Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world and there are many reasons to study here. Schools and universities are globally connected and graduates of Irish education institutions have access to many career opportunities all over the world.Ireland is an island nation on the westernmost edge of Europe. It is the continent’s third largest island after Iceland and is known for its beautiful green countryside, fascinating history as well as friendly people.

Quality education

Ireland’s education system is world-class. Universities in Ireland rank in the top 3% globally and graduates from Irish universities are also highly sought-after.

Research opportunities

Irish universities occupy the top 1% of research institutions in the world. Global companies also have key strategic research facilities where international students can join innovative research programmes worldwide.

Career opportunities

Many leading global companies are located in Ireland and career opportunities are plentiful. Advance your career in sectors like Software Development and IT, Engineering, Financial Services, Food and Agriculture, Medtech and Pharma.

Growing economy

The Irish economy is one of the fastest growing in Europe and the sixth most competitive in the world. It is an entrepreneurial country with global connections.

English language

English is the primary spoken language in Ireland. Knowing how to read and write in English allows you to converse with the locals and increases your marketability and advantage if you’re aiming for a job in a multinational company.

People and culture

Ireland is famous for its distinctive culture, stunning coastal scenery and historical landmarks. The country has also contributed heavily to the arts, literature, film and music scene. While Ireland only has a population of five million, more than 70 million people around the world have claimed to be of Irish descent.

Explore Europe

Ireland is close to major European capitals that are just a short flight away, so you can easily explore and discover new experiences. Irish cities are also easier to get around as they are smaller in size as compared to other European cities.

Stay back visas

The Irish government offers a one-year stay back visa for Bachelors graduates and up to two years for Masters graduates. Many international students stay in Ireland after finishing their studies and start their careers here.

Safety

Ireland is a safe and tolerant place to live and ranks consistently in the world’s Top 20 countries for quality of life, peace and human development. It also has the youngest population in Europe, with a third of the population under 25 years old. Study in Ireland and you’ll join more than 35,000 international students from 161 countries.

Top five universities in Ireland

Want to study at one of the best universities in Ireland? Data collected by the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2019 present the top-five universities in the Republic of Ireland.1. Trinity College DublinLooking for the Irish version of University of Cambridge or University of Oxford? Study a research-led curriculum taught by world-class academics in the heart of Dublin.2. University College Dublin (UCD)UCD is ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. Learn from internationally connected experts inside UCD’s award-winning student facilities. Study at UCD.3. Royal College of Surgeons In IrelandIreland’s only specialist health sciences higher education institution, RCSI is home to the Ireland’s largest medical school, as well as globally recognised health practitioners.4. University College CorkStudy Ireland’s first five-star university and you’ll be involved in innovative interdisciplinary research, as well as work-based clinical and international placements.5. National University of Ireland, GalwayCalled ‘the most charming city’ by the New York Times, NUI Galway’s international reputation and unique programs span the creative arts to medical technology.

Quick facts

  • Capital: Dublin

  • Currency: EURO

  • Language: English

  • Time Zone: GMT+1

  • Dialling Code: +353

  • Population: 4.818 million (based on latest United Nations estimates)

What’s it like to study in Ireland?

What are Irish study methods?Irish study methods are similar to the UK. You may find you have more freedom to work independently than you are used to. This can seem attractive at first, but high standards are expected and you will quickly discover that you need to work hard to keep up with other students.What you need to know before you start your study in Ireland:

  • You are expected to work on your own quite often and you may not receive as much assistance as you were used to in your home country

  • You are encouraged to speak up in class and voice your opinions

  • You are asked to draw your own conclusions from what you are taught, rather than focus on gathering facts and data

  • Academic staff want you to succeed and they are available to help and advise you

  • Critical judgement is encouraged and this involves reading and researching topics independently, as well as prescribed course work

  • You must take notes at lectures and use them as a basis for learning and exam revision

  • Many students attend tutorials as part of their study. These are small teaching groups led by your lecturer where students debate ideas on study topics

  • Teaching is in English. If you experience language difficulties, you can ask your tutor or international office on campus for assistance

Fun facts about Ireland

Rankings

  • Ireland is ranked 4th in the World Happiness Index for 2018

  • Ireland is the 124th most populous country in the world

Environment

  • Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, this is because of its lush greenery and rolling hills

  • The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia in county Galway

Language

  • Irish people don’t use the words yes and no when they are asked a question. They use verbs instead. For example, if someone asks “Will you come in?” the answer is “I will.”

  • The Irish often talk about the ‘craic’. There’s no exact English translation, but it roughly means ‘fun’ or entertainment. For example “What’s the craic?” means “What’s happening?” or “How are you?”

  • A lot of people in Ireland speak a dialect of English, but many families who have lived here for generations understand and speak Irish

People and culture

  • St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. The Irish celebrate St Patrick’s Day by feasting, drinking and wearing green.

  • Irish people like to get together at home or in the pub and play music, sing and dance

  • Irish people love a cup of tea. They are the biggest tea drinkers in the world, sipping an average of 1,184 cups per person per year

  • Guinness is a type of beer that is very popular in Ireland. Many Irish people will tell you that drinking Guinness helps them to live a long and healthy life

  • Ireland is a country that practices gender equality. There have been two female presidents and the Irish people famously voted for gay marriage in a referendum in 2015

History

  • Many Irish people believe in the existence of small magical characters called leprechauns and fairies. Fairies are especially popular as they are thought to have magical powers and bring happiness and luck to families

  • Ireland is the only country in the world that has a musical instrument as its national symbol. The harp is found on Irish euro coins, passports and government documents

  • Ireland is known worldwide for its historic castles, which were built in past centuries to protect against invaders. You can still visit many of them today

Want to find out more about studying abroad in Ireland? Simply book a session with one of our counsellors to find out more.

Information That You Need To Know

Study in Ireland City

Ireland higher education system

Education has been prized in Ireland throughout its long and sometimes difficult history. Today Ireland’s higher education system offers excellent programmes for international students of all ages. More than one in ten full-time students come from overseas.

Student visa for Ireland

Before you get on the plane, there are some important documents you’ll need. If you are from a non-EU (non-European) country, you will most likely need a student visa for Ireland.

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