20 Apr Study in Ireland
Ireland has a global reputation for high quality education, and attracts students in all disciplines from all over the world.
The Irish are well renowned for their warmth and hospitality and have a long tradition of welcoming foreign students and making them feel at home in their country.
Education in Ireland is founded on a solid base of commitment to excellence. The universities offer an extensive choice of courses leading to degrees and qualifications which are well recognized internationally.
The higher education sector comprises universities, technological institutes and private colleges. Each institution determines its own entry level requirements, which are generally based on performance in a national level examination and also on English language aptitude.
Ireland is an entrepreneurial society with an innovative and creative culture. Students can settle in with ease and enjoy the vibrant social and cultural lifestyle, in addition to the educational opportunities that lay emphasis on personal growth as well as academics.
There are plenty of opportunities available for taking up a job once you complete your education in Ireland, and there are many global companies which are headquartered here.
Two Year Stay Back
Ireland provides Stay Back Options to international students after course completion under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. As per the Revised Third Level Graduate Scheme:
- Non-EU/EEA students at NFQ level 9 and above can stay back upto 24 months (against the earlier 12 months option)
- Students must have studied at masters or doctoral level from a Recognised Irish Higher Education Institute
- A Recognised Irish Awarding Body should certify in writing the successful completion of course within six months of which students can apply for the extension
- Only those with Visa Stamp 2 qualify for extension under the Third Level Graduate Scheme
- This extension is non-renewable
- Students will be allowed to work full-time upto 40 hours per week
- Those pursuing a degree at NFQ level 8 are entitled for an extension of only 12 months under the Graduate Employment Scheme
Work Rights For Students
Students at Irish universities enrolled on a full time programme for at least one year do not require a separate work permit. Such students are allowed to work in Ireland subject to the following:
- The study course is recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Skills
- Students must be enrolled to a full time educational programme of NFQ level 7 or above
- They must hold a valid Immigration Stamp 2 on their passport
- Students can take up casual employment for upto 20 hours per week during term time
- From June to September and in between 15th December to 15th January, students are allowed to work for upto 40 hours per week
- Students are not permitted to work as Taxi Drivers neither as employees nor on their own holding a taxi driving license
- Students are not permitted to engage in any form of Self-Employment
Post-study Employment Rights
Ireland offers 12 months of stay back for all international students finishing a Bachelors degree in Ireland. Postgraduate students are allowed to stay for 24 months.
Irish degrees are very aligned to the industry needs, hence making Irish graduates very employable. The IT, telecommunication, pharmaceutical, applied sciences, and finance sectors are very strong; and they provide excellent career opportunities for international students.
Ireland hosts EU, EMEA headquarters and operating hubs of leading companies like Accenture, IBM, Dell, Motorola, HP, Apple, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google, Microsoft, Pfizer, PayPal, Genzyme, DCC, Oracle, Covidien, Smurfit Kappa, CRH, and many others.
Dependants Work Rights
Spousal/Dependent work permits are issued to spouses or dependents (who came to Ireland before they were 18 years of age). If the main work permit holder was granted their work permit before 1st June 2009:
- There is no labour market test
- There is no fee for the work permit
- There are no ineligible jobs
If the main work permit holder was granted their work permit after 1st June 2009, then the spouse or dependent will have to apply for a work permit in their own right which means
- There is a labour market test
- There is a fee for the work permit
- There are ineligible jobs
Course options in Ireland
- BTech
- MBA
- MS
- BBA
- MASc
- MEng
- BSc
- MIM
- MFin
- MA
- MIS
- BHM