Known for its large expanse of lush green fields and magnificent castles, Ireland is a country that offers you the best of both worlds – the green countryside and a vibrant urban lifestyle. Its world-class institutions, extensive selection of courses, and abundant work opportunities make it an ideal destination for Indian students. A technology hub with many leading companies having their European headquarters here, Ireland will assure you of a holistic experience that goes beyond your studies.

Here are top six reasons why Ireland could be an ideal study destination for you:

1. Quality institutions

One in ten full-time students in Ireland is an international student, which explains the excellence offered by Irish institutions. The Irish government monitors the quality of education via National Framework of Qualifications (NFF). This means irrespective of the university you enroll in, the quality of education remains uniform.

2. Innovation and research

Universities and colleges of Ireland form the top 1% of research institutes of the world with impacts in 19 disciplines including social science, natural science, humanities, and healthcare. This provides huge scope for undergraduate and graduate students to apply for research programs driven by innovation and ample opportunities. Add to it names like Ernest Walton, John Bell, Oscar Wilde, and James Joyce that simply re-establish the fact that innovative thinking, creativity and problem solving are some of the integral aspects of the Irish curriculum.

3. A land of opportunities

Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate course or a graduate program, you will find abundant opportunities in Ireland. In fact, many of the world’s biggest and best organisations have their key strategic research facilities here. Ireland is known to have over 1,000 multi-national companies with 9 of 10 global ICT companies, 8 of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies, 6 of the top 7 diagnostic companies, 8 of the top 10 gaming companies, and 15 of the top 20 medical device companies. Phew! Also, 50% of the world’s leading financial services firms are also stationed in Ireland.

4. Stay in a safe community

Ireland has been ranking in the top 10 countries in Global Peace Indices of 2018* and 2017*, which makes it among the safest countries in the world. You’ll enjoy similar rights as any local Irish citizen and stay in a society that is always ready to help and support.

5. Experience the Irish culture

The Irish are known for their welcoming and friendly approach. They love their conversations and are probably the best people to make you laugh. In 2017, Ireland was voted as the world’s 10th most sociable country. It is a family-oriented society, which is also extended to their approach towards international students. Also, festivals are an integral part of the Irish culture, which is loaded with traditions, customs and folk music. You’ll be amazed to see the festivities and celebrations during St. Patrick’s Day, Galway Oyster Festival, Puck Fair, Fleadh Traditional Irish Music Festival, and more! When in Ireland, you’ll always feel at home.

6. Work while you learn

Good news – you can support your education in Ireland by working part-time. You’ll be allowed to work for 20 hours per week during the academic session and 40 hours per week during the months of May, June, July, August and mid- December to mid- January. After completion of your studies, you can stay back to seek employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme for non-EU third level graduates.



Studying abroad can be an expensive affair, but thankfully, Ireland is one destination where quality education is available at tuition rates lower than many other countries. Since the duration of graduation courses is mostly 12 months unlike the 16-24 months’ duration of programs in other countries. So, as a student from India, it makes for a very desirable place to study at, with innumerable growth opportunities.  

2. Innovation and research

Universities and colleges of Ireland form the top 1% of research institutes of the world with impacts in 19 disciplines including social science, natural science, humanities, and healthcare. This provides huge scope for undergraduate and graduate students to apply for research programs driven by innovation and ample opportunities. Add to it names like Ernest Walton, John Bell, Oscar Wilde, and James Joyce that simply re-establish the fact that innovative thinking, creativity and problem solving are some of the integral aspects of the Irish curriculum.

3. A land of opportunities

Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate course or a graduate program, you will find abundant opportunities in Ireland. In fact, many of the world’s biggest and best organisations have their key strategic research facilities here. Ireland is known to have over 1,000 multi-national companies with 9 of 10 global ICT companies, 8 of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies, 6 of the top 7 diagnostic companies, 8 of the top 10 gaming companies, and 15 of the top 20 medical device companies. Phew! Also, 50% of the world’s leading financial services firms are also stationed in Ireland.

4. Stay in a safe community

Ireland has been ranking in the top 10 countries in Global Peace Indices of 2018* and 2017*, which makes it among the safest countries in the world. You’ll enjoy similar rights as any local Irish citizen and stay in a society that is always ready to help and support.

5. Experience the Irish culture

The Irish are known for their welcoming and friendly approach. They love their conversations and are probably the best people to make you laugh. In 2017, Ireland was voted as the world’s 10th most sociable country. It is a family-oriented society, which is also extended to their approach towards international students. Also, festivals are an integral part of the Irish culture, which is loaded with traditions, customs and folk music. You’ll be amazed to see the festivities and celebrations during St. Patrick’s Day, Galway Oyster Festival, Puck Fair, Fleadh Traditional Irish Music Festival, and more! When in Ireland, you’ll always feel at home.

6. Work while you learn

Good news – you can support your education in Ireland by working part-time. You’ll be allowed to work for 20 hours per week during the academic session and 40 hours per week during the months of May, June, July, August and mid- December to mid- January. After completion of your studies, you can stay back to seek employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme for non-EU third level graduates.



If you want to bring down your educational expenses, it is best to apply to various scholarships available for Indian students.

2. Where will you live? Calculate accommodation costs

Most institutions in Ireland offer on-campus residence facilities to international students. You can also opt for off-campus accommodation wherein you can share apartments with other students from India. Take help from the accommodation office at your college. The cost of accommodation may range anywhere around €427 per month (if you choose to stay alone) depending upon your location and time of the year. However, if you choose to stay within the campus, then the cost may come around €300-600 per month.

For a shared room, the accommodation cost is approx. €400 per month and can go up to €850 for a private room in a shared apartment.

3. Cost of your student visa and permit

To study in Ireland, the first step is to secure a valid study visa and that comes with its own costs (approx. €60). Feel free to consult your LCS GETWAY ABROAD counsellor for latest updates and information on the visa application process and related costs. 

4. Living expenses

You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities, and emergencies. When living in a foreign country as a student, it is better to keep track of your expenditures so that you do not overspend. As an international student, the monthly living cost that you are likely to incur will be approx. €650-1,000 (indicative). 



The Irish Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you’d need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in Ireland. Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:

 C STUDY VISA

D STUDY VISA

Documents required for ‘D Study visa’ in Ireland

To apply for your study visa, you will generally need: 

-A current passport or other valid travel documentation.

–Letter of acceptance from a recognized Irish institution.

-As a mandatory condition, your passport needs to be valid for 12 months i.e., after your proposed date of arrival in Ireland.

-Passport-sized color photographs.

-The score of an English language proficiency test such as IELTS 

-Proof of fee payment (this can either be a valid receipt showing course fees has been lodged to an approved student fee payment service or of the copy of Electronic Transfer of Funds by the applicant to the Irish bank of the university or college.

-Evidence of funds (€7,000) to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course.

-Evidence that accounts for any gaps in your educational history (if any).

-Medical insurance details.

-You might also be asked to provide with your biometric information as part of the application process.

-A statement of your commitment that you’ll leave Ireland on the expiry of your visa.

-For ‘C’ visa you need application summary sheets and proof of your return home as attested documents.

-If any of your document is not in English/Irish, then it must include a full translation. Also, each of the translated document must consist of:

-A translator confirmation as evidence of accurate translation of the original document submitted;

-The translation date;

-The full name and signature of the translator; and

-The contact details of your translator

*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your LCS GETWAY ABROAD counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing.

When can you apply? 

You can apply for a study visa up to three months before your travel date to Ireland. But, if you plan to visit another state before you travel to Ireland, then you must possess a relevant visa for that state in your passport before you apply for an Irish visa.

English language requirements

To gain your study visa for Ireland, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognized by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

A minimum score of 5.0 band is required in IELTS to apply for an Irish study visa. 

Biometric

As part of your application, you will also be required to furnish your biometric information. As an Indian student, you’d need to provide your fingerprints to the Irish authorities. 

Academic excellence, internationally-recognized qualifications, vibrant campus life, abundant growth in research, and immense employment opportunities, education in Ireland will offer you all.

Study levels in Ireland

The Irish education system is quite similar to that of the UK which in itself explains the quality it provides to its students. Education in Ireland is mainly categorized in four levels.

-Primary education including pre-primary.

-Post primary education.

-Further education and training.

-Higher education.

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

The NFQ specifies the standards of Irish education qualifications. It measure and compares the learning standards and achievements of qualifications and also facilitates the transfer between institutions i.e. it allows students to move from one study level to another as long as their student visa requirements are fulfilled. Since the qualifications under NFQ correspond with that of European Qualification Framework, your degree is recognized and accepted globally.

Note that the both Irish universities, Institutes of Technology and HECA private colleges provide third-level qualifications on the NFQ.

Fee structure

Ireland is a great place to enjoy a world-class education, quality of life and colorful confluence of culture. While the tuition fee in Ireland is reasonable, it is best to plan well to manager your expenses well. Tuition fees for international students vary according to the type and duration of the course. Each university in Ireland sets its own tuition fees, depending on subject and level of study. The average degree costs between €10,000 and €25,000 a year.

Teaching and learning style

Universities and colleges in Ireland provide an interactive and innovative learning approach wherein you’ll be engaging with your classmates and your instructor alike while understanding the topic/concept of discussion. Irish system reaches out to support international students, both in the classroom and outside of it.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of independent learning which can include working on assignments, reading a lot of academic lists and making notes during your lectures. In addition to lectures, tutorials are also conducted to helps students understand the concepts in a better manner. The classroom size is smaller than India and English is the medium of instruction. As an Indian student, you may take some time to get used to the Irish accent but once you do, you’ll know why it is called the most charming accent of the world.

Higher (or third-level) education

The higher education comprises universities, colleges, and institutes of technology, most of which are Irish government funded. Ireland has a total of 7 universities, 7 colleges of education, 15 private higher education institutions and 14 Institutes of Technology (IoT). There a few additional third-level private institutions in Ireland that offer specialised education in disciplines like business studies, art and design, law, medicine, etc.

Pathway programs

There are also many pathway programs to higher education for international students including foundation studies mostly in business, social sciences, engineering or pure/applied sciences. Irish universities have arranges with private pathway providers that helps students receive the extra support and assistance they need to succeed. Indian students aiming for masters can also apply to pre-master pathway programs if they’re unable to fulfill the requirements for direct entry.



Unlike a single intake in the Indian universities, Irish universities and colleges offer two major intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The two intakes available in Ireland are:

Autumn/Semester 1:  Starts early September and runs till December

Spring/Semester 2: Starts late January through to May

Which intake to opt for?

It can get a bit confusing to choose the intake that’s best for you. Consider factors like the availability of your preferred program, your academic records, entrance test scores, acceptance rates, job opportunities and your readiness to join the program whilst making a decision.

While most Indian students prefer the September intake, January intake is equally good for certain programs. We suggest, if you do not have your scorecards ready, it’s better to skip the haste and apply for the next intake.