Why study in Ireland?

Ireland is the third largest island in Europe. It ranks amongst the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita and in 2015 was ranked the sixth most developed nation in the world by the United Nations’ Human Development Index. It is known to be a very dynamic and modern country with 40% of its entire population being less than 25 year old.

1. Quality:

Ireland offers one of the most competitive education system in the world for higher education achievement in Europe. ( 2017 IMD World Competitiveness Report) High quality education lead to 6.2% of unemployment rate in the country.( 2017 data)

2. Benefit:

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 an increasing number of fields.

3. Wide course selection:

Irish universities offer more than 5000 international recognised qualifications in English.

4. Value for money:

Irish universities recognises 15 years of education and offer 1 year post graduate degree.  International students are allowed to work part time 20 hours per week.  Minimum hourly wages range from 8 to 9€

5. Safe and friendly country:

Irish community is very friendly and welcoming. Ireland has been recorded as one the top 10 peaceful countries by Global Peace Index 2017 rating.

About the country

Ireland is the small island with breathtaking landscapes, rich history and distinctive history spread everywhere.

The republic of Ireland occupies the greater part of an island lying to the west of Great Britain, from which it is separated by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St. George’s Channel. Located in the temperate zone temperature is almost uniform over the entire island. Average temperatures ranges between 39 and 45 °F (4 and 7 °C) in January and February, the coldest months of the year. In July and August, the warmest months, temperatures usually range between 57 and 61 °F (14 and 16 °C), although occasionally considerably higher readings are recorded.The sunniest months are May and June, when there is sunshine for an average duration of 5.5 and 6.5 hours a day.

Ireland’s capital is Dublin, a populous and affluent city whose metropolitan area is home to more than one-fourth of the country’s total population. The city’s old dockside have given way to new residential and commercial development. Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, is a handsome cathedral city and port in the southwest. Other principal centres include Waterford, Wexford, and Drogheda on the east coast, Sligo in the northwest, and Limerick and Galway in the west.

Education

Irish educational excellence is recognised world over, it dates back to middle ages. Irish education was traditionally divided into 3 levels – primary, secondary and higher education. The higher education system in Ireland consists of the university sector, institutes of technology and private independent colleges. The entry requirements for international students to higher education are determined individually by each institution and are generally based on national examination performance and English language aptitude.

Higher Education in Ireland is provided mainly by 7 Universities, 14 Institutes of Technology, including the Dublin Institute of Technology and 7 colleges of Education. In addition, a number of other third level institutions provide specialist education in fields of art and design, medicine, business studies, rural development, theology, music and law. The Higher Education Authority (HEA), is the statutory planning and development body for higher education and research in Ireland. The HEA has wide advisory powers throughout the whole of the third-level education sector. In addition it is the funding authority for the universities, institutes of technology and other designated higher education institutions.

Scholarships

There are many scholarships available for international students from a wide variety of sources such as the Government of Ireland, the Irish higher education institutions and other organisations. These are awarded solely at the discretion of the individual organisations that set down their own criteria for eligibility.

1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2018

Awarded to – students from Non EU/EEA countries to study a full time in Ireland for period of 1 year.

Value –  €10,000 for one study year. This fund is directed at covering student costs and living expenses. The scholarship may be for:

  1. the final year of an undergraduate programme;
  2. one year of a taught master degree programme or;
  3. one year of a research programme (i.e. one year of a 2 year research masters or a 3-4 year PhD programme).

Total no. of scholarships awarded – 60 (2018-19)

2. National College of Ireland Scholarship

Awarded to – All applicants on first cum first basis applying for MA, M.Sc and Higher National Diplomas

Value – Depends on the programme&programme fee. Anything between 600€ to 2500€

3. NUI Galway Scholarship

Awarded to –

Undergraduate merit students – 2000€ to 10 meritorious applicants expect medicine programme

Postgraduate merit students – 2000€ to 20 meritorious applicants. There are a fewer options available for full tuition fee waiver for Indian applicants

4. University scholarships

  1. Dublin City University
  2. Trinity College Dublin Scholarship
  3. University of Limerick
  4. Maynooth International Scholarship

Universities

  1. Dublin City University
  2. Trinity College Dublin
  3. University College Dublin
  4. Maynooth University
  5. National University of Ireland, Galway
  6. University of College Cork