6 Reasons Why Studying in Ireland the Best Option
There are many advantages attached to studying in Ireland. Ireland is swiftly growing to become one of the world’s most popular study abroad locations. It features an excellent educational system, a welcoming society, and several chances for international students.
Ireland is full of Medieval castles, jaw-dropping iconic sights, super friendly people, buzzing cities, charming villages, year-round festivals, and so much more!. It’s no surprise that The Economist named Ireland the “best place in the world to live!”
Education, student life, and post-graduation employment opportunities are all excellent. The country is home to some of the best universities in the world, as well as some of the most successful multinational corporations (MNCs) such as Google, Apple, Twitter, GSK, Pfizer, and Microsoft. It’s no surprise that Ireland attracts thousands of overseas students each year. If you’re thinking of studying in Ireland, read this blog to learn everything you need to know.
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Why is it a good idea to study in Ireland?
Ireland has always relied on imagination and invention to make its mark in the world, despite being a highly progressive country. Furthermore, there are other advantages to studying in Ireland, including high-quality education, a diverse culture, and the possibility of a lucrative career overseas. Let’s go over each of these reasons individually:
1. Welcoming Community
The country is known for its friendly people who gladly welcome visitors from other countries. They enjoy having a good time and are well-known for drinking in pubs and chatting with friends.
On top of that, it’s a place with beautiful scenery and diverse cities. Popular natural attractions include the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the stunning Killarney National Park.
There are five cities to choose from for city life, the most popular being Dublin’s cobblestone streets and the eclectic and bohemian Galway.
With so much to offer, it’s easy to see why studying in Ireland is such a popular option.
2. Student Life
Studying in Ireland can be a rewarding experience for students. In their first year, most institutions offer services to assist students in finding on-campus housing. Residence halls provide students with excellent opportunities to meet new people and build long-lasting friendships.
Societies and sports clubs are excellent ways to become involved. Try Gaelic football, a classic Irish team sport, or join an International Students’ Society to meet individuals who share your interests. You can work while studying in Ireland if you have the proper visa. A fantastic opportunity to gain work experience, save money and meet new people outside of school. It’s clear that life in Ireland for international students can be a thrilling adventure.
3. Ireland’s Culture
Ireland has a rich history. Its festivals are rich in customs, traditions, and folk music (for example, St. Patrick’s Day). Despite this, the Irish are creative, forward-thinking, and adaptable. It’s why you can enjoy the countryside, castles, and Ireland’s vibrant, urban lifestyle.
4. Excellent Education System
Ireland has a rich history. Its festivals are rich in customs, traditions, and folk music (for example, St. Patrick’s Day). Despite this, the Irish are creative, forward-thinking, and adaptable. It’s why you can enjoy the countryside, castles, and Ireland’s vibrant, urban lifestyle. Ireland’s long-standing reputation for high-quality education is based on a strong commitment to excellence.
Today, we have one of the world’s best education systems and an internationally renowned reputation for academic quality. In Ireland, 34 higher education institutions offer over 5000 programs leading to internationally recognized, quality assured qualifications. So, whether you’re looking for a regular post-graduate degree or a specialist qualification, Ireland’s universities will always have a course for you.
5. Job Opportunity
Ireland is the headquarters of the world’s largest technology and pharmaceutical companies, and it is also a center of international banking. The country is the European hub for over 1000 leading multinational corporations. Companies that require a skilled, educated, and highly capable workforce to drive their success chose to locate in Ireland, and the country has produced some of the century’s greatest writers, independent thinkers, and inventors.
6. English Speaking
While Ireland has its own language and cultural identity, English is the universally spoken language, which is one of the reasons why so many multinational corporations have their European headquarters here.
It also makes Ireland an appealing destination for international students. English is now the global business language.
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Popular Cities in Ireland
Dublin – As the Republic of Ireland’s capital, Dublin is home to nearly a quarter of the country’s population.
Its excellent selection of highly ranked universities, as well as its ever-expanding international population, make it an increasingly popular student destination. Furthermore, the city is well-known for its awe-inspiring medieval architecture, rich literary heritage, and vibrant nightlife.
Cork – Located on a bustling harbor in the south, Cork has become a tourist destination for those looking to explore its vibrant culture and hidden treasures.
A thriving nightlife, including a hub of trendy bars, nightclubs, and traditional pubs, adds depth to the city for students and visitors.
International students can be confident that they will receive an excellent education as well as exceptional post-graduate opportunities. International corporations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, McAfee, and Apple have European headquarters here.
Galway – Galway is located on Ireland’s stunning west coast and is internationally recognized for its stunning beaches, arts, and cultural events.
There are numerous opportunities to learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage in Galway, which is home to the Galway Arts Festival and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature. Galway was also named the European Capital of Culture in 2020, and it is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Top Universities in Ireland
As you might have guessed by now, Ireland’s universities specialize in natural sciences, technology, economics, and the humanities. There are seven universities, seven colleges of education, and 14 institutes of technology to choose from in the country. Five of these institutes are among the world’s top 500 universities.
These are the top universities in Ireland are:
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- National University of Ireland Galway
- University of Cork
- Dublin City University
- University of Limerick
- Maynooth University
If you choose to study at one of these Ireland universities, you will be joining 35,000 other international students from more than 160 countries. That means that one in every ten Irish students is an international student. Aside from that, you’ll have to pay for your own housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses. This works out to around ⚬800 to ⚬1,100 per month.
You can get a part-time job and work 20 hours per week while studying to cover these costs. Furthermore, Irish universities provide a plethora of scholarships and funding programs to incoming international students. Some of them can be found here.
Cost of Studying in Ireland
As previously stated, universities in Ireland not only provide excellent education but also charge lower fees for their programs. As a result, tuition in Ireland is significantly lower than in the United States, Australia, or Switzerland.
Tuition is free for students from the EU/EEA or Switzerland who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in Ireland as a result of the Free Fees Initiative. All you have to do is start with registration.
If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland and want to pursue a graduate degree, you must pay the tuition fee. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who wish to study in Ireland must pay the tuition fee regardless of the course they choose.
Average fees of studying in Ireland
- Average fees for EU/EEA or Swiss nationals studying in Ireland for undergraduate studies: ⚬3,000
- Others: ⚬10,000 to ⚬25,000 for standard courses, ⚬50,000 for Medicine
- Living Each student pays between ⚬800 and ⚬1,100 per month.
The tuition fee for studying in Ireland ranges from ⚬10,000 to ⚬25,000 per year. While courses in the arts, humanities, and business are less expensive, courses in engineering, science, and technology are more expensive. A course in Medicine, on the other hand, can cost up to ⚬50,000.
Application Requirements to Study in Ireland
However, a few of these requirements are common across all programs and universities.
You will need to provide the following for an undergraduate course:
A high school certificate
Proof of language proficiency in English
For students pursuing a postgraduate degree:
Transcripts
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
CV
Depending on your course, GRE or GMAT scores
Language proficiency certification (IELTS or TOEFL)
Portfolio of work (for subjects like fine arts, architecture, etc.)
I recommend that you begin to prepare these documents 6 months before you need to apply. It is now time to wait after you have submitted your application. If you are chosen, you will be given a letter of acceptance, which you can use to apply for a Student Visa!
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Student Visa for Studying in Ireland
You do not need to apply for a Student Visa if you are from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or one of the countries on this list. You will need a Student Visa if you do not have one. If your course lasts less than 90 days, you must apply for a ‘C Study Visa.’ If it is more than that, I recommend that you apply for the ‘D Study Visa.’
Once you’ve determined which visa type you need to apply for, you can go to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website and begin the application process.
Required Documents
The following documents are required for the visa:
- A letter of acceptance from a recognized school, college, or university confirming that you have been accepted onto a full-time course Proof of your academic and English language ability Confirmation that course fees have been paid in full Proof that you have sufficient funds (typically ⚬7,000) to support yourself during your stay
- Proof that you or a sponsor have access to at least ⚬7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies
- Proof of private medical insurance or an EHIC An explanation of any gaps in your educational history
- Evidence of academic ability to pursue your desired course of study
- Confirmation of your intention to return to your home country following your departure from Ireland
- two passport-sized photos taken recently
- A passport that will be valid for at least six months after the course concludes. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 12 months after your proposed date of arrival in Ireland.
- The cost of applying for an Irish Student Visa is €60. Make sure you apply early because it will take at least 8 weeks to process. Once you have your visa, you can book your flights and make arrangements for lodging.
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