Ireland

Universities

There are seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and two in Northern Ireland. Universities offer degrees at Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate levels and undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas over a full range of disciplines. In addition, research is undertaken in many areas and the universities are also involved in continuing and distance education programmes. 

Teaching at undergraduate level is normally by way of a programme of lectures supplemented by tutorials and, where appropriate, practical demonstrations and laboratory work. Master’s degrees are usually taken by coursework, research work or a combination of both. Doctoral degrees are awarded based on research. Universities award their own degrees using external examiners to ensure consistency of standards. The University of Dublin (Trinity College) founded in 1592 is the oldest university in Ireland. 

Institutes of Technology

Ireland is the largest exporter of software in the world and rates amongst the top five producers of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals globally. The ever-increasing demands of this high technology economy have ensured that higher education technological sector offers the highest and most advanced standards and opportunities available today. 

There are 14 institutes of technology located throughout the Republic offering programmes at master’s, bachelor ‘s, and higher certificate levels in a wide variety of subjects. Many also run postgraduate and degree programmes, both taught and by research. Most have schools of Science, Engineering & Technology and Business. In-addition some institutes have developed special programmes in areas such as Humanities & Languages, Paramedical Studies and Healthcare, Art & Design, and Tourism. 

The qualifications awarded are internationally recognized by academic, professional, trade and craft bodies. In addition, most colleges also have courses leading directly to the examinations of the many professional institutes. 

NUI Recognized Colleges

NUI, National University of Ireland, is a federal university comprising the largest element of the Irish university system at the present time. National University of Ireland currently comprises four Constituent Universities and five Recognized Colleges. Each institution within the NUI federation has its own Governing Authority; the overall Governing Authority of the university is the NUI Senate, and its Chief is the Chancellor. 

Independent Colleges

Side by side with the publicly funded tertiary sector are several independent institutions and a wide range of institutions mainly involved in the provision of business and professional educational training. Courses on offer include Accountancy and Business Studies, Law, Humanities, Hotel and Catering, Tourism Studies, and Art. Most of the independent colleges also offer courses leading to the awards of overseas universities or other awards bodies. 

Courses

The programs available in specific institutions are in the fields of Agricultural Science, Architecture, Arts, Business, Engineering, Law, Medicine & Health Sciences, Nursing, Science, Social Science, Veterinary Medicine.

Before submitting your application, it is essential to gather as much information as possible about the course of study you are planning to take and the institution you are planning to attend. Once you are happy with your choices, you will need time to gather the necessary paperwork, arrange accommodation, visa, funding etc. It is advisable to begin the application process at least one year in advance of your proposed arrival in Ireland. 

Application Dates & Fees 

Applicants should avoid submitting an application close to a Closing Date. The Closing Date cannot be extended. 

Access to higher education is highly competitive in Ireland. Entry requirements for courses may vary from year to year, depending on the number of places available and the number of applicants, thus there exists a great deal of competition for the more sought-after programmes. 

Overseas students wishing to study in Ireland have to undertake recognised public examinations in their own countries. It is essential that every applicant check that the educational qualifications she/he is presenting are adequate to satisfy entry requirements. To have a realistic prospect these results should be very good, e.g., for medicine 3 good 'A' Level passes (grades A/B) or the equivalent, in relevant subjects are required. The minimum requirement for most degree level programmes is 3 grades 'C's at A level or equivalent. If there is any doubt about the acceptability of an applicant's qualifications, clarification should be sought in good time from the particular institution. 

As English is the language of instruction at all Irish Institutions of higher education, students must demonstrate a proficiency in English to be accepted. Generally, the required minimum score in IELTS is 6 for undergraduate students & 6.5 for Master’s courses. Many universities and colleges provide English Language training programmes for intending students. Furthermore, there are over 150 private English language training schools throughout the country which run both short and long terms courses. 

Documents Required 

•  Academic Records

•  Reference Letters

•  Relevant work experience certificates.

•  Statement of Purpose.

•  Curriculum Vitae/ Resume.

•  A detailed Portfolio in case of Arts and Design courses. Extra-Curricular Activities certificates.

The main costs that students can expect to incur while studying in Ireland include tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. These vary considerably depending on the course, the institution, and the lifestyle of the student. The figures given below provide a guideline for budgeting. Costs do not remain static, so it is important to double check fees with the Institution(s) you are considering applying to, and to ask their advice on other living costs.

Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the institution and the study programme. An example of tuition fees per year for undergraduate are as follows based on the field of study: 

• Medicine and related - €12,000 - €50,000
• Engineering - €12,000 - €25,000
• Science & Technology - €12,000 - €25,000
• Business and Management - €10,000 - €18,000
• Arts & Humanities - €9,000 - €15,000

These figures serve as an approximate guide only, for exact fee details contact the relevant institution directly.

Scholarships

A small number of scholarships for overseas students are available from the universities and colleges themselves. These are awarded solely at the discretion of the individual institutions who set down their own criteria for eligibility.

Living expenses will differ depending upon the location of the institution, the type of accommodation preferred and the personal expenditure of the student. To give some idea of the total cost involved, the following approximate figures are given as a guide to overall expenses. On average, it is estimated that a student will spend between €7500 and €12,000 per year depending on location and lifestyle.

• Textbooks - €650
•  Accommodation - €3000-€5000
• Food and Household - €2500-€3500
• Other Living Expenses (depending on location and lifestyle)
• Travel, Health Insurance, Social life, Communications, Miscellaneous expenses - €1500- €2500

Apply for your visa well in advance. Along with the application, students will be asked to supply the following information: 

• Valid passport
• Evidence of Course: A letter of Acceptance from the college, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education, involving a minimum of 15 hours organized daytime study each week.
• Level of English: You must show that you have the capacity to fully partake in your chosen course through the medium of English and satisfy the Visa Officer in this regard.

It is recommended that all applicants, regardless of educational background, undertake the IELTS test, and provide the original certificate with your visa application. Other acceptable certificates will be those from an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL or Cambridge. Failure to provide such a certificate may result in delays in processing your application, and possible refusal of same.

Applicant's Self-sufficiency: Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland, including emergencies, without recourse to State funds.

• A statement of purpose explaining why you wish to study in Ireland.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae with no gaps in history.
• Employment Details of applicant in Country of origin
• Recent passport photographs

The granting of a Student Visa does not entitle you to have any family members join you in Ireland.

The international students granted permission to remain in the State on registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau will not be permitted access to employment unless they are attending a full-time course of at least one year's duration leading to a qualification recognized by the Minister for Education and Science. 

Those permitted access to employment may enter casual employment only (defined as up to 20 hours part time work per week or full-time during normal vacation periods). Access to employment is not permitted to other students. 

Students attending a foundation/preparatory course prior to enrolment on such a full-time course will not be permitted access to employment until they have commenced the full-time course.

Q. Where can I Study in Ireland? 

A. In Ireland the Education system consists of Universities, Institute of Technologies and Private Independent Colleges. The entry requirement for the courses offered by them vary from Institution to Institution. 

Q. When should I apply for visa? 

A. From 1 March 2015 a person applying for a student visa must submit their visa application well in advance so that the visa application reached to Consulate office minimum of 3 weeks prior to the course start date. If an application is received less than 3 weeks prior to the course start date the application will be returned unprocessed minus the visa fee. 

Q. What is GNIB? 

A. Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) is an Immigration Service in Ireland. 

Q. Do I have to pay for Health Insurance? 

A. International students are not covered for any free medical attention off-campus and must therefore have their own private insurance. Kindly note that heavy amount is charged for all hospitalization, and it is advised to make provision for adequate medical insurance. 

International students must show proof of comprehensive medical insurance when registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. While applying for student Visa, proof of health insurance is required. 

Q. Can I work during my study? 

A. The international students granted permission to remain in the State on registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau will not be permitted access to employment unless they are attending a full-time course of at least one year's duration leading to a qualification recognized by the Minister for Education and Science. 

Q. Which banks/ financial institutions of India which can provide loan to students for pursuing studies in Ireland? 

A. Irish High commission accepts loans from all the nationalized banks and other financial institutions registered with Reserve Bank of India