Ireland is a part of European Union and is a very dynamic and modern country with a young population of 40% population below 25 years of age. It is one of the fastest growing economics in the world, with a population of only 4.33 million. The country also boasts the highest quality of life in the world, ranking first in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Quality-of-life index. Ireland has topped a list of the World’s Friendliest Countries in a survey drawn up by the Lonely Planet Travel Guide Group.

Why International Students choose Ireland as their Study Destination?

• Ireland accepts student’s for post graduation with 15 yrs of education, unlike some countries which insist on 16 years as the minimum acceptable limit
• One of the best education systems in Europe with a history rich in tradition and learning.
• Quality education leading to rapid growth of economy.
• Unemployment rate of just 4.4% which is one of the lowest in the EU
• Over 2,00,000 International Students currently enrolled in Ireland’s Colleges and Universities
• Ireland offers a unique 1 year Master’s Degree that is globally recognized
• No prior work experience required for MBA
• International Students can work Part-time (approximately 20 hrs/week, earning excellent wages of minimum € 8-9 per hr which is higher than that of UK
• Government policy on investment in research to develop Ireland as a knowledge society which works towards attracting more International Students to study in the country
• Close links between educational institutions and industries
• Temperate climate as it rarely drops below freezing
• Heavy snowfall is uncommon.
• Modern lively, safe and secure environment in which one can live, work and study on a Student Visa
• An English speaking country posing no language problems for International Students
• Friendly Irish local people, well-known for their hospitality.

Primary (8 years)

Secondary (5 or 6 years)

Higher Education

• Higher Education offers a wide range of opportunities from Post-Secondary courses, to vocational and technical training, to full degree and the highest Post-Graduate levels.
• The system is broad in scope and encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the colleges of education and private, independent colleges.
• The institutions which fall within the first three groupings are autonomous and self governing, but substantially state funded
• Education has been a key factor in making Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the past decade.

Cooperative Education

• This system of education involves placement of students in employment relevant to their Degree programmes for six or eight months during their Under Graduate studies.
• Some Institutions in Ireland adopts this model as an integral part of the academic programme.

Tuition Fees

Medicine & Related Courses: € 29,000 – € 42,000
Engineering: € 9,100 – € 20,900
Science & Technology: € 9,100 – € 20,900
Business Related: € 9,100 – € 16,500
Arts & Humanities: € 9,100 – € 15,500

Note:

Tuition Fees vary and depend on the institution and the study programme. Cost at private institutions is very less then above stated fee ranges but range of courses remain limited.

Cost of living in Ireland: General Information

• Rents are in line with the EU average
• Lots of “economical options” available to students, such as early bird dinners in restaurants
• Plenty of economical options to travel around Ireland in your free time
• Hostels in Ireland are of a very high standard

Cost of Living

On an average, a single student should count (approx) between €7500 and €12,000 per year as living expenses, depending on location and lifestyle.

Accommodation

• Most third level institutions have on-campus student residences
• These look like small villages with on-site facilities such as shops, launderettes, restaurants, etc.
• Self-catering rented accommodation: This is yet another popular option, particularly in the main cities of Ireland which is usually shared by students catering rented accommodation, often shared with other students

Note: If you opt for this type of accommodation, you are advised to arrive in Ireland at least two or three weeks prior to the start of your academic year.

Host family accommodation

• May be a good option for those leaving home for the first time
• Helps to integrate students into the local community
• Introduces students to the Irish way of life
• You are provided with your own room
• Morning and evening meals are provided.

Scholarships

• Many International Students studying in Ireland are sponsored by their own governments or through other international scholarship programmes.
• In most cases applications should be made through the Ministry of Education in the student’s home country.

Here are some useful tips on where to stay:

Host families (please see details as mentioned in Costs)

Residential School and University Accommodation

• Highly popular especially during the summers
• Excellent standard accommodation
• centralized amenities that come with living on-campus

Note: Universities in most of Ireland’s main cities and some of the country’s top boarding schools provide this form of accommodation during the summer months.

Other Types of Accommodation Available

• Hotels, guesthouses, self-catering accommodation (see details in Costs)
• Fully-equipped hostels

Note: The choice of where to stay largely depends on your budget and requirements. Some students (long-term), prefer to rent for the duration, with groups often getting together to share houses or apartments.

Social Life

• Excellent opportunities for socializing
• Enjoy life outside your campus
• Just relax after a hard day at studies
• Meet friends, go out, chat on the Internet, take to trekking, camp out with friends…the choice is yours!

Loving the language: The Irish simply love their language! World renowned authors from Ireland include Bram Stoker, James Joyce, Jonathon Swift, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde. You will find that Libraries are well-stocked with works of treasured Irish literature that will also make learning English a pleasure.

Musical traditions: From impromptu sessions in the pub to the global sounds of U2 and Snow Patrol, Ireland is the home for good music and dance. Let your feet tap to the beat of the bodhrán, give the Ulster-Scots Highland Dance a whirl, move to pulsating sounds at a live music session or sing along with the best in the business at pubs and clubs around the country. For younger students, schools can arrange discos and parties where socializing with your new friends is all par for the course.

Get active: Ireland reigns supreme as the ideal backdrop for pulse-racing activities. Unearth your spirit of adventure with windsurfing, hang-gliding, rock climbing, pony trekking, sailing or even a spot of fishing in the magical countryside and coastline that surrounds every town, village and city in Ireland.

Work to play: Immerse yourself in Irish life while you learn by taking a part-time job. What better way to brush up your skills than working in one of a plethora of cafes and bars around the country. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll pick up the language – and fill your wallet while you’re at it, too.

And plenty more besides… There are lots of things to do around the island of Ireland, just take a look at the vast array of sights and activities available to get a flavour of what’s on offer. And if you fancy heading off for the weekend, there are plenty of places to visit , sights to see and history to uncover at your leisure.

Classes

• You’ll sit for a test in your first week to determine your level
• This level determines what class you should be placed in
• The amount of students in your class varies, as it depends on the school

Note: A class strength shouldn’t exceed 15 students. Most General English courses have between 8-10 students of different nationalities.

Out of school activities

• Cultural visits to historic places
• Sports and traditional Irish nights out.

Note: You will receive an activity programme by your school on arrival.

Intakes

The main intake offered by all Colleges and Universities in Ireland is in September (though only a very few Universities offer an Intake in February).

Meeting English Language Requirement

As English is the language of instruction at all Irish Institutions of higher education, students must demonstrate a proficiency in English to be accepted for a third level Programme. Generally, the required minimum score in TOEFL is 90 Internet Based Test. Many universities and colleges provide English Language training programmes for intending students. Furthermore, there are over 110 private English language training schools throughout the country which run both short and long terms courses.

Entry Requirements

Overseas students wishing to study in Ireland have two options as mentioned below.

Option ONE: Attend Secondary School in Ireland and complete the Leaving Certificate Examination with Irish students. This route is chosen by a number of students who commonly take the examination in conjunction with English language tuition.

Option TWO: Undertake recognized public examinations in their own countries. This is a more common route and it is essential that every applicant check that the educational qualifications she/he is presenting are adequate to satisfy entry requirements. To have a realistic prospect these results should be very good, e.g. for medicine 3 good ‘A’ Level passes (grades A/B) or the equivalent, in relevant subjects are required. The minimum requirement for most degree level programmes is 3 grade ‘C’s at A level or equivalent. If there is any doubt about the acceptability of an applicant’s qualifications, clarification should be sought in good time from the particular third level institution..

Student can apply to the institutions directly or to the Central Applications Office for Undergraduate Programmes.

List of Documents Required

• Attested copies of the mark sheets of Class X, XII, etc.
• 2 Academic Reference Letters from professors who have taught you most recently.
• If you have work experience then at least one work reference letter from the employer who can comment on your professional skills and abilities.
• Statement of Purpose.
• Curriculum Vitae/ Resume.
• Portfolio in case of students applying for Arts and Design courses.
• 4 Extra Curricular Activities Certificates.

Ireland Student Visa

The Ireland Student Visa is highly popular with International Students especially for those who wish to pursue their Undergraduate studies in one of the leading “Hubs of Excellences” in the world. There are a select 8 Universities, and 14 Institutes renowned worldwide for their high level of quality education. Besides these, there are many other educational institutions in Ireland offering a wide choice of study programs. Ireland allows International Students to undertake a limited amount of work in order to help support themselves and any of their dependents.

Regarding working as an International Student in Ireland, you should be holding an Irish study permit to work in Ireland part-time to supplement your income. You may work part-time for up to a maximum of 20 hours per week.

As an International Student holding an Ireland Student Visa, you’re allowed to live and work as long as you complete your course with two types of Visas being issued namely either a ‘C’ Visa or a ‘D’ Visa.

What is a ‘C’ Visa?

This is issued to those applicants whose courses will last less than three months.

What is a ‘D’ Visa?

This is issued to those applicants whose courses will for longer than three months.

You should remember that your study visa status is not a route to your permanent settlement in Ireland. However, the Graduate Program does in some circumstances enable students to switch to an Irish Work Visa. After a certain period of time, Irish Work Visa holders may apply for permanent residence and naturalization as an Irish citizen.

To be eligible for an Ireland Student Visa, you should provide a Letter of Acceptance demonstrating that you’ve been offered a place on a full time course of study at a recognized Irish educational institution, with the course being offered having at least fifteen hours of study per week. You must also be able to demonstrate evidence of enough funds to support yourself and any dependents joining you in Ireland, show that the course fees have been paid in full, and show that you have arranged private medical insurance must be arranged. You must also demonstrate your intention of returning to your home country after completion of your studies. Additionally, you must be able to show proficiency in the English language to a sufficient degree.

Eligibility to apply for an Ireland Student Visa

You’ve to meet these conditions:

• A letter of acceptance demonstrating that you’ve been offered a place on a full time course of study at a recognized Irish educational institution.
• The course you’ve been admitted to, must involve at least fifteen hours of study per week.
• You must be able to demonstrate evidence of enough funds to support yourself and any of your dependents joining you in Ireland
• You must show you’ve paid the course fees in full
• You must have arranged private medical insurance and provide documentary evidence of this effect
• You must demonstrable satisfactory (credible) intention to return to your own country after you compete your studies in Ireland.

Additional requirements include that you show proficiency in the English language to a sufficient degree ((TOEFL or IELTS) Test Score Card).

Working as a Student in Ireland

If you hold an Irish Study Permit, you are allowed to work in Ireland on a part-time basis only to help you supplement your income for up to a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Immigration for your Spouse and Dependents

If you’re in Ireland as a Student for several years, Ireland allows you to apply for your family’s immigration. You, as the primary applicant, are allowed to sponsor your spouse and/or your dependents. Dependents entering the country under a family visa are permitted to reside in Ireland for the duration of your (the principle applicant’s) course of study in Ireland.

Your Dependents working in Ireland

Your dependents will only be permitted to work full time if they have a valid Irish Work Permit.

Ireland Student Visa

The Ireland Student Visa is highly popular with International Students especially for those who wish to pursue their Undergraduate studies in one of the leading “Hubs of Excellence” in the world. There are a select 8 Universities and 14 Institutes renowned worldwide for their high level of quality education. There are also many other educational institutions in Ireland offering a wide choice of study programs. Ireland allows International Students to undertake a limited amount of work in order to help support themselves and any of their dependents. All applications for an Irish Visa must be made by completing an Online Visa Application Form, which can be accessed through the link:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Applying%20Online

Where should you apply for your Ireland Student Visa?

• You should apply at your nearest Irish Embassy, Consulate, Honorary Consul or Visa Office in your home country
• You may be required to attend a personal interview

Absence of an Irish Embassy, Consulate, Honorary Consul or Visa Office in your country of origin

• In such a scenario, you may apply at another Irish Embassy or Consulate located in another country that may have been designated for the purposes of processing applications from your country of permanent residence.

Visa Processing Time

• It usually takes about 90 days to get your Ireland Student Visa from the date of your Visa Application being submitted.
• You can only fly 30 days before the date of your course commencement.
• Applications can be processed locally in the Irish Embassy, Consulate or Visa Office in your country of origin in a very short period of time
• You should allow a minimum time of 4 – 8 weeks for processing

Document Checklist

• Original Passport
• Visa Application Form
• Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution
• All Academic Documents
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
• Proof of sufficient funds to maintain yourself during your studies in Ireland.

English Ability Requirements:
All applicant must show IELTS/or equivalent Test Score Sheet.

As an International Student, you can work in Ireland for up to 20 hours per week while studying full time. The minimum wage is €8.65 per hour while in Northern Ireland, details about minimum wage can be found on the Department of Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform website

Employment Opportunities for International Students While Studying in Ireland

• To be eligible to work, you should be registered as a full-time student in a course lasting at least one year
• Your course must be listed on a special Register of Programmes as just about enrolling in any course might not be sufficient grounds to grant you permission to work as an International Student
• Since 18 April 2005 new students given permission to remain in Ireland for study cannot be given permission to work unless they are attending a full-time course of at least a year leading to a recognised qualification
• Recognised qualifications include those issued by the Dublin Institute of Technology, the universities, FETAC and HETAC
• This change does not affect students who had permission to remain as on 8 April 2005
• Such students can continue to work part-time and study in Ireland for the remaining period of their visa

The Department of Education and Science has compiled a ‘Register of Programmes recognised by the Minister for Education and Science for purposes of student access to employment’. The Register of Programmes is divided into two parts:

1. Programmes in a range of disciplines: These Programmes are offered to students in third-level and further education colleges that lead to qualifications validated under the National Framework of Qualifications or a similar awarding body in another jurisdiction or qualifications validated by a professional body with a basis in Irish law
2. English Language Programmes: Approved by the Department of Education and Science on the basis of the Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS) inspection scheme.

Graduate Scheme – Employment opportunities after completion of degree

Students who have completed 3rd level college studies in Ireland are eligible for a one-time 6 month extension to their visa. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment gives the details and requirements on their Graduate Scheme page. Permission to Remain (as per The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Government of Ireland):

• Persons who qualify under this scheme will be granted one non-renewable extension to their current student permission (Stamp 2)
• This extension of visa shall be for a six month period starting on the date upon which the person receives exam results
• The purpose of the permission to remain under this Scheme is to seek employment and gain a Green Card or Work Permit.

Why I should choose Ireland as study destination.
Ireland has very high standard of education and living, a true modern European Country, with many world top ranked world universities, allowing student to work during study and provide opportunity of post study work visa of one year to settle in Ireland for further period.

Why should I apply through any consultant?
Applying for admission or visa for first time can create chances of mistake during process and as result student can lose not only precious academic year but also may face huge financial loss so it is wise to approach any experienced consultant which is recommended by foreign institutions as well.

How much would it cost to study in Ireland ?
Cost of study vary on several factors like tuition fee or govt. or private sector institution, campus housing, meals, medical insurance also affects the overall cost per year. Please contact us for more precise information.

What are the intake dates of the educational institutions in Ireland ?
Mostly for Universities it is September, few offer January intake but for very limited courses. Some private institutes offer three or even four intake in a year.

What English test is more commonly acceptable by Irish Institutes and visa authorities?
IELTS ( International English Language Testing System) is normally a standard requirement and recommended test.

How long does admission and visa process take for student from Pakistan especially
as there is no embassy in Pakistan?
Visa process can take 8 to 10 week or even more then that for some cases. However for good institutes visas of Pakistan students are even issued in 4 to 6 week time.

Can I study part time?
No, non-EU student has to study full time only and must complete a minimum of 15 hours scheduled contact time per week.

What will the weather be like?
Ireland has mild, moist and very changeable weather with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. However it is much warmer than other countries of similar region that share its latitude.

Can I work during or after my studies?
Student are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) or full-time (up to 40 hours a week) during holiday periods.

Are there scholarships?
For international students there are different type of scholarships institutions offer. These are awarded solely at the discretion of the particular institutions according to the criteria and students are advised to contact either institution or us being their authorized representative.