Study in Ireland

Between 1993 and 2007, the economy of Ireland had seen a tremendous growth. This period in Irish is known as period of the Celtic Tiger. But the global recession of 2008, turned the Irish economy upside down. The market of Ireland and domestic banking system collapsed that resulted in bailout from the International Mutual Fund and European Union. To recover from this downfall, Ireland may take longer time. The government is also making attempt to implement new plans that can uplift the economy. They have introduced a four year austerity plan to reduce €15 billion from the national budget and its effects are widespread. Presently, the economy is rising and at the pace of second highest growth rate in Europe. Ireland has also made its place in the World Economic Forum Global Index with 24th position among 137 countries in the world.

The climate of Ireland is unpredictable and is bylarge dependent upon the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature is not extreme like other countries located at the same altitude. The average temperature is mild 50 degree F. February to April is marked as Spring season in Ireland with average temperature ranging from 46 to 54 degree F. The summer months are May to July shooting the temperature between 64 and 68 degree F. The warmest months, July and August, receives 18 hours of daylight and amazingly the night happens only after 11 pm. Autumn and winter in Ireland lasts from August to October with highest temperature between 64 and 57 degree F. The coldest months are January and February when the country receives few freak cold snaps, snow is scarce.

Ireland has several distinct regional cultures rather than a single national one. Irish maintain a lively folk culture. Many of them are also involved with handicrafts like ceramics, embroidery, knitwear, etc. The country is rich in culture and has contributed significantly to the arts which is recognized at the international level. Irish Gaelic is recognised as the first official language in Ireland followed by English.

Renowned for its history in Education – Ireland is known as ‘The Land of Saints and Scholars’. Throughout the world Ireland is known for its education excellence.

Education in Ireland is free at all levels for Irish nationals and resident of the European Union. This includes university education as well. However, this benefit is not applicable to international students.The Irish Government invests over 782 million annually in research in Ireland’s higher education institutions. The impact of this funding is that Ireland’s higher education institutions now lead the world in an increasing number of fields.

Irish universities are in the top 1% of research institutions in the world in terms of research impact in 19 fields, spanning natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities. This creates a unique opportunity for you at undergraduate and postgraduate level to join research programmes that are driving innovation and changing lives worldwide.

Ireland is also where some of the world’s biggest and best companies have located key strategic research facilities. And in Ireland, you’ll find a unique ecosystem that sees academic researchers working hand-in-hand with small home-grown and start-up companies in partnership with some of the most powerful multinationals on the planet through a programme for shared research projects developed by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. 

Most of the transport service in Ireland is in public hands. Buses, trams and taxis are local transport services in the country. There is railway connecting to different cities across the nation. For quick travel, people prefer flights too. There is private and public service for inter-city travelling. The public transport in Ireland also offers certain concession on students tariff. For international students, there are different plans that will help them to travel with/without families on discounted tariff plans.

For each course, a minimum academic score of 60% and above in Standard XII is required. Foundations and Diploma programmes are available for students who have secured around 50%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program. It is important to remember that even though entry requirement is lower at Irish universities, the education standard is not. Hence, you should carefully enhance your ability to cope with the high standard of education through the course of next few years beforehand.The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are the standardised language tests, which are required to be taken for the purpose of getting admission to colleges.

Tuition fees for non-EU students

• Undergraduate courses 9,000 – 45,000 EUR/year for undergraduate degree courses
• Postgraduate Master and PhD courses: 9,150 – 37,000 EUR/year

Fees vary depending on your chosen field of study, programme and university

Ireland is a country where you will enjoy a balanced lifestyle. The costs of living in Ireland are a bit over average for the European area. If you choose to live in Ireland, you can expect to pay between 650 – 1,000 EUR/month.

Average costs of living in Irish cities (including the accommodation costs):

• Dublin: 1,100 – 1,800 EUR/month
• Cork: 860 – 1,400 EUR/month
• Galway and other smaller cities: 800 – 1,100 EUR/month

Higher education institutions offer accommodation in residence halls, which usually costs above the European average of 200 – 300 EUR. Only 12% of the total international students enjoy accommodation in student halls, according to a European study. However, 72% of them are satisfied with the rooms and services.

Students holding a valid  immigration stamp 2  permission will be permitted to work 40 hours per week only during the months of June, July, August and September and from 15th December to 15th January inclusive.  At all other times students holding Immigration permission Stamp 2 will be limited to working 20 hours per week. The permission to work ceases on the expiry of the students Stamp 2 immigration

Students are entitled to stay and gain international work experience for 2yrs post their studies .