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Ireland

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Ireland

Post the bloody conclusion of the Second World War, 27 counties came together to create the European Union – a massive and unique economic and political ground zero that opened doors for rapid growth for all the involved parties. Years later the EU stands as no less than a big organization that is in the race for global supremacy. Ireland entered the EU in 1973 and is one with some of the oldest available historical references and a cultural vein that runs through and through the country. Fast forward a few years and the Ireland of today is a preferred European base for tech giants such as Facebook, Google and Apple to name a few. Lush green unspoiled countryside and fast paced infrastructurally advanced cites is what makes Ireland a confluence of technology and nature, a mix of age old customs and youthful spirit.

While certainly a late entrant on the international scene, Irish universities are fast catching up with the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook rating Ireland as the 8th best education system in the world as of 2009. Today it sees over 34,000 international students annually with the numbers slowly increasing.

Why Study in Ireland?

Irelands decision to include itself in the EU saw an influx of investment from the government and private organizations into academic research and the introduction of the 4th Level education system. Such progressive steps and keen intent played a huge role in making Ireland one of the fastest growing economies of recent times and put the country on the highest pedestal when it comes to having a cohesive and inclusive education system. Apart from its strong educational systems, Ireland being a small country has close links with industries and thus offers an exposure on that end as well. Finally, what sets Ireland apart is the fact that it’s a quiet, nature loving country that is extremely warm to tourists and international students.

Preparing for a Degree in the Ireland –

A brief look at what goes into getting ready for an education in Ireland.

  • (1) Exams Needed –TOEFL, IELTS and GMAT in some cases

    A strong GPA and study in base subject (ex – maths for a maths degree) for an undergraduate and a relevant bachelors for a graduate program are the basic requirements for most Irish universities. While only few universities require a language proficiency test such as TOEFL or IELTS, however good results on these can help with visa acceptance and increase scholarships eligibility. A score of 6 for undergraduate and 6.5 for graduates are ideal on the IELTS and a 570 for paper based and 90 for internet based are ideal for TOEFL. While GRE isn’t required, a GMAT might be needed at some universities.

  • (2) University Application Process

    (a) Form Submission

    The Central Applications Office (CAO) is an online enrollment system that is used by Irish universities to accept applications. Documents that are usually required are – Marksheets of X, XII and bachelor’s if applicable, entrance exam scores, SOP, LOR, Resume and ancillary documents such as proof of funds, health insurance, certificates etc. All these can be submitted to the CAO website and an application can be made on any university of the student’s choice after paying the application fees.

  • (b) Issuance of Letter of Acceptance by University

    If the student is selected the university sends a letter of acceptance. This is amongst the first required document for the Visa application.

  • (3) Visa Process

    (a) Visa Application

    The visa application can be made only after the following two conditions have been met – Receipt of Letter of Application and Payment of Fees to the University. An account balance of a minimum of €7000 (approx. RS 5,57,000) will be needed in a bank account statement to show that the student can afford a year worth of living expenses in Ireland. Further documents needed include photographs, medical papers, and scores in IELTS and TOEFL exams.

  • (b) Visa Fees

    The Visa fees are €300 (Rs 24,000) and have to be paid at the time of the application. Additionally, students who intend to stay for more than 90 days will have addititoanly register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and prove access to €3,000 in addition to course fees.

  • (c)Visa Interview

    The student must carry all the necessary documents and appear the embassy. Depending on the documents the embassy will decide to grant the visa or call the student for an interview however it is not necessary in most cases.

  • (d) Visa Outcome

    The embassy publishes decisions on their online portal every Tuesday and can be found by entering the Visa Transaction number provided by the embassy at the time of submission of documents.

Successfully getting a degree – The Phase of Grinding and coming out on top

  • (1) Course Duration

    An undergraduate degree in Ireland requires about 3-4 years of full time study and a graduate program can go on for an average of 1-2 years depending on the university.

  • (2) Cost – Tuition and Living expenses Tuition Fees

    Tuition Fees

    While EU residents get completely free education, international students are charged, depending on the quality of the university, on an average about €25,000 per year as tuition fees. Furthermore, the Irish Immigration has laid down a ground rule that requires all international students to have a basic Medical Insurance Plan. Most universities offer their students a group medical plan, the premium of which would be an additional €100-150 per year.

  • Living Expenses

    Due to a mix of quaint cityside towns and villages and super modern cities, the living expenses vary drastically with Dublin being the most expensive city to live in. Additionally, it also depends on the student and the kind of lifestyle that he/she wishes to maintain. Taking those factors into consideration living expenses in Ireland can fall between €600 to €1000 per month.

  • (3) Loans - Scholarships – Student Employment

    (a) Loans

    (this part kinda remains same so have used it the same everywhere) Most government and private banks in India offer student loans ranging from as low as Rs 50,000 to as high as Rs 30,00,000 with varying interest rates and flexible re payment conditions.

  • (b) Scholarships

    As discussed earlier, based on a academic record along with grades in the IELTS and TOEFL exams, universities have an internal system of grading and assessing a student’s eligibility for a scholarship. A strong academic record and good grades in exams can render a student eligible for a part or even a full tuition waiver.

  • (c) Student Employment

    Non-EU students who undertake a full-time course in Ireland that is recognized by the Minster for Education and Skills are granted a Stamp 2 that allows them to work for 20hrs a week during course time and 40hrs during vacation. Once eligible a student will have to acquire a PPS Number (Personal Public Services Number). The minimum wages in Ireland are €7.32. Such employment can fund the living expenses and thus be a good way to reduce financial burden.

  • (4) Academic Freedom - Possibility to change fields, courses

    While it is possible for students to act quickly and change their course if they don’t like it, it usually comes with added expenses such as repayment of fees and is a long, tedious and thus not recommended process. However, if the student is ready to bear such expenses and the hassle then there is always a possibility to change the course.

Life After a Degree – Setting up for a life time of change

  • (1) Vise Tenure and Re-application

    Owing to the small size of the economy and the recent resistances, while it is difficult for non-EU residents to get a job in Ireland, it is not entirely unreachable. A level 8 or above qualification on the ‘Third Level Graduate Scheme’ ensures a 12 month extension of stay from the date of the final exam results. During this time the student can look for a job. Post the 12-month tenure an official application for work visa under the “Work Permit Scheme” is needed which holds for 2 years and is renewable after that.

  • (2) Average Salaries and growth options

    According to the CSO Yearbook of Ireland 2016, the average annual salary for full time employees and part time employees is €45,075 and €16,332 respectively. As this is a median, an engineer or an MBA from a good university can expect an above average salary.

  • (3) Scope of Permanent Residence
  • (4) Opportunities in India

    It’s not necessary that taking an education from Ireland accompanies settling down there as well. A student may choose to return to India immediately after his education or after working for a few years. The grass is green on this side as well with job opportunities in branches of the same company, teaching opportunities in top notch colleges and high paying job opportunities in various Indian companies. Furthermore, startup founders who are overseas degree holders have been statistically shown to get more support from the investor community in India.

    Comedian and writer Spike Milligan once said that “Many people die of thirst but the Irish are born with one.” And it doesn’t come any better than Ireland, when it comes to thirst for knowledge and an enhanced way of life that is modern yet close to nature. A step towards the Celtic nation could potentially be a life changing one.