When you think about studying abroad for your degree and are looking at the various destinations around the world, Ireland should be on your list. The island nation has recently emerged as one of the top new destinations for international students to study in. Ireland is the ideal destination for someone who is looking for a world-class education that will lead to promising career options. It is a country that offers a diverse amount of courses, across various fields allowing you to explore and research across multitudes of subjects and these are some of the top reasons for Indian students to study in Ireland.

REASONS TO STUDY IN IRELAND

There are many reasons why you should study in Ireland, and here are just some of them:

• Universities in Ireland are top-class institutions of research and innovation.
• There are more than 32000 international students from over 100 countries studying in Ireland (Economic Times, August 2022)
• Ireland has a comparatively lower tuition fee than other European countries
• In a similar vein to the aforementioned point, the cost of living in Ireland is lower and affordable, especially for international students
• Ireland is a beautiful country, with stunning sights and historical landmarks located everywhere.

COURSES IN IRELAND

Ireland offers many courses, across many fields, allowing for research and innovation between disciplines. Some of the most popular courses in Ireland include:

• Business Analytics
• Investment Banking/Finance
• Data Science
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence

Universities in Ireland are hubs of research and innovation, offering great courses for graduates and undergraduates. Here are the top universities in Ireland, as per the Times Higher Education Ranking, 2023:

MS COURSES IN IRELAND

MS, or Masters of Science, courses exist in two main forms, that is, research-based masters and taught masters. MS courses are some of the most popular courses to study in Ireland, as they allow you to partake in real-world innovation and research. Some of the most popular MS degrees in Ireland include-

• Applied Artificial Intelligence
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Data Science and Statistical Learning
• Cognitive Science
• Information Systems
• Business Analytics
• Big Data Analytics
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

WORKING IN IRELAND

During your studies

While you are studying for your degree in Ireland as an international student from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you are entitled to take up casual employment. This means that you can work 20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours a week during the holidays. Part-time jobs can be sourced through the job listing websites such as Indeed, newspaper ads, in the windows of shops, through word of mouth, and more. Universities also have specialised career offices that can help you with resources and information about working in Ireland.

Since January 1, 2023, the national minimum wage in Ireland is €11.30.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, non-EU students who have graduated from an Irish institution of higher education are allowed to stay in Ireland in order to apply for employment or a work permit. This post-study work visa can be extended for up to 2 years.

A Stamp 1G (post-study work permit visa) indicates that you have completed your studies in Ireland and are authorized to look for employment here under the Third Level Graduate Programme. You can also apply for a Critical Skills Visa in Ireland if you are able to secure a job listed on the skills shortage list for Ireland.

Ireland offers many advantages to non-EU residents, including an affordable cost of living, a friendly culture, low employment rates and more. Many global companies have chosen Ireland as their European headquarters. These range from social and ICT giants such as Google, Meta, Linkedin, HP and Apple to pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, GSK and Genzyme. This makes it an attractive place to work in.

COST OF LIVING IN IRELAND

In comparison to other countries in Europe, Ireland has a comparatively low cost of living. Dublin, the capital city, is the most expensive city in the country, but other Irish cities are very cost-effective places to live in.

Tuition Fees:

Tuition fees in Ireland range from €9,000 – €37,000 for undergraduate degrees, €9,150 – €45,000 for postgraduate and PhD degrees. The fees depend on your chosen level of study, the chosen course, and the university you go to. Universities also offer scholarships that cover either partial, fifty per cent or the entire tuition fee.

Rent:

The cost of the rent for your accommodation depends on whether you are staying in the main city centre or the suburbs or if you are staying on your university campus. For an on-campus stay, your cost can range from anywhere between €600-€800. For private accommodation, off-campus, your cost can range from €600-€1000, depending on the location you stay. You can also get a room in a shared house for €500-€600, exclusive of bills. Bursaries and grants are also available if you are financially unable to make payments for accommodation.

Transport:

If you’re in university, you can use public transport to travel around Ireland. With the help of your student card, you can avail of concessions such as the TFI Leapcard (valid on buses, and trains), ISIC or the International Student Identity Card (valid on Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, etc; offers discounts at more than 200+ retail stores).

Visa and Airfare:

A long-term study visa costs €60 for single entry and €100 for multi-entry. A flight from India to Ireland starts from €600, depending on the date you’re booking your ticket as well as your chosen cities of departure and arrival.

Other Miscellaneous Costs:

The average cost for a mobile phone bill starts from €20. Personal expenses on things such as sports, eating out, a movie ticket etc generally comes to around €200-€300.

As stated above, In Ireland, you are allowed to work for 20 hours a week while the university is in session and 40 hours during the holidays. This can also help you cover the cost of living.

The cost of living changes from person to person, depending on your preferences. Before you travel to Ireland, you should make an estimated calculation of your finances, depending on your own lifestyle.

CONCLUSION

Outlook India magazine reported that the number of Indian students in Ireland has been steadily increasing at a 10 per cent rate every year. Indian students make up for at least 4 per cent of the international students in the country. Those who graduate with Master's degrees can stay back in Ireland and work for up to two years. Coupled with the low cost of living, great universities and degrees, Ireland is a top destination for Indian students to study in.

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