Course overview

With over 8 recognised universities, students select Ireland as a choice destination to pursue their business degree as the country has a fast-growing economy with a thriving financial and technology sector. Undergraduate programs help students prepare for careers in various industries such as technology, finance, retail, property, energy and agribusiness. Students can also specialise in a spectrum of majors including international business, information systems, commerce, marketing and human resource management.

Being a knowledge-based economy focused on technology and financial services, the programs offered by Irish universities combine strong theoretical concepts with practical skills that are essential for professional employment. Irish universities are in the top 1% of research institutions in the world, allowing students to join world-class research programmes for increased academic exposure. In addition, programs do offer students internship opportunities to work in real Irish businesses in their final year.

Taking a business degree in Ireland is a strong step towards an excellent career internationally as well as in Ireland where graduates can work and stay in Ireland after graduation.

Why study business in Ireland?

  • Business universities in Ireland have a reputation for excellent research coupled with a rigorous curriculum to ensure graduates are employment-ready. This includes an emphasis on team-work and projects for real-world Irish businesses.

  • Choose from a wide variety of business disciplines that interest you such as international business, information systems, commerce, marketing, and human resource management.

  • Students studying business have the opportunity to gain industry insight during their program through internships.

  • Excellent employment opportunities await students who study business in Ireland, back home and within Ireland itself.

  • A wealth of post-graduate courses to choose from to continue your studies including internationally recognised MBA programs.

Key facts about studying business in Ireland

  • Ireland is home to 9 of the top universities in the world (Times Higher Education Top Universities 2021) such as Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.

  • You can stay and work in Ireland with a study visa extension for 6 to 12 months (or up to 24 months for postgraduate students) after you graduate with a health and medicine degree from an Irish university.

  • Ireland is a safe and peaceful country, ranking 8th out of 163 countries in the 2021 Global Peace Index.

Choosing your business university

Here are some key things to look out for in choosing your business university in Ireland:

  • Academic Excellence – Research on reviews and teaching professors can give a good insight into the course curriculum in addition to course descriptions. A good experience can move beyond traditional education boundaries and provides excellent teaching support for the track you wish to pursue.

  • Linked MBA Programs - Understand if there are any post-graduate programs such as an MBA that allows you easier entry when you apply in the future while accelerating your learning through exemptions,

  • Location – Whether it’s the bustling city of Dublin or the more laid-back city of Limerick you prefer, look for a university situated in a region that offers you the best mix of lifestyle and standard of living.

  • Cost – While tuition fees shouldn’t vary too much for the same course, the kind of financial assistance and scholarships available to you may differ more substantially. Look for a university that offers scholarships and determine if you are eligible, some scholarships are only awarded to students in certain countries and regions.

  • International Student Support – Find a university that offers well-planned support for international students, as they can advise on essentials such as accommodation, student welfare, and post-graduate employment opportunities.

Admission requirements for Irish universities

Entry into an Irish university typically requires a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or an equivalent diploma or certificate depending on the course applied for. Non-native speakers will also require an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.5, with no individual sub-score less than 6.0 as evidence of English language proficiency.

Those looking for postgraduate programs may need to meet additional entry requirements, such as prior knowledge in certain subjects, work experience, and the successful completion of an audition, portfolio, interview or test.

If you are applying for an MBA program in Ireland, many universities will require you to have two to three years of work experience, a detailed curriculum vitae, statement of purpose and the contact details of your professional referees. Depending on the institution, a valid score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) may also be required.

Finding what fits you best can be overwhelming. Let us help! We will help guide you through the entire process from course selection to university and visa application. Speak to our education specialists now for free.

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