Study in Ireland. 104 best institutions in Ireland

Ireland's educational heritage traces its origins back to the Middle Ages. Remarkably, these medieval customs have endured, shaping Ireland's contemporary education system in significant ways.

Current requirements for studying in Ireland

Ireland is a modern, dynamic country where progress resonates across all domains, including its education system. The majority of schools in the country operate on a private basis, admitting students aged 12 and above. These schools are overseen by boards of trustees, individuals, or religious communities with a significant portion of their funding provided by the state. This financial support influences the allocation of funded places in schools. Irish citizens enjoy the privilege of tuition-free education. Conversely, international students enroll in boarding schools. Ireland boasts a network of over 800 secondary schools, with approximately 10% of them being privately managed.

The school year in Ireland lasts from September to May. Studying in Ireland is conducted in accordance with the programme approved by the Ministry of Education. In addition, some boarding schools offer the IB Diploma programs, while it is also possible to study accoring to the national Irish curriculum which results in Leaving Cetrificate.

In addition to classical secondary schools, there are vocational and community colleges in the country. In the former one students can get professionally oriented education, in the latter more academic and technical knowledge. Relatively, there is also a new type of educational institutions called "The Senior Cycle" schools: they are aimed at students who need to prepare for the entrance examinations to the university.

Secondary Schools in Ireland for international Students

Complementing traditional secondary education, Ireland hosts a range of vocational and community institutions. The former emphasizes professional development, while the latter focuses on academic and technical education. A relatively recent addition to the educational landscape is "The Senior Cycle" schools: they are aimed at students who need to prepare for the entrance examinations to the university.

Arnold I. Szepesi

Global Direct Sales Manager in EHL Hospitality Business School

Does every school want to be ranked among the best?

Of course, rankings have their own weight, but also their limitations. A better question to ask yourself is: Will the league tables help me choose the perfect school for my child or is it better to focus on his needs?

Rankings show how well students passed specific tests and exams in a given year. However, they will not tell you about the quality of the extracurricular activities, the pastoral care and mentoring system, the family atmosphere, the personal relationships between students and teachers, life in the residence, and the relationships between students. Yes, sometimes these details are partially mentioned in school reports, but they cannot replace personal visits to school and communication with teachers, parents and other students.

Higher Education in Ireland for foreign students 

Ireland's higher education system is represented by six universities. A leading institution with global ranking is Dublin's Trinity College. It stands shoulder to shoulder with esteemed institutions like the University of Toronto, Oxbridge, and Harvard, securing a spot among the world's top five universities. The National University of Ireland (NUI) follows closely as the second most highly rated university. NUI boasts three constituent colleges situated in Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Collaborations between NUI and other esteemed institutions in the country, including St. Angela's College, St. Patrick's College, and The Royal College of Surgeons, further bolster its academic standing.

Ireland's rich educational heritage rooted in history thrives as a dynamic and modern system. It offers a diverse range of educational opportunities, from secondary schooling to top-tier universities, beckoning students from around the world to explore its vibrant academic landscape.

Meticulous preparation is the key to a smooth transition into studying in Ireland. The journey to academic success on Irish soil demands approximately one year of careful planning to navigate the administrative intricacies. To embark on this voyage, one must first select an educational institution, gather information abot the selected schools, and diligently assemble the required application documents.

Preparation Programs to Study in Ireland

The second leg of this journey is the validation of previous educational qualifications, and if required, the successful completion of a preparatory program. Fluency in English is paramount, it is quite common that schools require an English proficiency certificate. Subsequently, applicants must meticulously compile and submit application documents to the university or school of choice, patiently awaiting an offer of admission. Once all these steps are completed, the doors of an Irish university swing open to welcome you.

Irish English, characterized by its unique colloquial nuances, stands apart from its British counterpart. This distinction has attracted a growing number of international students to Ireland, all eager to enhance their English language skills, refine their pronunciation, and improve communication skills.

Language schools across the country offer a diverse array of programs that cater to various proficiency levels and intensiveness modes. For younger international students, there are over a hundred language schools that operate year-round and summer camps that provide engaging opportunities for language development. Additionally, tailored programs for corporate clients are available. Studying in Ireland is marked by its adaptability, ensuring that every student finds the optimal course that suits their needs.

Career Opportunities After Studying in Ireland

Studying in Ireland not only facilitates the English language enhancement and access to top-notch education but also paves the way for promising career prospects. In a nation brimming with unique culture and rich history, foreign students embark on a journey teeming with vibrant interactions with Celtic descendants, harmonious encounters with nature, and immersion in a multicultural milieu. Ireland promises unforgettable experiences and a bright future for young specialists seeking to improve their academic and professional horizons.

Among the main advantages of studying in Ireland are the following:

• A unique opportunity for students to fully immerse themselves in the cultural and linguistic environment;
• Studying in Ireland is on par with the UK;
• The highest level of safety provided to international children and schoolchildren;
• The cost of studying in Ireland is significantly lower than in the UK, while the quality is comparable;
• In secondary school, there is a high degree of specialization: students choose four disciplines for in-depth study during the two final academic years;
• Teachers in schools and universities in Ireland are quite demanding, so students will be motivated and supported in their academic journey in Ireland;
• Ireland is a transportation hub with many direct flights. For example, Dublin Airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 191 destinations in 42 countries;
• The Irish are known to be good-natured and welcoming – any student will feel comfortable here.

Preparatory classes in Ireland belong to the optional preschool stage of children's education, so there are no public kindergartens or other institutions- all preschool educational institutions in Ireland are private, and, therefore, not free. The cost of preschool education in Ireland is quite high, so only the wealthiest Irish send their children to private kindergartens. Kindergartens accept students from the age of 2, and some even six months old babies! In more affordable kindergartens, only childcare is carried out, and in more elite kindergartens, educators conduct a whole educational program: children are engaged in the basics of writing, reading, arithmetic, etc.  There are two types of pre-schools in Ireland where you can get an Irish education:

• A Montessori school is a nursery group with a special teaching approach developed in the first half of the 20th century by the Italian teacher Maria Montessori. In such educational institutions, children aged 2.5-3 years are admitted to study, who are engaged in preparation for admission and study in primary school up to 6 years old.
• Junior and senior groups of primary school prepare children for primary school, but according to different educational programs. Children are accepted for training from the age of 4, studies continue until the age of 6.

Groups in kindergartens are usually small - from 6 to 12 children, while from 1 to 3 teachers and educators are engaged in kids development, which allows to ensure individual approach for each student.

As mentioned earlier, the effectiveness and the quality of education in Ireland are in no way inferior to the UK, Canada, and the USA, while the cost of studying in Ireland is significantly lower. Of course, the prices for studying in Ireland depend on many factors, such as the prestige of the educational institution, location, living conditions, etc.

Now let's talk about the cost of studying in Ireland. Tuition fees are from 15,000 EUR per academic year. The cost of an academic year at the university will cost you from 8,000 EUR to 16,000 EUR. Compared to educational institutions in the UK, the cost is quite reasonable, given that the quality of education in Ireland is just as good.

In the tables below, our experts have provided you with approximate costs of other educational programs, as well as living expenses:

Education in Ireland for children, pupils, and students will allow you to get a high-quality foreign diploma. Start this amazing journey right now! The SMAPSE specialists are ready to help you at any time both with the choice of an educational institution and with the application process. Leave a request in the form below, and we will contact you for a free consultation. 

Accommodation in Ireland

Statistics of English courses in Ireland

Foundation - General statistics