Study in Ireland

As far back as 500 AD, Ireland, and its monks and monasteries, were at the centre of learning in Europe, earning Ireland the title Land of Saints and Scholars. In 1592, Trinity College Dublin received its charter and university status. National University of Ireland Maynooth dates back to 1795, and the universities in Galway and Cork were both founded in 1845.

Ireland's history has engendered a deep appreciation and respect for learning, and, today, educational attainment rates are among the highest in the world. Over 85 per cent of young people complete secondary level education, and over two-thirds of those go on to higher level education. Ireland is ranked first in Europe in terms of graduates per 1,000 inhabitants.

Government investment in world class facilities build on a lengthy tradition of academic excellence. Today, there are seven universities, 14 Institutes of Technology and many other world-leading education and research centres, housed in state-of-the-art facilities on beautiful campuses

Irish research ranks within the top one per cent globally in 18 research fields, and all of the country's universities are in the top 3 per cent worldwide. Students from 160 countries study in Ireland and make up 12 per cent of the student population.

Why Study in Ireland?

Practical Information

It's important to remember that the method of applying to an Irish higher education institution depends on whether you are an EU student or a non-EU student. Your status is determined by your application and cannot be changed after first year registration.

If you are applying to study in Ireland as an EU citizen, you apply for all undergraduate courses through the Central Applications Office (CAO), unless otherwise stated. All non-EU citizens must apply directly to the higher education institutions in Ireland.

Student Visa Requirements

Ireland requires candidates from many non-EU countries to have a visa to come and study in Ireland. The student immigration process is divided into two categories, based on whether you are applying for a degree programme offered by a higher education institution or you intend to pursue an English-language or non-degree course.

Climate

Our climate can be summed up as being mild, moist and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. You can experience all four seasons in the one day, if you're lucky!

Because the island is hugged all year round by the warm influence of the Gulf Stream, Ireland is much warmer than other countries that share its latitude. The Gulf Stream also ensures that the Irish coastline remains ice-free throughout winter.

Extreme winters are rare, and you're more likely to encounter a warm glow than a frosty reception, with average winter temperatures of between 40°F/5°C and 46°F/8°C.

Summer temperatures are generally between 60°F/15°C to 70°F/20°C. One thing that is more than probable is rain - so don?t forget to pack your rain gear!

Health Insurance

Under EU/EEA regulations, students from other member states who are attending a course of study are entitled to free hospital services provided they have Form E.109 with them. In order to be eligible you will be required to provide the Irish health authorities with documentation from your home country that validates your entitlement.

You should therefore contact the Health Authority in your home country, well in advance of travelling to Ireland, to fulfil any registration requirements and to obtain the necessary forms that you will need. From 1st June 2004, the E111 and a number of other 'E' forms (i.e. E128) have been replaced by a new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Students from non-EU countries are not covered for any free medical attention off-campus and must therefore have their own private insurance.

Please note that heavy levies are charged for all hospitalisation and it is advised to make provision for adequate medical insurance. Non-EU students are required to show proof of comprehensive medical insurance when registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Proof of health insurance is also required when applying for a student visa. Students are strongly advised to arrange insurance for private medical care as this ensures choice of hospital, doctor and hospital accommodation in the event of illness.

Working in Ireland

International students engaged in full-time study of at least one year?s duration (on a course leading to a qualification which is recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Skills currently do not need a work permit to work in Ireland.

English language courses in Ireland

One way to meet language requirements for university admission in Ireland is choosing an English language preparation course offered by English language schools worldwide, including those in Ireland.

By taking the right English exam training course you will advance your language skills in order to get the needed scores for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced or other English exams.

Preparation courses in Ireland

Some international students may not be able to attend a degree in Ireland because their previous studies do not match the academic system of the country. To be allowed to take an undergraduate or graduate degree in Ireland, they will need to enrol in a one-year pre-Bachelor or pre-Master offered by a local university.

Popular foundation degree studies in Ireland include pre-law degrees, pre-MBA courses, pre-medicine, pre-nursing studies, or other types of international foundation programmes in engineering, economics, finance, social science, science and other types of university pathway programmes. Preparation courses in Ireland include academic English language training to help international students meet university language requirements for future undergraduate or graduate studies.

Foundation degrees in early years in Ireland are perfect for increasing your chances of getting accepted to an Irish university. Pre-university business schools, law schools or med schools make sure international students develop the skills they need to succeed in the Irish academic system. Pre-university education also includes cultural integration classes that help students feel more at home. Some pre-university programmes guarantee enrolment to the institution if students complete the preparation with high grades.

Where can I study a foundation course in Ireland?

Top Irish cities where students can take a foundation year programme include: Dublin, Galway, Cork and more.

Read more about the enrolment requirements for international students.

English-language tests

Universities in Ireland will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Irish universities accept these official English exams:

• PTE Academic
• IELTS
• TOEFL
• C1 Advanced