Study in Ireland 2023 Application Process, Fees, Top Irish Universities

Study in Ireland 2023: Ireland is a well-ranked country with an immense of universities. It has become the favorite destination amongst international students. The country has a beautiful history and unique culture which students wish to experience while seeking higher education. As far as education is concerned, Ireland has seven public universities. The country has 14 technology institutions. Besides public universities, the country has several reputed private institutions too. Here are details about study in Ireland 2023 for international candidates.

• Dublin has a huge number of higher educational institutions in the country. Dublin has several cultures and activities so that students can entertain themselves. It also has pubs with attractive architecture.
• Galway is another city of Ireland that offers scenic beaches, busy city life, and nightlife.
• Cork is situated in the south and proffers a way to explore the Irish countryside. It is a popular tourist destination that its history, culture, and nightlife.

Learn about the Programs Offered in Ireland:

• Ireland has a lot to offer to the students who want to study here. The universities here proffer degree programs in specialized colleges and technology institutions. In addition to this, vocational studies is another venture that students can achieve. In this category, candidates can acquire a high range of subjects such as marketing, textiles, healthcare, media, and so on.
• If you are looking for diploma programs then also Ireland is an ideal place to delve into. The diploma programs are equal to the associate’s degree in the US. Such programs are short.
• It is important to note that medicine, dentistry, and law can be studied at the undergraduate level in Ireland.

List of Top Irish Universities:

• Trinity College Dublin: Trinity College has a profound history. It was founded in 1592 and is the oldest university in the country. It is a prestigious institution and ranked 104th globally. There are three faculties in Trinity College – Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. It provides education to more than 17,000 students.
• University College Dublin: This college has a capacity of 34,000 students and is ranked 193rd globally. It came into being in 1854 and consisted of five colleges.
• National University of Ireland, Galway: This is another renowned university of Ireland.  It provides education to more than 18,000 students and has been ranked  260^th in the world.
• University College Cork: University College Cork is a National University of Ireland, and is situated in the south of Ireland. It achieved 338th rank in the world and was the first university awarded with the title ‘Green Flag for Environmental Sustainability.
• Dublin City University: It is also a remarkable educational institution founded in 1975, situated in the capital city, Dublin. It has gained high recognition and ranked 422nd in the world. It offers distance and on-campus courses. It provides education to 18,000 students every year.

Other Irish Universities:

• The University of Limerick
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• National University of Ireland, Maynooth
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Ireland’s most prominent medical school, ranked in the top 500 medical schools in the world

Study in Ireland 2023 Application Process:

Here are the important points to determine before you begin the application process:

• Check whether you are an EU applicant or a non-EU applicant.
• The level of study you wish to seek admission in.
• Type of institution you wish to join i.e. University, Institute of Technology, or Private independent college.
• Course you want to seek admission in.

Undergraduate Application Procedure:

As per the general rule, EU applicants to UG programs can apply via Central Applications Office (CAO) whereas non-EU applicants can apply directly via the university’s website. However, there are a few cases, where certain programs all the students regardless of their status can apply via CAO. In such a situation, the deadline is 1 February, and the application fee will be EUR 45.

Postgraduate Applications Procedure:

In most of the PG programs, direct application is needed via the university/faculty website. The cost of the application and deadline depends on the program. Some institutes prefer applying students via Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) website and such universities are as follows:

• 3U Partnership, Greater Dublin University
• Dublin City University
• Health Service ExecutiveInstitute of Technology, Carlow
• Maynooth University
• Mary Immaculate College
• Waterford Institute of Technology
• Cork Institute of Technology
• National University of Ireland, Galway

Admission Requirements:

Language: Most universities use English as the medium of instruction. Thus, it is suggested to take any one of the recognized English Language Proficiency Tests from the list mentioned below:

• IELTS – 6.0
• TOEFL iBT – 90
• PTE – 36 (UG) , 63 (PG)
• Cambridge ESOL – C1 or C2

Though some universities do not require these test scores if you have taken English GCSE or GCE exams in the school syllabus. You can also take Occupational English Test (OET) if applying for medicine and health sciences programs.

Tests Required: If you are applying for medicine, nursing, and other healthcare professions then you need to give two exams:

• Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT)
• Graduate Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT)
• GMAT exam is required to do an MBA in Ireland.

Documents Required for Admission:

Here is the list of documents needed for admission in Ireland:

• A scanned copy of passport
• Academic transcripts such as:
• High school leaving certificate (for a UG course)
• Proof of holding a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree if joining a PG course
• Any other certificates showing the academic merit
• English language proficiency test score (as mentioned above)
• Other aptitude test scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Financial statements such as Bank balance statement, Proof of loan sanction, Income Tax return papers, CV (if needed), Letter of Recommendation (if needed), and passport-size photos

Fee Payment:

The fee varies from program to program and university to university. However, online payment is the most accepted gateway for students to submit the fee. Check the related details:

• Payment portals on university websites debit/credit cards
• TransferMate,
• EFT bank transfer

The university will specify which option to go for, so you may follow accordingly.

Study in Ireland Visa Requirement:

To study for 3 months, you need a study visa and the documents required are as follows:

• Filled and signed application form
• A copy of current and previous passports
• Letter of application with contact details
• Letter of acceptance from the college
• Proof of educational history
• Proof of fee payment
• Language proficiency test score
• Financial statements
• Private Medical Insurance
• Birth certificate (for students under 18 years)
• Proof of consent from guardians (if under18)
• Proof of accommodation in Ireland (if under18)