7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY IN IRELAND

Every year, millions students study abroad in Ireland. Ireland is the place to be – if you are an international student and want to go to another country to gain international experience, Ireland is the best preferred place.

THE BOOST FOR YOUR CAREER

International experience has become more and more important in recent years. Large and small companies alike look for employees who have left their “comfort zone”. By studying abroad in Europe, you set the course for your career success. Many European countries also make an effort to convince foreign graduates to stay after their study. That means if you decide to study in Ireland, the chances are good that you will get a job offer and can stay for the longer term.

IRELAND OFFERS WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Many of the world’s best universities are located in Ireland. Cross-border cooperation’s within Europe have shaped a strong international academic community that conducts cutting-edge research.

A WIDE RANGE OF EDUCATION OPTIONS

There are thousands of universities in Ireland, offering tens of thousands of study programmes in English. You can find programmes in any academic discipline from Arts to Zoology; small, intimate universities or large international research centers; cutting edge academic research programmes or practice-oriented taught education. There is something for everybody.

TUITION FEES ARE LOW

Compared to countries like the US, Canada or Australia, the tuition fees at most public universities in Europe are very low. In some European countries, there aren’t even any tuition fees – studying at university is free of charge! There are also lots of scholarship opportunities and other options for financial support during your studies.

IT’S EASY TO TRAVEL AND DISCOVER THE WHOLE CONTINENT

When you study in Ireland, you should use the chance to see more countries than just one. Thanks to a wealth of cheap flight, train and bus connections, and relatively short travel times, that is even possible on a limited student budget and with tight semester schedules.

If you are a non-European citizen studying within the Schengen Area of 26 European states then you can easily obtain a student visa allowing you to visit other countries of the Schengen Area. Think of all the great experiences you can gain even far away from campus.

THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEMS ARE WELL RESPECTED AND ALIGNED

The national higher education systems of all European countries have been aligned. That means that any Bachelor or Master in Ireland follows the same general academic framework. So, if you obtain your Master’s degree in Ireland, it will be equivalent to a Master’s degree in either Sweden, Germany, Spain or United Kingdom.

YOU CAN STUDY IN ENGLISH

Not only are there several thousand Bachelors and Masters in English that you can choose from. In most European countries, the proficiency in English is generally very high. That means even if you struggle to learn the basics in Polish, Portuguese or Swedish, you can always get by with English in everyday situations.

WORKING IN IRELAND AFTER GRADUATION

In the past three or four decades, after becoming a member of the European Union, Ireland quickly turned from Europe’s poorhouse to Europe’s economic powerhouse. Structural reforms have led to a viable boost and attracted many multinational corporations – and especially technology companies – to set up their European headquarters in Ireland, including the likes of Google, Airbnb, Pfizer, Dell and others. Therefore, Ireland offers numerous opportunities for graduates with an international background. If you study in Ireland, you stand a good chance at finding a job and staying in the country after you graduate.

International students engaged in full time study of at least one year’s duration (on a course leading to a qualification which is recognized by the Iris Department of Education and Skills currently do not need a work permit to work in Ireland. Students holding a valid immigration stamp 2 permission will be permitted to work 40 hours per week only during the months of June, July, August and September and from 15^th December to 15^th January inclusive. 

At all other times students holding Immigration permission Stamp 2 will be limited to working 20 hours per week. The permission to work ceases on the expiry of the students Stamp 2 immigration permission.

Degree programme students can get casual work where they are:

• Registered with GNIB
• Enrolled on a recognized programme leading to a qualification recognized by the Minister for Education & Skills
• Attending a full time programme of education at or above NFQ Level 7
• Undertaking a minimum of 15 hours day time study
• Getting tuition, between the hours of 8am and 6pm per week for a minimum of 25 weeks per annum
• On a programme of at least one year’s duration
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International students who meet the above conditions and wish to take up work in Ireland must obtain a Personal Public Service Number (PPS Number). An employer can only pay employees with a PPS number, and funds will usually only be paid to an Irish bank account. Students will also be required to comply with the Universal Social Contribution (USC), Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), employment laws and taxation requirements. 

POST STUDY PATHWAYS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

It may be possible to stay in Ireland after you complete your studies for the purpose of seeking employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This scheme exists to allow legally resident non-EU third level graduates to remain in Ireland in order to look for employment or apply for a green card/work permit.

• During their approved stay under the scheme, a student can work full-time (40 hours a week).
• The permission under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme is nonrenewable.
• A student can only avail of the Third Level Graduate Scheme in accordance with the rules below.