Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for students from all over the world. The friendliness and hospitality for which Irish people are renowned, contribute to the ease with which overseas students adapt to the way of life and in particular, student life.
Having
developed from being a predominantly agricultural economy in the 1950s
Ireland is now a thoroughly modern nation with well developed manufacturing
and international services sectors and has the highest economic growth
rate in the E.U. - hence the title 'The Celtic Tiger'. The educated
workforce produced in Ireland by the education system has been a key
factor in attracting international investment to the country and in
the growth of the modern technological industries which have helped
make Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
The international dimension of education is important in Ireland, which has one of the most trade dependent economies in the world. The Irish Government has invested in the internationalisation of our education system, both to promote the international activities and linkages of our colleges and to encourage students from overseas countries to study in Ireland.
Higher education
in Ireland is judged by international standards and the employment market
for graduates is a global one. Overseas students receive a quality education
in a friendly environment. They in turn enrich the educational 
experience
of our own students and bring an international dimension to our campuses.
Lifelong friendships and networks are formed between Irish and overseas
students which later enhance the cultural and trade relationships between
our countries.
Higher Education
Higher Education in Ireland consists of the universities (with associated colleges of education), institutes of technology, and a number of private independent colleges. The universities and institutes of technology are autonomous and self-governing, but are substantially state-funded.
Universities
There are nine universities in Ireland - 2 in Northern Ireland and 7
in the Republic. The University of Dublin, 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, National University of Ireland
Dublin; University College Cork, National University of Ireland Cork;
National University of Ireland Galway and National University of Ireland
Maynooth. NUI also has three recognised colleges: 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
our newest universities and were founded in 1989. The two universities
in Northern Ireland are: the University of Ulster (UU) and the Queen's
University of Belfast (QUB).
In
addition to offering degrees at Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate levels,
over a full range of disciplines, the universities and colleges also
undertake research in many areas. Undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas
are also available and universities are involved in continuing and distance
education programmes (aimed mainly at Irish residents).
Institutes
of Technology
There are currently 14 Institutes of Technology located throughout the
Republic offering programmes at degree, national diploma and national
certificate levels in a wide variety of subjects. Their qualifications
are externally validated by Ireland's national certification authority,
which ensures that their qualifications reach the highest international
standards. Many of the Institutes of Technology also run postgraduate
diploma and degree programmes, both taught and research.
Colleges of
Education
There are five Colleges of Education for primary school teachers. These
colleges offer three year full time courses leading to a B.Ed degree
which is the recognised qualification for primary school teaching.
Independent
Third Level Colleges
These colleges offer programmes leading to certificates, diplomas and
degrees, which have received recognition by Ireland's national certification
authority or from other external accreditation institutions (such as
universities). Courses on offer include: Accountancy and Business Studies,
Law, Humanities, Hotel & Catering, Tourism Studies and Art.
Explanation
of Programmes available at Third Level Institutions
One-Year Certificate: One-year full-time course
National Certificate: Two-year full-time course
National Diploma: One-year after National Certificate/three years ab
initio
Bachelors Degree: Normally a three or four-year course
Graduate Diploma: Specially for graduates seeking a vocational reorientation
- usually a one-year course
Masters Degree: Either by research or through a taught programme. Normally
1-2 years duration
Doctorate (PhD): Usually takes 3-years of original research
Study Programmes
Available to Overseas Students
In addition to full undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, Irish
universities offer a wide selection of study programmes involving credit
transfer arrangements with overseas universities and colleges. These
range from Summer programmes, to semester programmes, to full academic
year programmes in a broad spectrum of faculties. These programmes include:
Junior Year Abroad (JYA) and Study Abroad Programmes (mainly aimed at
non E.U. students)
SOCRATES (Applicable to citizens of Member States of the E.U. as well
as to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). SOCRATES aims to promote the
concept of lifelong learning in response to constantly evolving education
and training needs. There is a variety of programmes promoted by SOCRATES,
including:
ERASMUS (higher education)
LINGUA (language-learning)
Student Expenses
The main costs that students can expect to incur while in Ireland include
fees*, accommodation and living expenses. These vary considerably depending
on the course, the institution and the lifestyle of the student.
-
first-time undergraduates and,
-
are E.U. nationals and have been ordinarily resident in an E.U. Member State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third-level course.
The universities and colleges have a small number of scholarships for overseas students. Students are advised to contact the institution directly to obtain further information.
Application
Procedures
Studying overseas is a very enriching experience however it can be quite
costly, hence it is worth spending time and consideration choosing the
most suitable programme and most appropriate institution.
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 which lists all the courses on
offer and gives information on how to apply.
The CAO website is : www.cao.ie
Further information and contact details of all third level institutions can be obtained on our website at www.educationireland.ie
Susan Gibbons
IEBI
IPC House
35-39 Shelbourne Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Tel: +353 1 6144836
Fax: +353 1 6144839
Email: sgibbons@educationireland.ie
or info@educationireland.ie
