Irish universities are not as popular as English universities, but the quality of local education is not lower than that of British institutions. Many foreigners will 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.
Higher education
Admission to universities does not imply entrance exams. Enrollment takes place on a competitive basis. The basis for admission is the Leaving Certificate - National Graduation Certificate, which students receive at the end of grade 12 after final exams (analogous to the Unified State Exam). 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, 9 universities, institutes of technology and vocational colleges provide higher education. Universities offer school graduates educational programs in various fields: marketing, law, journalism, pedagogy, exact sciences, etc.
Duration of study in institutions:
- Technological education - 2 years;
- Bachelor's degree - 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 works, 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
Bachelor's degrees can be awarded by colleges, institutes of technology and universities in Ireland. Duration of training:
- Standard diploma - 3 years;
- Honorary Bachelor - 4 years.
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The most common directions:
- Art;
- Humanitarian sciences;
- Engineering;
- Business and Law;
- Pedagogy;
- Natural Sciences;
- The medicine.
Master's degree
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.
Postgraduate studies
The term of study is 3 years. The training program consists of teaching and research activities with the defense of a thesis. The first year is given to a graduate student to attend seminars, lectures and laboratory work. The second year of study implies the defense of a dissertation, as well as teaching disciplines for junior courses.
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 amalgamation of four universities and six colleges.
Conditions for admission
There are no admission tests to the country's universities, but first of all, all universities in Ireland require knowledge of the English language and the highest scores in specialized subjects. Upon admission, some universities conduct additional exams to check the qualifications of the applicant.
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Language requirement
Foreign applicants must, upon admission, provide test results according to international systems: TOEFL not less 550 bonuses 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 to apply for Russians in an Irish university
Most Irish universities accept a Russian certificate, so documents for a bachelor's degree can be submitted immediately after graduation. High marks are taken into account, but you will need to additionally prove your knowledge in the chosen profile. Some universities may ask for internal testing.
If your knowledge of the language or special disciplines is not high enough, you can take preparatory courses Foundation at the university. It is specially designed for international students.
It is necessary to apply for master's and postgraduate programs 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 with the first year.
List of documents
For Russian citizens to enroll in a bachelor's degree program in educational institutions in Ireland, it is necessary to have:
- Certificate of secondary school education in English;
- Motivation letter;
- Teachers' recommendations, 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 1.
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 visa category "D".
For an entry permit, a package of documents is required:
- Confirmation of admission to a university in Ireland.
- Proof of financial solvency.
- Proof of language proficiency (international certificates).
- International passport.
- Documents about the existing education.
- Insurance.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Statement.
The 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. When applying for master's and postgraduate studies - 5-10 thousand euros per year.
International students 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:
| Educational program | Duration | Average cost € (euro) |
| English courses for adults | 2 weeks | 200- 1700 |
| School Education secondary school | 12 years old | from 14,000 per year |
| Foundation Training courses | 1 year | from 9000 |
| Bachelor Degree Undergraduate | 3 years | from 13,000 per year |
| Master degree Master's degree | 1 - 2 years | from 15,000 per year |
Is it possible to get education for free
Students who came to study from outside countries The EUare not eligible for free tuition in Ireland. But many universities offer scholarships and grants for outstanding students. Refugees with official status have the right to free education.
Scholarships and grants for students
The conditions for obtaining scholarships for foreign citizens are established 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 education institution.
The Irish Department of Education and Research provides grants annually to talented international students.
There is a special program designed to strengthen educational ties between Ireland and Russia. The government provides grants for 1 year of study, summer schools, master's or postgraduate studies. So, Trinity College Dublin accepts Russian students with an incentive scholarship.
Internship and exchange studies
Many travel companies and companies offer a wide variety of internship programs in Ireland. The 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 accommodation in an Irish family. The student's duties include a conscientious attitude towards studies and adherence to the rules of residence. The host family does everything to make the foreign guest feel at home.
The cost of exchange studies includes:
- Transfer from the airport to the place of residence;
- Administrative expenses;
- 3 meals a day;
- Homestay, etc.
Accommodation and meals
Students can choose from different types of accommodation:
- Student campus;
- Host family;
- Removable housing.
The campuses of universities in Ireland are considered the most equipped and comfortable hostels in all of Europe. Permission for the possibility of settling on the campus is specified in the international department of the higher education institution.
Host families are thoroughly tested for compliance with the living conditions. Each university has its own list of families with whom it cooperates annually.
An apartment can be rented by two or three, this is a convenient option if the applicant does not come alone.
The cost of eating on campuses or in low-cost catering places is approximately 50-70 euros in Week. There are no free meals for students.
Top Universities in Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin... The university is globally recognized and is considered the best on the island. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, founded in 1592. Graduates are appreciated all over the world and find a decent job in their specialty. Official site - www.tcd.ie
- University College Dublin... Ranked 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 ranking of "200 universities with a quality education system." The most prestigious faculty is veterinary medicine. Official site - www.ucd.ie
- University College Cork... The university began its activity in 1845. The leading specializations are pharmaceuticals and pharmacology. Graduates are in great demand in the labor market. Website - www.ucc.ie
- National University of Ireland Galway... Has released many politicians, including the president of the country. Is in the list of "5 best universities in Ireland". Official site - www.nuigalway.ie
- Dublin City University... This is a young university, founded in 1975. It is located in Dublin and consists of city campuses. It takes 5th place 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 - www.dcu.ie
Reviews about studies
Alexander:I live in a residence, in a separate room. With me in the section live 2 Americans, a Canadian, an Englishman and an Irishman. The kitchen is shared, equipped with appliances. I go to the university by tram. Studying is easy, although there are many tasks.
Olga: I studied in Dublin for 3 months, at the UCC summer courses, I ended up here on a grant. I chose to stay in a family, a room - like in a four-star hotel, the food was very tasty and satisfying. I was satisfied.
Daria:Excellent organization is observed throughout the course of study. Exchange students are offered general knowledge classes, they are allowed to attend any lectures for 10 days, and then choose the course they like.
In Ireland, as in all of Europe, motivated students are valued. Only hard work and the desire to acquire new and useful knowledge will help build a successful career in the future.
