Ireland
About Ireland
- Location : Western Europe
- Capital : Dublin
- Area : 84,421km2
- Population : 4.595 million (2013) World Bank
- Currency : Euro

Ireland today ranks amongst the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita[87] and in 2012 was ranked the seventh most developed nation in the world by the United Nations’ Human Development Index.[88]
The number of non-EEA nationals registered as per the latest snapshot of the Garda National Immigration Bureau registration system taken in February 2015 who have permission to remain in Ireland as students (on immigration permission stamp No. 2) is approximately 35,400.
The main countries of origin for the persons concerned are the following: Brazil 30%, China 9%, USA 8%, India 7%, Malaysia 6%, Saudi Arabia 5%, Venezuela 4%.
Year | Net Granted | Net Refused | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | 4849 | 4405 | 9254 |
2008 | 4563 | 2238 | 6801 |
2009 | 4049 | 1140 | 5189 |
2010 | 5123 | 754 | 5877 |
2011 | 4741 | 671 | 5412 |
2012 | 6939 | 851 | 7790 |
2013 | 9099 | 1751 | 10850 |
2014 | 10462 | 1886 | 12348 |
Why Study in Ireland?
University | Rating | International Student Satisfaction Award |
---|---|---|
Maynooth University | 9.5+ | Outstanding International Student Satisfaction Award 2015 |
National University of Ireland, Galway | 9+ | Excellent International Student Satisfaction Award 2015 |
University of Limerick | 9+ | Excellent International Student Satisfaction Award 2015 |
University College Cork | 9+ | Excellent International Student Satisfaction Award 2015 |
University College Dublin | 8+ | Very Good International Student Satisfaction Award 2015 |
STUDY in one of the best education systems in the world for Higher Education Achievements
BENEFIT from Ireland’s investment in the education system
CHOOSE from over 5000 internationally recognised qualifications
ACCESS world-class research opportunities in world-leading programmes
CONNECT with career opportunities with leading global companies located in Ireland
ACHIEVE your ambitions in Europe’s most entrepreneurial country
JOIN the 35,000 international students from 161 countries enjoying Ireland’s
LIVE in the only English speaking country in the Eurozone
EXPERIENCE living in one of the friendliest and safest countries in the world
Universities and Colleges in Ireland

Education System
PRIMARY Years 1- 8 |
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SECONDARY Years 1-3 Junior Cycle Year 4 Transition Years 5-6 Senior Cycle |
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TERTIARY |
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Universities
Primary Degrees Postgraduate Degrees Postgraduate Diplomas |
Colleges of Technology
National Certificate National Diploma Primary Degree Postgraduate Degree |
Colleges of Education
Primary Degree Postgraduate Degree |
Independent Colleges
Diploma Primary Degree Postgraduate Degree Professional Qualifications |
The Irish university system is in the British tradition with set programmes leading:
Bachelor’s degree (three or four years)
Master degrees (coursework, research work or or some combination of both)
Doctoral degrees (awarded on the basis of research)
Universities in Ireland include the National University of Ireland, Trinity College, the University of Limerick and Dublin City University.
The National University of Ireland (NUI) is organised on a federal basis but the constituent colleges – University College Dublin, University College Cork and University College Galway – enjoy a large measure of autonomy. A further three colleges – St Patrick’s College Maynooth, the Royal College of Surgeons, and St Angela’s College of Education for Home Economics – are recognised colleges of the NUI
The Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) is the biggest third level institution in Ireland with 22,000 students. It has six constituent colleges – two Colleges of Technology, the College of Catering, the College of Marketing & Design, the College of Commerce and the College of Music. The DIT awards its own degrees
Regional Technical Colleges (RTCs), which were introduced in the 1970s to provide for further technical educational needs have, over the years, become an integral part of the Irish third level system. There are eleven RTC’s throughout Ireland offering education and training, both fulltime and partime, for trade and industry over a broad spectrum of occupations and levels, in the areas of Business Studies, Engineering &Technology and Science & Paramedicine.
There are also a number of specialist colleges with programmes leading to Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees approved by the National Council for Education Awards (NCEA).
In Ireland the system of teacher training differs between primary and second level school teachers. Typically second level teachers complete a primary degree at university and then follow up with the Higher Diploma in Education at university. Primary school teachers complete a three year programme, leading to a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed.), at one of the five teacher training colleges.
In addition to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the Medical Schools in University Collcge Dublin, University College Cork, University College Galway and Trinity College have also developed a prestigious reputation in their field.
The Irish legal system is part of the Common Law tradition and therefore relevant to the legal training needs of many countries. There are excellent law faculties in most of the universities. There are also two professional law schools – the Incorporated Law Society, training solicitors, and the Kings Inns, training barristers.
In addition to formal fulltime academic and professional studies, Ireland has, over the past twenty years, become an increasingly popular location for English language training, attracting students of all ages and nationalities. Currently over 100,000 people visit Ireland annually to undertake language programmes.
Education Cost
Non EU Undergraduate Tuition CostsTuition costs vary considerably depending on the institution and the study programme. Tuition costs do not remain static, so it is important to double-check fees with the Institution(s) you are considering applying to.
Course average fees
Medicine and related | €31,000 – €50,000 | €12,035 – €51,635 | €9,000 – €20,000 |
Engineering | €10,000 – €21,600 | €10,500 – €19,500 | €9,000 – €17,000 |
Science & Technology | €10,000 – €21,600 | €10,500 – €18,000 | €9,000 – €17,500 |
Arts & Humanities | €10,000 – €16,500 | €10,500 – €20,000 | €5,100 – €13,500 |
Business | €10,000 – €16,000 | €10,500 – €30,000 | €5,000 – €14,000 |
English Language CoursesTuition costs for English language courses in Ireland will vary depending on the English language school and the type of programme you choose.
The figures given below provide a guideline for budgeting. Costs do not remain static, so it is important to double check fees with the English language centre(s) you are considering applying to.
Course Description | Average Fees | |
---|---|---|
General English Standard | 20 (lessons per week) | €150 – €250 (per week) |
One-to-One Tuition | €45- €60 (per hour) | |
Examination Preparation Programmes | 20 (lessons per week) | €700 – €950 (4 weeks) |
International Foundation Course | €6500 – €13,200 |
Best course to study in Ireland

Skill Shortage
Economic Sector | Occupation | Job Titles |
---|---|---|
Information Technology | ICT Professional | Computer Systems Managers, Computer Analysts, Computer Programmers, Computer Testers |
Healthcare | Health Professionals | Registered Nurses, Registered Midwives, Medical Practitioners, Specialist Nurses, Pharmacists/Pharmacologists, Dental Practitioners |
Healthcare | Health Associate Professionals | Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Orthoptists, Medical Physicists, Dieticians, Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Medical Scientists, Physiotherapists, ECG technicians, Cardiac Catheterisation Technicians, Neurophysiological Measurement Technicians, Vascular Technicians, Respiratory Technicians, GI Function Technicians, Audiologists, Biochemists, Medical Radiographers |
Industry | Professional Engineers and Technologists | Civil, Mining, Electrical, Software, Chemical, Design and Development, Planning and Quality Control, Network, Validation, Product Development, Process and Equality |
Industry | Construction Professionals | Building Managers, Architects, Quantity and other Surveyors |
Education/Healthcare/Industry | Researchers and Natural Scientists | Researchers, Chemists, Physicists, Natural Scientists, Biological Scientists, Material Scientists |
Financial | Business and Financial Professionals and Associate Professionals | Chartered and Certified Accountants, Management Consultants, Business Analysts, Actuaries, Economists, Statisticians, Underwriters, Claims Assessors and Analysts, Risk Professionals, Security Specialists, Fund and Investment Management Specialists, Common Law Jurisdiction Lawyers with experience in the financial services sector, Investment Funds Professionals, Fund Accountants, Fund Valuations Professionals, Fund Administrators, Custody Specialists, Transfer Agents, Hedge Fund Specialists, Compliance Specialists, Risk Specialists, Tax Experts, Legal Experts |
Industry/ Services | Specialist Managers | Marketing and other specialist manager. |
Average Income
Average and Median Monthly Salary Comparison in Ireland
Maximum: 18,000 EUR
Average: 3,607 EUR
Median: 3,200 EUR
Job Category | Average Salary |
---|---|
Independent Jobs | 1,000 EUR |
Fitness / Hair / Beauty | 1,333 EUR |
Counselling | 1,417 EUR |
Cleaning and Housekeeping | 1,450 EUR |
Care Giving and Child Care | 1,500 EUR |
Pet Care | 1,600 EUR |
Food /Hospitality / Tourism / Catering | 1,912 EUR |
Law Enforcement / Security / Fire | 1,917 EUR |
Courier / Delivery / Transport / Drivers | 1,967 EUR |
Photography | 2,000 EUR |
Facilities / Maintenance / Repair | 2,076 EUR |
Real Estate | 2,267 EUR |
Import and Export | 2,350 EUR |
Legal | 2,356 EUR |
Electrical and Electronics Trades | 2,365 EUR |
Customer Service and Call Center | 2,367 EUR |
Administration / Reception / Secretarial | 2,417 EUR |
Marketing | 2,567 EUR |
Automotive | 2,731 EUR |
Oil / Gas / Energy / Mining | 2,800 EUR |
Publishing and Printing | 2,917 EUR |
Science and Technical Services | 2,937 EUR |
Advertising / Graphic Design / Event Management | 3,078 EUR |
Human Resources | 3,090 EUR |
Teaching / Education | 3,128 EUR |
Environmental | 3,111 EUR |
Sales Retail and Wholesale | 3,276 EUR |
Business Planning | 3,392 EUR |
Accounting and Finance | 3,439 EUR |
Construction / Building / Installation | 3,458 EUR |
Teaching / Education | 3,128 EUR |
Engineering | 3,643 EUR |
Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defence | 3,688 EUR |
Quality Control and Compliance | 3,697 EUR |
Health and Medical | 3,943 EUR |
Insurance | 3,998 EUR |
Architecture | 4,017 EUR |
Banking | 4,027 EUR |
Factory and Manufacturing | 4,083 EUR |
Information Technology | 4,203 EUR |
Telecommunication | 4,264 EUR |
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology | 4,333 EUR |
Fundraising and Non Profit | 4,521 EUR |
Purchasing and Inventory | 5,488 EUR |
Executive and Management | 6,176 EUR |
Minimum: 1,000 EUR
Admission Process
Surf Universities
Planning to study abroad is a big decision. About 15 months before the commencement of your program, surf through the internet to find the
Different universities and colleges in Ireland
Different universities and colleges in Ireland
Their duration
How much it will cost staying
Studying in Ireland.
Pick up the right university that offers your choice of program
English Proficiency
IELTS, Cambridge Advanced/Proficiency, TOEFL scores, for applicants whose first language is not English
IELTS 6.0
TOEFL is 550 (paper-based test) and 90 (internet-based test).
However, it is best to contact the concerned university for minimum cutoffs, as every university has its own respective admission eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
International students willing to study in Ireland have two options.
Either, they can attend secondary school in Ireland and obtain Leaving Certificate Examination, along with Irish students. Students, who take up English language tuition to show their proficiency in the language, opt for studying secondary school in Ireland.
Or, they can study secondary school in their respective countries and take the recognized public examination. They should secure minimum grades and marks to become eligible for admission to the university they are applying to. Also, they must check whether their qualification complies with the educational qualification demanded by the university.
Documentations Required
Attested copies of transcripts or mark sheets of class X, class XII, and qualifying examinations
Two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently
In case you have previous work experience, at least one reference letter from the employer, commenting on your professional skills and abilities
Statement of purpose
Up-to-date curriculum vitae
4 extra-curricular activities certificates
Students applying for Arts and Design courses should submit a portfolio
Complete Formalities
After you have completed the application forms mail them to the university.
15 days of time to process and evaluate your application and documents.
Convey your confirmation to the university, after which the university will send you a mail reconfirming your admission.
Apply for student visa at the Irish embassy in your country or state
Complete all necessary paperwork to get permission to stay in Ireland for the duration of your studies.
Complete all other departure formalities and fly to Ireland at least one week before the orientation session of the university.
Document Required
Sr.no | Documents |
---|---|
1 | Online summary sheet, signed and dated by you, the applicant |
2 | Your original passport, valid for at least 6 months after your date of departure from Ireland with at least 2 blank visa pages. Please include a photocopy of the passport bio page, all visas and all stamps.v |
3 | 1 recent photo that conforms to requirements |
4 | Processing fee |
5 | A letter giving full details of the reason for your visit |
6 (a) |
Evidence of Funds: Evidence of how you intend to finance your trip and support yourself for the duration of your visit in the form of Upto date bank statements for the 3 month period Bank Statements should include the most recent transactions for the account up to the date of your application and: must be original must show your current address and must show availability of sufficient funds to cover the costs of your proposed trip. Lump sum lodgements made shortly before your application will not be considered. |
(b) |
In the event that you are being supported by a spouse, partner or member of your family, they should provide: evidence of funds as specified an original, signed and dated letter stating that they are undertaking to support you during your trip to Ireland evidence of their relationship to you evidence of your address |
7 (a) |
In employment or studying: An original up to date signed letter from your place of employment or study on headed paper with full contact details – giving details of your employment or course and confirming that you will be returning there following your visit to Ireland. |
(b) |
Self Employed: You must provide documentary evidence of your business/company in the form of: An original, signed and dated letter on headed paper from your solicitor/accountant/tax consultant and/or Recent correspondence relating to your self-employment from the Inland Revenue and/or The original letter of incorporation and/or Up to date banks statements (from the past three months) for your business bank account |
8 | Details of any previous Irish visa applications made including those refused. |
9 | If you have been refused a visa for any other country details of this should be submitted. Failure to disclose previous visa refusals will result in your Irish visa application being refused |
Scholarship
A person who is successful in acquiring a job after completion of studies will be granted one non-renewable extension to their current student permission for a six-month period, starting from the day on which they received their exam results. This scheme allows the person to seek employment and gain a green card or work permit.
FAQs
