Study in Top Universities in Ireland

Ireland, an International Study Destination

Emerald Isle is the nickname of Ireland because of its vast lush green fields. It is the Europe's second largest island nation, located at the western edge of the continent with a population of 5,281,600 as of April 2023. Ireland is known for its storytellers who would recite the country's history. It has produced many famed writers and several winners of the Nobel Prize for literature.

The government of Ireland has an elected parliament to make the laws, and is headed by a president. Ireland's economy depends on agriculture. But since the late 1950s, the economy of Ireland has transformed and transcended because of the government's business-friendly policies, low corporate taxes, and a well-educated graduate workforce. government’s efforts in attracting the businesses have made the country the second wealthiest among the European countries.

This scenario has grabbed the attention of many multinational companies such as Google, HP, Apple, IBM, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pfizer, GSK and Genzyme which have established their offices in Ireland. There are over 1,000 MNCs in ICT, Social Media, Pharmaceuticals and Finance sectors in Ireland.

Quick Facts

9 of 10 global ICT companies, 8 of 10 global pharmaceutical companies, and global financial services are located in Ireland. It is the European hub for 1,000+ multinational corporations. So, there are numerous career opportunities in Ireland.

Ireland’s Education System:

The NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) monitors the learning standards and also facilitates the transfers among institutions. It allows international students from one study level to another during their studies. The degrees are recognised and accepted globally.

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Fee structure

The tuition fee in Ireland is affordable. Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the course and its duration. Each university fixes its own tuition fees. The average degree costs from €10,000 to €25,000 a year.

Study levels in Ireland

Education in Ireland is divided into four levels.

Primary education including pre-primary
Post primary education
Further education and training
Higher education

Higher education (third-level)

Most of the universities, colleges, and institutes of technology are Irish government funded. Ireland has a total of 7 universities, 7 colleges of education, 15 private higher education institutions and 14 Institutes of Technology (IoT). There are a few additional private institutions in Ireland that offer specialised education.

Higher education can entail degree and non-degree programs.

Non-degree programs

Level 6 - Higher certificate: Duration: 2 years

Level 7 - Higher diploma: Duration: 1 year

Level 8 - Graduate diploma: Duration: 1 year

Level 9 - Postgraduate diploma: Duration: 1-2 years

Degree programs

Level 7 - Bachelor’s degree: Duration: 3 years (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and architecture programs may be for 5-6 years)

Level 8 - Honours bachelor’s degree: Duration: Duration: 3-4 years

Level 9 - Master’s degree: Duration: Mostly 1year to 16-24 months

Level 10 - Doctoral degree: Duration: 3 years of research followed by dissertation

Pathway programs

There are also many pathway programs to higher education including foundation studies in business, social sciences, engineering or pure/applied sciences. Irish universities have tie-ups with private pathway providers that help students with extra support. Indian students can also apply to pre-master pathway programs if they don’t fulfil the requirements for direct entry.

Academic year

Higher education is usually divided into two semesters.

First semester: September to December

One-month Christmas break: December/January

Second semester: January to May

Summer break: May to September

After graduation

As per the revised Third Level Graduate Scheme Permission, the Irish Government allows students graduated from Irish institutions to stay in Ireland for up to 24 months for employment.