Study in Ireland

Updated on: Tuesday, September 28, 2010

An English speaking country with a history rich in tradition and learning, Ireland is deservedly rated internationally as having one of the best education systems in the world. The high quality of the Irish education system together with the excellence of the education, research and scientific institutions played a key role in converting Ireland into the leading cutting-edge ultra-modern ‘knowledge’ economy that it is today, with a GDP per capita that is one of the highest in the world. There is a strong ‘connect’ and interaction between Irish higher education and sectors such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and international services, where Ireland is a world leader.

The country’s USP
Irish institutions boast of an edge, thanks to their links with the industry. The country has turned itself into a high-tech research and product development hub with trade cords stretching to the Silicon Valley in the US.

Hot for what?
Indian students mainly study programmes in Business, Information and Communication Technologies and Engineering.

Session starts: The session runs from September to June and is divided into either two or three semesters with vacations in December (Christmas) and April (Easter). Most universities go by the semester system.
When to apply: Launch the hunt for your desired programme in Class XII. Aspirants may apply from April onwards for entry to that year’s batch.
How to apply: Contact individual universities or institutions directly.
Deadline: Each institute has its own deadline for different programmes. But applicants should apply at least four months before the programme is to begin.
Processing time: The application processing time can be as little as 24 hours on the spot, to as much as two months.
Test scores: Irish institutes may insist on an IELTS score of at least 6.0 to assess a candidate’s proficiency in English.
Fees: The annual tuition fee for an undergraduate programme varies from about 8,000 to 15,000 euros. It can go up to 35,000 euros for a medicine programme.
Cost of living: The living cost, on an average, is 1,000 euros a month. Accommodation is cheaper outside Dublin.
Scholarships: Universities give out scholarships directly. The Embassy doesn’t offer any.
Student visa: Contact the visa office of the Embassy of Ireland. To facilitate the process of visa applications, the Embassy has opened visa application centres in Delhi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Chennai, Kochi and Hyderabad.

Job options: Irish degrees are well recognised the world over by leading employers. Institutes placement cells work with companies to help graduates find jobs. After completing the programme, you can apply for a non-renewable extension of six months to their student permit to look for a job and obtain a green card or work permit. More details at www.educationireland.ie.

Study in Ireland

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