Recently, the number of Indians or international students moving to foreign countries for studies has increased. Ireland is one of the countries that has come on the radar of international students.
Ireland has some of the best educational institutions in the world. It offers various courses in medicine, engineering, management, law, business, etc. Additionally, the vast majority of courses in Ireland are taught in English. The language of instruction is one of the main reasons Ireland has become an important educational hub.
Students pursuing their master’s degree in Ireland have the option to stay for two years after the completion of their degree. This option is for those who seek employment in the country.
Now, let’s explore why study in Ireland and the visa requirements to study in Ireland for Indian students.
Why Study in Ireland?
Apart from being a beautiful country, Ireland is home to world-class institutions. The country offers well-rounded, research-oriented programs and many work opportunities. Here are some of the reasons why you should study in Ireland:
-
Research and Innovation
Ireland has 1% of the top research institutes. This is a good reason to study abroad in Ireland. These institutes are dedicated to innovation and offer students the research experience their field of education may require.
-
Quality of Education
Ireland’s education system is one of the best in the world. The Irish government closely monitors all educational institutions, including universities.
-
Safety
Safety is another important thing that comes to mind when going to study abroad. Ireland has been ranked among the top ten safest countries in the world. Its crime rate has shown a steady decline in the past years. Furthermore, Ireland has ranked in third place on the Global Peace Index. This makes it one of the safest study-abroad destinations in the world.
-
Opportunities to Learn and Earn
For international students, it is important to have some income while studying abroad. To make their stay easy, students can take up part-time jobs. They can work up to 20 hours during the academic session and hours during vacation. This provides students with pocket money to travel and see the country during the holidays.
-
Language of Instruction
Most universities and institutes in Ireland use English as the primary language of instruction. This is a great reason for international students to study in Ireland.
-
Nearness of Europe
Ireland is close to Europe, allowing students to explore the country easily when they want to. Many airlines provide discounts for students to make travel affordable and easy.
-
Stay Back Visa
Ireland offers stay-back visas to all graduates, whether bachelor’s or master’s. Students who have completed their bachelor’s degree can stay back up to one year. On the other hand, master’s degree graduates can stay back up to two years. This gives international students enough time to look for a job and settle in Ireland.
Study Abroad in Ireland: Top Universities
Once you decide to study in Ireland, you must know the top universities. Here is the list of Ireland’s highly-ranked universities:
- The University of Dublin
- The National University of Ireland, Galway
- University College Dublin
- Dublin City University
- University College Cork
- Maynooth University
- The University of Limerick
- Technological University Dublin
- Trinity College Dublin
- Dublin Business School
Study Abroad in Ireland: Costs
The cost of studying in Ireland varies depending on your course. However, there is also a significant difference in tuition fees for European and non-European students. If you are an international student not belonging to the EU or EEA, you will pay around £9000 on average annually.
Study costs for different courses are:
- Doctoral Degree – €8,500 to €35,000 annually
- Postgraduate Degree – €6,850 to €27,500 annually
- Undergraduate Degree – €9,850 – €55,000 annually
Study Abroad in Ireland: Admission Requirements
All major educational programs start in September in Ireland, an important enrollment season. Some universities begin their programs in January as well.
Ireland accepts applications for undergraduate courses through an online enrollment system called CAO (Central Applications Office). If you are going to Ireland for postgraduate study, you can directly apply to the university.
There are some documents required for the admission process in the country. These documents should be photocopied and notarized:
- Academic transcripts from all educational institutions (high school/undergraduate/postgraduate)
- IELTS or TOEFL score
- Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR) if you’re an experienced professional
- A Statement of Purpose (SoP)
- Resume
- Certificates of extracurricular activities, if any.
- Portfolios for students applying for art/design/architecture courses
- Proof of funds
- Passport
Visa Requirements to Study Abroad in Ireland
If you are planning to study abroad in Ireland, there are a few visa requirements that you need to take care of. You will require a student visa if you belong to a non-European country. Here is all you need to know about it:
-
When to apply
Once you have decided to study in Ireland, apply for the visa at the earliest. The Ireland Visa takes eight weeks to process. It is best to apply three months before you land in the country.
Moreover, in some cases, your application may take longer. For instance, if you haven’t submitted all your documents or if the authorities need to verify your supporting documents.
-
How to apply
You can apply for a student visa by visiting the official website of the Irish Immigration Service. There, you will complete your visa application. With the online application form, several supporting documents will be required.
Once the application form has been completed, it will be processed by the Irish Immigration Service. It is recommended not to buy tickets until your visa has been approved.
-
Documents required for the visa application
You will need several documents to apply for a visa to Ireland. These are the documents you will take with you to the visa center.
- Current passport of the student with a full copy of all previous passports
- An application letter detailing the reason you want to come to Ireland with the arrival and departure dates
- Application form with fee
- Payment proof of tuition fees to the university
- Financial statements
- Letter of acceptance from the university
- Two passport-size photos (not more than six months old)
- English proficiency test scores from IELTS or TOEFL
- Medical insurance
If you’re under the age of 18, you will have to provide additional documentation. This includes:
- Birth certificate
- Notarized document from parents/legal guardians providing consent
- Accommodation and vetting certificate
Conclusion
Studying in Ireland is different from studying in India or any other country. You will be exposed to world-class education in a beautiful country. What more can one look for? The visa requirements are like any other country.
The best part about an Irish student visa is the stay-back opportunity. This is a huge opportunity for people looking to settle in Ireland. You can find your dream job and settle in a beautiful country.
Ready to study abroad in Ireland? Connect with us to explore universities and make the admission and visa application process easier.