Higher education in Ireland for foreign students

Today, Ireland is the leading country among best destinations for educational tourism according to foreign students. Ireland attracts international students with high-quality educational services, a wide range of schools and colleges, exciting cultural programs. SMAPSE offers TOP-10 prestigious Irish colleges and universities where international students can get high-quality and balanced higher education that will open wide career opportunitites. 

Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts as they are always ready to answer all your questions. 

• Middle Ages educational traditions. As far back as the Middle Ages, priests studied in Irish monasteries and were send to teach in Europe. Until now, the state is famous for its exceptional educational services, a competent combination of tradition and modern approaches.
• Universities of Ireland do not always take high places in rankings, but, despite this, Irish university diplomas are highly valued by employers in Europe and the USA , students easily find a good job.
• Attractive studying opportunities for foreign students: many students can find a part-time job for the best companies in the country during their studies, and after graduation they can easily find a full-time job and stay in Ireland
• Today, the research level of Ireland is not lower than the highest scientific indicators of the United Kingdom thanks to the huge funding of the research field and the involvement of foreign scientists
• Dublin has every chance of becoming a world scientific center in the coming years - such IT giants as Google, Facebook, Zynga have already placed their branches here.
• A simplified procedure for admission for all who are getting higher education in Ireland: minimum language requirements, average scores of the certificate, etc.
• Local citizens are very friendly towards foreigners, they are happy to make new acquaintances and are ready to help

Studying at universities is based on the Bologna system, at the universities of Ireland there is a three-stage system of scientific titles: bachelor, master and doctor. There are two programs of undergraduate studies in Ireland: the three-year-old Ordinary Bachelor Degree and the four-year-old Honors Bachelor Degree. After a four-year program, which includes a large number of seminars and lectures, students receive a diploma (usually with honors). 

The Master's program in Ireland is a two-year program: under the supervision of a supervisor, students are engaged in research work, there are much less lectures and seminars on this program. Doctoral studies last from 2 to 6 years.

There are several types of higher educational institutions in Ireland - there are some differences, so the choice of a university depends on the future specialty. Those, who want to do science and devote their lives to research, study at universities. There are a total of 9 universities in Ireland.

It is better to study applied sciences at institutes or colleges in Ireland - the programs are practice-oriented and carefully prepare students for future work. Many organizations value diplomas of institutes and colleges more than university ones for practical knowledge and skills.

The academic year starts in September and finishes in June, includes two or three semesters. A serious load awaits students: the curriculum includes a large number of lectures, seminars, individual lessons with a curator. All universities in Ireland are technically well equipped and have high-quality sports equipment (sports are usually required at universities). Students enjoy spending time in clubs, studios, and student communities.

Another advantage of Ireland is its affordable price: it is considered one of the most affordable English-speaking countries for studying. In the leading universities of Ireland, students will pay about 15.000-20.000 euros per year, the most expensive - medical specialties (study for them will cost about 30 thousand euros). Education in less prestigious universities will cost about 15.000 euros. Living expenses are in a wide price range (living in the capital, of course, is more expensive). Average cost of a student who has chosen higher education in Ireland, food, accommodation and travel is 7.000-10.000 euros per year (it is 30% cheaper than in the UK).

Students can work while they study, but only 20 hours a week, and it’s easy to find work: it is beneficial for the country to attract last-year students to work in their specialty. Many continue to work in companies after graduation and thus remain in Ireland. Any student with high academic results can receive material encouragement.

• High school diploma should include good grades, almost everything is “excellent”
• Language proficiency must be confirmed by TOEFL certificate (550), IELTS - from 6 points
• But the path to TOP universities in Ireland is quite difficult: competition is high. It is safer to take a preparation course, the University Foundation. Foundation is a one-year pre-university preparation course that aims to help students from abroad adapt to the new academic and language environment.