Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland - the charismatic island nation in the European Union (EU) is famous for its lofty mountains, magnificent lighthouses, exquisite coastlines, and natural greenery. Apart from its natural beauty, Ireland is famous for its soaring economic development and top universities with an extensive range of study programs that attract students from all across the globe.

• The number of international students coming to Ireland has increased by 45% from 2013 to 2017.
• The approximate number of international students in Ireland is 176,500.
• Approximately 45,000 non-EU/EEA students are enrolled in Ireland’s post-secondary study program.
• According to Irish Higher Education Authority (HEA), most of the international students are from United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Canada.
• Chinese students alone contribute €35.7 million per year to the Irish Economy.
• The provision to work in Ireland while studying and after completion of their course is one of the basic reasons for international students to get drawn towards Ireland for further studies.

Scholarship Programs

Ireland provides several scholarship programs for international students. Sources like the Government of Ireland, the Irish Higher Education Institutions, and other authorized organizations provide scholarships to international students. The eligibility criteria depend on the prerequisites set by different organizations. Students should contact the organization or institution to obtain more detailed information.

• Government of Ireland Scholarships 2021 available for all international students.
• Inclusive Ireland Scholarship 2021 for U.S. students
• Irish Aid funded Fellowship Training Program
• DIT Centenary Scholarship Program
• Galway Mayo Institute of Technology Scholarships
• Claddagh Scholarship Program (Chinese students)
• Opportunities in Ireland for Ontario College Graduates
• Fulbright Scholarships
• Postgraduate Fellowships: The Walsh Fellowships
• Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS): IRCHSS funds competitive research programs in the field of humanities, social sciences, business and law with the vision of creating new expertise and skilled knowledge beneficial to Ireland's economic, social and cultural development. Through its membership of the European Science Foundation, the Research Council is committed to integrating Irish research in European and international networks of expertise.
• Law PhD Scholarship Opportunity at DCU: A liberal 4-year scholarship is available for an outstanding PhD candidate in the field of Law, within the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University. This scholarship includes a fee waiver and a tax-free stipend of €12,000 per year for a full-time PhD student.
• National College of Ireland Scholarships
• NUI Galway International Student Scholarships
• DCU International Student Scholarships
• Maynooth University Scholarships
• UCC Excellence Scholarships
• UCD Scholarships
• Smurfit Business School scholarships
• Undergraduate scholarships
• Graduate scholarships
• UCD USA scholarships
• UCD Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship
• The Maria Helena Kopschitz Scholarship (MA in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama, University College Dublin )
• UCD Sutherland School of Law
• University of Limerick Scholarships
• Trinity College Dublin Scholarships: Trinity College Dublin Undergraduate Scholarships, Trinity College Dublin Postgraduate Scholarships, Trinity College Dublin Study Abroad Scholarships
• Waterford Institute of Technology Scholarships: International Student Scholarship

Tuition costs in Ireland

Tuition fees in Ireland vary according to EU/EEA students or non EU/EEA students. The tuition fees also varies according to different institutions, hence, it is advisable to check with your preferred institution for further detailed information.

• Tuition fee for EU/EEA students (Undergraduates): Starts from €3,000.
• Tuition fee for EU/EEA students (Postgraduates): Between the price range of €3,800 - €30,000.
• Tuition fee for Non-EU/EEA students (Undergraduates): Starts from €9,850 and can go up to €55,000 per year depending on the study program.
• Tuition fee for Non-EU/EEA students (Postgraduates): Starts from €9950 and can go up to €34,500 per year depending on the study program.

Admission Requirement for international students

To be eligible to study in Ireland, it is imperative to meet the following academic requirements.

1. General English Requirements (Undergraduate and Graduate)
   
   • IELTS - Band 5
   • TOEFL CBT - 173
   • TOEFL PBT - 500
   • TOEFL iBT - 61
   • ETAPP - B2
   • PTE Academic - 30
   • FCE - Pass
   • Cambridge English, Advanced or Proficiency - Pass
   • BEC Higher or Vantage - Pass
   
   However, the eligibility criteria might vary from university to university.
   
2. Graduate Admission Requirement To be eligible to study graduate course in Ireland Universities, one has to provide proof of certificate of secondary education. Other than the certificate of latest education, one has to provide 500 word statement of purpose along with a recognized certificate of Proficiency in English Language.
   
3. Post Graduate Admission Requirement To be eligible for a postgraduate program in an Ireland University, an international student has to possess and submit a undergraduate diploma from a recognized Irish University or any other university. An international student also has to submit an academic transcript certified by an issuing body, certified copy of past degrees or certificates, recognized certificate of Proficiency in English language.

Student Accommodation in Ireland

• On-Campus Accommodation: Most universities in Ireland provide on-campus accommodation facility to its students. On-campus accommodation includes a hall of residence, a living room, and a bathroom. The fee for on-campus accommodation has to be paid in two installments. It is also required to pay one month's rent in advance which is refundable when one leaves the accommodation facility. Most universities charge to heat and electricity charges separately on basis of usage. To know more, check the accommodation section of the University website.
• Off-Campus Accommodation: Most students prefer to stay independently on self-catering and rented accommodation. In this type of accommodation, one has to sign a contract of lease of 9-12 months and pay rent on monthly basis. Some international students also choose to live with a ‘host family’. Staying with a ‘host family’ gives homely comfort and independence but at the same time has to adhere to rules set by the ‘host family’.

Working conditions while studying in Ireland

Students from European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) can work in Ireland during their study program without any restrictions. They can work both full-time and part-time. However, non-EU and EEA students can work for 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during holidays. However, to be eligible to work, an international student from non-EU/EEA, one must have a Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) registration certificate which is issued by the Immigration Office of Ireland. It is also mandatory to be enrolled in a course that is included on the Ireland Government’s list of visa-eligible courses.

Health Services

Students from other EU/EEA nations are subjected to free health and medical services, provided one possesses Form E.109. To be eligible for this facility, one has to provide proof of his/her nationality to the Irish Health Authorities. However, students from Non-EU/EEA countries are required to have their own private health insurance. While applying for an Irish student visa, it is mandatory to provide proof of health insurance to the Irish Immigration Department.

Visa Regulation

An international student willing to pursue further studies in Ireland must undertake a course which is a minimum of 3 months. One has to apply online for their Irish Study Visa with all the required documents. Upon submission of the visa application, one must print the summary form and submit it with other supporting documents. One might also have to submit their biometric details while applying for the study visa.

Additional Information

The Government of Ireland has set up dedicated international offices that work closely with international students for any kind of administrative or academic work. With the help of these supportive offices, international students get direct access to facilities, pieces of information, services, etc. Since Ireland is an English-speaking country, an international student won’t feel alienated while living and studying here. Moreover, Ireland’s close economic and educational ties with English-speaking countries, like the UK and the US make it a more favorable destination for international students to pursue their further studies in Ireland.