The Irish Education System was traditionally divided into three basis levels: Primary (8 years), Secondary (5 or 6 years) and Higher Education which offers a wide range of opportunities from post-secondary courses, to vocational and technical training, to full degree and the highest post-graduate levels.

The higher education system in Ireland is broad in scope and encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the colleges of education and private, independent colleges. The institutions which fall within the first three groupings are autonomous and self governing, but substantially state funded. Education has been a key factor in making Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the past decade.

Cooperative Education involves placement of students in employment relevant to their Degree programmes for six or eight months during their undergraduate studies. Some Institutions in Ireland adopts this model as an integral part of the academic programme

Intakes

The main intake offered by all Colleges and University is September and few Universities offer February Intake also.

English Requirement

As English is the language of instruction at all Irish Institutions of higher education, students must demonstrate a proficiency in English to be accepted for a third level Programme. Generally, the required minimum score in TOEFL is 90 Internet Based Test. Many universities and colleges provide English Language training programmes for intending students. Furthermore, there are over 110 private English language training schools throughout the country which run both short and long terms courses.

Entry Requirements

Overseas students wishing to study in Ireland have two options:

a) Attend secondary school in Ireland and complete the Leaving Certificate Examination with Irish students. This route is chosen by a number of students who commonly take the examination in conjunction with English language tuition.

b) Undertake recognized public examinations in their own countries. This is a more common route and it is essential that every applicant check that the educational qualifications she/he is presenting are adequate to satisfy entry requirements. To have a realistic prospect these results should be very good, e.g. for medicine 3 good 'A' Level passes (grades A/B) or the equivalent, in relevant subjects are required. The minimum requirement for most degree level programmes is 3 grade 'C's at A level or equivalent. If there is any doubt about the acceptability of an applicant's qualifications, clarification should be sought in good time from the particular third level institution.

c) Student can apply to the institutions directly or to the Central Applications Office for Undergraduate Programmes.

Documents Required

• Attested copies of the mark sheets of Std X, XII, etc.
• 2 Academic Reference Letters from professors who have taught you most recently.
• If you have work experience then at least one work reference letter from the employer who can comment on your professional skills and abilities.
• Statement of Purpose.
• Curriculum Vitae/ Resume.
• Portfolio in case of students applying for Arts and Design courses.
• 4 Extra Curricular Activities certificates.

Tuition Fees

For Dublin Business School which has a wide range of courses available, the fees start from as low as 1,890 Euros a year to 9,500 Euros a year.

Cost of Living

As per 2011 figures, on an average, a single student should consider approx. between 10500 Euros and 13,000 Euros per year as living expenses, depending on location and lifestyle of the student.

Accomodation

Third level students: The higher education system in Ireland is called as Third level education or tertiary education.

Most third level institutions have on-campus student residences, often resembling small villages with on-site facilities such as shops, launderettes, restaurants etc.

Another popular option, particularly in the main cities is self-catering rented accommodation, often shared with other students. Students opting for this kind of accommodation are advised to arrive in the country two or three weeks prior to the start of the academic year in order to secure a place in a house/apartment.

Some third-level students opt for host family accommodation. This can be a good option for those leaving home for the first time as it helps to integrate them into the local community and the Irish way of life. Students are normally provided with their own room and with morning and evening meals.

Scholarships

Many overseas students studying in Ireland are sponsored by their own governments or through other international scholarship programmes. In most cases applications should be made through the Ministry of Education in the student's home country.

All applications for an Irish Visa must be made by completing an Online Visa Application Form, which can be accessed through the link below.
www.inis.gov.ie

Where to apply:

If there is an Irish Embassy, Consulate, Honorary Consul or Visa Office in your country of permanent residence you must apply there. You may be required to attend for personal interview if there is no Irish Embassy, Consulate, Honorary Consul or Visa Office in your country of origin, another Irish Embassy or Consulate may have been designated for the purposes of processing applications from your country of permanent residence. If this is the case, you must apply in the Embassy or Consulate designated for this purpose.

Process

• How many days prior a student can apply for visa 90 days in prior a student can apply for Visa. But cannot fly before 30 days before from the course commencement date
• Document Checklist
• Original Passport
• The Visa Application forms
• Letter of acceptance from the education institution
• All Academic documents & Police clearance Certificate
• Evidence of financial resources etc.

 

Visa Application Fees

The visa fee has to be paid by Cashier's Order favoring "Consulate General of Ireland, Mumbai" between a range of Rs. 3,600/- to Rs. 7,000/- approx (The applicable visa fee in Indian Rupees is as per the current exchange rate and is subject to change without notice).

Processing time

Applications can be processed locally in the Irish Embassy, Consulate or Visa Office in your country of origin in a very short period of time.
You should allow as much time as possible when applying for a visa but a Minimum time of 4 - 8 weeks for processing.

English Ability Requirements:

All applicant must show IELTS / or equivalent Score sheet for Visa.