6 Reasons To Choose Ireland As Your Destination For Higher Education

Ireland stands as a centre of excellence in international education. As a hub for world-class research, it has strengthened manifolds in recent years.

The Emerald Isle, as it is often called, is also now a preferred study abroad destination for undergraduate aspirants, especially since several Irish universities have made their way to the QS World University and Times Higher Education rankings, including Trinity College, Dublin and University College, Dublin. Moreover, students graduating from Ireland find themselves industry-ready and highly employable, with many opportunities to build their careers in different sectors in Ireland and across the world.

Let us take a closer look at the many reasons why international students, including numerous Indian students, prefer to do their undergraduate degrees in Ireland.

World-Class Education

Ireland has a centuries-old tradition of academic excellence and creates graduates with unique skills and the right qualifications needed in the world today. Students seeking diversity in their study abroad experience will find it in Ireland, where 40,000 international students from over 160 countries come every year to make it their home. The stimulating and diverse academic environment at Irish higher education institutions is then complemented by a diverse and multicultural backdrop.

Irish institutions offer 5000+ courses including hundreds of undergraduate programmes, leading to qualifications that are globally recognised. Students can choose from a wide variety of subjects which include, but are not limited to, business, science and technology, humanities, and technical courses too.

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Cost-Efficient Courses And Scholarships

The cost of education is definitely an important factor when considering studying abroad. While the cost of studying in Ireland may depend on the degree, programme, and location one chooses, Ireland has a comparatively lower and more affordable tuition fee than the US or the UK, while it provides the same standard of quality in education. A typical undergraduate degree is 4-year long for a full-time student. Apart from the cost of studying in Ireland, the average cost of living is also quite reasonable here when compared to its European neighbours.

Ireland’s government is fully committed to improving the education sector and is investing heavily in higher education. Accordingly, those seeking funding can benefit from merit-based scholarships offered by the Government of Ireland and institutions themselves. They are competitively awarded based on academic merit, and offered based on a student’s country and/or discipline. Scholarships offered by institutions may range from €2000 off up to a 50% tuition fee waiver. Additionally, there are separate scholarships awarded for excellence in sports and achievements in extracurricular activities. The Government of Ireland scholarship for international students offers a full one-year tuition fee waiver along with a living stipend. These substantial scholarships not only reduce a student’s financial burden, but also go toward making a student’s resume stronger.

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Earn While You Learn

For students in Ireland, courses are often flexible and structured, thereby giving them time to study as well as to work to manage their basic living expenses, if required. International students can apply for a Stamp 2 visa, which gives them the right to work for 20 hours per week during their academic session, and 40 hours per week during holiday time. This allows them to secure a source of supplementary income, which in turn eases some financial pressure and lets them experience the culture of the country first-hand as a contributing member of Irish society.

Students Get A Good Number Of Hours To Work Alongside Study.

One of the major benefits of studying in Ireland is the third-level graduate scheme by the government that entitles international students to a post-study visa. Undergraduate students, on completing graduation, can stay back in Ireland for one year to look for job opportunities and, once they have secured employment, are eligible to apply for a work visa.

High Employability

Finding a job in Ireland is also a genuine possibility for students, with the country having emerged as home to the brightest and best global corporations in the world. Corporate giants such as Google, HP, Apple, IBM, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pfizer, and Genzyme have their headquarters in Ireland. Students graduating from the country are then uniquely positioned to access the opportunities created by the Irish business ecosystem, across fields of med-tech, business and management, data engineering and analytics, and also in life sciences, ICT, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

Skilled international graduates have always played a key role in Ireland’s knowledge-based economy, and it is anticipated that there will be a continuing need for graduates across various disciplines. Another encouraging factor for students looking to build their careers is the fact that the employability rate of most Irish higher education institutions is 80-96%. In fact, in 2019, 380,000 non-Irish persons were employed in Ireland (about 16.5% of total employment).

Safe And Accessible

Ireland is also a safer country when compared to some of its European neighbours. Owing to its low crime rates, Ireland was ranked as the 8th safest country in the world by the 2021 Global peace Index. Notably, Ireland was also voted by Lonely Planet as the world's friendliest country in 2008 and 2010, while Dublin and Galway were selected amongst the friendliest cities in Europe by Conde Nast Traveller in 2020.

Commuting in Ireland is fairly convenient for international students given Ireland’s extensive public transport systems. This is a key factor to consider for young international students who would be living on their own, and in most cases, for the first time in their life. Students can also procure generous discounts for using public transport through student travel cards. An affordable and well-connected transport system is within reach for international students studying in Ireland.

Economy Least Affected By Pandemic

The Irish economy is one of the fastest-growing in Europe, and its economy was one of the least affected in Europe following the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges of the pandemic have not deterred the country. Instead, its economy has returned to normal and is progressing much faster than most economies across Europe, which is encouraging news for students. International students continue to plan for their future and invest in their higher education in Ireland.

Presently, Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world and an internationally renowned reputation for academic quality that prepares students for competitive job markets within Ireland and beyond. From quality-assured education to a welcoming culture, Ireland undeniably provides a well-rounded experience for international students looking to pursue an undergraduate degree outside India.

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Barry O’Driscoll is the Regional Manager - India & South Asia for Education in Ireland (https://www.educationinireland.com/en/). Enterprise Ireland manages the 'Education in Ireland' national brand under the authority of the Minister for Education and Skills.