Overview
An island country, which is so naturally endowed and beautiful that it speaks volumes. Modern cities peacefully coexist with the idyllic countryside. This country is the playing field for adventure, history, culture and entertainment. It is a country that has gone from being one of the poorest countries to a country so well endowed that it gives its citizens free education till the university level.Â
Why Choose Ireland?
- One of the top 20 education destinations in the world, this country ranks amongst the best in Europe. The 7 top universities are extremely flexible, pragmatic and research-oriented.Â
- One of the few industry-specific education systems that blends creativity in education to match book knowledge with practical knowledge.Â
- They have a course in probably every possible area. Every student can find a course tailor-made for them
- It is an English speaking country, making it very easy for international students, especially Indian students to adjust here.Â
- Â Scientific research facilities are unparalleled and Ireland is on its way to becoming a global hub of research.
- The people are extremely friendly and approachable
- It is the European hub of major MNC brands like Google, Apple etc
- It has a high safety record and is highly ranked in the quality of life index
- The population is predominantly young with 40% of the population being under 25.Â
Education System
Study levels in Ireland
Education in Ireland is similar to that of the UK. It is mainly categorised into four levels.
- Primary education which covers pre-primary education
- Post-primary education or secondary education
- Further education and training
- Higher education
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a body that measures and evaluates the standard of education and relates it to the level of achievements of qualifications. They also facilitate transfers between institutions if their visa permits.
The universities here offer two types of courses- Degree and Non-degree courses. The degree is mostly Bachelor’s, Honorary Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral. Non- degree is a higher certificate, higher diploma, graduate diploma, postgraduate diploma.
Universities also offer Pathway programs in business, social science, engineering and pure and applied science. These serve as preparatory courses to help international students get into their choice of a bachelors or masters degree.
Popular Courses
Apart from IT-based sectors, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, Pharmaceuticals and Accounting and Finance are sought after fields of study. Â
The 5 most-applied-for courses are:-
- Business Analytics-Â This is a form of data analytics, which requires knowledge of business intelligence and computer programming. Business analysts interpret data to be applied by companies to increase profits.Â
- Data Sciences-Â This involves analysing and working with freely available data using multiple methods. This involves the application of statistics, mathematics, intelligent data capture techniques, data cleansing, mining and programming.
- Investment Banking and Finance Sector-Â This course and profession need no explanation. This is the most wanted profession across the globe in the financial sector.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences- This is one of the most popular pharma locations in Europe. The Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland emphasizes physiology, toxicology, biochemistry, pharmacology, analytical and medicinal chemistry.Â
- Architecture, Civil engineering and other construction-related courses
Scholarships
There is a high number of opportunities available for receiving grants. However, there are certain criteria before one can apply for them. These include:Â
- A consistent meritorious record
- Credits gained due to Volunteering
- Written proposals for Research program scholarships
- Letter/s of recommendation
- English language proficiency test results
Some popular scholarships are:
Government of Ireland Scholarships
There are 60 scholarships granted for a period of one year each. The quantum of the grant is 10,000 Euros, available as a stipend for one year of study. This is accompanied by a full fee waiver of tuition andp0 allied costs
Fulbright Scholarships
Fulbright Scholarships are available in 6 different categories. 3 of them are at all levels, and 3 at masters or PhD level only. Where the quantum of grand is Euro 15,000 or is variable to the need of the candidate.
Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
This is a fully-funded grant for those undertaking part-time honours degree. The quantum of the grant is $29,550 along with leaves.
GMIT Non-EU Student Scholarships
These scholarships are only for Non-EU students, The quantum is a bursary that is calculated to a value of up to 30% of non-EU fees.
Non-EU fees for the academic year 2020/21 are:
1. Undergraduate Programmes - €9,950
2. Postgraduate Programmes - €12,000
Living Expenses
Ireland is one of those few European countries which is not expensive to live in. Education is also relatively affordable as compared to other countries in Europe. Even though the cost of living varies from city to city, here is an approximation for Dublin, which is the more expensive location:Â
- Tuition- Undergraduate varies from €9,000 – €45,000 annually
Postgraduate Master and PhD vary from €9,150 – €37,000 annually.
Along with this additional expenditure of examinations, field trips etc are around € 2500
- Accommodation can range from €150 to € 2000 per month
- Other expenses like food, travel and basics € 400 – € 1000
Visa Requirements
- For students undergoing a 3 months course: C Study Visa
- For those undergoing 3 months + course: D Study Visa
- Educational completion and qualification certificates
- Acceptance Letter from the university recognised by Ireland board
- To prove fluency of language, a score of IELTS or TOEFL
- Financial solvency proof in the form of tuition fees payment proof or student loan proof
- Personal Financial Statement
- Proof of intent to return to home country
- Valid passport
- Private health insurance
Work Opportunities
Ireland is the European headquarters of all major Information Technology players. Add to this the vibrant hospitality and tourism industry, and the quantum of opportunities becomes immense.Â
Students need to have a valid job offer of EUR 60,000/ year or EUR 30,000 from a recognised company to be allowed to work in Ireland.Â
- Bachelor degree holder can stay for 12 months
- An ordinary degree holder is permitted for 6 months only.
- Proficiency in English/ Irish or both
- Higher education qualifications
- AÂ PPS Number or GNIB card
- An original letter signed by the Irish Universities’ Registrar
- A Valid Passport
Part-Time Work Opportunities
Unlike most other countries where part-time work is regulated by universities, in Ireland, it depends on the stamp on your visa.Â
Students who have a Stamp 2 on their visa are the ones who are allowed to work. The ones with Visa stamp 2A are not allowed to work.
Stamp 2 allows work for up to 20 hours on workdays and 40 hours during summer and holidays.
Despite the Visa, you are only eligible to work in Ireland under the following circumstances:Â
- If you have a registration with police via Garda National Immigration Bureau or GNIB
- If you are enrolled in a course which has the recognition of the Minister for Education and Skills
- If you are enrolled in a full-time course of NFQ Level 7 or higher.Â
- The class timing is 8 AM and 6 PM per week
- The duration of the course is over 1 year
- You have a PPS Number (Personal Public Services Number) where you will be paid.
Life & Culture
Student Life
Students can have a very good work-life balance if they stick to their schedule well. Being aware of deadlines and finishing them on time, can open a lot of time and scope for socialising and exploring the natural beauty and medical architecture in the country.
The course load is not too much and there is adequate support from faculty. There are a lot of clubs and societies on campus which you can be a part of.Â
Culture
This country is famous for its friendliness and hospitality. Irishmen have worked hard to earn their fortune and earn their way, therefore, they respect everyone. Life is young and vibrant. With music and socialising abounding, there is never a dull moment.
Famous places
If you are not on a road trip with stopovers at the numerous castles, here are some places you should consider:Â
- Blarney Castle- A medieval stronghold outside Cork and home to the quaint ritual – kiss the Blarney Stone and be gifted with eloquence.Â
- Road trips to see some of the most iconic and historic castles ever built in history. Kidney, Rock of Castle and others.
- Cobh-Â a cruise terminal, a quaint town with some fantastic architecture.
- Dublin- This pub city is not just for those who enjoy their drink, but also for those who want to enjoy a hip, young and vibrant culture.
- Cliffs of Moher- A natural panorama from the steepest cliffs in the world
Other Popular Countries
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