When thinking of studying in Europe, the most popular countries for international students are Germany, France, Sweden, Italy, and Ireland. Every year, more than 30,000 students from all over the world fly in to study in Ireland, being encouraged and motivated by a variety of reasons, such as cultural diversity, the availability of scholarships, full-time and part-time job opportunities, and a lot more.
With its unique position in the British Isles, Ireland has established a reputation as one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. The country has a rich and illustrious past, as well as centuries of tradition and culture. Even today, these rituals and traditions maintain a unique place in the hearts of the Irish people. There are several reasons why students are attracted from all over the world to study in Ireland.
In this guide, you will learn everything there is to know about pursuing your tertiary education in Ireland. By the end of reading this guide, you’ll have learned everything you need to know to make an informed decision on funding your higher education. To get you there, we’ll cover these questions:
- Is it easy to find work in Ireland after graduating?
- Can students work alongside their studies in Ireland?
- Is Ireland affordable for international students?
Is it Easy to Find Work in Ireland After Graduating?
Post-study visas are one of the main advantages of studying in Ireland. This facilitates students’ searches for jobs in the nation after graduating, and they can then apply for a green card or work visa once they have found work. In addition, the Irish Government has decided to extend the ‘stay back option’ for non-EU/EAS students studying at level 9 or above nationall, to two years from one year. After you finish your studies, you may be able to stay in Ireland and apply for jobs under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This initiative allows non-EU third-level graduates who are lawfully living in Ireland to seek a job or apply for a green car or /work permit. Students can work full-time during their permitted stay under theprograme (40 hours a week). The Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme does not allow you to renew your authorization.
Can Students Work Alongside Their Studies In Ireland?
International students enrolled in at least one year of full-time study (in a program leading to a certification recognized by the Irish Department of Education and Skills) do not require a work visa to work in Ireland during their degree program. Students with a valid immigration stamp 2 will be allowed to work 40 hours per week only during the months of June, July, August, and September, as well as from December 15th to January 15th, inclusive. Students with immigration authorization stamp 2 will be limited to working 20 hours per week at all other times. When a student’s Stamp 2 immigration permit expires, their employment authorization expires as well.
Is Ireland Affordable For International Students?
Ireland’s government encourages students to pay no fees to EU citizens. There is no tuition for undergraduate programs at public institutions for local students and EU residents. This is featured under the “Free Costs Initiative,” where students are only required to pay registration fees when they begin their degree programs. Tuition costs at state institutions in Ireland for non-EU students range from 6,000 to 12,000 EUR per year for undergraduate degree programs and from 6,150 to 15,000 EUR per year for postgraduate and master’s programs and research courses. The cost of living in Ireland is slightly higher than the European average; you can anticipate spending between 550 and 1,000 EUR each month.
When Can I Apply For An Irish Student Visa?
You can apply for an Irish student visa three months prior to the date of your departure from your home country. After you fill out and submit the application form with the supporting documents, the next step is to provide your biometric information.
Biometric information means information about your distinctive physical characteristics, including:
- Measurements or other assessments of those characteristics, and
- Information about those characteristics is held in automated form.
- References to the provision by a person of biometric information mean its provision in a way that enables the identification of the person to be investigated or ascertained.
Once you have applied for an Irish student visa, your visa will be approved within 4 to 8 weeks from the date on which your application has been registered with the Visa Office or Embassy.
Despite its modest size, Ireland’s government provides 870 million euros each year for higher education research. More than 35,000 students study in Ireland each year, thanks to the country’s nine top institutions and about 15 technical institutes.
Now, let us look at the top reasons why students prefer studying in Ireland for their tertiary studies. By the end of this, you will understand the pros of investing your time and financial resources in Ireland.
Part-time Employment Option;
Usually, Irish universities encourage students to find part-time employment to cover their basic costs. Courses are frequently flexible and designed in a way that allows you time to study and work in Ireland. Flexible course times allow you to establish a part-time schedule. Also, you might discover internships that provide merit-based scholarships. Ireland grants a post-work visa to its students, allowing them to seek work within the country for a considerable length of time. Moreover, as Ireland is an EU member, you also have the chance to work in other EU countries. As these nations lack a highly trained workforce, students from Irish colleges are in high demand.
Low Cost Of Education;
The cost of living in Ireland and the cost of education are relatively low because most institutions are funded by the state. While the tuition price varies with the subject and university in which you choose to study, the sum compared to other countries is fairly modest. For example, at Maynooth University, the cost of studying is around €7,000. This is lower than many other European schools. Besides Ireland’s study costs, typical living costs are as low as well. The average annual rent is about €4,000.
Cultural Diversity;
A graduate or postgraduate from a country such as Ireland is very important and internationally acknowledged for its cross-cultural learning element by all major companies. Ireland’s students are also much in demand since they are ready to manufacture and able to deal with industrial challenges in real-time. Some of the most friendly people you’ll ever encounter in Ireland will greet you. You will soon learn that the Irish are proud of their nation, culture, and traditions. Experience Ireland’s Saint Patrick’s feast on Saint Patrick’s Day, listen to Irish culture, watch Irish dance, play Irish sports like Gaelic soccer, or become immersed in the magic and legend of Irish music.
International Students;
There is magnetic energy around Irish universities that draws students from all over the world. There are currently over 32,000 international students studying in Ireland, availing of the extensive range of courses available. All Irish universities are ranked in the top 3% of institutions worldwide, with many research fields in the top 1% of the world. Nurturing international students and helping them adapt to a new culture is what Irish universities do best, with a dedicated international office to cater for your needs and an exciting range of clubs, societies, and support structures to help you settle into university life.