Why Should You Study in Ireland in 2024?
Ireland is becoming a popular choice for international students seeking higher education. A beautiful and tranquil island in Europe, it is aptly nicknamed the Emerald Isle. Ireland is home to more than 35,000 international students every year and is rapidly growing in popularity. So, should you also be considering your options to study in Ireland in 2024?
Absolutely! Ireland is also home to excellent universities, some ranking among the top 3% in the world. Add to that its career-focused programs, work experience opportunities, and affordable tuition, and Ireland is an ideal destination for international students. Let’s have a closer look at what makes Ireland such a great destination for higher education abroad.
1. Learn at Some of Europe’s Best Universities
Ireland may have a small number of universities, but these institutions include some of the world’s best in higher education. Irish universities consistently rank among the top in Europe and worldwide. One of its global top 100 universities, Trinity College Dublin, is among the oldest universities in Europe! Meanwhile, Ireland is also home to several of Europe’s youngest yet fastest-growing universities.
Here are some of the best universities to study in Ireland, landing among the global top contenders in higher education:
| University Name | QS World Ranking |
| Trinity College Dublin | =81 |
| University College Dublin | =171 |
| University of Galway | #289 |
| University College Cork | =292 |
| University of Limerick | #426 |
| Dublin City University | =436 |
| Maynooth University | #801-850 |
| Technological University Dublin | #851-900 |
2. Industry-Focused Programs in Top EU Economy
Ireland is the European Union’s fastest-growing economy, headquartering many leading businesses and companies. With an advanced knowledge-based economy, Ireland currently has thriving skill sectors in technology, life sciences, financial services, and agribusiness, to name a few.
This makes Ireland a great place to study if you want to pursue a career in one of these high-demand, booming sectors. Many Irish universities build their curricula and tailor their program offerings to be responsive to industry needs. As a result, you graduate with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications that the job market is actively seeking!
The Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022 finds that more than 83% of graduates from Irish universities find jobs within 9 months. A further 10.2% are in further study within the same length of time. This report, published by the Government of Ireland’s Higher Education Authority (HEA), records that of the 70,818 graduates in the cohort, 12,033 graduates were international students. Of these, nearly 80% were in employment within 9 months of graduating!
Many large-scale employers seek out thousands of graduates every year from Irish universities. Some employers of international student graduates in 2022 include, according to the HEA, companies like Amazon, Ernst & Young, and HSE.
| Industry | Main Employers |
| Science and Engineering | Abbott, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Intel, Arup, Jacobs Engineering, and Workday. |
| ICT | Google, Intel, DCC, Apple, Microsoft, HP, Amazon. |
| Business and Finance | Bank of Ireland, Davy, Bank of America, AIB Group, Deloitte, Citi, Accenture. |
| Healthcare and Social Care | Department of Health and the HSE. |
3. Opportunities for Work Placements
One of the top reasons to study in Ireland is the opportunity to get hands-on experience alongside classroom learning. Many Irish universities provide comprehensive work placement programs. One great example is the University of Limerick’s work placement program, the largest in the country and among the largest in Europe.
These programs equip students with invaluable hands-on experience and industry insights. Work placements not only hone students' skills but also improve their employability. Reports show that 6 out of 10 students from Irish universities are happy about the industry relevance of their degree.
Universities typically provide 6-8 month compulsory and accredited placements for several programs. As these are part of the curriculum, you get to supplement your classroom learning with real-world work experience. For certain programs, internships can span up to 50% of the entire course duration.
Many of the work placements available to international students are paid, too. Students can also opt for part-time work alongside curriculum-based placements. Part-time work can have a minimum wage of around €10 to €12 per hour in big cities like Dublin and Cork. In smaller cities like Limerick, pay can be around €9 per hour.
4. Affordable Tuition Compared to Other Destinations
Ireland provides a more affordable option for international students relative to other study abroad destinations. Tuition fees in Ireland average at much lower ranges than tuition fees in the UK. You can secure an excellent degree, accessing world-class resources and industry-focused programs, at a far more affordable price-tag!
| Country | Tuition Range | Average Tuition Fees |
| Ireland | €9,850–€19,500 | €14,675 |
| UK | €13,000-€56,000 | €24,780 |
You can avail of affordable accommodation with a cost of living ranging between €10,000 and €16,000 per year. The Irish student visa requires that you have at least €10,000 per year of your education to cover your living costs. This cost estimate takes into account your housing, transport and food expenses. Basic health insurance will typically cost around €300 to €500 annually. This insurance mainly includes basic medical services and emergency coverage. All of this accounts for a reasonably affordable living cost in comparison to destinations like the UK.
5. Attractive Scholarships for International Students
On top of being comparatively more affordable than other destinations, Irish universities also offer scholarships! Scholarship providers include the Irish government and the universities themselves. Students from various parts of the world can apply to these scholarship programs. An excellent profile and a good skill set, especially a strong academic background, can land you attractive merit scholarships. However, several universities also offer scholarships to students with very flexible eligibility criteria.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility |
| Government of Ireland Scholarships | Students with excellent communication skills and remarkable profiles |
| Trinity College Dublin Foundation Scholarship | Students in 2nd Year of Trinity College Dublin |
| University of Galway Regional Scholarship | Students from Asia and Africa |
| University of Galway Merit-Based Scholarship | Students accepted into UoG with high merit |
| University of Limerick Indian Student Scholarships | Indian students in Kemmy Business School programs |
| Maynooth University Undergraduate Scholarship | Students accepted into Maynooth University |
| The Walsh Fellowship | Postgrad students researching food, agriculture, crops, rural development, etc. |
Rounding Up
Ireland is increasingly attracting students from around the globe. The country is home to top universities offering diverse programs and promising career opportunities. Additionally, Ireland's fast-growing economy feeds into its education system’s industry-focused programs with high employability rates. Irish universities focus on practical learning through work placement programs, enhancing graduates’ future career prospects. And if these reasons to study in Ireland aren’t enough to convince you, why not contact Gradstar Global to explore your ideal opportunity on the Emerald Isle?
