Studying in Ireland

Studying in Ireland

  • Population: 4, 92 million
  • Currency: Euro
  • University Students: 162,848
  • International Students: 13,500
  • English-taught Programs: 5,403

Ireland or The Republic of Ireland is a charming island located in North-western Europe. Its capital and biggest city is Dublin. But why should you study there?

There are many reasons. First, it is a friendly country; in fact, it was named the friendliest country by Lonely Planet in 2010 and was ranked as the 13th most peaceful place by the Global Peace Index in 2014.

Second, it has many programs for foreign students. Third, people speak English. And even more important, it is committed to providing a great educational system. In fact, in 2011, it was launched the National Strategy for Higher Education that seeks to transform this sector to provide a more diverse and meaningful experience that connects students effectively with labor field needs.

Universities in Ireland

There are 8 Universities in Ireland, 14 technological institutes, and another third level institute. These ones provide a wide range of courses to take from undergraduate to Doctorate degrees. Each one of these universities has an entry criterion for foreign a student which depends on English proficiency and national examination.

The Universities are:

Tuition Fees in Ireland

You can find differences in the tuition costs according to the program, the institution and whether you are an EU student or non-EU student. For example, if you are a Non-EU student interested in an undergraduate program the fee can go from €9,850 to €55,000 on programs more expensive like medicine & health sciences. Moreover, tuition fees can fluctuate, so you must check with the University you choose the current cost.

On the other hand, if you are an EU student, you can be eligible for free fees unless you are repeating a semester or pursuing a second undergraduate course. In this scenario, you will have to pay a contribution of €3,000 per year. You can check in www.studentfinance.ie if you are eligible for a free fee

Scholarships in Ireland

There are a number of scholarships and bursaries available in Ireland. The Government of Ireland, the universities or institutions or other organizations may provide them.  The selection criteria depend upon these organizations.

One of these is ERAMUS+ (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) aimed at EU or associated countries students of all levels. It promotes education abroad and the exchange of experience and knowledge. With this scheme, you can have a full degree scholarship or a Master’s Degree Loan.

Besides, the Irish government provides Ireland’s Fellowship Program. They provide a number of courses to students from developing countries. To know if your country is eligible for one of the courses, please check Ireland’s Fellowship Program official web site (https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie/)

For more information about scholarships, visit the HEA website (https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/other-finance-bursaries-scholarships/). But if you want to assist to a specific University, you can look over the scholarships available and the criteria to enroll in it on its official webpage.

Cost of Living in Ireland

It’s important that you calculate your costs before starting the visa or university process. Even If you get a scholarship, there will be other expenses. Your budget will depend on your lifestyle and the city you choose. And, if you need a visa, you will need to prove you have the amount of money necessary to study in Ireland.

In regard to this, the Dublin Institute of Technology Cost of Living estimates you will need between €7,000 and €12,000 approximately per year. Between these expenses per month, you need to consider books and class materials, €70; food, €171, travel, €135, and others.

In accommodation terms, this institute calculates you will need €427 each month. Although there are several alternatives, you may choose on-campus, rented accommodation or a host family. The first option, on-campus, depends on availability and it’s much more expensive. A rented place requires you to pay a month in advance and a deposit of one month. Remember you need to follow the term of the lease and give a month of notice to leave and recover your deposit money. And finally, you may live with a host family which gives you independence but at the same time the comfort of a home and the help of your hosts.

On the other hand, if you aren’t an EU student, you need health insurance that is also required for the visa application. There are a number of insurance companies you can choose from, for example, Irish Life Health, VHI healthcare, and others.

Internships & Company Placements in Ireland

Students can take internships as part of the program they enroll in. This internship can last half the time of the program period. If you are in a 4-year career, you are allowed to have a 2-year internship. The University or Institute is in charge of placing this internship and assuring that it is meaningful to the program the student is taking. In fact, students who have immigration stamp 2 can work 40 hours weekly in vacation time, from June to September and December 15 to January 15. For the rest of the year, they are allowed to work for 20 hours weekly.

On the other hand, Ireland motivates foreign students who have studied in one of Ireland’s programs to continue their careers in the country. That’s why you have many opportunities to stay in the country. An educational facility can help you to find a place in a company related to the career you have chosen.

Working in Ireland

You can choose to stay in the county after you finish your studies to look for a job. Actually, 51% of international students who get a higher& post grade diploma are working in Ireland, and 37% of honor bachelor degree finds a job in the country.

To do this, you will need a Personal Public Services Number, an Irish bank account, and pay taxes. On the other hand, take into consideration that the minimum wage is €9.15 per hour.

Applying for a Student Visa to Study in Ireland

Non-EU/Swiss-students need a Visa to study in the country. But, the requirements will depend on your nationality and the duration. You will need to read carefully the requirements and the fee. You can find this information in official web page http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Irish%20Visa%20Information

After understanding the whole process and having the requirements, you can make your application in https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/AVATS/OnlineHome.aspx