STUDY IN THE IRELAND

With many internationally ranked institutions, Ireland is a popular choice for students from around the world. The country has been consistently acknowledged as a safe and peaceful city in world rankings, which is complemented by the welcoming nature of the Irish people.

Higher education is provided by different types of institutions. These are universities, colleges of education and institutes of technology. All of the Irish universities are public and therefore state-funded. Five of Ireland’s universities are in the 2019 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked of these is Trinity College Dublin – University of Dublin, which is placed at 104th. The next highest ranked is the University College Dublin, which is placed at 193rd.

The academic year observed in Ireland is similar to other European countries, and generally runs from September through to June/July depending on the examination period. There are courses offered at the traditional levels of study. These include bachelors, masters and doctoral, as well as diplomas and other types

Top Universities in Ireland 2021

Cost of Studying

The tuition fees you will pay in Ireland will vary depending on where you choose to study and where you are from. Ireland operates a Free Fees Initiative for full-time undergraduate study

If you are an EU student studying at a public university, you will not pay tuition fees. If you are an EU student not studying at a public university or studying a postgraduate programme, you will have to pay fees. Even if you are not required to pay tuition fees, you will likely have to pay a registration fee of around €3,000. If you are from anywhere else in the world, you will need to pay fees no matter what level of study you are taking and where you are studying. On average you should expect to pay between €5,000 and €10,000 per year. You may be eligible for a scholarship to help finance your studies, check with your chosen institution for information.

Visas

Depending on where you are from, you may need a student visa to study in Ireland. If you are from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need to obtain a visa. There are also a number of other countries whose citizens are exempt from needing a visa, listed on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. When you arrive in Ireland, you need to register with immigration authorities. If you are from a non-EU/EEA country or one that is not listed, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Ireland. This can be applied for online, via the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. To apply for the visa, you will need to provide certain documents. These include a letter of acceptance, evidence of medical insurance or EHIC possession, evidence of sufficient funds (currently a minimum of €7,000 per year), two recent passport photographs, evidence of English proficiency, and a passport which is valid for six months beyond the end of your course.

The International Community

There is a great number of foreign students already studying in the country, on average more than 5 million foreign students come into the country every year to study. At Irish universities, there are individuals from all parts of the globe bringing international exposure and experience to the campus environment. The capital city Dublin has the youngest and the most-dynamic population in Europe. The overall atmosphere is very vibrant and active especially during holidays or in the summer, there are also many fun activities that students can enjoy. Foreign students are not left with what to do as there are many sights to see, things to do and experiences to have.

Scholarships in Ireland

International students can apply for the many scholarships available in Ireland after they have received an acceptance letter from an Irish Institution.

Scholarships, Funds, and Grants are provided by the government and other private entities in the country as a means of supporting and encouraging students to reach their full potential. Universities also encourage its students with many scholarships, tuition, waivers, and grants as a means of rewarding their academic or general achievements.

The higher education authority of the government of Ireland provides a scholarship for international students at bachelor, master and Ph.D. levels. This scholarship will be provided for a one-year study at all three levels of higher education to successful candidates who have been accepted into any eligible Irish institution.

This scholarship is open to students from Non-EU and EEA countries and applies to all fields of study. The scholarship provides a 10,000 Euro stipend for one-year of study and a full fee waiver of all tuition and other registration costs at the university. Application and done and completed via the online application system within the deadline.