One of the countries which are becoming quite popular among students in Ireland. Ireland is a beautiful island, combining contemporary Metro cities with an idyllic countryside, Modern day skyscrapers and a rich natural habitat. The Republic of Ireland combines development, history, culture, and Vibrant Social life into one breathtaking place.

Historically, Ireland was always one of Europe’s poorer countries, however, in the last 20 years or so; it has grown into one of Europe’s wealthiest nations. And the quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth occurring in Ireland over the last few decades.

The location of Ireland is on the west coast close to the UK. It is bordered adjoining the Atlantic ocean and is home to the best universities in the world. Ireland's believes in the commitment to excellence, hence the country regularly updates and removes the obsolete study patterns and courses, to be regarded as the respected countries for education. Despite being an island nation, it is jam-packed with every modern-day amenity that makes it a popular location for international students.

2. Great career opportunities

There are many great career opportunities in Ireland for international students due to its appeal to multinational businesses, including some very well-known companies. Most universities offer internship opportunities that are a great way to gain real experience in the workplace that can prove invaluable when searching for a job.

3. Earn while learning

Not only Ireland has just great job offers and opportunities after degree completion but also facilities and infrastructure setup for working part-time while studying to gain experience. Students may apply for an internship as various opportunities are offered at the university level programmes. The internships help students to get much required practical knowledge in their field of study.

4. Reasonable costs

The cost of education like the tuition fee is quite affordable in Ireland. Moreover, a wide variety of study loans, part-time job opportunities, scholarships, grants etc are available for students who wish for additional funding for their education in Ireland.

5. Post-study work visa opportunities

Ireland is the only European or English speaking country in Europe offering post-study visas to work to international graduates or foreign land natives. Hence the country becomes an attractive destination to kick-start the career. Full-time employees can only apply for residency after studying in Ireland(eligibility criteria).

6. Great lifestyle

The Irish people set an example for balancing their city and country life together with all facilities intermixed. Major cities in Ireland are smaller than other European capitals but offer everything as per need, from shops and restaurants to entertainment and transport, and are buzzing and full of unique history.

7. Safety and security

Ireland is regarded to be one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. Irish people are very hospitable and friendly. It is also a great tourist destination with lots of good options for sightseeing, adventure and overall entertainment.

• Big Data science
• Medicine
• Computer Science and Information technology
• Investment banking and finance
• Engineering
• Management (MBA)
• Business analytics
• Journalism and mass communication
• Law

Undergraduate Degree

One can study for a bachelor’s degree in a general field of study which generally takes around 3-4 years fully. In fields like architecture, and dentistry, it takes around 5 years. Depending on the type of study programme, one may receive a bachelor’s degree as a General Degree, Honours Degree or BA (Special Degree).

Postgraduate Degree

Some students gain postgraduate qualifications, and these may be in the form of a postgraduate diploma, masters diploma or a PhD.

Programs may be involved around teaching or research-based orientation, with the main focus on a specialist approach for the area of study as compared to undergraduate level.

Postgraduate diplomas are often vocationally oriented and directly linked to specific professions. Master’s degrees are usually for 1-2 years and usually involve coursework and a thesis. PhD studies usually take 3 years to complete.

Let's study some of the most popular courses in Ireland in detail

1. Medicine

It is one of the most popular courses in Ireland and programs usually take 5 years to complete. The popularity of the course is because of high investments in the area. The research and development sector in medical and biotechnology is very happening and rich in the country. Medical degrees from Ireland are accepted worldwide and it has some of the most prestigious medical colleges like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.

2. Computer science and IT

Ireland is home to some of the best colleges offering computer science degrees Like Technology University Dublin and the National University of Ireland Galway. It is one of the best Masters courses offered by the country with branches such as Artificial intelligence, virtual reality And data analysis.

3. MBA

It is one of the most popular choices for international students in Ireland and offers several different specialisations such as Marketing, Finance and HRM. Also, MBA courses in Ireland are of the duration of 1year compared to other MBA courses from other countries which are of the duration of 2 years. Hence, it saves time as well as money for all MBA aspirants.

4. Business analytics

Another quite popular course is the combination of Data Analytics, Business Intelligence and Computer Programming. The high popularity and demanding requirements of the courses of business analysis, and analysts across various sectors and industries, like IT, software development, banks, e-commerce and telecom make it a worthy choice. Some popular jobs are to work as a Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Financial Analyst, Software Engineer, Statistician and various other fields. University College Dublin and the National University of Ireland provide the most popular business analytics courses.

5. Construction

The construction courses require creativity, with logics, and mathematics. They are designed to meet the needs of the industry, and the growing invariability of the society. The graduates are positioned into the technical and professional organizations. The workforce is developed in such a manner that it can be equipped with the principles and fundamentals of construction technology and its management. The general management skills are the highlights and add ons with the course. These dreamers who wish to get employed in

• Site management and site construction(Set designing)
• Contract management
• Estimating and surveying the construction industry
• Technical management position.

Career scope includes Site Technicians, Estimators, Surveyors, Programmers, Planners, Contract Managers and Site Managers.

Popular colleges and Universities in Ireland

• University College Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin
• National University of Ireland, Galway
• Dublin business school
• University College Cork
• Technological University Dublin
• Dublin Institute of technology
• Maynooth University
• The University of Limerick

The basic requirements to Study In Ireland

• Proper Documentation as per the course one wants to study
  • Completed application form (For personal and professional details).
  • Proof of Secondary School Completion (Class 12th mark sheet, only in case of studying for graduation)
  • Proof of Undergraduate Programs (Aggregate Marksheet of Graduation years)
  • Proof for Post graduation (for further doctorates and PhDs, as per requirement)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP), well written which crucially illustrates who one is, his/her beliefs, career growth prospects, plans, strengths and weakness, the reason to study in a particular university, future goals after completion of that particular course and education. It is a long-form, based on which an individual is judged. All social, environmental, and work experience are extensively mentioned in the same. All these are given rewarding points, which are added to generate the final allotment of admission seats.
  • Transcripts from colleges to be attached.
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
  • Test Scores (Any exam for admission or particular university)
  • Visa (Student Visa)
  • Correct stamps and Passport verified

  • Academic certificates

    All academic certificates including 10th-grade mark sheets, relevant mark sheets, Competitive exams if any, degrees and certificates etc.

  • Entrance exam scores

    Every university or particular stream of subjects have various competitive exams, after the clearance of which a certificate is issued. According to the cut-offs of these scores one is selected in a college, and a particular seat is allotted for the course. Some examples of these world-famous tests are GMAT, GRE, IELTS, etc.

  • Passport size photographs

    WIth certain backgrounds, pixels, quality, smile etc. Otherwise, a potential candidate can get rejected out of the authentic and professional photo.

  • Photo ID

    Either PAN card, voter’s ID, Aadhar Card, Passport, 10th Marksheet etc.

  • Work experience documents

    For some courses like undergraduate or postgraduate courses, most universities and colleges prefer candidates with experience. Hence it is advisable to have the proper experience, before applying to colleges. And these need to be duly attested and submitted with the forms. This is to generate all-around exposure of a person.

  • Recommendation letters

    It increases the weightage and chances to be chosen and selected in the particular seat.

  • Travel documents

    Valid passport, authentic visa, International student ID card and even college acceptance letter, as proof that one is going on a student visa.

  • Financial documents

    Student loan statement, credit scores (for funds and statement of liabilities proof with the financial condition of the family members or the person asking for loans), scholarship letter, if attained in any way, Sponsorship proofs (Any individual, government department in regards to prices, company or agency if earned or won in any tests under any schemes; who are willing to financially support the candidate. These can be more than one individual etc. One’s family economic proof is also required.

  • Health certificates

    The world countries seek a health insurance card, some relevant test results and other vaccination certificates. The foreign countries are very particular about checkups and human resources of their country, and hence they take precautionary steps in the same. And more importantly, much more effective after the pandemic age.

  • Certification of language proficiency for English, as it is the medium of conversation in the state.

Apart from all these the proper submission of all these, the dates and times of submission, how and the whereabouts of the same are also necessary. Procedures for the same are,

• Step 1. Decide and make relevant choices for the universities to apply to. First segregate the interest and desires, so the vision is clear as to what one needs to study. After the choice of subjects, look for countries offering the best education in that sector. But first, get it confirmed. Look for colleges in the same department and streams.
• Step 2. Collect all the information regarding the country, college ranking, courses offered, cultural duties, faculties, quality of courses, any alumni or someone related to the college. For information, seek advice and help from their websites or contact the academic advising centres.
• Step 3. Contact the Office of relevant and shortlisted universities for their admission process before time, and request for their prospectus, also since these are different for different colleges, one has to take extra efforts in looking for this information.
• Step 4. Start arranging for the above-mentioned documents, and building up financial scores with bank statements.
• Step 5. With the wait and research time, write exams for IELTS, TOEFL, and other exams mandatory for that particular school.
• Step 6. Subsequently, complete all the details and documents required for the application of the school and university one decides to pursue. Then finally collect all the records. Marksheets, statements, documents and submit them before the deadline of the particular secession.
• Step 7. Then send in the applications forms and the relevant application fees as per the school or university chose. Instructions for the same can be checked from forms or if one is taking any coaching for tests or tuition for preparation. This must be done under the appropriate time schedules and dates mentioned. Early bird offerings are also present in some schools.
• Step 8. Now is the time for some patience. The application and procedures for university admission, is going on where every candidate is screened and verified, with all the other applicants. So the university and college might take some time. One must wait until the universities make their admission decisions. Till that time prepare mentally, about how to adjust in a new country and new people.
• Step 9. When all the applications and profiling is checked and the one gets selected, an offer letter will be provided from the college and institution. With that, another form or document which is the certificate of eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status which helps in the procurement of Student Visa.
• Step 10. All the documents with this offer letter updated passport with financial statements to support the economic conditions of the family must be provided to the Irish embassy, in New Delhi or another tier-one city, duly timed and scheduled. Complete the Visa application, as per the rules mentioned by the embassy.
• Step 11. A Consular interview will be conducted, by the embassy officials, to offer Visa legitimately to the potential candidate. For the same one must be prepared by being fluent in English, clear on the purpose of admission and schooling, reasons for attaining education via their schools or universities etc. For the slot, date and time of the interview, one must refer to the immigration officials from the embassy.
• Step 12. After the interview, it generally takes five to six weeks to approve the application. After it, the Visa is generated.
• Step 13. Now finally one is ready to board and get to Ireland, just book the tickets and arrange for flights to connect.
• Step 14. Look for the stay and food arrangements of the area, if one has any contacts or else via college, or after entering the territory.

The subjects of humanities, education, social sciences and arts are a little less expensive and thus hugely affordable for most of the people of India.

Medicine, engineering, business, and management are some of the practical based streams of society and are thus more expensive. If someone wishes to study at a postgraduate level, the tuition fee is typically higher, and the costs vary depending on the program.

Cost of living:

Dublin is the capital of Ireland. The city has the most expensive living facilities and culture in the whole country. But, in general, the Irish cities are very cost-effective in terms of living compared with other popular study destinations. The cost of living in Ireland on average is €7,000 to €12,000 per year, for a student including rent, electricity, food, books, laundry, emergency reserves and medicine. The travel and transportation costs are to be addressed with the social expenses, under the head.

The living expenses vary, depending on many factors

• The study location
• Type of accommodation
• Lifestyle choices
• Social factors
• Friends and peer group choices and selection.

An amount of €2,500 per year is also charged for student services, like examination entries, support for clubs and societies, lab funds etc

Accommodation cost

Higher education institutions and colleges offer residential and accommodation facilities to students in residence halls. The costs for the same are above 200 - 300 EUR, as in the other European countries. The economic challenges can be greatly seen in the free-flowing markets. The demand and supply of a place to reside in are very few, while the demands are exponentially high. Apart from residence halls, rent/share apartments are available and accessible. Or else choose to live in homestays.

The average accommodation prices are

• Student living alone: 400 - 900 EUR/month
• Student living with partner/colleagues: 450 - 550 EUR/month
• Student living on campus: 300 - 650 EUR/month

Transportation cost

Public transport has the biggest share in the transportation sector in the industry, which contributes 27% in Ireland. A monthly pass with a special discount for students costs 50 – 55 EUR/month.

The most popular mode of transportation for students is the bicycle, the cost of the rent of which is around 20 EUR/day.

The following are the eligibility criteria for attaining scholarships in IRELAND

Having many scholarships to choose from may help in finding the one that covers the expenses as per needs, but these are highly competitive awards with strict and stringent admission criteria. To get scholarships in Ireland as international students, must have the following

• Good academic scores
• Volunteering experiences for extracurricular exercises
• Written essays and proposals (if applying for research program)
• Letter of recommendations, if required
• Exams scores of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE for having English language proficiency.

Everyone has their selection criteria, some may ask for a mere application while some have additional requirements to be fulfilled.

Some of the most popular scholarships provided by Ireland include:

• The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
• Government of Ireland Postgraduate scholarship
• Fulbright scholarships
• Centenary Scholarship Program
• The Walsh Fellowships

Part-Time work Opportunities in Ireland While Studying

Another common way to fund education is by working part-time along with studies. During their study in Ireland, students can work for up to 20-hours a week. As regional investment grows and new businesses bloom, part-time jobs shall grow steadily as well. Irish universities also offer teaching assistant positions where students can assist professors with their academic commitments and get paid for them.

To be eligible to work part-time in Ireland, one needs to be

• Registered with Garda National Immigration Bureau or GNIB(local police)
• Accepted and registered under the course recognized by the Minister for Education and Skills
• Enrolled at or above NFQ Level 7 in a full-time course.
• Timings of the classes should be 8 AM and 6 PM per week
• Studying in at least one year’s duration course

• Study about job markets in Ireland

  Before deciding on a job in Ireland, it’s beneficial to carry extensive research on the recruiters in the areas one wishes to work in and under and the companies that need skilled and industry-ready individuals in which anyone specialises. Find what's in demand and plan the career accordingly.

• Look for the qualities the employers look for

  There are some Qualities that employers always look for in a potential candidate which help in the job search. These include the ability to work as a team, good Analytical and communication skills, Flexibility and a positive attitude.

• Look for job prospects and requirements on various job portals and websites.

  On these job portals, look for various designations, required skill sets, salary for different roles, and potential employers based on previous experience and qualification.

  Upon finding suitable employers, either contact them via these job portals or directly contact them over email or phone,

• Research on probable employers

  Upon finding suitable employers, the next step should be to do a thorough background search and find out more about them. This ideally should include:

  • Kind of sector they are involved in
  • Size and nature of the company
  • Their potential competitors
  • Information related to their clients and customers
  • Benefits for employees

• Investment of relevant and required time and money

  Since a few jobs may require registration or getting transcripts to assess. Also, requirements to apply for a work visa to successfully clear the job interview.

The Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme provides possible options and opportunities to stay in Ireland even after the completion of studies and seek employment. This scheme exists to allow legally resident non-EU third level graduates to remain in Ireland to look for employment or apply for a green card/work permit.

• After the approval and permission from concerned bodies, the student can work full-time or 40 hours a week.
• Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme has a feature of non-renewable.