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 favorable conditions for foreign students. 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 first are focused on scientific activity, students here tend to 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 institutions 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?
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 are not so fundamentally strong, but they are focused on the practical application of knowledge and prepare their graduates for future work. It is not surprising that diplomas of such educational institutions are valued by employers from the real sector of the economy higher than university ones.
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. In addition to summer holidays, students at Irish universities have a holiday at Christmas in December and at Easter in April. Myself educational process consists of lectures, seminars, practical classes and laboratory work, as well as individual lessons with a tutor. The academic load is high, there are many 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 others 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 in English. 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 the Foundation course. During the year of study, students will significantly improve the level of English and academic subjects, and also 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. Thus, the Central Admissions Committee, to which all applicants applying for undergraduate programs at institutes and universities send documents, closes the acceptance of papers on 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.
Traditionally high level 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 the educational system of Ireland do not share and believe 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 either complete the Foundation program (1 year) or complete the last two years of the Irish high school and get an Irish Leaving Certificate (Irish Matura), 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 at an Irish high school. In both cases, a foreign applicant must confirm a good knowledge of the English language with the official results of the international IELTS or TOEFL tests. The minimum age for admission to an Irish college is 18.
Along with a large number of professional colleges in Ireland, there are seven universities, 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 in the 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: humanities, philology, 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.
Residence:€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
Residence:€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. By the number of academic 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.
Irish universities are not as popular as English ones, but the level of local education is not lower in quality than that of British institutions. Many foreigners will also be pleased with the cost of education, which is two times lower than in the UK. Ireland ranks 6th in terms of education, behind Germany and Norway.
Admission to universities does not involve entrance exams. Enrollment takes place on a competitive basis. The basis for admission is the Leaving Certificate - the National Graduation Certificate, which students receive at the end of the 12th grade after the final exams (similar to the Unified State Examination). Exam results are evaluated as a percentage. After passing school exams, applicants send applications to universities through a computer form CAO (Central Application Office).
You can simultaneously submit up to 6 applications to different universities. If the number of points scored corresponds to the passing one, the applicant is considered enrolled.
In the Republic of Ireland, higher education is provided by 9 universities, institutes of technology and vocational colleges. Universities offer school graduates training programs in various fields: marketing, law, journalism, pedagogy, exact sciences, etc.
Duration of study in institutions:
- Technological education - 2 years;
- Undergraduate - 3-4 years;
- Master's degree - 1-2 years;
- Postgraduate studies - 3 years.
The academic year begins in September, is divided into two or three semesters and lasts until mid-June. The educational process consists of lectures, practical work, seminars. Each student is assigned a tutor, with whom he can consult and study individually.
Education programs
The training system has a three-stage structure according to the Bologna scheme.
Undergraduate
Colleges, institutes of technology and universities in Ireland can issue a bachelor's degree. Terms of study:
- Standard diploma - 3 years;
- Honorary Bachelor - 4 years.
The most common destinations:
- Art;
- Humanitarian sciences;
- Engineering;
- Business and law;
- Pedagogy;
- Natural Sciences;
- The medicine.
The training lasts 1-2 years. The program includes theoretical and research activities. Graduates of the master's program apply for high positions in their chosen field and can teach at the university.
PhD
The term of study is 3 years. The training program consists of teaching and research activities with the defense of a dissertation. The first year is given to the graduate student to attend seminars, lectures and laboratory work. The second year of study involves the defense of a dissertation, as well as the teaching of disciplines for junior students.
Universities and colleges
As in all of Europe, universities in Ireland are divided into:
- Colleges of Technology;
- Institutes of Vocational Education;
- Universities.
Graduates of some specialties in colleges are in demand in the labor market more than students who graduated from prestigious universities. Colleges can be both autonomous professional institutions and a separate part of universities.
The state widely practices the introduction of colleges and universities into a single system. An example is the Irish National University, which is an association of four universities and six colleges.
Conditions for admission
There are no entrance tests to universities in the country, but first of all, all universities in Ireland require knowledge of English and the highest scores in specialized subjects. Upon admission, some universities conduct additional exams to test the qualifications of the applicant.
Language requirement
Foreign applicants must provide test results according to international systems upon admission: TOEFL not less than 550 points or IELTS at the level of 6 points and above. If the applicant is not sure of his level, then it is recommended to take language courses in specialized schools.
How Russians can enter an Irish university
Most Irish universities count the Russian certificate, so you can apply for a bachelor's degree immediately after graduation. High grades are taken into account, but it will be necessary to additionally prove your knowledge in the chosen profile. Some universities may ask you to take an internal test.
Master's and PhD programs must be entered with a basic education of at least a bachelor's degree.
Transfer from a Russian university to an Irish one is not possible, studies begin from the first year.
List of documents
Citizens of Russia to enroll in undergraduate studies in educational institutions in Ireland must have:
- Certificate of secondary school education in English;
- Motivation letter;
- Recommendations of teachers, certificates of participation in olympiads, international competitions and other evidence of good academic performance;
- Confirmation of the level of English ( TOEFL or IELTS certificates);
- A document indicating financial wealth.
The entire list of required documents for admission must be sent to SAO until February 1st.
student visa
If the applicant goes to courses for up to three months, then a degree visa is issued "WITH". For longer periods, the student receives a category visa "D".
For an entry permit, a package of documents is required:
- Confirmation of admission to an Irish university.
- Confirmation of financial viability.
- Confirmation of language proficiency (international certificates).
- International passport.
- Documents about the existing education.
- Insurance.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Statement.
Visa processing time is 8 weeks.
Cost of education
Higher education is funded by the state. Education in Ireland for its own citizens and residents of the countries of the European Union for a bachelor's degree is free. Upon admission to the magistracy and postgraduate studies - 5-10 thousand euros per year.
Students from other countries pay the full cost. It depends on the chosen specialization and is much cheaper than in other European countries. The average price for all foreign citizens (including citizens of the Russian Federation and the CIS) is 15 thousand euros per year.
Approximate prices:
Is it possible to get education for free
Students who came to study from outside the country EU are not eligible for free education in Ireland. But many universities offer scholarships and grants for outstanding students. Refugees with official status are entitled to free education.
Scholarships and grants for students
The conditions for receiving scholarships for foreign citizens are set by universities and colleges depending on the academic performance and level of knowledge of each student. The amount of the scholarship is specified directly in the international department of the higher educational institution.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ireland annually allocates grants for talented foreign students.
There is a special program designed to strengthen educational ties between Ireland and Russia. The government allocates grants for 1 year of study, summer schools, master's or postgraduate studies. Yes, Trinity College Dublin accepts Russian students with an incentive scholarship.
Internship and exchange studies
Many travel firms and companies offer a wide range of internship programs in Ireland. Short-term internship lasts 2-4 weeks. Documents are submitted to the company three months before the trip. Suitable housing is provided to the student, taking into account his wishes.
Studying under the exchange program takes place with living in an Irish family. It is the responsibility of the student to have a conscientious attitude to study and compliance with the rules of residence. The host family does everything to make the foreign guest feel at home.
The exchange fee includes:
- Transfer from the airport to the place of residence;
- Administrative expenses;
- 3 meals a day;
- Homestay, etc.
Accommodation and meals
Students can choose different kinds residence:
- Student campus;
- Host family;
- Removable housing.
Irish university campuses are considered the most equipped and comfortable hostels in all of Europe. Permission on the possibility of settling on the campus is specified in the international department of the higher educational institution.
Host families are carefully checked for compliance with the living conditions. Each university has its own list of families with which it cooperates annually.
You can rent an apartment for two or three, this is a convenient option if the applicant is not coming alone.
The cost of meals on campuses or in inexpensive catering places is approximately 50-70 euros per week. There are no free meals for students.
Top Universities in Ireland
- Trinity CollegeDublin. The university has worldwide recognition and is considered the best on the island. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, founded in 1592. Graduates are valued all over the world and find decent jobs in their specialty. Official site -
- UniversityCollegeDublin. It ranks second in the list of the best universities in the country. The institution is considered the best in terms of the quality of education and is included in the rating of "200 universities with a quality education system." Most prestigious faculty- veterinary medicine. Official site -
- UniversityCollegeCork. The university began its activity in 1845. Leading specializations are pharmaceutics and pharmacology. Graduates are in great demand in the labor market. Site -
- National University of Ireland Galway. Released many politicians including the president of the country. Ranked among the Top 5 Universities in Ireland. Official site -
- DublincityUniversity. This is a young university, founded in 1975. Located in Dublin, it consists of urban campuses. It ranks 5th in the ranking of the best universities in the Republic of Ireland and is in great demand among foreign applicants. The main direction is research in the field of IT. Official site -
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 a number of 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 who receive higher education in Ireland spend a lot of time in libraries and laboratories, doing independent work, and also 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 a 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, the academic training and technical equipment of the universities of the Emerald Isle is 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 the academic year and full-time during the holidays. Part-time employment while pursuing higher education in Ireland is not only additional source income, but also, if the student works in their specialty, 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 that recognizes a domestic high school diploma as a sufficient basis for enrolling in a 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, they will select an educational institution that is right 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.