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Your dream to Study in
Ireland is closer than you think!

Learn everything about higher education in Ireland and seek expert advice
from our team of counsellors!

Your dream to Study in
Ireland is closer than you think!

Learn everything you need to know about studying in Ireland and get end to end expert guidance from us.

Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in Ireland



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Study in Ireland from Philippines

For a small island nation, Ireland is one of the best study-abroad destinations in the world. Ireland is a beautiful country with top locations for tourism, culture, the arts, and education. Ireland's capital, Dublin, is among the best student cities in the world and serves as the country’s economic, educational, and cultural hub. Ireland is also a tourist destination with many tranquil and picturesque places.

It has a reasonably high number of tourists and international students, making it a multicultural economy. As a foreign national studying in Ireland, you will meet people from diverse backgrounds and experience different cultures here. Before we dive deeper into the topic of why it is a good idea to study in Ireland, let us look at some interesting facts about the country.

Key Facts to Study In Ireland
Primary Language English
Cost of study €10,000 to €35,000 a year
Sources of funding Part-time work, Financial grants
Exams required IELTS,TOEFL,PTE, Cambridge
Qualifications Diploma, certificate, vocational training, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral
Intakes Autumn, spring
Visa Long stay (study) visa

Ireland is home to students from over 100 nations, most of them from Asia.

The country follows the British higher education system, which ensures access to quality education for international students. You can acquire the knowledge and skills at a university in Ireland that will put you in good stead from a career perspective. What also adds to the career prospects of international students in Ireland is that Dublin serves as the headquarters of big tech companies like Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Microsoft.

 

Benefits of Studying in Ireland

With its cutting-edge research facilities, exciting career prospects, and commitment to higher education, Ireland is becoming more popular as a study abroad destination. The numbers do not lie! The academic year 2021-22 saw a 20% increase in the enrolment of international students in Ireland. Do you wish to be a part of the growing international student population of Ireland?

Read further for more benefits of studying in Ireland for international students!

Qualifications in Ireland have the same value as their UK counterparts. This means that a bachelor’s or master’s in Ireland for Philippine Students has the same value as one from Britain when you start your career.

After Brexit, Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the European Union, offering you a perfect environment for higher education in an international context. Colleges in Ireland have a strong reputation for excellence in academics and consistently feature at the top of international university rankings. Universities in Ireland have an innovative and practical approach to higher education that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge you need to be ready for the future workforce.

15,000+

15,000+

Filipino student
20,000+

20,000+

Courses
1,000+

1,000+

Institutions
There are over 30,000 students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees at various colleges in Ireland.

There are over 30,000 students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees at various colleges in Ireland.

Ireland has eight universities featuring in global rankings from providers such as QS and Times Higher Education.

Ireland has eight universities featuring in global rankings from providers such as QS and Times Higher Education.

The government of Ireland allows eligible international students to work for 20 hours a week while classes are in session and 40 hours a week during holidays.

The government of Ireland allows eligible international students to work for 20 hours a week while classes are in session and 40 hours a week during holidays.

The average cost of higher education in Ireland ranges from €10,000 to €35,000 annually, comparable favourably to the fees in some of the other popular study destinations.

The average cost of higher education in Ireland ranges from €10,000 to €35,000 annually, comparable favourably to the fees in some of the other popular study destinations.

There is an immigration scheme that allows eligible graduates to stay back in Ireland for 1 to 2 years, subject to their qualifications.

There is an immigration scheme that allows eligible graduates to stay back in Ireland for 1 to 2 years, subject to their qualifications.

Want to know more about what it is like to study in Ireland?
Contact an AECC counsellor today!

The Education System in Ireland

It is possible to pursue diplomas, certificates, and degrees in various fields at most academic institutions in Ireland. Universities in Ireland mainly offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Institutes of technology in Ireland offer training and education in fields such as science, business, linguistics, music, and engineering. Education colleges in Ireland offer courses such as postgraduate diplomas and B.Ed. Programs for those who want to be school teachers. On the other hand, private colleges in Ireland provide VET courses, as well as training and education in fields such as business, agriculture, medicine, and law.

The government sponsors most institutes of technology, universities, colleges of education, and private colleges in Ireland. The biggest draw is the availability of quality PhD and master's in Ireland for Philippine students and other foreign nationals, although bachelor's courses are also becoming increasingly popular in the country.

A full-time bachelor's degree in Ireland usually takes three to four years to complete. However, for fields such as veterinary science, dentistry, and architecture, it takes about five years. A bachelor's qualification from a university or college in Ireland is also known as a third-level degree.

On the other hand, the duration of master's degree programs in Ireland is generally two years, involving coursework and theses. Ireland is popular among international students, especially for its master's programs.

Meanwhile, a standard PhD program in Ireland takes three years to complete. That said, a university can decide to give the student another year to complete their thesis. This means you can enrol in a three-year PhD program and finish your thesis a year later, as long as the university permits it.

University Intake Periods in Ireland

The spring and autumn intakes in Ireland are the two periods when universities take in new students. Each intake at Irish universities has its own set of benefits and relative disadvantages. It is important to choose the best intake for you according to your specific circumstances and preferences.

The Spring intake in Ireland usually starts in January or February, but it is not the main intake period in the country. Why? Because there is only a limited number of universities and programs in the springtime intake. There are many postgraduate programs and scholarships available during the springtime in Ireland, though.

On the other hand, the main university intake in Ireland is in the fall or autumn season. All universities and many programs are part of the fall intake, which starts in September or October. The fall intake marks the start of the academic year in Ireland, and joining a university then allows you to pick from more programs and participate in welcome events and orientation programs.

Besides, there are flexible intakes at some colleges in Ireland that allow students to apply and begin their education whenever they want. Also known as rolling intakes in Ireland, this arrangement is a lot more common for part-time or short programs than other study options.

University Intake Deadlines
University Intake Usual Deadline
Autumn June or July
Spring September or October
 

Popular Courses in Ireland

Over the last few years, fields such as financial services, engineering, life sciences, technology, and pharmaceuticals have been growing in Ireland. One of the main factors in their growth is the decision of many multinational companies to shift their head offices to Ireland to benefit from the low rate of corporate tax here. Therefore, job opportunities in certain fields in Ireland have been growing steadily, making some courses more in demand than others.

For instance, Ireland is known for its quality medical education. The Medical Council of Ireland holds medical degrees such as BAO, MB, and BCh in high regard. Colleges in Ireland that offer medical degrees also follow World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) guidelines, ensuring top-notch education for medical aspirants.

Scroll down for a list of top courses for international students in Ireland. There are more top programs in Ireland that can help boost your career prospects, but you can use the following as a basic guideline.

Best Universities in Ireland

Ireland is known for the top-class education that its universities offer, magnetising students from all parts of the world. If you wish to pursue higher education in Ireland, it pays to know which of the best universities in the country. This may take extensive research, but please do it for the sake of your education and future career prospects in Ireland.

As part of your research, it is a good idea to look at lists of Ireland’s top universities from publications that rank different institutions. Here, we are only presenting the best colleges in Ireland as per the QS and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings

University Overview
University Name Best Known For Popular Courses QS Rankings THE Rankings
Trinity College Dublin Excellence in innovation, research, and education
Spacious campus
City-centre location
Engineering
Mathematics and science
Humanities
81 161
University College Dublin The largest university in Ireland
Excellence in Education
Over 35,000 students
Business
Law
Science
171 201 to 250
University College Cork High graduate employability
Home to famous research centres
Modern and vibrant campus
Health and medicine
Arts
Business and law
292 301 to 350
Dublin City University Ireland's first university to include paid work in degree programs
World-class research
Central location
Technology
Science and Health
Business
436 401 to 500
Maynooth University Valuable and quality research
Scholarships
Commitment to students and teaching
Economics
Social work
Innovation
801 to 850 401 to 500
Technological University Dublin First tech university in Ireland
Hands-on learning
Research
Arts
Business
Technology
851 to 900 1001 to 1200

The table above includes the names of some of the best colleges in Ireland, but it is important to consider other potential options too. The school that suits your preferences, requirements, and interests may have a lower rank than the aforesaid options in the QS or THE list, but this does not necessarily mean that it is inferior.

Why fret over the task of choosing the right university to study in Ireland, when there are expert counsellors to help you out? Reach out to AECC today and gain FREE counselling on how to choose the best institute for higher education in Ireland!
 

Requirements for Studying in Ireland

Do you have your eyes set on a higher education program in Ireland? If so, it is a must to understand the entry requirements for the level of study that you want to undertake. Read further for some basic information regarding university admission requirements for the three main levels of study in Ireland. The following requirements apply to almost every university in the country:

Bachelor’s Level:

Master’s Level:

  • A relevant bachelor’s degree
  • English proficiency
  • Academic transcripts
  • Work experience (only for select programs)

Doctoral Level (PhD):

  • A master’s degree in a research area
  • English proficiency
  • Work experience

 

Documents Required for University Admission in Ireland

It is important to get your paperwork in order and apply to a university as early as possible. For this, you will need to know what documentation Irish universities seek from international applicants. While some of the requirements vary from university to university, there are certain common criteria that apply to most institutions. Depending on the level of study you plan to undertake, here are some of the common university admission requirements in Ireland:

  • High school certificate (for an undergraduate course)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate (for a postgraduate program)
  • English proficiency test results
  • Statement of Purpose

You will also need documents proving your financial capability to study in Ireland and proof of identity, such as your passport in attested form. Make sure that you satisfy all the entry requirements and present all the paperwork properly.

If you need any assistance in applying to a university in Ireland, contact an AECC expert. Our experts have a lot of experience helping international students clear the immigration and admission hurdles and realise their study-abroad aspirations.

In need of expert assistance in entering a university to study in Ireland?
AECC’s free assistance and end-to-end services are only a click away. Avail yourself of our FREE services and simplify your study abroad journey!
 

Cost of Studying in Ireland

There are many elements that make up the cost of studying in Ireland for an international student. One of the expenses is the visa application fee. A long-term visa is a must to be able to join a course that requires over three months of study in Ireland. It can take the form of a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, and the fee varies depending on which one you apply for. It is a non-refundable fee, and you may have to pay for other expenses to get the visa.
Long Stay (Study) Visa Fees
Visa Type Application Fee
Single Entry €60
Multiple Entry €100
Tuition is another expense that adds to the cost of studying in Ireland for an international student. As per the latest British Council data, the average fee for an undergraduate qualification at a university in Ireland is £22,000 a year, and it can be up to about £30,000 a year for postgraduate programs.
Annual Tuition Fees by Level of Study
Level of Study Annual Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s Degree €10,000 to €25,000
Master’s Degree €10,000 to €35,000
PhD €9,000 to €30,000
Please bear in mind that the fees vary by school and program. Some programs and colleges in Ireland cost more than others. Medicine and business are generally the costliest areas of study in Ireland. Further, there are other expenses associated with studying in Ireland as an international student, including pre-entry expenses such as English proficiency test fees. Now that you know approximately how much to spend on education in Ireland, let us explore the living expenses related to studying in the country.
 

Cost of Living in Ireland

Living expenses in Ireland depend on a number of factors, including your specific location, accommodation type, and lifestyle. For example, accommodation often costs more in Dublin as compared to other cities in Ireland. There are also other post-entry expenses to consider, such as commute, food, and study materials. Here is a breakdown of each expense and the approximate amount of money you can expect to pay for it.

Monthly Expenses Breakdown
Expenses Approximate Cost
Housing €700 to €1,200 a month
Entertainment €50 to €75 per month
Utilities Around €30 a month
Food €120 to €180 a month
Transportation €100 to €150 a month
Miscellaneous €75 to €100 a month
Need a helping hand to sort out your living costs in Ireland?
Contact a counsellor at AECC for expert assistance and get your study abroad journey underway!
 

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Ireland

Ireland is among the few countries in Europe that offer a post-study work visa. The Irish Third Level Graduate program allows eligible non-EEA graduates to stay back in Ireland for work. Consequently, many international students get into the Irish job market after they graduate from a local institution. The visa is valid for one to two years, depending on qualification. During this time, eligible graduates can access the labour market in Ireland and work in whatever role they prefer without a special employment permit. Bachelor’s honours, master’s, and PhD degree holders can apply for a post-study work visa in Ireland.

The Irish government uses the Irish Third Level Graduate program to encourage eligible international graduates to play a part in the nation’s economy after finishing their studies. It offers graduates valuable opportunities to gain work experience and build their careers in Ireland. At the same time, graduates from Irish universities have the option of exploring pathways to staying longer in the country, such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit. The government publishes a list of occupations that require critical skills that allow employers in Ireland to sponsor eligible graduates to stay back and work in the country.

Irish Qualifications Maximum Visa Validity
Honours bachelor’s degree 12 months
Master’s degree Two years
PhD 2 Years
Contact an AECC counsellor if you have any specific field to study
in Ireland in your mind, so that you can make the best choice for your future career.

Frequently asked questions
 

Why Should I Study in Ireland?

There are many benefits of studying in Ireland for international students. It is an ideal place for you to study in an international environment. The world-class colleges in Ireland offer top-notch research opportunities, education, and internationally recognised degrees. All Irish universities rank within the top 3% of universities worldwide. Irish colleges and universities offer an array of courses, including programs in the arts, sciences, engineering, business, and humanities.

Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in Ireland



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