Study in Ireland

Ireland's long and eminent tradition in educational excellence is recognized throughout the world. Right from the Middle Ages, Ireland has held the position as one of the principal education providers to the western world. Successive modern governments have continued to regard education as a key priority and investment in this area has been maintained for a long time. This has resulted in one of the highest education participation rates in the world today, which, in turn, has had positive achievements for the strong economic growth and development of Ireland.

The education system in Ireland is one of the best in the world' according to the 2007 Independent IMD World Competitiveness Report.

Education System of Ireland

 

Education System in Ireland is divided in various levels:-

Secondary Education in Ireland

• Completed at a secondary school, vocational school, community college, comprehensive school or community school.
• Secondary education is divided into two stages called cycles:

• • The first cycle is called the Junior Cycle, which lasts from year 1 to 3 and is for students, typically from the age of 12 to 16. To prosperously complete the Junior Cycle students must take a Junior Certificate Examination.
  • Year 4 is a transformable year in which students can take a one-year informal course.
  • The second cycle is called the Senior Cycle that lasts from year 5 to 6 and is for students, typically from the age of 16 to 18.

• A Leaving Certificate Examination taken at the end of the Senior Cycle with three program options: Leaving Certificate Program, Leaving Certificate Vocational Program and Leaving Certificate Applied.

Higher Education in Ireland

Technical/Vocational Post-Secondary Study in Ireland

Technical and vocational programs are accessible in the applied fields of Business Studies, Science and Engineering & Technology. The awarded qualifications are internationally acknowledged by professional, academic, craft and trade bodies. The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) monitors and makes awards in the non-university sector.

• It is offered at Institutes of Technology and specialized colleges.
• A two-year program to receive a Higher Certificate.
• A one-year course to receive a Graduate Diploma.

Bachelor’s Degree in Ireland

A variety of Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in Ireland.

• During the admissions process universities evaluate students’ Leaving Certificate Examination results, among other criteria.
• A Bachelor’s degree is a three to four-year program at a university or independent college.
• Degree options include Ordinary or Honors Bachelor’s degree.

Master’s Degree in Ireland

Master’s programs in Ireland are proposed in a wide range of fields. In a master’s program, students usually take course work, research work or a combination of the two.

• Requires successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate Diploma.
• A Master’s degree is a one to three-year program at a university.

Doctoral Degree in Ireland

• A PhD is awarded on the basis of original research.
• Lasts for a minimum of three years at a university.

 

Cost of Education in Ireland

At the Bachelor's level, the average cost of engineering education is between 9,500-13,000 Euros. Business education costs approximately 10,000-14,000 Euros whereas Medical education is the costliest, which will setback a student by at least 23,000 Euros per year.

Master's level cost approx. 6,000-12,000 Euros per year.

Apart from tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, books and other miscellaneous expenditure would come to approx. 6,000-8,000 Euros, depending upon the location.

A small number of scholarships for international 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.

Work Programs in Ireland

In the past, all nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA) had been free to take up employment in Ireland along with studying. However, nationals of Romania and Bulgaria - countries that joined the EU in 2007 - may work while studying only if they meet the criteria for non-EEA students outlined below.

Students from outside the EEA - Currently, students attending a full time course of at least one year's duration leading to a qualification well known by the Minister for Education and Science are entitled to take up casual employment (defined as up to 20 hours part time work per week or full time work during normal college vacation periods). The course of study must be listed on the Department of Education's internationalization register, whereas access to employment is denied to all other students.

Job Opportunities in Ireland

As of April 10, 2007 legally resident non-EEA third level graduates and nationals from Bulgaria and Romania have been granted permission to remain in Ireland for the purpose of seeking employment and applying for a green card or work permit. Now, under the new scheme, graduates who have received a primary, masters or doctorate degree from an Irish third level educational institution on or after January 1, 2007 can apply for this scheme.

A person who prepares for this scheme will be granted one non-renewable extension to their current student permission for a six month period starting on the day upon which they acquired their exam results. This scheme allows the person to receive employment and gain a green card or work permit.

Cultural Exchange

• Ireland has a young and dynamic population with 40 per cent of the population aged fewer than 25, which makes it a top international student destination.
• Ireland is an increasingly multicultural country; around 420,000 foreign nationals currently live there, which contributes to about 10 per cent of the population. International students are highly valued benefactors to the continuing development of this inspiring new society.
• Ireland is worldwide reputed for its friendliness; in 2008 Ireland made it to the number-one spot in travel publishers Lonely Planet’s chart of the friendliest nations on earth.