Top Universities in Ireland for International Students

To begin your study in Ireland, you should look into the top universities that accept both international and Indian students. The following list highlights Ireland’s top universities to help you make an informed decision about which institution is best for you.

Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland is ranked as the 16th happiest country in the world, has a growing economy and welcomes students from over 160 countries for higher education. The reasons for this great interest in the country range from it being a majority English-speaking European nation with globally known Irish institutes and curriculum to the generally inviting demeanour of Irish people, which makes one feel at ease right away, and so on. Moreover, you will get a plethora of reasons for the question – why study in Ireland?

• Research Excellence : The top-tier universities in Ireland rank among the top 1% globally for research in fields like Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Material Sciences, and Mathematics. Generous research funding, such as the SFI Research Professorship Program offering up to 5 million EUR, further enhances opportunities for researchers worldwide.
• Scholarships Support : Despite being relatively expensive compared to other European countries, Ireland provides numerous government and private scholarships to support students. The study in Ireland scholarships are tailored for academically bright individuals with a keen interest in research, enabling them to pursue their studies in Ireland without financial burden.
• 24-Month Post-Study Work Permit in Ireland : Postgraduate international students enjoy a valuable 24-month stay-back option after completing their study in Ireland, facilitating employment-seeking endeavours. This extended period allows graduates to plan their career trajectories and pursue desirable job opportunities strategically.
• Hub for International Corporations : Ireland hosts major multinational companies such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Dell, offering abundant placement prospects for graduates. With headquarters situated in the country, these global corporations actively seek fresh talent, providing you with promising career pathways upon degree completion.
• Flexible Work and Study Opportunities : Unlike many countries with stringent visa regulations, Ireland’s student visas permit international candidates to work part-time during their studies (up to 20 hours/week) and full-time during holidays (up to 40 hours/week). The country boasts a high employment rate of over 90% in many institutes, signalling promising post study work permit in Ireland.

Popular Courses in Ireland

Now that you have learnt the benefits of studying in Ireland, let’s go one layer deep. Ireland universities offer a wide range of courses in multifold fields. With over 5,000 courses available for international students, Ireland offers a diverse array of options spanning STEM fields to humanities and arts.

The list of top courses international students can study in Ireland for graduate or postgraduate courses is below.

How to Study in Ireland: Application Process

For a successful application to study in Ireland, it’s important to plan meticulously and follow each step of the process diligently. Ensuring no detail is overlooked, here’s a table to help streamline your application journey for pursuing study in Ireland for Indian students.

• Explore Your Options : With hundreds of recognised universities in Ireland offering over 5,000 courses, it’s crucial to research and evaluate your options thoroughly. Consider factors such as course suitability, university reputation, and affordability to make an informed decision aligned with your academic and financial goals.
• Plan Your Finances : Ireland’s status as a European nation can entail high tuition and living expenses. However, the availability of scholarships covering up to 100% of costs makes pursuing education in Ireland financially viable for deserving students. Research and apply for study in Ireland scholarships early to alleviate financial burdens.
• Work on Your Application : Admission requirements vary among institutes and courses, emphasising the importance of understanding each institution’s application process, fees, and deadlines. For graduate programs, reaching out to prospective supervisors via email prior to application submission can enhance your chances of acceptance.
• Submit Your Application : Ireland typically has three admission seasons with corresponding deadlines. Ensure you are aware of these deadlines and submit your applications at least 4 to 6 months in advance to allow ample time for processing and visa application. Timely submission enhances the likelihood of securing a spot in your desired program.
• Apply for a Study in Ireland Visa : The visa application process can take approximately 8 months from start to finish. Therefore, you must apply for a student visa as soon as you receive confirmation of admission from your chosen institute. Initiate the visa application process at your nearest Irish embassy approximately 3 months before your intended arrival date to ensure timely processing.

Moreover, you can reach out to study in Ireland consultants or top-notch consultancies offering counselling and support services to students wanting to study abroad.

Admission Requirements to Study in Ireland

Now that you know the complete process, you should take a look at the basic information and requirements.

Tests Required to Study in Ireland

To study in Ireland for Indian students, you have to provide certain basic requirements which depend on both the university and the course you are picking. Besides other requirements, there are some standardised exams that you have to attempt for admission, such as the GMAT, GRE, or GAMSAT (for medical students).

In general, English courses in Ireland universities must require an English proficiency assessment to evaluate your skills, where you can either check on what’s university’s requirements else you can pick whichever you want. However, the minimum score requirement for your selected university or course may differ. Head over to the below details in brief.

IELTS

To study in Ireland for Indian students, achieving the required IELTS score is crucial. Most universities in Ireland mandate a minimum score of 6.0 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate courses. Proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking is essential, as IELTS scores can significantly impact admission decisions.

When to Study in Ireland?

Now you must be aware of courses and universities in Ireland, but to get admission, you must understand deadlines. Understanding when to apply and when to study is highly crucial for the program you are interested in.

Deadline for Entry Applications

• Late July – The deadline for Semester 1 ends in late July or the last week of July, preceding the commencement of the semester in September.
• December – The deadline for Semester 2 falls in December, and your semester starts in January.

Intakes in Ireland

There are 2 intakes in Ireland for international and Indian students, which are described below

• Autumn Intake/Semester 1 – It starts in September, with application deadlines typically falling in June or July. This intake is characterised by a majority of Irish universities commencing their courses.
• Spring Intake/Semester 2 – It begins in January or February, with application deadlines usually between October to December. However, the number of courses available during this intake tends to be fewer in comparison to the Autumn Intake.

Thus, you can choose among both the intakes as per your preferences and criterias. Make sure to apply on time.

Study in Ireland Cost

When considering to study in Ireland for Indian students, meticulous planning regarding expenses is crucial for navigating life in a foreign country. While the estimated cost of living in Ireland ranges from 11,500 to 25,000 EUR per semester, actual expenses can vary based on program selection, university choice, and city of residence.

A breakdown of estimated expenses is provided below to facilitate financial planning, aiding prospective students in managing their budgets effectively.

Cost of Studying in Ireland

The cost of study in Ireland for indian students varies according to the program level and institute type, with significant portions allocated to tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and additional academic costs.

Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland fluctuates based on lifestyle and city choice. On average, while pursuing study in Ireland, expect varying study in Ireland cost tailored to individual preferences and location selections.

Top Cities Preferred by Students

Aspiring students eyeing Ireland for their studies gravitate towards cities renowned for academic prowess, cultural vibrancy, and exceptional living standards. The preferred cities, aligned with QS Best Student Cities 2024 rankings, include Dublin, Cork, and Galway, offering a conducive environment for international education and holistic student experiences.

Apart from Dublin, there are some other popular cities too, like Cork, Galway, Maynooth, and Limerick, that international students can consider while deciding to study in Ireland.

Student Visa in Ireland

Students planning to study in Ireland for more than 3 months must obtain an Ireland Study Visa. To apply, visit the official website of the Irish Immigration Service and complete the online student visa application. Submit the necessary documents and follow the instructions on the summary application form provided by the system.

You can apply for your Ireland study visa up to 3 months before your travel date. Visa processing typically takes around 8 weeks from the application submission date. It’s essential not to purchase travel tickets until you receive your visa outcome to avoid potential complications.

The cost of a visa application is approximately ₹8,991. The process is straightforward, but it’s important to apply within the recommended timeframe of 4 to 8 weeks before your course starts. The acceptance rate for Ireland student visas is 96%, but it’s still important to adhere to all requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth application process and approval.

How to Study in Ireland with a Scholarship?

Ireland offers a diverse array of awards and Scholarships for Indian Students and international students from over 160 countries, covering all levels of education, from undergraduate to research programs. Popular options include DCU International Student Scholarships, NUI Undergraduate Merit Scholarships, and National College of Ireland Scholarships.

Moreover, universities offer course-specific opportunities like International Scholarships at NCI and TCD Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships.

Scholarships for Indian Students

To help pay for study in Ireland for Indian students, we have gathered a list of a few common scholarships along with their details.

Job Opportunities

Ireland presents abundant job prospects for graduates, boasting a low unemployment rate. With over 33% of the population under 25, it holds Europe’s youngest demographic, promising substantial industry growth. The population is forecasted to rise by nearly 1 million to 5.75 million by 2040, indicating sustained economic vitality.