Study In Ireland
Table of content
Important Facts About Ireland
- Ireland has a rich tradition of research and innovation.
- The Government of Ireland’s sustained investment in research has inspired Irish and international students over the years and made it one of the highest student participations in the world.
- Most Irish universities and their courses are internationally recognized.
- All courses developed for international students are closely monitored by the Irish educational authorities to ensure their quality.
- International students can work for 20 hours while studying in Ireland and 40 hours during holidays.
- More than 100 MNCs operate from Ireland, bringing plentiful career opportunities.
- More than 300 leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies across multiple sites in the country.
- Irish universities are known to support students develop software and computer-related programs, which is why Ireland has emerged as the second largest exporter of software.
- Students wishing to build careers in engineering, financial services, software development and IT, and food and agriculture can find several opportunities in Ireland.
- Dublin is one of the top 50 cities in the world to start your business.
- You can take advantage of the unique government programs created to assist entrepreneurs.
- Ireland offers unique immigration programs and start-up funds to help start-ups in the country.
- The country offers a lively social life proving it to be one of the many reasons to study in Ireland for Indian students.
Ireland is located at the westernmost edge of Europe. It boasts one of the stable, yet fastest-growing economies in the world. The country is known for its world-class education system, and universities globally collaborate with some of the best study institutions and international companies. This gives students the opportunity to build their careers in different parts of the world after successfully graduating from a university in Ireland. In addition to the education system, the students can enjoy the greenery, fascinating countryside, and travel through vibrant and culturally sophisticated cities like Dublin.
1. RANKED 3RD MOST PEACEFUL COUNTRY
Ireland has become a popular study-abroad destination amongst international students. The country is open to having diverse cultures living among them. As per the Global Peace Index, 2024, Ireland is ranked 3rd for the most peaceful country at 1.312%.
2. WARM TOWARDS FOREIGN STUDENTS
Ireland has seen a rise in international students yearly because of the warm affection the residents shower on new immigrants. Despite the different cultures entering the country, the residents here have been more than welcoming.
As an international student, the first thought that comes to mind is, ‘how will I be treated?’. This fear of discrimination is common, especially among international students. But Ireland eliminates this fear upon arrival as residents are warm, friendly, and helpful to new faces.
3. OFFERS STAY-BACK VISAS
Upon graduation, Ireland encourages international students to resume their stay in the country to provide them with the opportunity to work and contribute towards the economy. The country offers stay-back visas available for any international student with a level 8 or above qualification from an Irish institute.
This is a great opportunity as a student since Ireland is a widely recognised study-abroad destination, and acquiring work experience here creates an impressionable professional background.
4. FOCUSES ON INDEPENDENT LEARNING
When it comes to learning, Ireland follows a unique method. Students pursuing academics in any Ireland university will soon learn the independent learning process. Universities encourage students to identify challenges and find solutions by themselves. Expression of opinions too is highly appreciated during class for more insightful engagements that make the learning experience more efficient.
At first, getting started with independent learning could be difficult, but with the help of your peers and experienced tutors, this form of learning can work wonders when you enter the real world.
5. GET RECRUITED IN TOP BRANDS
Apart from having the world’s best academic institution, Ireland is also home to top business brands. Gaining a work opportunity with these brands can expose students to the skills and knowledge required to build their professional footsteps well in the market. Gaining employment in leading brands can kickstart your professional journey towards the right path. These top corporate brands include Accenture, Bank of Ireland, Kingspan Group, etc.
Education System in Ireland
In Ireland, the education system is distinguished into three levels:
- First Level Education – Primary
- Second Level Education – Post-Primary
- Third-level Education – Higher Education
In this, the third-level education comprises universities, institutes of technology, private colleges, and colleges of education. All these educational institutes are funded by the government
The universities offer degree programs at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate Levels.
- The bachelor’s programs or undergraduate programs can be pursued part-time and full-time. Generally, full-time bachelor’s courses last three years.
- Irish master programs take a year to complete, however, some master programs by research may last two years.
- Irish doctorate programs may last three or four years. You can enroll for structured and traditional programs. The structured programs are similar to traditional programs, but have an additional element of evaluation and training.
Note: Student exchanges through the Turing Scheme is gaining popularity. This allows students to study abroad and secure overseas placements. However, students can seek advantage of this scheme, only if their university has a formal agreement with any foreign university.
Types of Educational Institutes
Universities: There are currently seven universities in Ireland, which are self-governing institutions or autonomous.
Institutes of Technology: These institutes provide training and education in areas such as engineering, science, business, linguistics, and music at diploma, certificate, and degree levels.
Grading System in Ireland
The grading system in Ireland varies across institutions. Most institutes follow a unique grading system. The minimum score for passing in Ireland is 40%. The following is a common grading system followed by Irish universities.
| Percentage of Grade | Description | International Scale |
| 70% or above | First Class Honours | A (Excellent) |
| 69% – 60% | Upper Second Class Honours | B (very good, with few errors) |
| 59% – 50% | Lower Second Class Honours | C (good, with some errors) |
| 49% – 45% | Third Class Honours | D (satisfactory, with many errors) |
| 44% – 40% Leaving Certificate Grading | Compensating Fail. This is the minimum passing grade | E (sufficient) |
The following examples of grading across universities will help you understand it better.
Dublin City University (DCU)
| Percentage of Grade | Degree Classification | Description |
| 70% – 100% | First Class Honours | Excellent, exemplary, thorough, clear, and free of errors. |
| 60% – 69% | Second Class Honours, First Division | Good, well-structured, only minor omissions or errors. |
| 50 – 59% | Second Class Honours, Second Division | Fair, satisfactory, content, some less developed areas, errors. |
| 40-49% | Third Class Honours | Adequate, or barely adequate, substantial errors and/or omissions |
| Less than 40% | Insufficient does not meet the minimum expected standards | Fail |
University College Cork (UCC)
| Percentage of Grade | Degree Classification | Description |
| 70% – 100% | First Class Honours | Excellent, exemplary, thorough, clear, and free of errors. |
| 60% – 69% | Second Class Honours, Grade 1 | Good, well-structured, only minor omissions or errors. |
| 50 – 59% | Second Class Honours, Grade 2 | Fair, satisfactory, content, some less developed areas, errors. |
| 45-49% | Third Class Honours | Adequate, or barely adequate, substantial errors and/or omissions |
| 40-44% | Poor; meets minimum expectations | Pass |
| 40-44% | Insufficient does not meet the minimum expected standards | Fail |
National University of Ireland
| Percentage of Grade | Description | Grade | Grade |
| 70 – 100% | Excellent; exceeds expectations | A | A |
| 60 – 69% | Very good; meets all expectations | B | B |
| 50 – 59% | Good; meets most expectations | C | C |
| 40 – 49% | Poor; meets minimum expectations | D | D |
| Less than 40% | Fail; does not meet expectations | F | F |
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Top Courses To Pursue in Ireland for Indian Students
Ireland is popular for offering international students a wider range of course options. However, their course choices have grown in demand over the years as all courses designed in Ireland follow an independent learning approach. This means students will learn how to identify issues and find valuable solutions. Following this course format has made multiple Irish graduates valuable assets to prestigious organizations globally.
Pursuing a course in Ireland has multiple benefits, such as:
- When studying any course in Ireland, students will implement a hybrid learning method. This includes the blend of practical training and academic learning simultaneously.
- Course curriculums in Ireland are updated regularly to meet the current job market needs. To improve the quality, all courses are monitored routinely by the Irish educational authorities.
- Courses offered in Ireland cover only those concepts and subtopics that the current job market wants graduates to be equipped with.
- All course structures in Ireland are set-up with the support of industry experts who know what the current and futuristic market needs are.
In Ireland, you can access various kinds of courses which will match any student’s academic interests. However, over the years, there has been a demand for certain courses due to the evolving growth of particular industries. Here is an overview:
ENGINEERING
- Top courses to pursue: Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering are popular examples.
- In-Demand course: Biomedical/Civil Engineering (Engineer Ireland stated, in 2024
- , 67% of engineering employers will be recruiting potential engineers).
- Top Universities: University College Dublin, University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin.
TECHNOLOGY
- Top courses to pursue: Computing, Information Technology, Data Science are popular examples.
- In-Demand course: Big Data/Data Analytics (The World Economic Forum stated the data analytics sector is projected to grow at 40% yearly).
- Top Universities: Dublin Institute of Technology, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
- Top courses to pursue: Finance, Financial Risk Management, Business Analytics are popular examples.
- In-Demand course: Business Analytics (Reuters stated, by 2026, the government will add 5,000 more employment opportunities in fintech, sustainable finance and digital financial services).
- Top Universities: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.
PHARMACEUTICAL
- Top courses to pursue: Industrial Pharmaceutical, Pharmaceutical and Drug Formulation, Pharmaceutical Science are popular examples.
- In-Demand course: Pharmaceutical Science (Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association states, Ireland caters to over 120 overseas pharmaceutical plants, which includes 9 out of 10 most prominent and reputed pharmaceutical companies).
- Top Universities: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.
LIFE SCIENCES
- Top courses to pursue: Biology, Biotechnology, Digital Transformation are popular examples.
- In-Demand course: Biomaterial Science (The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry stated, the Northern Ireland’s life science sector is worth £2.4 billion and supports over 19,500 jobs directly and 15,000 jobs indirectly (provides jobs spread across the economy).
Top Universities: University College Dublin, University of Galway and University College Cork
Apart from the above, there are also several other courses which you can pursue in Ireland, such as:
All courses offered by leading Irish universities have been created to ensure students are equipped with the required skills to ace their career goals. Due to this, multiple graduates find their dream job and embark on a new journey to impact their chosen industry.
Popular Universities to Study in Ireland
The following universities feature in the list of QS World University Rankings:
| Institution | QS Ranking 2023 (Globally) | QS Ranking 2024 (Globally) |
 Trinity College Dublin |
98 | 81 |
 University College Dublin |
181 | 171 |
 National University of Ireland, Galway |
270 | 289 |
 University College Cork |
303 | 292 |
 Dublin City University |
471 | 436 |
 University of Limerick |
531-540 | 426 |
 Maynooth University |
801-1000 | 801-850 |
 Technological University Dublin |
801-1000 | 851-900 |
Popular Universities in Ireland that Do Not Require IELTS
| Universities | Alternative Exam Scores Accepted |
|
National University of Ireland, Galway |
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), Cambridge C2 Advanced (CPE), TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition, Pearson PTE, Duolingo |
|
University College Cork |
Cambridge C2 Proficiency, C1 Advanced and B2 First, Duolingo English Test (DET), LanguageCert IESOL, LinguaSkill General, Oxford Test of English, Pearson English Language Tests (PTE), UCC English Language Centre |
 Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
Cambridge CAE & CPE, TOEIC, TOEFL Paper, TOEFL CBT & IBT, Pearson PTE Academic |
|
University College Dublin |
Cambridge Examinations – Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2). Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2)First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1)UCLES – English at grade C or above English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)Pearson English Language Test (Academic)Trinity ISEDuolingo English Test (DET) Oxford Test of EnglishLanguage Cert ESOL |
|
University of Limerick |
LANGUAGE CERT ESOL Duolingo English Test (DET) English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)GCE ‘O’ LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE / GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGEUniversity Of Cambridge ESOLPearson Test of English (Academic) |
Popular Cost-Effective Universities in Ireland
Studying in Ireland is cheaper than the US, UK, and many other European countries. The average tuition fees in the country is €10,000 and €35,000 a year for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in public universities. However, there are a few affordable universities in Ireland that assure high education standards at low tuition fees and charge anything between €10,000 and €25,000 a year (tuition costs) for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. The following is the list of popular affordable universities in Ireland.
- Trinity College Dublin or the University of Dublin
- The University of Limerick
- Dublin City University (DCU)
- The National University of Ireland (NUI) comprising University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork, University of Galway, and National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Admission Process to Study in Ireland for Indian Students
The admission process in Ireland may differ across universities depending on the type of course chosen, intake season, and so on. However, the standard admission process is the same.
- Choose your course wisely.
- List the universities and colleges offering the course.
- Carefully compare the course structure and shortlist the courses and universities.
- Check the university or college websites to see their eligibility criteria.
- Contact the university or institute for information related to admission intake.
- Take English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or any other alternative test.
- Make a registration at the Central Applications Office (CAO) for bachelor’s program.
- Apply to the college that matches your criteria.
- Attend the video interview conducted by the university or college.
- Apply for the student VISA after accepting the admission.
- Book your tickets and get ready for new innings at an Irish university or college!
Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements
The admission requirements to study in Ireland for Indian Students differ across universities. However, the standard requirements for studying in Ireland for:
- Bachelor’s Degree: The student must possess a score of 70% or above in high school if they wish to seek admission to bachelor’s courses in engineering, science, and IT. Applications for the bachelor’s programs must be supported by documents such as two academic references, final high school exam results, the statement of purpose, and a recognized certificate of English Language Competency
- Master’s Degree: The student must possess a minimum score of 60% or above in bachelor’s degree for seeking admission to be eligible for master’s degree programs. Applications for master’s programs must be supported by documents such as two academic references, academic transcripts certified by issuing body, certified copy of degree certificates, a recognized certificate of English Language Competency, and any other qualifications that may be required.
Intakes In Ireland
Irish universities follow Spring and Autumn (Fall) Intakes. Let’s look at the timeline of the intake season.
Fall Intake
The Fall intake begins in August – September.
- June: Shortlist the courses and colleges.
- July – August: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
- September – October:Start applying to colleges with supporting documentation such as LORs and SOPs.
- December – January: You will receive acceptance letters from the university.
- February – April: Apply for education loan and VISA.
- August – September: Make your travel arrangements. Get ready for your new semester in Ireland!
Spring Intake
This intake season begins in January – February. Most Universities do not have this intake
- April: Shortlist the courses and colleges.
- May – June: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
- July – August: Start applying to colleges with supporting documentation such as LORs and SOPs.
- October – November: You will receive acceptance letters from the university.
- November – December: Apply for education loan and VISA
- December – January: Make your travel arrangements. Get ready for your new semester in Ireland!
Cost of Education in Ireland
Here we have included the average annual cost of education in EUR (€). Actual values may differ across cities and universities in Ireland.
| Types of Expenses (Annual) | EUR (€) |
| Tuition Fees | EUR€9,850-€55,000 for undergraduate programs; EUR €9,950- €35,500 for graduate andPh.D. courses across universities |
| Accommodation | EUR €200-€300/month for a university hostel; EUR €400-€900/month for renting an apartment individually;EUR €450-€550/month for sharing an apartment;EUR €600-€1000/month for on-campus accommodation |
| Living Expenses | EUR €550-€1000/month depending on your lifestyle and the city where you live. The living costs include expenses like food and beverage, clothing, household utilities, transport, communication, miscellaneous goods, and services. |
| Medical Health Insurance | The average cost of medical health insurance for Indian students is EUR €150 – €180 |
Irish Student VISA
Any international student wishing to study in Ireland must possess any of the following visas:
- C Type Study VISA: This VISA is issued for any program or course that lasts for less than 3 months.
- D Type Study VISA: This VISA is issued for any program or course that lasts longer than 3 months.
How to Apply for Irish Student VISA
- Apply online by filling an online application form on AVATS.
- Download the completed application form and print and sign it for physical submission.
- If you are a citizen of India, arrange for VISA appointment with VISA Facilitation Service (VFS).
- Appear for the appointment at the VFS office with all requisite documents.
- Pay your VISA fee while booking an appointment with the VFS or via a bank draft.
- Wait for the VISA outcome, which generally takes eight weeks to process.
Documents Required for Irish Student VISA
Best Student Cities in Ireland
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Exams to Study in Ireland for Indian Students
Language Proficiency Test Requirements
English is the medium of instruction in Ireland. Students must submit any of the following English proficiency test score to get admitted to bachelor’s and master’s courses in Ireland.
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System, a globally recognized English proficiency test for study, work, and immigration purposes.
- ETAPP: English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes, an English proficiency test designed for academic and professional contexts.
- TOEFL iBT: Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test measures English proficiency for academic purposes, particularly for non-native speakers.
- PTE Academic: Pearson Test of English Academic, an English proficiency test widely accepted by universities and institutions for academic admissions.
- Cambridge Advanced: C1 Advanced, formerly Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is a high-level English language qualification demonstrating advanced language skills.
- Cambridge Proficiency: C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), the highest-level English language qualification indicating near-native fluency.
- ARELS Oral Examination: An oral English examination conducted by ARELS (Association of Recognized English Language Schools), assessing spoken English proficiency.
- GCE O Level English Language: General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level English Language, an English language qualification for secondary school students in the UK, Ireland and other countries.
- OET: Occupational English Test, an English language test specifically designed for healthcare professionals seeking to work in English-speaking countries.
Standardized Test Requirements
GRE and GMAT is not required to study in Ireland. However, some of the top business schools in the country like Trinity College Dublin may require you to submit the GMAT scores to pursue MBA and other graduate courses. It is always advisable to check the websites of the applying universities to know about their standardized test requirements.
Undergraduate Applications
In Ireland, the applications for undergraduate courses to be pursued at Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are processed by the Central Applications Office (CAO) (https://www.cao.ie/). The CAOs extend offers to successful candidates based on the information received from HEIs.
Government and Non-Government Scholarships to Study in Ireland for Indian Students
| Name of Scholarship | Description |
| The Government of Ireland International Educational Scholarships | Instituted by the Government of Ireland and handled by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), these scholarships are awarded to international students wishing to pursue their bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Ireland. The scholarship amount includes EUR €10,000 stipend for a year of study as well as fully funded tuition and registration costs of a study organization chosen. |
| Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship | Instituted by the Government of Ireland and funded by the Department of Education and Skills, and managed by the Council, these scholarships are awarded to international students wishing to pursue their master’s and Ph.D. programs in Ireland. The scholarship amount includes EUR €16,000 stipend for a year of study, non-EU fees up to EUR €5,750, and direct research expenses of EUR €2,250 for a year. |
| The Walsh Fellowship | This scholarship is awarded to students wishing to pursue MSc and PhD programs in Ireland, especially at the Teagasc Research Centre. Every year 30 fellowships are given with a grant of EUR €22,000 per student. |
| Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students | The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has introduced a scholarship program for students who want to pursue their career at the bank, as well as complete their education. The CBI will provide a four-year employment contract and three-year part-time study contract to study business, accounting and finance, and business studies from any prestigious university in Ireland. The scholarship amount includes EUR €29,500 annual salary, 24 days of annual leave, educational assistance, and paid leave. |
Note: Many universities in Ireland like NUI Galway, Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, and Dublin Institute of Technology also offer scholarships to international students. You can apply for these scholarships in case you are planning to study at these institutions.
Post Study Work VISA
Students from non-EEA/EU countries can take advantage of Third Level Graduate Program to continue living in Ireland after their study VISA expires. This scheme allows them to seek employment in the country or to apply for a green card. In order to qualify for this scheme, a graduate must:
- Have graduated from an Irish university with a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree and can submit proof of the same.
- Possess Stamp 2 student immigration permission.
- Not exceed the seven-year limit of stay in the state as a non-EEA national student.
- Not access the program on two separate occasions.
- Comply with the laws of the state and possess good character.
The following is the permitted duration of the stay under the program. This duration is decided as per the degree completed by the graduate.
| Level of Education | Post Study Work Permit Duration |
| Level 10 – Doctoral Degree | 24 months |
| Level 9 – PG Diploma/Master’s Degree | 24 months |
| Level 8 – Honors Bachelor’s Degree | 12 months |
| Level 7 – Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree | 6 months |
Under this scheme, the graduates can work up to 40 hours a week. If a non-EEA/EU graduate wishes to work more than 40 hours then they must seek any of the following relevant work permits:
General Employment Permit: A student can apply for this type of permit on receiving a job offer from an employer registered with the Revenue Commissioners and Companies Registration Office. The job offer must assure an annual remuneration of at least €30,000 or €27,000 to a graduate who has completed the studies from an Irish third level institution.
The permit is generally granted for two years, and the graduate can renew it for another three years, totaling five years. Once the permit expires, an individual can apply for long-term residence in Ireland.
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: A student can apply for this type of permit if the role they have been offered features on the Critical Skills Occupations List. Like General Employment Permit, this permit also requires an individual to earn a minimum annual base remuneration of €32,000 for a number of important occupations in the Critical Skills Occupations List and €64,000 for all other occupations except those on the Ineligible Occupations List. To be awarded the permit, the individual must confirm the two-year job.
- Research Hosting/Agreement: This allows non-EEA students to work in the country for a minimum period of three months as a researcher. No work permit is needed if the student opts for this agreement. To qualify, the student must be earning €23,181 per annum.
On-Campus and Off-Campus Jobs in Ireland
Students can take up 20 hours of part-time job in a week while studying at an Irish university. They can work for 40 hours during holidays. Students can take up any of the following on-campus and off-campus jobs.
On-Campus Jobs:
The following are a few popular on-campus jobs available for Indian students studying in Ireland.
- Office administrators
- Peer tutors
- Campus tour guides
- Library assistants
- Barista
- Research Assistants
- Teacher Assistants
- Academic Note Takers
- Student Marketers
Off-Campus Jobs:
The students can apply for various off-campus jobs through Irish job search portals or online.
- Tutors
- Cafeteria Workers
- Online Tutors
- Shop Floor Assistants
- Sales Assistants
- Healthcare Assistants
- Community Support
- Workers
- creening Facilitators
- Gardeners
- Parking Agents
- Store Assistants
- Customer Service
- Executives
Popular Career Prospects for International Students in Ireland
| Level of Education | Post Study Work Permit Duration |
| Level 10 – Doctoral Degree | 24 months |
| Level 9 – PG Diploma/Master’s Degree | 24 months |
| Level 8 – Honors Bachelor’s Degree | 12 months |
| Level 7 – Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree | 6 months |
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Study in Ireland FAQs
Yes, they do accept 10+2+3 education pattern for master’s programs.
Yes, you can work while studying in Ireland. Most Irish universities allow 20 hours week when an academic session is in progress whereas they can work 40 hours during holidays, especially in May, June, July, and August. After the completion of study, the students can work for 24 months on PSW.
An international student can earn a minimum wage of € 10-12 per hour in tier 1 cities such as Cork and Dublin and € 8-9 in tier 2 cities such as Limerick.
Yes, you can apply for a PR after living in Ireland for 5 years. As a student, you can work in Ireland for maximum of 24 months on Post Study Work Permit. Your academic credentials and work experience will help you gain easy PR.
Not all the universities accept MOI. We would suggest you to write to the University and check for the same.
