Study in the Ireland

Ireland, known as the “Emerald Isle”, is popular for its lenient and flexible culture. The country’s education system combines modern teaching methodologies. Many renowned institutes such as Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin make it a great choice for students. Additionally, in Global Citizens 2030, Ireland aims to position itself as a leading hub for global talent, particularly targeting the increasing number of Indian students. They aim to introduce new features and visa benefits designed for international students. All this combines and makes study in Ireland an attractive choice for students worldwide.

Highlights to Study in Ireland

Even though Ireland's beauty is mesmerizing, the first thought that comes to mind is expenses. So, we have listed a few, below for you that make Ireland perfect for higher education for Indian students.

Why Study in Ireland?

Many students ponder, why they should choose Ireland over other top countries like Canada, the USA, the UK, or Australia. All these major countries come with high competition, higher rejection rates, and limits on the number of intakes, making the process more challenging. In comparison, Ireland has the lowest rejection rate of just 1-4%. Moreover, 3 Ireland universities rank in the top 100 according to the QS ranking, with around 20 universities inclined towards welcoming Indian students thus, reducing the risk factor.

Ireland has low corporate tax which has attracted many multinational companies, providing excellent job prospects for students. After your Ireland study completion, land a job at your dream company, and also job security in Ireland is quite high. Presently, 80% of students get on-campus placement directly from the university thus, ensuring a better return on investment. Its rapidly growing economy also promises an improved standard of living, making it an even more attractive destination for higher education.

Top 5 Universities in Ireland

Education and university choice matter a lot in our careers, and every student aspires to be admitted to a recognized institution. To assist you in this process, we have listed some Ireland university options to study in Ireland for Indian students:

Eligibility Criteria For Ireland University 

Every university has its eligibility criteria and we have mentioned below some general criteria that apply to all courses and intakes: 

Age Requirement:

To study in Ireland there is no fixed age requirement, but students must be 17 years or older.

Academic Qualifications:

One requires valid educational certificates with a minimum 50% score. For some postgraduate degrees, some programs may require previous work experience or portfolios.

Standard Tests:

Some universities and courses require additional standardized tests for admission. Below is a list of Ireland study abroad tests with explanations:

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  Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT):

Students who want to pursue medical science courses should clear the HPAT exam. Most universities will request a score from this exam.

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  Biomedical Admission Test (BMAT):

The BMAT is another test for students aspiring to pursue medicine. Some universities may accept either the BMAT or HPAT, while others might require both.

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  Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):

If you plan to pursue an undergraduate degree, the GMAT is a common requirement worldwide. The minimum score needed for admission typically ranges from 500 to 600, depending on the university.

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  Graduate Record Examinations (GRE):

The GRE is required for a masters in Ireland for Indian students, particularly in fields like engineering or data science.

English Proficiency Test:

English is mandatory for students to communicate and study in Ireland. Thus, students should prove proficiency in the English language through standardized tests. 

Letter of Recommendation (LOR):

A LOR is an important document that you need to get either from your teacher or manager. Recommendations from relatives or individuals who have not served as professional guides are generally not accepted. Get an LOR from someone who has seen you evolve, learn more about LOR, here. 

Statement of Purpose (SOP):

You may require a SOP at the beginning of your application. This document outlines your mindset and life goals, and it should include your achievements, strengths, and weaknesses. If you are struggling with writing your SOP, click here to learn from the best.

How to Get an Ireland Study Visa?

After you have received an acceptance letter from the university, it’s time to apply for the Ireland student visa. However, before applying there are some documents that you need to prepare.

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  Passport
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  Photographs
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  Proof of Accommodation
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  Proof of Funds
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  Letter of Acceptance
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  English Proficiency Test
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  Health Insurance Certificates

Cost of Studying in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland is generally higher than what you might expect in India. As we are new, additional expenses often arise while settling in. On average, the cost of studying in Ireland for Indian students is around EUR 1,300 (INR 1 Lakh) per month. Below is a basic breakdown of these expenses:

As expenses can be quite high, there are several ways to reduce your monthly costs by getting scholarships for Indian students in Ireland or an education loan for Ireland. 

Scholarships to Study in Ireland

There are numerous scholarships available when you are planning to study abroad. Therefore, look for options that might help you cover your tuition fee. Here are the popular scholarships listed below to make your education in Ireland for Indian students affordable:

The Government of Ireland Educational Scholarship:

Administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), this scholarship aims to attract top talent from around the world to Ireland. The requirements are competitive, and details are as follows:

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  Benefits: Full tuition fee waiver and a €10,000 stipend for living expenses. 
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  Eligibility: Applicants must have strong academic records, leadership qualities, and excellent communication skills.
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  Courses: Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG).
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  No. of Students: 60 
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  Scholarship Type: Merit-based

National Overseas Scholarship Scheme:

This scholarship is designed for economically disadvantaged groups such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Applicants must have a family income of less than ₹8 lakhs to qualify.

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  Benefits: The government will sponsor your academic fees, visa fees, air tickets, and living fees. 
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  Eligibility: You must have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a university ranked within the QS Top 500.
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  Courses: UG/PG however, students pursuing research and art subjects are not eligible for this scholarship.
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  No. of Students:  125 students annually 
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  Scholarship Type: Need-based

Want to apply for this scholarship? Click here to learn about the details.

India Undergraduate Scholarships:

Trinity College Dublin offers this scholarship specifically for Indian students. It requires you to gain admission to Trinity College, and the scholarship is awarded based on a screening of your profile.

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  Benefits: Scholarships range from INR 2,72,500 to INR 4,54,000 to help cover tuition fees.
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  Eligibility: You must be an Indian citizen with a minimum of 90% overall marks in your 12th-grade exams. Scholarship recipients are also required to fulfill University ambassadorial duties.
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  Courses: UG
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  No. of Students:  2 students per year. 
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  Scholarship Type: Merit-based

Click here to learn about the application process. 

Part-time Jobs to Study in Ireland

While you study in Ireland, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term and up to 40 hours per week during vacations. There are different types of job opportunities available. One option is on-campus work, where students can take part-time roles such as tutoring or other campus-based jobs. However, for those looking to earn more, off-campus jobs are also an option, which may allow them to work beyond the permitted hours under certain conditions. Learn more about part-time job opportunities.

How to Settle in Ireland from India After Studies?

After completing their studies, every student aspires to get settled. Ireland offers various ways for Permanent Residency (PR). Hence, making it easier for students to transition from education to long-term residency.

Post-Study Work Visa:

Ireland provides a 12-24 month extension to students who have completed their bachelor's or masters in Ireland. During this tenure, you can search for a job and switch to a work permit. 

Critical Skills Employment Permit:

If you are employed in a role related to technology or any job listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List, you can apply for this visa, which provides a pathway to long-term residency.

General Employment Permit:

If your job offer does not fall under the Critical Skills category, you can still apply for a General Employment Permit, which allows you to extend your stay and work in Ireland.

Permanent Residency (PR) in Ireland:

To be eligible for PR in Ireland, you must have lived and worked in the country for five years on a valid work permit. In addition to this, several supporting documents are required.

Frequently Asked Questions