Ireland, the country of picturesque landscapes and rich culture, is not just a beautiful tourist destination. With the increasing number of international students opting for an Irish education experience, Junisha Dama tells you why you should opt for the land of leprechauns
Ireland transpires into a magnificent destination for education. With its colleges gaining a position every year in the top 500 world rankings, the country promises a high quality education along with a safe environment for international students. An Irish education costs less than most of its international counterparts – Unites States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Students are guaranteed a return on investment as several Irish and leading international companies are in sync with Irish colleges and look for fresh graduates. Irish universities are globally recognised and the degree and post-graduate programmes are regulated by Ireland’s Higher Education Authority to assure the best practice of global standards.
It is also unique as the only English speaking country in the Euro zone. Ireland promises a strong pharmaceutical sector and is recognised as the internet capital of Europe. The country is home to several multinational corporations like Google, Paypal, LinkdIn, Facebook, Twitter, E Bay and more.
Education & Opportunities
Ireland boasts of a creative and innovative educational experience. The country’s higher education universities and colleges offer about 5,000 courses across the spectrum of science, medicine, law, business, technology, engineering, literature, languages, history, philosophy, psychology and more.
Ireland is popular for studies in the field of science, engineering, technology and medicine. Finance is also growing popular as a choice of study. The IT and Finance sector are being given an emphasis and both sectors are personified by young graduates, barely in their 20s.
Being a big player in the pharmaceutical scene, the country has several job opportunities waiting for fresh graduates. Nine of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies are located in Ireland. Moreover, 15 of the top 20 med-tech companies are located in Ireland making it Europe’s second largest exporter of medical products. Ireland is also a hotbed for European entrepreneurial activity with three of the eight highest ranking venture accelerator programmes based in Dublin.
Students looking at settling in Ireland after completing their course must opt for advanced sciences and must look at Irish market demands and advance their skills, as well as pick a field of study accordingly.
The country is currently buzzing with young start-ups and entrepreneurs and Irish society is brimming with youthful energy.
Employment Opportunities
While studying, Indian students are provided with a visa which allows them to work part-time for 20 hours per week when the semester/term is in motion. Students have the freedom to work full-time during college vacation periods.
Certain programmes offer a paid internship opportunity and students can seek jobs in leading companies. For this, students must check with the university while filling in their application.
Most universities are canvassed by Irish and multinational companies for high performing graduates during the course year. Some universities have a career fair. Every university has a Career Service department which helps students with placements. The courses at universities also have the option of work placements.
Students must opt to hone the skills and choice of study that are most in demand. The current market scenario faces a shortage in the ICT sector in the country. Ireland is facing a shortage in the IT and Finance sector as well and thus, students can venture into fields that are in demand in the Irish markets.
Students enrolled on courses on the Degree Programme are allowed to undertake an internship where this forms part of their programme. The internship or work placement part of the programme cannot exceed 50 per cent of the duration of the programme. For instance, a four-year programme would permit two years of work placement. In addition, the employment cannot be in a self-employed capacity.
It may be possible to stay in Ireland after you complete your studies for the purpose of seeking employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This scheme exists to allow legally resident non-EU third level graduates to remain in Ireland in order to look for employment or apply for a green card/work permit.
Visa Process
Indian citizens are not named on the EEA and the student immigration process is divided into two categories, based on whether you are applying for a degree programme offered by a higher education institution or you intend to pursue an English-language or non-degree course.
The step-by-step process is explained below:
- Prove that you are enrolled on a privately-funded programme in the degree programme which is included in the Internationalisation Register (Link) administered by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.
- Have a letter of acceptance from the higher education institution, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a programme of full-time day-time education.
- Prove that fees have been paid to your preferred higher education institution. Where your fees are below€6,000 Euros, the full amount of the fees must be paid in advance. Where your fees exceed 6,000 Euros, then at least this amount must be paid in advance.
- Provide a bank statement, from an Irish bank, showing that you have Euros€3,000 at first registration in order to support yourself while in Ireland. This is to ensure you don’t go into business, get a job or avail of any state benefits to cover your costs of living here.
- Show you have private medical insurance at the time of registration.
Scholarships and Accommodation Facilities
The government issues several scholarships and all universities provide students with the opportunity to apply. Students should check the availability of scholarships while sending across college applications.
All universities in Ireland have a hostel facility. However, most hostels fill up soon and there is a long waiting list. Alternatively, students can opt to live as paying guests. Most Irish and international students opt to share private student housing within the reach of campuses.
Universities also provide with medical facilities on-campus as most have an in-house doctor. Some colleges, however, have doctors who address the college students needs and have nominal fees.
International Student Friendly Environment
The Irish Council for International Students is an independent non-profit network of education institutions, NGOs and individuals interested in international education. They are working with the government and other agencies to promote good policies and best practice in relation to the recruitment, access and support of international students in Ireland.
Colleges also organise and encourage students to participate in celebrations of festivals of various cultures. Diwali is celebrated pompously by the Indian community in Ireland and in colleges as well. The Irish society is known to be friendly to international communities and thus provides a safe and vibrant environment for students of every nationality.