Study in Ireland, the land of poets. With a wide variety of institutions offering a number of programmes, Ireland provides a dynamic learning experience.

There is something definitely magical about Ireland — it’s the land of elves, leprechauns, castles, warriors and balladeers. The Republic of Ireland is not to be confused with Northern Ireland, which is still an integral part of the United Kingdom. Ireland's 800 years of struggle under the British monarchy was a period of intrigue, strife, famine, progress and intellectual development as some of the most famous works in English Literature were written during that time. Writers like George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde and James Joyce are all part of the Irish literary world.

Why study in Ireland?

• The quality of the Irish education system is one of the best in Europe.
• Irish higher education institutions excel in many disciplines and are known for their teaching and research.
• Being an English-speaking country, it’s a hub of technological innovations and scientific research.
• Irish people are known for their friendly nature and hospitality.
• Ireland’s landscape is extraordinary. Every single weekend you will have a beautiful place to visit during your stay in the country. Make sure you get your checklist ready!
• Ireland is a dynamic and modern country.

Life in Ireland

The Irish are known to be fun-loving people and take great pride in their Nordic-Saxon heritage. As a student with a modest lifestyle, one can live comfortably with about 1500–1600 Euros a month. The Irish are extremely passionate about their food and drink and most towns have restaurants that cater to every budget and taste. Bread, Irish stew, Shepherd’s Pie and a glass of Guinness are a big part of the Irish cuisine. The Irish are also passionate about rugby and football.

Ireland is a place of amazing natural beauty and some of the popular tourist spots are:

• Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh and in Dublin
• Dublin Castle - the seat of power of the British empire when they ruled Ireland
• The Rock of Cashel - an ancient fortress town
• Kilkenny Castle - originally built in 1172 as a wooden structure. It is now a stone structure and maintained as a heritage site by the government
• The National Gallery of Ireland - a museum preserving Irish and European art collections

Study options

The primary academic intakes begin in September at most colleges and universities in Ireland, though a few institutions offer intakes in February.

Undergraduate degree programmes usually last for 3 to 4 years (full-time study), which might vary depending on each institution. Postgraduate qualifications awarded could be postgraduate diploma or PhD. Both taught and research postgraduate courses are on offer at Irish institutions. A typical postgraduate lasts for 1–2 years of full-time study and a PhD lasts for 3 years at Irish institutions.

Cost of studying in Ireland

With the cost of living in Ireland being considerably lesser when compared with London or New York, Dublin and Cork have become attractive options for world-class higher education. The proximity to London also allows students to visit London during the weekends.

But what’s the exact cost of studying in Ireland? Students studying in Ireland have to pay somewhere between €10,000 and €30,000, depending on the course they opt.

Living cost may range from €600 to €800 per month for international students (it can go up depending on the location you choose to stay). Average cost of food could be €200 per month. Transport cost, health insurance and other expenses should be factored in while calculating your education cost in Ireland.

Scholarships for international students

Some of the popular scholarships available are –

• NUI Galway international student scholarship
• University College Dublin scholarship
• Trinity College Dublin scholarship

Benefits of studying in Ireland

• Courses are taught in English.
• Courses are globally recognised and accredited by leading academic bodies.
• Scholarships are given for deserving students.
• Strong Asian community.
• Close proximity to London and is well-connected to the rest of Europe - the student life is something everyone must experience.
• A land of astounding beauty with some amazing cliffs, lakes and beaches.
• Dublin is a tech hub in Ireland. It is Google’s European headquarters as well.
• Ireland is known as the largest exporter of software worldwide and is also well-known for its pharmaceutical industries.
• International students studying at Irish institutions have options to work part-time for 20 hours /week.
• The country has 4.4% of unemployment rate.
• Ireland also offers 1 year postgraduate and accepts MBA admissions (in certain cases) without any prior work experience.
• Due to the technological advancements in Dublin, and other cities in Ireland, most universities have good rapport with industries; therefore, students find it easy to find a job.
• Also most universities encourage students to take up internships with popular companies, to become job-ready graduates.
• Ireland has a 2 year stay-back option for postgraduates studying at Irish institutions.
• Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google from 2001–2011 once said that their decision to locate to Ireland “is everything to do with the … workforce of geographically diverse, speaking multiple languages, creative young people coming out of [Ireland’s] top universities”. [source: educationireland]

You have more than one reason to study in Ireland. With a strong economy in areas like software development and pharmaceuticals, Ireland offers a lot on a platter of an international student. What could be more wonderful than studying in a country that offers you scenic beauty, a pleasant life and a dynamic environment with ample opportunities to look for your career!