Study in Ireland requirements

Study in Ireland

GDP

$ 457.5 Billion (28th)

Population

5 million

Language

Irish

Capital

Dublin

Currency

Euro €

Temperature

-19° C to 33° C

Why Study in Ireland

Withholding the most strikingly beautiful island of the world, Ireland is a European country that encompasses a deep-rooted history and traditions. Being one of the highest English-speaking European countries, the country embodies a notable reputation in education and industry. Known to be ‘A land of Saints and Scholars’, the country has a renowned academic culture. With the widest history of excellence in literature, science, and research, Ireland holds high standards of education, top-notch universities, and a flourishing economy. Some of the key facts that make Ireland one of the best choices for pursuing higher studies are:
  • Irish Education System is ranked among the Top 20 in the European countries by IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook
  • A fastest growing economy in Europe and stands at the 6th position being the most competitive in the world
  • As per Global Peace Index 2019, Ireland is the 12th most peaceful and one of the safest countries for international students.
  • Ranked at 12th position as per Global Innovation Index 2019, for providing some of the top research institutions of the world
  • The 16th happiest place in the world as per the 2019 World Happiness Report, leaving behind countries like the US, Germany, Spain, etc.
Ireland fosters some of the most flourishing enterprises that provide abundant growth opportunities to the country. The country takes pride to have its place as a base-location to some of the leading global giants such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Intel, Johnson& Johnson, Pfizer,etc. For all those students who decide to study in Ireland must know that the best career opportunities are available across several mainstream education like Software Development & IT, Finance, Engineering, Journalism, Architecture, Travelling, Aviation and Hospitality, Medtech, Pharma, and Food & Agriculture. With English as the primary language spoken here, it becomes absolutely easy for international students to become acquainted with foreign culture.

Ireland holds a prominent global reputation in providing standard educational courses. Institutions take pride in their level of commitment to render excellence in academics and nurturing rich educational culture. Most of the renowned institutions have state-of-the-art facilities that provide modern amenities to their students. The classroom culture is systematized and well-structured with lectures, simulations, seminars, group discussions, coursework, and projects. Besides, the institute offers 5000 pus courses in various streams of bachelors, masters, and doctorate levels, apart from UG and PG diploma courses. Some of the specialized key fields covered by Ireland are immunology, nanotechnology, material science, business studies, economics, technology, and humanities.

Accommodation (Cost of living expenses)

Ireland is known to be a calm and mellowy country with a slightly higher range of cost of living compared to other European countries. Helping you live a balanced lifestyle, the country offers average cost of living standards in some of the prominent Irish cities including accommodation, such as:
  • Dublin – EUR 1100 – EUR 1800 per month
  • Cork – EUR 860 – EUR 1400 per month
  • Galway – EUR 800 – EUR 1100 per month

Higher educational institutions offer the students who come to study in Ireland, a place to stay with resident halls. They cost on an average around EUR 200-300 per month. The halls are well-furnished with subtle designs to give enough comfort to the students to adjust with their counterparts arriving from diversified countries. If you cannot manage to get institution accommodation, a rental apartment or a homestay living is also available. Some of the routine expenditure that may be incurred while studying on monthly basis in Ireland are:

Cost of Living Items Cost (EUR) Per month
Independent Living EUR 427
With partner/child EUR 470
On-Campus EUR 300-600
Utilities EUR 130
Internet Up to EUR
Food (Student discounts available in supermarkets) EUR 250
Travel (public transport) EUR 50-55 (Student discount)
Bicycle (On rent) EUR 20 (per day)

Student Visa Process

As an international student, if you wish to study in Ireland, you need to decide the course and the university from which you must receive an acceptance letter for proceeding towards the visa application process.

Also, you must know what type of visa you need to study in Ireland. There are two types of visas applicable:

  • C-type study visa – Programs for less than 3 months (90 days)
  • D-type study visa – Programs above 3 months. (Non-EU students need to register with Garda National Immigration Bureau)
Check out the common visa process applicable to all international students.

Ireland Student Visa Process

The below steps are needed to be followed to get your Ireland student visa for all those students who want to study in Ireland.
1. Get an acceptance letter from Recognized Ireland University
Apply for a visa once you receive an acceptance letter from a University in Ireland
2. Take an appointment with your local consulate or at VFS
Make your application in person from your nearest Indian embassy or consulate. If possible, book an appointment online or via VFS especially for studying in Ireland university.
3. Finish your application and provide documents
While you attend your visa appointment you must complete and sign a visa application, submit it with the necessary documents (as listed below)
4. Wait for the decision
The visa application process can take between 4 to 8 weeks. You can track the progress of your application on the Irish visa office/embassy/consulate
5. Apply for the residence permit
Soon after you arrive in Ireland, you will need to apply for a residence permit within one month.
Check visa list here
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Attend Your Visa Appointment

During your appointment at the Irish consulate or embassy, you will need to attend a short interview with a consular officer and explain why you wish to study in Ireland. They will interrogate you with few questions on your plans and your reasons for your trip to Ireland.
Depending on the interview, you shall get your visa. Hence, creating a good impression during the interview is essential. Make sure you carry all your documents when you go for the appointment. Missing a single document can make your application get rejected.

Documents Required for Student Visa In Ireland

  • Two recent color passport-size photographs
  • Passport and a full copy of any previous passports
  • A signed letter of application including your full contact details (stating the reason you want to come to Ireland)
  • Letter of Acceptance from the college/university
  • Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history
  • Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees
  • Copies of all academic qualifications and exam results required for university studies
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • Proof you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment
  • Medical Insurance
  • Commitment to leave Ireland on the expiry of your visa
You can get information on the visa checklist here

Work Opportunities (Post Admission)

Different types of visas are offered to international students who desire to study in Ireland, based on the system of stamps. The stamps have different regulations for each. All the students who wish to work part-time while studying in Ireland, need to apply for a Stamp 2 visa. The stamp 2 visa is issued with a set of provisional rules and regulations putting control on how much each student can get in the country. Stamp 2 visa holder can work under the below conditions:

  • In progress academic session: Work for 20 hours per week
  • In May, June, July, August – Work for 40 hours per week
  • In high demand work during holidays – Work for 40 hours per week from 15 Dec to 15 Jan

For gaining part-time work eligibility while studying in Ireland, you need to fulfill the following conditions:

  • Get registered with local police or the GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau)
  • Get acceptance into a course recognized by the Minister of Education and Skills
  • Get Enrolled in a full-time course at or above NFQ Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree as per the National Framework of Qualifications)
  • Take classes from 8 AM to 6 PM per week
  • Take a minimum 1-year long course
Besides, you need to acquire a Personal Public Service Number that allows your employer to pay your salary for your chosen work. Also, the Irish tax regulations and employment laws shall apply to you. Ireland offers convenient part-time work conditions for international students who want to lessen their financial burden.

Top Universities in Ireland

Did you know? Over 50% of Ireland’s GDP comes from top IT and Pharma companies alone. In Ireland, you can study IT, Pharma, Engineering, Management and Aviation courses from 20+ renowned universities and institutes.

Top Courses

Before selecting your destination country, it is also important to research the top courses sought by international students in those countries. This is a really good indicator to understand why students might choose to study certain courses in specific destinations. The main factors driving the favorable course choices for a study destination are the location, economy (GDP) and predominantly emerging job markets in that study destination. ApplyRobin with its years of experience and dealing with students from around the world has already listed the most preferred courses in Ireland:

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to study in Ireland?

The tuition fees for students who decide to study in Ireland are slightly higher than the European average. They vary with a wide range that depends upon the institution choice and the location within the country. The cost of Masters’s programs in Ireland differs. However, both international and domestic students pay the same rate for some courses. The post-graduation fees at most of the Irish universities are determined based on the student nationality.
  • For EU and EEA students, the expected cost for a full year of study is between EUR 4000 – EUR 9000 for a year. For expensive programs and subjects in business and medicine, it remains EUR20000 – EUR 30000
  • Students from outside the EU and EEA are expected to pay around EUR 9000 – EUR 30000 per year. Subjects like business and medicine are slightly expensive in the range.
However, there are various funding options available for international students such as Masters Scholarships in Ireland. For acquiring scholarships there are certain educational criteria followed by the universities in terms of possessing minimum degrees with second class honors or better ranks. The process differs at various universities. You can check it out with your respective university or institution.

2. Can international students work in Ireland?

International students after their study in Ireland, can work in Ireland based on the educational criteria followed by the country. Besides, all students from the European Economic Area (EEA) are entitled to take-up full-time or part-time employment in Ireland while studying.
The Non-EEA students with stamp 2 permissions are offered casual employment opportunities.

3. How much can an international student earn in Ireland?

In Ireland, the minimum wage is EUR 8.65 per hour. The foreign students can work legally up to 20 hours a week and 40 hours a week during vacations based on the nationality they hold. The vacation periods are mentioned by the universities you get enrolled into. Hence, you get the full opportunity to cover up your cost of living via working part-time with great convenience.

4. How to get PR in Ireland after study?

Foreign students who study in Ireland and finish up their degree courses at Master’s and Ph.D. levels are eligible to stay back in Ireland for 24 months. During this period they can work for up to 40 hours per week. Further, they can apply for a work permit or a permanent residence card.

The students who have done the honors undergraduate degree will get an option to stay back for 12 months. The ordinary undergraduate degree holders are eligible to stay back only for 6 months. Those students who get enrolled in any language study and non-degree programs are not eligible for any of the above options.

5. Can a student stay/settle in Ireland after study?

After completing your studies, you may be allowed to stay back in Ireland. However, the purpose to study in Ireland should be to seek employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This particular scheme allows legally resident non-EU third-level graduates to stay back in Ireland to look out for employment opportunities or to apply for a green card/work permit.

6. Can I apply to Ireland without IELTS/TOEFL & SAT/GRE/GMAT?

No. You need to clear an English language test – the IELTS test for getting admissions in any of the Ireland universities. For Bachelors at least 6.0 band overall and not less than 5.5 is needed. For Masters courses at least 6.5 bands overall band score and not less than 5.5 in each component are required. The preferred score would however remain to be a 7.0band score.

Basically, there is no particular mandate to clear the IELTS/TOEFL exams for applying in any Ireland university. However, getting good scores on these exams proves highly beneficial for visa application process and early visa approvals, and also for getting scholarships from renowned universities. With very few scholarships available for international students, your profile gets easily shortlisted and becomes eligible for scholarships when it is backed by language exam scores. Nevertheless, if you want a guaranteed admission in Ireland, this may not be applicable to you.

7. What are the required documents to apply for admission to Ireland?

  • Current passport
  • Signed application letter with full contact details stating reasons for visiting Ireland
  • Confirmation of enrollment or letter of acceptance from Irish university or institution
  • Evidence of fee payment to the university

8. What is the process of Applyrobin?

Apply Robin provides a smooth and seamless student visa service. We have made the whole process hassle-free with exclusive student services. From application to departure at your desired study location, we make the students’ experience easy and memorable. Take a look at the below process:
  1. Student Counselling For University Selection
  2. Application Form Filling
  3. Documentation Support
  4. Follow-up With the University
  5. Making Payment to the University
  6. Get the Final Acceptance Letter
  7. Visa-Support
  8. Post Visa – Pre Departure Assistance

9. How do I get my student visa for Ireland?

The below steps are needed to be followed to get your Ireland student visa for all those students who wish to study in Ireland.
1. Get an acceptance letter from Recognized Ireland University
Apply for a visa once you receive an acceptance letter from a University in Ireland
2. Take an appointment with your local consulate
Make your application in person from your nearest Indian embassy or consulate. If possible, book an appointment online
3. Finish your application and provide documents
While you attend your visa appointment you must complete and sign a visa application, submit it with the necessary documents (as listed below)
4. Wait for the decision
The visa application process can take between 4 to 8 weeks. You can track the progress of your application on the Irish visa office/embassy/consulate
5. Apply for the residence permit
Soon after you arrive in Ireland, you will need to apply for a residence permit within one month.
You can get information on the visa checklist here

10. How much monthly budget should a student expect in Ireland?

For all those students who want to study in Ireland, must know that the costs of living in Ireland are a bit higher than the average for the European area; you should expect to spend anywhere between 550 – 1,000 EUR/month. Average costs of living in Irish cities (including accommodation costs):
  • Dublin: 1,100 – 1,800 EUR/month
  • Cork: 860 – 1,400 EUR/month
  • Galway and other smaller cities: 800 – 1,100 EUR/month
Besides, some of the routine expenditure that may be incurred while studying on monthly basis in Ireland are:
Cost of Living Items Cost (EUR) Per month
Independent Living EUR 427
With partner/child EUR 470
On-Campus EUR 300-600
Utilities EUR 130
Internet Up to EUR
Food (Student discounts available in supermarkets) EUR 250
Travel (public transport) EUR 50-55 (Student discount)
Bicycle (On rent) EUR 20 (per day)
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Download Guides

Admission Timeline

Application Start Dates
Applications for the majority of courses open in months of September/October in the year before the course starts. For eg, for 2021 Sept/Oct intake, applications begin in September 2020.
Application Start
Dates
Submission of Application
The application submission deadlines may differ for bachelor and master applications depending on university and course of study. The dates typically range from October-January.
Submission of
Application
Application Result
Applicants generally receive admissions results during Jan/Feb. Admission decisions may sometimes be delayed to March depending upon the number of applicants for a specific course for Study in Ireland.
Application Result
Apply for Visa
The visa processing time for a student visa for study in Ireland is not extensive. It is best for applicants to have their VISA ready during May/June to prevent any last-minute problems or delayed visa. Click for Visa checklist
Apply for Visa
Academic session Begins
The academic session for most universities in Ireland starts either Sept/Oct. However, there are other intakes offered also by Ireland universities.
Academic session
Begins

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