How Should You Prepare For UG In Ireland?

Ireland has emerged as one of the most sought-after education destinations for Indian students lately, thanks to the world-class education, its relatively affordable tuition fee, and work opportunities for graduates. Each year, thousands of students from all over the world come here to study a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The country, known for its academic excellence and quality education, is home to many top-ranked institutions spread across cities like Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. Moreover, Ireland offers a vibrant student life, an English-speaking environment, and a great quality of life.

If you’re looking to study in one of Ireland’s higher education institutions (HEIs), here are a few things you should consider before making your decision.

Pick A Course

Before anything else, ask yourself what you’d like to study? Consider your preference and the industry you see yourself in a few years, and then select a programme of your choice. Ireland offers courses across disciplines, be it Medicine, Science, Technology, Engineering, Business, Law, History, Arts, Philosophy, or Psychology. The application process at Irish HEIs is all online and fairly easy to follow, ensuring international students can submit their applications for studying in Ireland with ease.

Also Read | What Is Liberal Arts Education?

Select An Institution

Once a course is decided on, the next step would be to opt for an institution that offers the course. You can consider using the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) to identify and compare different qualifications before making an informed decision. Consider what matters the most to you: the location, tuition fee, or the academic standing of an institution.

Students can also contact institutions directly and ask for detailed information on the course and application procedures which may vary across different institutions. For instance, most Irish higher education institutions require you to apply through a centralised online portal, but some would expect you to apply through their own portal. So, if you’re interested in more than one institution, make sure to check with each college or university about their processes.

Application Process

Entry into undergraduate courses is generally done through the Central Applications Office. Entry requirements vary for different courses and institutes and usually depend on the number of places available. Ireland has an autumn intake in September and a winter intake in January for undergraduate admissions. Depending on when you want to study, make sure you apply to an institution well in advance since admissions open at least eight months before an intake and seats fill up soon.

Apply Early To Get A Better Chance Of Being Admitted

Students are generally required to submit an assessment and qualification summary when first applying, along with their personal information. There are definite entry requirements for international students that are also country specific. This would include course wise entry cut-offs from a recognised school. You must also formally enrol in a course and pay a part of, or your full tuition before arriving in Ireland. Equally important are closing dates that vary depending on course and institution. HEIs can be very strict on application closing dates so refer carefully to information on your chosen programme. To be on the safer side, regularly check the international official website of your chosen institution to stay updated on your application process and any updates for international students. You can also consider attending virtual fairs by the institution or by the government of Ireland where you can meet top institution representatives as well as the Irish Visa Office.

Students can also visit https://eduirelandsouthasia.com for more credible information on studying in Ireland.

English Proficiency

Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the EU after Brexit, and all programmes are taught in English medium, hence all students are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English language. Students can establish their proficiency in the English language through recognised English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, ETAPP, and Oxford. While requirements for the English test vary, an IELTS composite score of 6.0 - 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in any one component is a typical requirement. For TOEFL, 220 is a minimum requirement for a computer-based test and 550 for a paper-based test. In addition, those interested in applying for graduate entry into medicine will need to undergo a GAMSAT examination.

English Language test results are usually only valid for two years. So, make sure your certificate has been issued within two years of the expected commencement date of your course.

Preparation Courses In Ireland

To be allowed to secure an undergraduate or graduate degree in Ireland, some international students need to enrol in a 1-year pre-bachelor or pre-master offered by a local institution. International students may consider foundation degrees in Ireland to improve their chances of getting accepted to an Irish university and getting a head start.

Popular foundation degree studies in Ireland include pre-law degrees, pre-MBA courses, pre-medicine, pre-nursing studies, or international foundation programmes in engineering, economics, finance, social science, and science. Meanwhile, preparation courses in Ireland include academic English language training to help international students meet university language requirements for future undergraduate or graduate studies.

Pre-university business schools, law schools and med schools make sure international students develop the skills they need to succeed in the Irish academic system. Pre-university education also includes cultural integration classes that help students feel more at home.

Also Read: 6 Reasons To Choose Ireland As Your Destination For Higher Education

Scholarships

In addition to tuition fees that are affordable, Ireland offers excellent scholarships and other financial aids for international students.

Those seeking funding can look into merit-based scholarships offered by the Government of Ireland and institutions themselves. For instance, the Government of Ireland offers a full scholarship to eligible Indian students that cover both tuition and living expenses for a year. The call for applications is normally announced online every year around February.

Institutions also provide their own set of merit-based scholarships to students which may vary from €2000 up to half the tuition fee off.

Visa Process

International students are obliged to apply for an Ireland Study Visa if they are planning to come to Ireland to undertake a course of study for more than three months. Students must complete the online application form, submit supporting documents, and follow instructions on the summary application form generated by the system. Students receive updates via email once their payment and appointment booking process is completed. Since Irish higher education institutions work with many of the top education agents across India, students can also seek guidance from trusted agents for their applications and visa process.

Once your application process is complete, you can think about the practical aspects of living in Ireland- such as booking your accommodation in advance, securing medical insurance, and engaging with other students or alumni through social media to learn more from their perspectives. Get yourself ready for a rewarding and memorable study abroad experience in Ireland!

Barry O’Driscoll is the Regional Manager for India at Education in Ireland.