Study in Ireland
Overview
Why Choose to Study in Ireland ?
Popular Courses
Discover sought-after programs that attract international students to Ireland:
- Computer & Data Science
- Data & Business Analytics
- Investment Banking & Finance
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Engineering & Construction
These courses represent Ireland’s strengths in cutting-edge education, offering pathways to promising careers in global industries.
- Europe’s Fastest Growing Economy
- Affordable Tuition and Accommodation
- Top 10 Globally for High-Quality Scientific Research
- All Universities in Top 5% Globally
- Ranked 13th Most Peaceful Country
- Quality Assured by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
- Top 20 Education Systems Worldwide
- 11th in the 2018 Global Innovation Index
- European HQs of Leading IT & Pharmaceutical Companies
- 1-Year Master’s Degree Programs
- Post-Study Work Visa: 2 Years for Master’s, 1 Year for Bachelor’s (Hons)
- Pathway to Indefinite Stay (Similar to Permanent Residency)
- Tuition Fees for One Year: €15,000
- Living and Accommodation: €10,000
- Visa Fees: €195
Note: Tuition fees may vary depending on the course and university/institution.
Ireland offers excellent career opportunities in a thriving economy, especially for students.
Top Industries:
- ICT: Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple
- Pharmaceuticals: Major firms like Pfizer and GSK
- Financial Services: Dublin, a key global hub
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Hospitality and Tourism
With over 1,000 global companies headquartered in Ireland, including EY, Deloitte, and Accenture, students can find abundant job opportunities, competitive salaries, and strong career growth.
A wide array of scholarships and grants awaits international students in Ireland, provided by the Government of Ireland, Irish higher education institutions, and various organizations.
Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria tailored for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students across diverse fields of study.
Featured Scholarships:
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
- Award: Full tuition waiver + €10,000 stipend for one academic year
- Criteria: Based on academic achievements
- Available at: All QQI approved Institutions
- Link: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
V.V. Giri Global Excellence Scholarship
- Award: 100% Tuition Fees
- Criteria: Merit-based
- Available at: University College Dublin
- Link: V.V. Giri Global Excellence Scholarship.
Global Excellence Graduate Scholarships
- Award: 100% Tuition Fees
- Criteria: Merit-based
- Available at: University College Dublin
- Link: Global Excellence
Graduate Scholarship
Quercus Taught Masters Academic Scholarships
- Award: 50% Tuition Fees
- Criteria: Based on academic merit
- Available at: University College Cork
Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships
- Award: €5,000
- Criteria: Merit-based
- Available at: Trinity College Dublin
- Link: Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship
Technological University Dublin Scholarships
- Award: 50% Tuition Fees
- Criteria: Merit-based
- Available at: TU Dublin
- Link: TU Dublin Scholarships
Jim Kemmy India Scholarship
- Award: €4,279 (for the entire degree program)
- Criteria: Based on merit
- Available at: University of Limerick
- Link: Jim Kemmy India Scholarship
These scholarships provide substantial financial support and recognize academic excellence,
enhancing Ireland's appeal as a preferred study destination for international students.
Proof of English Proficiency
- Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) recognize these key English proficiency tests, evaluated against the CEFR framework:
- IELTS (Academic): Overall 6.5, with 6.0 in each band. IELTS indicator accepted until 2024 pending review.
- TOEFL (iBT): Lowest 90 in general, with 21 in writing and 19 in additional units. TOEFL Home Edition accepted until 2024 pending review.
- University of Cambridge: Grade C or above in Proficiency, Advanced, or First Certificate.
- Pearson English Language Test (Academic): Minimum 63 overall, with 59 in Communicative Skills.
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Bare minimum marks 120, with 110 in individually sub score.
International students generally need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 on the 9-band scale to enter Irish universities, though requirements vary by institution, especially for top-ranked ones.
Work Permit for Students in Ireland
Non-EU/EEA students holding Stamp 2 permission can engage in part-time work. They are allowed up to 20 hours for every week during term besides up to 40 hours per week while entitled break time: June to September and starting December 15 to January 15. Students with Stamp 2A permission is not authorized to work.
For the latest information, please refer to the following websites: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/ or www.inis.gov.ie
In today’s competitive job market, choosing a program with an integrated internship can boost your employment prospects significantly. Look for universities offering internships that provide valuable experience sought by top employers.
Options include:
- Full-time and part-time internships
- Paid and unpaid opportunities
- Graduate teaching assistantships
- Semester internships and co-op programs
Individuals eligible for graduate immigration permission can receive:
- Up to twelve months: Graduates with a Level 8 award (Bachelors Honours Degree) on the National Framework of Qualifications will receive permission for up to twelve months, within a total aggregate limit of seven years spent on Stamp 2 and Stamp 1G.
- Up to twenty-four months: Graduates with a Level 9 or higher (Master’s Degree/ Postgraduate Diploma) award on the National Framework of Qualifications initially receive permission for twelve months.
Work Permit (General Work Permit)
- Enables non-EU citizens to work legally in Ireland for a designated employer in a specific occupation.
- Requires a minimum annual salary of €30,000 to qualify.
- At first approved for 2 years, with the probability of extension for an further 3 years.
- Eligible for indefinite renewal after 5 years of continuous employment.
Ireland Green Card (Critical Skill Employment Permit)
- Designed for skilled individuals to fill roles in Ireland where there is a shortage of qualified personnel.
- Requires a minimum annual salary of €60,000 to qualify for the Green Card.
- Firstly approved for 2 years, with an option to apply for a Stamp 4 visa after 2 years.
- The Stamp 4 visa provides permanent residency rights, allowing holders to live and work in Ireland indefinitely.
These permits offer valuable opportunities for international students looking to build their careers in Ireland, particularly in fields where their skills are in high demand.
Popular Universities
Discover Ireland’s top universities renowned for academic excellence and diverse programs:
- Trinity College Dublin: 1st in Ireland, 98th globally. Leaders in Nanotechnology, Immunology, Engineering, and IT.
- University College Dublin: 2nd in Ireland, 177th globally. Largest provider of Graduate Education in Ireland, known for National University status.
- University College Cork: 3rd in Ireland, 286th globally. Located in Cork, the Pharmaceutical Capital of Europe.
- University of Galway: 4th in Ireland, 238th globally. Offers programs in Business Analytics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Nursing.
- Dublin City University: 6th in Ireland, 439th globally. Focus on Cloud Computing and IT innovations.
These universities offer world-class education and opportunities for career advancement in Ireland’s vibrant academic environment.
FAQs
Ireland holds leading companies like Apple and others, compelling it a attractive destination for global students obtaining job prospects. Many students opt for a post-study work visa after completing their studies, and several universities provide placement opportunities.
To obtain permanent residency in Ireland, foreign nationals must reside in the country for at least five years. During these five years, individuals can stay in Ireland for purposes such as study, work, or business. Ireland’s welcoming environment offers benefits like residency in picturesque cities and tax advantages, attracting people worldwide.
Typically, students are not allowed to bring family members with them. There are rare exceptions where this might be permitted under specific circumstances.