What are the Benefits of studying in Ireland?

Ireland is a country known for its academic excellence, lush countryside, friendly people and rich heritage. Studying in Ireland has many advantages. It has become a popular destination for many students as it offers great opportunities for international students. One of the main advantages of studying in Ireland is its highly regarded education system that focuses on skill development and entrepreneurship. The country has world-class universities offering courses to study in Ireland, ranging from sciences, engineering, humanities to economics. The university encourages student innovation and creativity. Another advantage of studying in Ireland is the relatively low cost of tuition, living costs and post-study visas. According to the Higher Education Authority, the 11% of Irish university students are from different countries and 4.39% are from India. Read on to find out more about the benefits of studying in Ireland. 

Benefits of Studying in Ireland:

• Use of English - The language of instruction at Irish universities is English. The language is spoken by most international students, and the fact that the majority of Irish citizens speak English makes Ireland a popular destination for international students. This is considered one of the main advantages of studying in Ireland. You don't need to overcome language barriers to learn here. To be admitted to an Irish institution, an international student must submit a certificate of English from an accredited testing provider, such as IELTS or TOEFL. 

• Visa After Graduation - Among all his EEA member countries, the Irish postgraduate visa option is the most affordable for international students. One of the advantages of studying in Ireland is that the country offers work visas after graduation. To obtain a postgraduate visa, students can apply under the Irish 3rd level postgraduate system. Under this scheme, non-EU students can stay in Ireland after their studies in order to seek employment or apply for a green card/work permit. You can work full-time up to 40 hours a week during this period. Bachelor's degrees are permitted for one year, and master's degrees are permitted for two years. Once you find a job, you can apply for a green card, also known as a Vital Skills Employment Permit. 

• Quality Education - Irish universities are in the top 5% of world rankings. Irish education is highly regarded for its contribution to research, innovation, and skill development. There are nine colleges, 14 colleges of technology, five teacher training colleges, and numerous private universities offering certificates, diplomas, and degree programmes. The institution is overseen by the Irish Government through the National Qualifications Framework to ensure a consistent quality of education. Courses at Irish universities are tailored to the careers students want to pursue. 

• Affordable education costs - One of the biggest advantages of studying in Ireland is that the cost of education there is much lower than in other countries. This is because the government provides financial support to most universities. For example, the University of Maynooth costs around €7,000, which is cheaper than many other European universities. Tuition fees may vary depending on the course and university chosen. The average fees for undergraduate degrees range from 9,000 to 21,000 euros and for postgraduate degrees from 9,000 to 20,000 euros. Apart from the cost of studying in Ireland, the average cost of living is also quite affordable. Including personal expenses, the average cost of living for an international student is between €5,000 and €9,000 per month. 

• Employment Opportunities - Ireland is home to major pharmaceutical, agricultural, and technology companies, offering students a wide range of employment opportunities. One of the biggest advantages of studying in Ireland is the job opportunities after graduation. Well-known technology giants such as Google, IBM, LinkedIn, Pfizer, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple have their European operations headquartered in the country. It is in high demand in fields such as life sciences, IT, pharmaceuticals, data engineering, data analysis, medical technology analysis, and healthcare. Placement rates for most Irish institutions are between 80-96%. Based on Ireland's third level postgraduate system, students can easily find a job after graduation and acquire relevant professional skills. Additionally, Ireland allows students to work 20 hours part-time (during classes) and 40 hours (during vacations) full-time to cover living expenses in Ireland. Additionally, Ireland is a short flight from other European countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland, making job hunting possible in these countries. Irish universities also encourage students to seek internship opportunities in these countries, giving them the chance to find work later.