Higher Education in Ireland
Though many people come to Ireland for the scenery and peace it often offers, there are still plenty of reasons to visit if you want to further your education. This English-speaking country has a strong western feel to it. It is modern and just as diverse as the UK or US. It has a stronger cultural identity than that of either country though. If you want to study the arts or you hope to learn about agriculture, this is the area to be.
There are three main study options available to students once they complete their secondary education. This includes attending universities, specialized colleges, and institutes of technology. Specialist colleges are a common
option, but they are more like an apprenticeship program.Students enroll in this type of school to learn one subject area.Technology institutes are not just technology related, though.Most of these schools are vocational programs.The main area of student study here includes any of the following areas:
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Media
- Textiles
- Marketing and business
- Sciences
These are diverse programs.Some are specialized for a specific field or type of work that the student will
do once he or she leaves school. Others are more rounded, offering complimentary programs to students.
Ireland has seven main universities, all of which are public. According to World University Rankings, all seven of these schools have been ranked in the top 700 in the world. The following are the largest and most well established schools in the country. These are also the largest that provide for student travel.
- The University College Cork, a public school
- University College Dublin, a public school
- Trinity College Dublin, a public school
- Burren College of Art, a small private school
- Dublin Business School, a large, private school
What to Expect from Higher Education in Ireland
If you plan to enroll in higher education in Ireland, it is a good idea to plan well in advance. It can take some time to secure a study visa, and schools often are filled for some of the more in-demand courses.
Those who enter Ireland to study in an undergraduate program are likely to spend between €
30,000 and €
52,000 for education. However, some fields are much less expensive and others are competitively high. The higher range courses include areas of medicine and science, with the least expensive been business, arts, and humanities programs. It may be possible to find grants or reduced costs if the student has exceptional skills. Nevertheless, students should enroll in courses that appeal to their specific needs. Students will need to have exceptional skills and a proven educational background to be eligible to enroll in some of these schools.
Student Visas for Ireland
Individuals who wish to visit Ireland to study will need to apply for a visa to enter the country prior to arriving there. Those coming from a non-EEA country for study must be enrolled as a full time student under a specific degree program. Transitional educational opportunities may be available as well.
It is possible to apply for a visa online through the state department. Those who will be in Ireland for less than three months of study will apply for a C Study Visa. Those who plan to be in the country for a longer period of time will need to apply for a D Study Visa. Students will need to apply with a letter stating they have been accepted into a recognized school, have the academic eligibility to attention, have paid for the course in full, and have enough funds to maintain themselves during the stay.
Health Insurance
The high standard of health care here helps any student visitor to feel safe. However, there are long wait times for surgical procedures and many times the state's health insurance protection simply does not provide coverage to international students.
Why Study in Ireland?
If you are ready to explore the countryside and want to
do so with music and spirit at the heart of your study, traveling to Ireland is perhaps the ideal place to go. Students will learn in modern classrooms filled with outstanding amenities. There are a variety of opportunities to be found, including schools with outstanding research facilities. Though you may find that getting a job after school is difficult to do in most areas, due to the poor economic climate currently, there is a demand for qualified professionals who are proven in their areas of study.