By India Today Education Desk: Ireland has emerged as a magnet for international students, particularly those from India. The 2021/22 academic year saw a staggering 20% increase in international student enrolment in Ireland, with over 30,400 students from around the world studying at Irish institutions. Among them, approximately 4,000 were from India, marking a 14-fold increase in Indian students studying in Ireland since 2010.
This surge in popularity can be attributed to Ireland’s exceptional education system, welcoming culture, and bountiful career prospects, making it an ideal destination for students seeking to broaden their horizons by studying abroad. Ireland has also emerged as a prominent study-abroad destination for Indian students.
Here’s all you need to know from the expert Karunn Kandoi, Chief Experience Officer, ApplyBoard.
EXCELLENT EDUCATION SYSTEM
- Ireland provides international students with a unique opportunity to pursue their education in an English-speaking country at the forefront of Europe’s cultural, economic, and technological advancement. After Brexit, Ireland remains the only majority English-speaking country in the European Union, offering students an ideal location for studying in a global setting
- Ireland’s world-class institutions offer high-quality education, research opportunities, and globally recognised degrees, with all of its universities ranking among the top 3% globally
- With over 5,000 programs to choose from, students have a wide range of courses to explore. Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and University College Cork are a few of the top universities in Ireland.
- Irish universities and colleges offer a wide range of programs and courses, ranging from science, engineering, and business to humanities and the arts
Many institutions have strong industry links, which provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience and make valuable industry connections.
GREAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- According to the Higher Education Authority’s Graduate Outcomes Survey, 80% of Ireland’s international graduates were employed or about to start a job, with 66% of those students finding employment in Ireland
- Graduating from an Irish institution opens a wide range of career opportunities, especially with many global companies such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft based in Ireland
- The Irish government has also taken steps to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurship, creating a vibrant start-up ecosystem in the country. Ireland’s strong reputation in STEM fields prepares graduates for careers in computer science, biotechnology, engineering, and more
The country also has a thriving healthcare sector, with opportunities in fields such as medicine, nursing, and allied health professions. Graduates are in high demand in professional, scientific, technical, and information and communication sectors.
AFFORDABLE EDUCATION
- Education in Ireland also offers a strong return on investment, making it a popular choice among international students. Tuition fees for non-EU (European Union) students may vary depending on the institution and program of study, but they are typically more affordable than other study destinations
- In comparison to countries such as the US, UK, or Australia, Ireland’s tuition fees are relatively reasonable.
- This factor makes studying in Ireland a compelling option for students seeking high-quality education at an affordable price
- For instance, the National College of Ireland provides a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing for only €10,000.00 EUR / year. Ireland also offers many scholarship options for international students
AFFORDABLE EDUCATION
- Education in Ireland also offers a strong return on investment, making it a popular choice among international students. Tuition fees for non-EU (European Union) students may vary depending on the institution and program of study, but they are typically more affordable than other study destinations
- In comparison to countries such as the US, UK, or Australia, Ireland’s tuition fees are relatively reasonable.
- This factor makes studying in Ireland a compelling option for students seeking high-quality education at an affordable price
- For instance, the National College of Ireland provides a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing for only €10,000.00 EUR / year. Ireland also offers many scholarship options for international students
These scholarships are merit-based, institution-specific, country-based, or financial aid scholarships that are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
WORK WHILE STUDYING
- International students who choose to study in Ireland can benefit from the opportunity to work part-time while studying. As per Irish immigration rules, international students are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during holidays such as winter and summer breaks
- This provides a great opportunity for students to earn extra income and gain valuable work experience while studying in Ireland
- To be eligible for part-time work, international students must be enrolled full-time in a course of study at a recognised institution in Ireland for a minimum of one year and must have a valid immigration stamp 2.
Ireland is an excellent destination for Indian students seeking higher education abroad. The country offers high-quality education, a friendly and welcoming culture, and abundant career opportunities for graduates.
Whether you’re interested in STEM, healthcare, or business, there are plenty of options available in Ireland. By choosing to study in Ireland, Indian students can gain valuable international experience, develop a global perspective, and set themselves up for a successful career.
