Universities in Ireland

Diplomas from local universities are valued by employers around the world, while the prices for living and studying in the homeland of the Celts are much lower. Getting a higher education in Ireland, you acquire an invaluable store of knowledge, get acquainted with the amazing ancient culture and make useful contacts among the future European business elite. These investments will undoubtedly pay off in the future building a career.

5 Reasons to Study in Ireland

The country has created attractive foreign students terms. More than 130,000 young people and girls from different countries come annually to study at universities in Ireland.
Among foreign students there are many residents of such countries as the USA, China, France, Germany, Great Britain.
The Irish educational system is based on the British model. The quality of education is very high, while the cost is almost two times lower than in universities in England.
Students after receiving a diploma do not experience problems with employment. Graduates from Ireland are in demand in the labor market and can count on the best vacancies.
The country is one of the three safest in Europe.

Depending on the specifics and direction of the chosen specialty, you can study at universities in Ireland or colleges in the country.

The former are focused on scientific activity, students here, as a rule, study a large number of general subjects.

Vocational colleges in Ireland provide students with higher education in highly specialized areas using practical skills.

Educational institutions are well equipped, as their activities are based on the financial support of the state.

Every year more and more Russian students receive education on the Emerald Isle. The attractiveness of studying at universities in Ireland is due to a number of advantages:

Russian students can enter here without any special training;
educational establishments provide excellent training in scientific disciplines, including innovative ones;
the cost of studying in universities in Ireland is lower compared to the US and the UK;
students live in comfortable modern hostels;
there are many foreigners among the students, they are treated very hospitably.

How to apply to universities in Ireland?

Ireland is the world leader in the number of educational institutions per capita. Diplomas from local universities are highly rated outside the country, so thousands of foreign students annually arrive in Ireland to receive higher education at universities.

Irish higher education system

Irish universities are funded by the state by 90 percent. In addition to 7 universities, the higher education system includes: technological institutes; pedagogical colleges; private business schools and IT schools.

The program of study at the university provides an opportunity for the student to devote himself to science, without being distracted by general subjects. Students are committed to doing scientific discoveries, not on practical use acquired knowledge.

Technological institutions, on the other hand, focus on practical side studies, the program in them is based on the needs of the industry of the country and the world. Colleges provide the most career-oriented education. Demanded training programs in them: Information Technology; jurisprudence; Social sciencies; psychology; humanitarian sciences.

The structure of higher education in Ireland is similar to the British one. The first stage - bachelor's degree - lasts 3-4 years. The second stage is a master's degree, after its completion, higher education is considered completed. Those who wish to engage in research activities move to the third stage - postgraduate and doctoral studies.

By the way, the quality of Irish education is not inferior to British. At the same time, the cost of obtaining it, as a rule, is lower. At the age of 17-18, an Irishman takes graduation school exams in selected 6 disciplines to receive a Leaving Certificate (certificate). The results are also introductory for admission to the university. To enter the university, an applicant must obtain the highest scores in at least two specialized subjects.

Seven well-known Irish universities, tuition fees:

Trinity College Dublin- (""). Annually included in 50 best universities peace. The price of training per year is from 16035 EUR.
Dublin City University() was founded only in 1975. Educational programs focused on gaining knowledge in the field of business, IT-technologies, natural sciences, languages. The price of the annual course is about 12500 EUR.
Dublin Institute of Technology() specializes in technology education. The cost of training is from 11000 EUR per year.
University College Dublin- . There are more than 20 scientific centers on the territory of the university. The cost of studying is from 5500 EUR per year.
University College Cork(Irish National University Cork) is one of the most prestigious in the country. The minimum tuition fee is 7350 EUR per year.
University of Limerick() is the leader in corporate education in the country, employing over 2,000 students every year. The price of study is from 8500 EUR for an annual course.
AT National University of Ireland Galway() seven faculties. In addition to traditional economics and jurisprudence, Celtic anthropology is available for study. The annual course costs about 12,000 EUR.

How to enter an Irish university for a Russian

It is better to choose a university at least a year before the expected admission. accept applications from Russian and foreign citizens from September to the beginning of March inclusive. You can apply later, but you will have to pay a fine. Deadlines may vary depending on the university.

List of documents for admission to undergraduate studies:

certificate of complete secondary education, certified and translated into English;
a statement drawn up in the form of an essay, it is also called a motivation letter (the writing style is business-like, you need to tell why the applicant is interested in studying at an Irish university at a particular faculty);
diplomas, diplomas, certificates - everything that additionally confirms academic performance;
certificates proving sufficient English proficiency (- from 220 points in the online version, from 550 in the regular one; - not less than 6.5 points);
an applicant who applied for the Faculty of Medicine must pass an additional HPAT exam;
certificate confirming solvency.

Also, the university can conduct an internal interview or testing. Higher education in Ireland for Russians who do not have sufficient knowledge of the English language or basic disciplines, can only be obtained by completing Foundation preparatory courses at universities. Courses last a year average cost- 9000 EUR, upon completion, students are automatically enrolled in the chosen faculty.

The specificity of Irish universities is such that they do not provide for restrictions on the recruitment of foreign students. But each candidacy goes through a long consideration: this includes discussion in the international department, and consideration of opinions teaching staff. The decision on enrollment is made within two months.

To obtain a second higher education in Ireland, you need to submit the following documents:

document on the completed bachelor's degree;
characteristics from teachers;
confirmation of work experience in the specialty.

The cost of education, the possibility of free education

Educated citizens are valued in Ireland. Any Irishman can study for a bachelor's degree for free. Russian citizens will have to pay for education. The price of educational services in Ireland is lower than in many other European countries, but still quite high.

The average cost for Russians is 15,000 EUR per year, the minimum price is 8,000 EUR. For students from countries outside the EU, free education is not provided. But many educational institutions provide an opportunity to receive a grant or scholarship to foreign students. For example, Trinity College Dublin provides students from Russia with an incentive scholarship.

Refugees with official status have the opportunity not to pay for their studies.

The educational process: what is taught and how

The process of higher education takes place in English. There are many educational programs, the most popular ones are chemistry, IT-technologies, medicine, agriculture.

The academic year lasts from September to June: 2-3 semesters and 2 vacation breaks in December and April. Each first-year student is assigned a tutor, whose duties include individual lessons with the student.

Universities do not save on research activities. For example, Trinity College Dublin, together with international companies, form the Department of Innovation Services. Students, and not only technical specialties, participate in its work. For example, students of historical faculties make archives, and can even make money on it.

In professional institutes, it is important to master practical skills. By the way, graduates of institutes in some specialties (especially those related to business) are valued even higher in the labor market than specialists who graduated from the university.

The hallmark of teaching in Ireland is that it pays well. A professor receives an average of 67,000 EUR per year. Therefore, the negligent attitude of teachers to work is nonsense.

Accommodation and meals

The student has several options for accommodation:

Host family. Pros: own room; food; language practice is acquired; no need to pay additional bills. Cons: someone else's cuisine may not be pleasant; in case of possible disagreements, it is not easy to find another housing at once. The cost of living is 120 EUR per week.
Student hostel(campus). Pros: provided without problems; separate bedroom. Cons: accommodation in one apartment for 6-8 people; shared bathroom and kitchen. The average price is 100 EUR per week.
Rental apartment. Pros: no neighbors; own kitchen and bathroom. Cons: Finding a suitable apartment is difficult; lack of language practice. The minimum cost of housing is 170 EUR per week.

In the second and third options, you will additionally have to pay for electricity, heating, Internet (about 200 more EUR monthly). Meals on campuses, inexpensive cafes will cost about 60 EUR weekly.

Advantages and disadvantages of studying in Ireland

pros:

The country speaks a language close to British English. Therefore, you can easily master the "pure" colloquial pronunciation.
You can get a scholarship.
Irish education is valued all over the world.
Students can work.
Ireland is a safe country.
Saturated extracurricular activities: sports sections and hobby classes.
No need to waste time and money on preparatory courses unnecessarily.
The Irish are a friendly people.

Minuses:

Difficult to do.
High tuition costs.
You cannot transfer from a Russian university to an Irish one.

In Ireland, 40 percent of the population is under 25 years of age. This contributes to the active development of new forms of education. The education system is one of the best in the world, according to an independent study conducted in 2007.

Many young people around the world are inspired by Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde, who once studied in Ireland. And after them they go to receive an education that even a great writer is not ashamed to have.

All higher education institutions in Ireland

On this page, you can get acquainted with 46 universities in Ireland, which are located in 10 cities. The cost of obtaining higher education for the Bachelor's program ranges from 0 USD to 29783 USD, for the Master's program from 0 USD to 19214 USD. Read a detailed description and testimonials from students who have studied at universities in Ireland.

Name	Country	City	Bachelor (USD)	Master (USD)
All Hallows College	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
American College Dublin	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Athlone Institute of Technology	Ireland	Athlone	10000	10000
Burren College of Art	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Church of Ireland College of Education	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Cork Institute of Technology	Ireland	Cork	10902	11966
Dublin Business School	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Dublin City University	Ireland	Dublin	14411	15478
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Dublin Institute of Design	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Dublin Institute of Technology	Ireland	Dublin	11168	12232
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Dundalk Institute of Technology	Ireland	Dundalk	10637	12764
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology	Ireland	Galway	9573	10637
Griffith College	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Hibernia College	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Honorable Society of King's Inns School of Law	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Independent Colleges	Ireland	Dublin	0	0
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown	Ireland	Dublin	10000	10000
Institute of Technology Carlow	Ireland	Dublin	10371	11434
Institute of Technology Sligo	Ireland	Sligo	9573	10105

Universities in Ireland are extremely popular with Russian students. In fact, there are not many countries in the world where you can get a quality higher education and an international diploma at an affordable price. In addition, higher education in Ireland for Russians requires only a certificate of completion of a Russian high school - you do not have to overpay for a whole year of study in preparatory courses.

However, in addition to the financial aspect, higher education in Ireland has whole line other undeniable advantages.

HIGHER EDUCATION IN IRELAND

From time immemorial, Ireland has been the center of European pedagogical thought. At the dawn of the Middle Ages - in the 6th century AD, when most of the neighboring powers had no time for education, the first schools at monasteries began to be created in Ireland.

The opportunity to get a higher education appeared among the inhabitants of the Emerald Isle in the 16th century, when, at the suggestion of the English Queen Elizabeth I, the country's first university, Dublin University, was founded.

Modern system higher education in Ireland has a structure similar to the British one and consists of 3 levels:

Bachelor's degree in Ireland lasts 3-4 years. At the end of the 3-year course, the graduate receives an Ordinary Bachelor Degree, the result of a 4-year bachelor's degree is the Honors Bachelor Degree. This degree, which can literally be translated as "Bachelor's degree with honors", is usually received by those who intend to continue their studies in a master's program in Ireland or apply for a managerial position.
Magistracy in Ireland does not fundamentally differ from European or American: there are few lectures, a lot of independent research work. The duration of the master's program at a university in Ireland is 2 years.
Doctoral studies, like Ireland's master's degree, are also devoid of characteristic national features. Obtaining a PhD in the Emerald Isle can take from 2 to 6 years, depending on the chosen field of study.

Like in neighboring Great Britain, students pursuing higher education in Ireland spend a lot of time in libraries and laboratories, studying independent work and actively participate in various extracurricular activities- starting from student theater productions, ending with kayaking competitions.

TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN IRELAND

The modern system of higher education in Ireland is represented by 3 types of educational institutions.

Universities - there are only 9 in the whole country - are mainly engaged in research work. Irish university students are the future scientific elite.

Colleges and institutions representing higher education in Ireland, which account for dozens, are focused on the practical application of knowledge. Compared to classical universities, here they pay less attention to the study of fundamental sciences and research work, focusing on the knowledge and skills that the graduate will need in his future work.

ADVANTAGES OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN IRELAND FOR RUSSIAN STUDENTS

For many of our compatriots, one of the main arguments in favor of choosing a higher education in Ireland is the low cost of education compared to other English-speaking countries. A year of higher education in Ireland for Russians will cost about a third less than in an English educational institution. At the same time, academic training and technical equipment Universities of the Emerald Isle are no worse than in the UK.

By the way, the cost of living and meals during higher education in Ireland is also noticeably (20 - 30%) lower than in Britain, the United States and some states of continental Europe.

In addition, Russian students receiving higher education in Ireland are officially allowed to work - up to 20 hours a week during school year and full time work during holidays. Part-time employment during higher education in Ireland is not only an additional source of income, but also, if the student works in their specialty, an experience that potential employers will definitely appreciate.

Another important resource that can be saved by enrolling in an Irish university is time. Ireland is one of the few English speaking countries who recognize the domestic certificate of secondary education as a sufficient basis for admission to the university.

And, of course, not the last role in the choice of the future place of higher education in Ireland for Russians is played by the issue of the student's psychological comfort. And in this sense, the country is the best suited for our student. Many compatriots note that the mentality of the islanders is close to the Russian one. The Irish are one of the most hospitable peoples inhabiting Europe; any foreigner here is guaranteed a warm welcome and care from the locals.

The number of universities in Ireland offering Master's and Bachelor's programs to Russian students is quite large. Not so many documents are required for enrollment - in addition to the certificate of education, translated and notarized, you need confirmation that the financial capabilities of the applicant will allow him to pay for his studies and living in this country. Usually a bank statement is used for this.

If you are interested in higher education in Ireland for Russians, contact the KNOWLEDGE CENTER. The company's specialists will advise on all issues related to higher education in Ireland, select the right educational institution for you and help you correctly draw up the documents necessary for enrollment. You can sign up for a consultation at the "KNOWLEDGE CENTER" using the online application form below.

The Irish higher education system has its roots in the Middle Ages. It is no coincidence that this island country is called the “land of saints and scientists”: back in those distant times, monks were educated in monasteries, and then went to Europe to bring knowledge to the continent. Centuries have passed, and Ireland is still famous for its exceptional education. Not only have traditions been preserved here, but they always keep up with the times, constantly developing and improving the educational system.

Today, Irish higher education is based on the Bologna system and includes undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies. The first stage is a bachelor's degree, lasting 3-4 years. After three years of study, you can get an Ordinary Bachelor Degree, after 4 - a bachelor's degree with honors (Honours Bachelor Degree). As a rule, four-year studies are chosen by students aimed at high positions or continuing their studies in the magistracy.

Master's programs are 2 more years within the walls of the university. But unlike undergraduate programs, where students attend a fairly large number of lectures and seminars, master's programs involve more independent study. In addition to attending classes, students prepare scientific papers and research under the supervision of a tutor (supervisor).

Doctoral studies can take from 2 to 6 years, depending on the amount of research work.

Colleges, institutes and universities in Ireland

Higher education in Ireland is represented by universities, institutes and colleges. There are some differences between them and the choice of a higher educational institution depends on what you plan to do in the future.

There are 9 universities in Ireland. All of them focus on research and scientific work. The oldest and most prestigious is Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1591. Education at universities in Ireland, as a rule, is chosen by those students who plan to devote themselves to science.

Institutes and colleges do not have such a strong fundamental base, but they are aimed at the practical application of knowledge and prepare their graduates for future work. It is not surprising that diplomas from such educational institutions are valued by employers from the real sector of the economy higher than those from universities.

The most prestigious specialties are economic sciences, medicine, and information technology.

The academic academic year is two to three semesters and lasts from September to June. Apart from summer holidays, students of Irish universities have a rest for Christmas in December and in April for Easter. Myself educational process consists of lectures, seminars, practical classes and laboratory work, as well as individual lessons with a tutor. Academic load is high, a lot independent tasks. Without fail, all students go in for sports - for this, universities in Ireland have all the necessary sports facilities. Also, special attention is paid to creativity and social activity. A variety of circles, creative studios and communities of interest allow students to spend time in an exciting and useful way.

Irish university rankings

University	Position in 2016-2017	Position in 2017-20018
Trinity College Dublin	----	177
University College Dublin	201-250	201-250
National University of Ireland, Galway	201-250	201-250
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland	201-250	201-250
National University of Ireland, Maynooth	351-400	401-500
University College Cork	351-400	351-400
Dublin City University	401-500	401-500
University of Limerick	501-600	501-600
Dublin Institute of Technology	601-800	601-800

However, despite not the most high ratings, graduates of Irish universities are in great demand in the world market. Finding a job with an Irish university degree is not difficult - both on the Emerald Isle itself and in Europe and North America.

Tuition fees at universities in Ireland

The tuition fees in Irish higher education institutions are considered to be among the lowest among the English-speaking countries. A year of study at the prestigious Trinity College will cost 15,000 - 20,000 € in the humanities and technical faculties, about 30,000 € in medical specialties. In less popular universities, you can quite "keep within" the amount of 15,000 €.

Additional living expenses depend on the city in which the university is located. In the capital of the Republic - Dublin, prices are traditionally higher than in the provinces. On average, students spend about 7,000 - 10,000 € per year on hostel fees, meals and travel, which is about 30% less than in neighboring Great Britain.

According to the migration law, foreign students can work during their studies: up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during the holidays. Ireland is interested in attracting qualified specialists, so it will not be difficult for senior students to find a part-time job in their specialty. In addition to additional income, such work can be a way to stay in Ireland after graduation.

In addition to part-time jobs, students can apply for a scholarship - most universities, institutes and colleges have incentive programs for students with high academic results.

How to get into an Irish university?

Unlike other European countries, Ireland recognizes a certificate of secondary education obtained in the Russian Federation as a sufficient basis for entering a university. To do this, you must have good grades (mostly "excellent"), as well as confirm knowledge of English language. Undergraduate programs require a TOEFL score of at least 550 or an IELTS score of 6 or higher. However, this path is considered quite risky - most likely, top educational institutions will refuse you.

The most preferred way to enter Irish universities is preparatory Course foundation. During the year of study, students will significantly improve the level of English and academic subjects and adapt to living in the country. In some educational institutions, students who have passed the Foundation are automatically transferred to the first year with a “re-credit” of some of the subjects.

Documents must be submitted in advance. Yes, central selection committee, to which all applicants applying for bachelor's programs at institutes and universities send documents, the deadline for accepting papers is December 15. Those who apply to colleges and master's/doctoral programs apply directly to the chosen educational institution. The deadlines may vary somewhat, but, as a rule, in January, all educational institutions stop accepting applications.

The traditionally high level of education is a distinctive feature of Irish universities, which, unfortunately, is not always known to Russian applicants. Even in the Middle Ages, Ireland was called the "Island of Saints and Scholars." Thanks to common roots, the Irish higher education system copies the British model. However, it also has its own specifics. Colleges and universities in educational system Ireland is not divided and it is believed that they all represent the so-called. "3rd level" - higher education. As a result, many undergraduate programs in Ireland are taught in colleges. To enter local universities, graduates of Russian secondary schools must pass either Foundation program(1 year), or complete the last two years of Irish high school and receive an Irish Leaving Certificate (Irish Abitur), an IB International Diploma or a British A-Levels certificate. The fulfillment of this condition opens the doors of higher educational institutions in Ireland to foreign applicants.

As an exception, there are a small number of colleges and business schools in the country that can be entered without a Foundation and without two years of study in Irish high school. In both cases, a foreign applicant must confirm good knowledge English language official results of international tests IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum age for admission to an Irish college is 18.

Along with a large number There are seven professional colleges in Ireland, the most prestigious of which are Trinity College (Dublin), University College (Dublin), University of Limerick.

Note: Unlike university colleges, colleges vocational education have a great practical focus. Depending on the length of study, graduates are awarded certificates here. diplomas or academic degrees: One Year Certificate is issued after a year of full-time study, after two years a National Certificate is issued, after three - a National Diploma, and after four - a bachelor's degree, which is equated to a university.

Location: Dublin.

Description: Trinity College (Dublin), founded by Queen Elizabeth I of Great Britain, is an independent division of the University of Dublin. It is the oldest and most prestigious institution of higher education in the country. In addition, Trinity is one of the 7 oldest universities English-speaking world and the only one located outside the UK. As the first in Ireland, the College is traditionally ranked among the top 50 according to the London Times. At various times, Trinity's pets were writers Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde, laureates Nobel Prize in literature Samuel Beckett, Nobel Prize winner in literature, physicist Ernest-Thomas Walton and other famous personalities.

Faculties: humanitarian, philological, business, economics and social sciences, engineering and cybernetics, medicine and natural sciences.

Number of students: about 15 thousand

Russian-language (partially) bachelor's program: business-oriented disciplines and the Russian language.

Start date: August.

Accommodation:€8’500/year (single room in student residence)

Program

Requirements

Tuition fee, euro, €

Undergraduate, 4 years

16’000 - 21’000

Master, 1-2 years

MBA

Profile higher education (bachelor's degree), IELTS 6.5, TOEFL (ibt): 90+

7'000 - 30'000 (MBA)

Location: Dublin.

Description: University College Dublin (UCD) is the largest university in Ireland. Its founder, Cardinal John Henry Newman, conceived it as one of the first Irish Catholic universities. To date, UCD is the second most prestigious university in Ireland after Trinity and the first in terms of the number of students. Of all its alumni, James Joyce, the outstanding writer of the 20th century, is the most famous.

Faculties: legal, economics and social sciences, philosophy and sociology, medical, engineering and architecture, natural sciences, humanities, business.

Number of students: about 22 thousand, 1’500 are foreigners.

Start date: august

Accommodation:€600/month

Program	Requirements	Tuition fee, euro, €
Undergraduate, 4 years		15’000 - 20’000
Master, 1 - 2 years	Profile higher education (bachelor's degree), IELTS 6.5	8’000 - 44’000

Location: Limerick.

Description: The city of Limerick is an attractive place for students from abroad: annually music festivals and various cultural events, various international sports competitions are held here. The local university, which received its status only at the end of the last century, is today considered the most prestigious institution of higher education in Ireland. In count degrees received within its walls, this university ranks first in the country. Among its alumni are the Irish politician and former President of the European Parliament Pat Cox, the famous Canadian engineer David Parnassus.

Universities in Ireland - higher education in Ireland, study at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Limerick. Video: living, studying and working in Ireland. All higher education institutions in Ireland

5 Reasons to Study in Ireland

How to apply to universities in Ireland?

Irish higher education system