Ireland is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the Western world, located close to the UK, offering a whole new world of opportunities to every aspiring student, academically and professionally. The Green Island nation is the second-most peaceful country in the world, according to the IEP’s Global Peace Index 2024. The country is known for its world-class education, featuring a range of institutions that are recognised for their industry-oriented and futuristic programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels.
Irish higher education is characterised by a strong emphasis on research and innovation, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. With a vibrant campus life, the active presence of Big Tech Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and strong academia-industry links, the country attracts a diverse student community from around the world, making it a hub for cultural exchange and global networking. Being an Anglophone country, Ireland also provides an immersive environment for students to hone their linguistic skills in English.
Types of institutions: Ireland has three types of higher education institutions: universities, institutes of technology, and colleges and B-schools. Irish institutions are consistently ranked among the world’s best. You'll find the perfect fit for your academic aspirations and career orientation. There are a plethora of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in where you can build long-lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and global connections.
Notable institutions: Ireland is home to prestigious institutions such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, Dublin City University, Technological University Dublin, University of Limerick, National College of Ireland (Dublin), Griffith College (campuses in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork), Dublin Business School, Dundalk Institute of Technology, and so on.
Major intakes: We have two major intakes and a minor intake for Irish universities: the fall intake in September, the spring intake in January and the mid-intake in April or May. Applications for the January 2025 intake are now open. The students are advised to apply at least before mid-November 2024, as visa procedures can go on for about 45 days.
Most sought-after courses: IT, AI, Data Science, Business Analytics, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Financial Services, Accounting and Fintech are among the most desired courses in Ireland. A degree from a well-accredited institution in these fields will certainly improve your career prospects, owing to the highly-innovative nature of the curriculum and the active link with the industry. Your ascent in the academic and professional ladders depends on where you study and what you study in Ireland—which city, which university, and so on.
Language requirements: English is widely spoken in Ireland, and international students are expected to meet different English proficiency tests such as IELTS, Duolingo, TOEFL, and PTE. In general, international students need to secure a minimum overall band score of 5.5 to successfully enter an Irish university.
Part-time work during studies: Students from non-European countries enrolled in full-time courses of at least one year’s duration are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks and other holidays. This flexibility allows students to balance their academic commitments with work, gain practical skills, and integrate more fully into Irish society.
Post-study work opportunities and PR: Ireland has the fourth- highest international workforce in the EU. The country offers a two-year post-study work visa option for graduates, allowing you to gain valuable work experience. This gives a significant advantage to those seeking global career opportunities. Subsequently, you have a pretty smooth pathway to PR and permission to invite your family members permanently, which would take up to 2 to 5 years of working, depending on the type of your work visa.
Work permit after studies: There are two types of work permits, even though their duration is the same, i.e., two years. Firstly, we have the general work permit, and secondly, we have the work permit for those included in the Critical Skills Occupations List, which includes those jobs in which there is a shortage with respect to qualifications, experience, or skills within the domestic Irish population, such as IT and healthcare services.
Scholarships: Based on the student’s academic profile, Ireland offers different kinds of scholarships, both at the level of the government and at the level of individual universities, ranging from €1000 to €4000, subject to meeting the stipulated requirements.
Focus on research and innovation: Ireland is the second most competitive economy in the EU and Irish universities are at the forefront of research in various fields, from science and technology to the humanities and social sciences. This research-oriented environment allows students to learn from leading academics and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
Tech hub of Europe: Ireland hosts the European headquarters of several multinational corporations such as Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and IBM due to its low corporate tax rate, skilled workforce, political stability, peaceful reiteration, and membership in the European Union. Over a thousand corporate giants have made Ireland their hub for operations in Europe. Nine of the top 10 global ICT companies, the top 8 global gaming companies and 430+ finance companies are located in Ireland.
So, start planning your study abroad journey in Ireland in advance! Now you may have different queries in mind relating to living expenses, tuition fees, available scholarships, educational loans, and so on. Get in touch with the certified career advisors at Edroots International to learn more and check your eligibility for admission to different programmes and institutions in Ireland by reaching out to us at +91 9349 555 333.
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