Ireland is becoming a popular place for students from around the world. Irish people are known for being friendly and welcoming, which makes it easy for international students to adjust to life in Ireland, especially student life.
Ireland has come a long way since its primarily agricultural days in the 1950s. It is now a modern country with strong manufacturing and international service sectors, and it boasts the highest economic growth rate in the European Union, earning it the nickname "The Celtic Tiger." Ireland's education system has played a crucial role in attracting international investments and fostering growth in modern technology industries, making it one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
Education is a key aspect of Ireland's international connections. The Irish government has invested in making our education system more global by promoting our colleges' international activities and encouraging students from other countries to come and study in Ireland.
Higher education in Ireland is highly regarded worldwide, and the job market for graduates is not limited to Ireland but extends globally. International students can expect a quality education in a friendly environment. They also contribute to enriching the educational experience of Irish students and bring an international perspective to our campuses. The friendships and networks formed among Irish and international students can strengthen cultural and trade relationships between our countries.
Why Ireland?
Ireland has a rich history of providing quality education. Thanks to significant investments in this sector, Ireland now has one of the highest rates of students completing their secondary education (81% of Irish students finish high school), and about half of them go on to pursue higher education. This well-educated population has made a significant impact both at home and abroad, with international companies often seeking Irish graduates for top positions.
The Department of Education and Science is responsible for education in Ireland. It oversees all aspects of education policy, including curricula, syllabi, and national examinations. Education is considered a fundamental right under the Irish constitution, and full-time education is compulsory for children aged six to fifteen. Education is free in the majority of schools and at the undergraduate level.
Traditionally, the Irish education system had three basic levels: Primary (8 years), Secondary (5 or 6 years), and third level, which offers a wide range of opportunities, from post-secondary courses to vocational and technical training, leading up to full-degree programs and advanced post-graduate levels. In recent years, the focus has expanded to include pre-school education and adult and further education, reflecting the concept of lifelong learning.
For more detailed information, you can contact the Department of Education and Science at:
Address: Marlborough Street, Dublin 1
Phone: +353 1 8734700
Fax: +353-1-878 6712
Website: http://www.education.ie
Education System in Ireland
Higher Education
Higher education in Ireland consists of universities, institutes of technology, and a number of private independent colleges. The universities and institutes of technology are self-governing but receive substantial funding from the state.
Universities
Ireland has nine universities, with two in Northern Ireland and seven in the Republic. Trinity College (TCD), founded in 1592, is the oldest university in Ireland. The National University of Ireland (NUI) is a federal institute consisting of four constituent universities: University College Dublin, University College Cork, National University of Ireland Galway, and National University of Ireland Maynooth. NUI also has three recognized colleges: the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and St. Angela's College of Education. The University of Limerick (UL) and Dublin City University (DCU) are the newest universities, founded in 1989. In Northern Ireland, you'll find the University of Ulster (UU) and the Queen's University of Belfast (QUB).
In addition to offering degrees at various levels, universities and colleges also conduct research in various fields. They also provide undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas and are involved in continuing and distance education programs, mainly aimed at Irish residents.
Institutes of Technology
There are 14 Institutes of Technology in the Republic, offering programs at degree, national diploma, and national certificate levels across a wide range of subjects. Their qualifications are validated externally to ensure they meet international standards. Many of these institutes also offer postgraduate diploma and degree programs, both taught and research-based.
Colleges of Education
Five Colleges of Education in Ireland provide three-year full-time courses leading to a B.Ed degree, which is the recognized qualification for primary school teaching.
Independent Third Level Colleges
These colleges offer programs leading to certificates, diplomas, and degrees, with recognition from Ireland's national certification authority or other external accreditation institutions. They offer courses in areas such as Accountancy and Business Studies, Law, Humanities, Hotel & Catering, Tourism Studies, and Art.
The third-level education system in Ireland is broad and covers universities, technological institutions, colleges of education, and private, independent colleges. The first three groups, totaling 34 institutions, are autonomous and self-governing but receive substantial state funding. The number of students pursuing higher education in Ireland has increased significantly in recent decades, with an estimated 55 percent of secondary school graduates going on to higher education, one of the world's highest participation rates. Entry requirements for Irish students are based on performance in the final secondary school examination, the Leaving Certificate. For overseas students, entry requirements are determined individually by each institution and are generally based on national examination performance and English language proficiency.
The universities and the Dublin Institute of Technology award academic qualifications to successful students in their respective colleges. Most non-university colleges receive academic qualifications from the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), which was established by the government in 2001. HETAC sets and monitors standards at all levels of higher education and training, up to the PhD level. Irish educational awards are globally recognized for their quality and standards. All Irish awards are part of the national qualifications framework maintained by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.
The following academic awards can be achieved at Irish third-level institutions:
Student Expenses
Students in Ireland can expect to incur several expenses, including fees, accommodation, and living costs. These expenses can vary widely depending on the specific course, the institution, and the student's lifestyle.
Third-level education in Ireland is free for students who are:
However, there are some scholarships available for overseas students at universities and colleges. Students are advised to contact the institution directly to obtain more information.
Application Procedures
Studying abroad is a rewarding experience, but it can also be costly. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider the program and institution that best suits your needs.
Apart from the universities in Northern Ireland, application for most full-time undergraduate courses is made through a Central Applications Office (CAO). The CAO provides an applications pack with a handbook that lists all the courses on offer and gives information on how to apply.
The CAO website is: www.cao.ie