Study in Ireland: A Complete Guide for Indian Students
Why Choose Ireland as Your Study Abroad Destination? Imagine studying in a university near a lush green field with a view of magnificent castles. No, that’s not a dream or a Yash Raj movie! It’s how studying in Ireland feels like. Offering the best of both worlds-the green countryside and a vibrant urban lifestyle, Ireland is fast becoming an ideal study destination for international students. With world-class educational institutions, a wide variety of courses, and abundant work opportunities, Ireland assures you of an astonishing experience beyond education. Moreover, the country ranks as the second safest country in the world as per the Global Peace Index 2024, so bid farewell to your dad’s apprehension or whether his child will be safe or not! Another awesome update: you can support your education in Ireland by working part-time. You’ll be allowed to work 20 hours per week during the academic session and 40 hours per week during May, June, July, August and mid-December to mid-January. Also, as a part of Ireland’s effort to attract and retain global talent, Ireland welcomes Indian students to stay back in Ireland for up to 24 months after completing their Master’s from any Irish Institution, allowing them to gain valuable work experience, and it can also lead to a work permit. Ireland’s Education System Like the UK’s education system, the Irish education system is divided into four categories, with the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) specifying the standards of Irish education qualifications. The third level of the Irish education system is higher education, comprising universities, colleges, and institutes of technology, most of which are funded by the Irish government. Popular Student-Friendly Cities in Ireland While the QS World University Rankings 2025 ranked Dublin as one of the best student cities in the world, Cork and Galway were picked by student reviewers as the top ones. Let’s learn more about these cities and what makes them unique. Top Universities to Study in Ireland in 2025 Home to numerous prestigious educational institutions, Ireland is committed to academic excellence, research innovation, and industry-focused education. Let’s have a look at the top 5 universities in Ireland as per the QS World Ranking 2025: University QS World Ranking 2025 City Trinity College Dublin 87 Dublin University College Dublin 126 Dublin University College Cork 273 Cork University of Galway 273 Galway Dublin City University 421 Dublin Top Courses to Pursue in Ireland in 2025 Ireland is attracting numerous international students in 2025 in high-demanding fields like: Intakes in Irish Universities Ireland has two primary admissions intakes: Spring and Fall. Spring admissions typically commence in June/ July, whereas Fall intake begins in September/ October. Some universities admit applicants in both intakes, keeping their application processes active throughout the year. Fall is notably a significant intake, with all courses available, unlike the Spring intake, which may be limited to specific courses. Study in Ireland Cost in 2025 If you plan to pursue courses like arts, humanities and education in Ireland, you’ll find it cheaper as compared to pursuing courses like medicine, engineering, business and management. Moreover, the costs would also differ depending on the program you choose. Degree Fees Bachelors Degree €9,850 to €25,500 annually Masters Degree €9,500 to €34,500 annually Doctoral Degree €9,500 to €34,500 annually Cost of Living in Ireland 2025 Living in most Irish towns like Galway, Cork, and Limerick, you would spend around 550–1,000 EUR per month depending on your budget and spending habits. However, if your university is located in large towns like Dublin, your budget can go up to 1,500–1,800 EUR per month. These costs are enough to ensure a comfortable standard of living in Ireland while you’re studying. Here’s a list of the approximate breakdown of monthly expenses for international students: Accommodation €500-2200 Utilities €150-200 Internet and phone bill €15-60 Food and groceries €250-400 Transportation €100-150 Healthcare and insurance €45-75 Available Scholarships for Study in Ireland for International Students With world-class education opportunities in prestigious universities, Ireland offers numerous fully funded scholarships. Scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in Ireland make it the perfect choice for aspiring students seeking affordable education abroad. Let’s look at some of these scholarships for Indian students planning to pursue their education in Ireland. Eligibility Criteria for Studying in Ireland If you plan to pursue your UG course in Ireland, you must be at least 18 years of age and have scored equal to or more than 60% in your class XII. You can apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), an online enrolment system in Ireland. For PG courses, you must complete a UG course in a relevant field. For all courses, an English proficiency exam, whether the IELTS, TOEFL or PTE is compulsory to prove your command of the English language. How to Apply for an Education Loan for Studying in Ireland? Securing an education loan to study in Ireland can be a time-consuming process as you will compare various lenders to find the most suitable loan for you. It is also recommended that you start the loan process for studying in Ireland at least 3-4 months before your enrolment day to ensure smooth and timely completion. At Lorien Finance, we ensure you don’t have to go through this daunting and time-consuming process, thus, we do all the hard work for you. On getting in touch with you, our loan counsellors understand all your needs related to securing a study abroad loan for Ireland in your dream university and help you compare the interest rates among 15 international and domestic banks and NBFCs. They negotiate with these lenders on your behalf so that you fulfil your study-abroad dream cost-effectively. Once you find the most suitable lender per your needs, the loan counsellor will help you proceed with the application process. After submitting all required information and necessary documents, your application will be logged in with the lender, who after carefully scrutinising it, will approve or reject it. Lorien’s loan counsellors help you throughout the way to minimise any chances of