours can I study and work in Ireland as a student?

Ans: If a student has immigration permission stamp 2, he can work 20 hours per week while classes are on. During June, July, August, September and 15th December to 15th January, he can work for 40 hours per week.

15. What is the minimum length of study program during which I can study and work in Ireland?

Ans: A student must be enrolled in a program on or above NFQ Level 7 of at least 1-year length recognized by the Minister of Education & Skills.

16. Do I need to register somewhere after I reach Ireland to study?

Ans: If you are a non-EU student, and coming to Ireland for studies for more than 90 days you will need to register with GNIB.

17. Is there any registration charge for GNIB?

Ans: Yes, 300 EUR is required to register with GNIB. The registration expires each year which needs renewal. It can be renewed for a maximum of 3 years.

18. Do I need a new visa to travel outside Ireland while studying?

Ans: Yes. You need to apply for a re-entry visa to enter Ireland once leaving the country for a short time. This can be applied through the post. Your student visa allows you to enter and leave Ireland only once.

19. Is there any range of coursework study hours for applying casual work in Ireland?

Ans: Yes, you must be getting tuition between 8 am to 6 pm per week. This applies for a minimum of 25 weeks per annum.

20. What is the minimum wage in Ireland?

Ans: It is EUR 9.15 per hour.

21. Do I need to register somewhere before starting to work in Ireland?

Ans: Yes, you will need a PPS number. Employers can pay you only if you have the number. You will also have to comply with the Universal Social Contribution (USC), Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), employment laws, and taxation requirements.

22. Am I allowed to do an internship during studies in Ireland?

Ans: Yes, you can do an internship but its duration cannot exceed 50% of total program length. This also has to be part of the academic program and should contribute towards its completion.

23. Is it easy to find a part-time job in Ireland?

Ans: It is difficult for a student with no experience to get a job even though it’s a part-time job in Ireland. The best way to get it is through someone who was/is working at the establishment to recommend you for the post of interest.

24. What is the best job I can do while studying in Ireland?

Ans: The best thing a student can do for reducing the economic burden while studying in Ireland is to tutor for subjects that one is good at.

25. Why is it difficult to find part-time jobs in Ireland?

Ans: Ireland is relatively small with a sparse population, making it very difficult to find part-time jobs.

26. Who cannot apply for a post-study work stay in Ireland?

Ans: Language programs and non-degree holders in Ireland are not allowed to apply for post-study pathways in Ireland.

27. What is the difference between Stamp 2 and Stamp 2A for Ireland?

Ans: One gets Stamp 2 Visa if one is allowed to work while studying in Ireland otherwise a Stamp 2A can be obtained.

28. Can I enrol in a non-degree course in Ireland?

Ans: It is not allowed for students who come to Ireland on a Degree Programme course to enroll in a Non Degree or Language Course.

29. What type of Masters can I apply for in Ireland?

Ans: There are two types of masters – research and taught.