Ireland is a country steeped in tradition and history. Ireland's long-standing tradition of providing exceptional education began with 6th century Irish scholar-monks, who travelled throughout Europe establishing centre’s of learning. Ireland's long and honorable tradition in educational excellence is recognized the world over. 

 

Successive modern governments have continued to regard education as a key priority and investment in this area has been sustained for a long time. This has resulted in one of the highest education participation rates in the world today.

 

 

Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world according to the independent IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2009 (ranks 8th)

 

Ireland has a long and honorable tradition in education. As a result of a sustained investment in this area Ireland now has one of the highest educational participation rates in the world - 81% of Irish students complete second-level and approx 60% go on to higher education. This dynamic, educated population has made its mark at home and abroad with international companies looking to Ireland again and again when hiring graduates for top class positions.

Responsibility for education lies within the Department of Education and Science.It administers all aspects of education policy including curricula, syllabi and national examinations. Attendance at full time education is compulsory in Ireland from six to fifteen years of age and is free in the majority of schools, and at undergraduate third-level. Education is considered a fundamental right under our constitution.

 

The Irish Education System was traditionally divided into three basis levels: Primary (8 years), Secondary (5 or 6 years) and Higher Education which offers a wide range of opportunities from post-secondary courses, to vocational and technical training, to full degree and the highest post-graduate levels. In recent years the focus has expanded to include pre-school education and adult and further education as the concept of lifelong learning becomes reflected in the education opportunities available within the Irish education system.

 

Tuition fees vary considerably depending on on the institution and the study programme. The figures given below provide a guideline for budgeting. Costs do not remain static, so it is important to double check fees with the Institution(s) you are considering applying to.

 

Tuition Fees:

Tuition fees for 2009/2010 for undergraduate, non-E.U. students at a higher education institution are as follows:

 

Course Average Fees
Medicine and related   €29,000 - €45,000
Engineering                   €9,100 - €20,300
Science & Technology  €9,100 - €16,500
Arts & Humanities       €9,100 - €15,500
Business                       €9,000 - €15,500

 

Tuition fees for 2009/2010 for postgraduate, non-E.U. students at a higher education institution are as follows:

 

Course Average Fees (Postgraduate) 
Medicine and related     €12,035- €37,000
Engineering                    €9,150 - €18,000
Science & Technology  €9,150 - €18,000
Arts & Humanities       €8,900 - €20,000
Business                       €9,150 - €18,800

 

*(Ref : www.educationireland.ie)

 

 

 

Living Expenses

Living expenses will differ depending upon the location of the institution, the type of accommodation preferred and on the personal expenditure of the student. To give some idea of the total cost involved, the following approximate figures - at 2009 rates - are given as a guide to overall expenses.

 

On average we estimate that a student will spend between €7000 and €12,000 per year depending on location and lifestyle.

 

 

Please note that all the above figures are approximations as some students will live on less and some on more depending on their allowance.

 

Accommodation

All third level institutions will have an accommodation officer or advisor who can provide information for you about accommodation on, or close to your campus. The following options are generally available:

 

Self Catering Accommodation

Self catering accommodation includes a large number of options from a room in a shared house to a large private apartment. While self catering accommodation can offer full independence, the prospective student should be aware that there can be significant set-up costs associated with self catering accommodation. You will be required to pay the first month's rent and a deposit in advance. The deposit is normally the same amount as the monthly rental figure. Minimum lease period is usually 1 year and if you vacate prior to this period you will be liable to pay rent for the remaining period. Please note that miscellaneous items might have to be purchased e.g. crockery, cooking utensils, bed linen etc.

 

On-Campus Accommodation

Most universities and a number of other colleges offer on-campus accommodation. This can range from a single, or shared room in a large apartment to a one-bedroomed apartment. Your institution of choice will be able to provide you with full details of the options on offer.

 

Family Based Accommodation

Many international students, particularly in the first year, opt to choose family based accommodation. This means a private room in a family home where two meals (generally breakfast and evening meal), utility costs and laundry services are provided. Again the institution you are applying to will have lists of experienced families in the area who provide approved accommodation for international students.

 

*(Ref : www.educationireland.ie)

 

• Level of English: You must show that you have the capacity to fully partake in your chosen course through the medium of English and satisfy the Visa Officer in this regard.
• It is recommended that all applicants, regardless of nationality or educational background, undertake the IELTS test, and provide the original certificate with your visa application.
• Other acceptalbe certificates will be those from an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or Cambridge or ETAPP
• Failure to provide such a certificate may result in delays in processing your application, and possible refusal of same.
• Submission of false or fraudulent certicates with your application will result in it being refused and no appeal will be permitted.
• Any certificate must have been issued within 2 years of the expected commencement date of your course.
• The recommended band scores are
  • IELTS minimum score of 5




TOEFL minimum score of:
___________ 173 (Computer-based)
___________ 61 (Internet-based)
___________ 500 (Paper-based)


· Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) or higher


· ETAPP - Minimum grade of B2

 

NOTE: This is for immigration purposes only if the English language requirement of the college is higher than the scores above, you must meet the college requirements. (Students applying solely for an English Language course are currently exempt from this requirement).

 

Entitlement to Employment in Ireland

There are many opportunities for international students to work in Ireland both during and after their studies. The opportunities available include part time or holiday work, the possibility of staying in Ireland to develop your experience in the workplace.

EU/EEA nationals have the same entitlement to take up employment as that of an Irish person.

 

Students from Outside EEA

Only students attending a full time course of at least one year's duration leading to a qualification recognised by the Minister for Education and Science will be entitled to take up casual employment defined as up to 20 hours part time work per week or full time work during normal college vacation periods. The course you intend to study must be listed on the internationalisation register. This can be viewed on the website of the Department of Education and Science.

The entitlement to take up employment ceases once your student visa expire.

Following completion of your studies, if you wish to continue in employment, you will require a work permit to do so. Although this entitlement to work certainly eases the financial burden on international students, we would not advise that you rely solely on this source of income during your stay here. The Garda National Immigration Bureau also expects proof that you will have sufficient funds to fund your period of study in Ireland.

 

You will need to provide the following with your visa application.  (Please remember, original documents are required and must be in English or accompanied by a notarized translation):

• Letter of acceptance from a recognized school/college/university in Ireland confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study. This course of study must be full-time (lasting an academic year) and have a minimum of 15 hours per week study time.
• Evidence of your academic ability to pursue the chosen course through the English language (unless it is an English language course).
• Evidence that the fees for the course have been paid in full.
• Evidence that you have enough funds (€7,000) to maintain yourself for the initial part of your stay.
• Evidence that you or a sponsor have access to at least €7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years.
• Evidence that you have private medical insurance
• An explanation of any gaps in your educational history

Confirmation that you intend to return to your country of permanent residence when you leave Ireland.