Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic Sea. Politically, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland) and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Irelands has 9 Universities in total, with 7 Universities in the Republic of Ireland and 2 in Northern Ireland. Established back in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s oldest higher education institution and one of the seven “ancient universities” in the territory of the UK and Ireland.
The Irish Government invests over 782 million annually in research in Ireland’s higher education institutions. The impact of this funding is that Ireland’s higher education institutions now lead the world in research, development, and industrial impact in some of fields. In Ireland, you’ll find a unique ecosystem that sees academic researchers working hand-in-hand with small home-grown and start-up companies, in partnership with some of the most powerful multinationals on the planet such as Dell, Pfizer, Google, Hewlett Packard, Facebook, and Johnson & Johnson.
There is something magical about Ireland — It is the land of elves, leprechauns, castles, warriors and world-famous Irish whiskey! The friendliness and hospitality for which the Irish people are renowned contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to this charming, green country. St. Patricks Day is a renowned Irish tradition packed with costume, music, celebration, and revelry, held annually on 17 March. Geographically, Ireland boasts of thousands of miles of windswept coastlines, with some of the most beautiful beaches, highest sea cliffs and biggest waves in Europe. It is no surprise that surfing is a predominant Irish pastime. The cost of living in Ireland is considerably lesser when compared to the UK, especially London. Hence larger cities such as Dublin and Cork have become attractive options for top-class higher education. Make sure to register for your International Student Identity Card (ISIC) which is an internationally recognized proof of full-time student status, available during enrolment at most colleges. This card offers several student discounts and advantages on travel, tickets, food, and accommodation.
There are hundreds of scholarships available for international students from a wide variety of sources such as the Government of Ireland, Irish higher education institutions and other private organizations. These are awarded solely at the discretion of the individual organizations that set down their criteria for eligibility. Contact the institution or organization of your choice, to obtain more detailed information.
If English is not your first language, you are required to prove your proficiency through the TOEFL or IELTS tests. The minimum accepted score for the TOEFL test is usually 570 (paper-based) or 90 (Internet-based), and 6.5 for the IELTS test.
Other eligibility tests (such as GMAT) are determined by the course and university. Contact your AEC counselor to help you ascertain your suitability.
From 1st September 2016 students holding a valid immigration stamp 2 permission will be permitted to work 40 hours per week, only during June, July, August, and September, and from 15th December to 15th January. At all other times, students holding Immigration Permission Stamp 2 will be limited to working 20 hours per week. The permission to work ceases on the expiry of the student’s Stamp 2 immigration permission.
It may be possible to stay in Ireland after completing your studies to seek employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This scheme allows non-EU/EEA students who have graduated from Irish higher education institutions to remain in Ireland for 12 months to seek employment and also obtain a green card/work permit. The details for the scheme are as follows:
For more details, go here.
Like most other countries, Ireland requires candidates from many non-EU countries to have a visa to come and study in Ireland. The student immigration process is divided into two categories, based on whether you are applying for a degree program offered by a higher education institution or you intend to pursue an English language or non-degree course. You should apply as early as possible for your visa as it normally takes eight weeks for it to be processed, but in busy periods it may take longer than this.
Evidence of language proficiency – IELTS or TOEFL certificate
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