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.

• Dublin: Dublin, the heart of Ireland, is a global city famous for its historic buildings and young population. The city offers popular courses in fields such as Accounting and Finance, Computer science, English Language and Literature, Medicine, Business and Management, Arts and humanities, Law, and Pharmacy that can be pursued at globally recognised institutions.
• Cork: The second largest city in Ireland, Cork is an important academic city in Ireland. With a huge student population, this vibrant city with a young crowd boasts an affordable cost of living and unique quality of life. Some of the major courses such as Engineering, Management, and Life Sciences are popular in universities located in Cork, Ireland.
• Galway: The bohemian festive city of Ireland, Galway has a safe and student-friendly environment and a promising job market because of the rapid growth in technology in the area. A leader in research and medical technology, it makes quite a promising city for international scholars. It is home to some highly ranked universities

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:

Top Courses to Pursue in Ireland in 2025

Ireland is attracting numerous international students in 2025 in high-demanding fields like:

• Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Engineering
• Business and Management
• Data Science and Analytics
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Digital Marketing and Media Communications
• Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Environmental Science and Renewable Energy

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.

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:

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.

• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship: This initiative by the Irish government offers 60 scholarships for a year’s study at Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD levels. The scholarship includes a stipend of €10,000 for a year along with fully funded tuition fees at the institution where you plan to pursue your higher education.
• The Walsh Fellowship: This scholarship is offered to postgraduate candidates working on projects related to the Teagasc Research and Knowledge Transfer Program, majorly in food, crops, animal and grasslands, environment, economics, and rural development. With 30 new scholarships every year, this fellowship offers a grant of €22,000 per student for two years for an MSc course and four years maximum for a PhD program at the Teagasc Research Centre.
• Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2025: Funded by the Department of Education and Skills and managed by the Council, this scholarship offers a stipend of €18,500 per annum as well as a contribution up to a maximum of €5,750 per annum to the fees and direct research expenses of €3,250 per annum to international students pursuing their Research MS and PhD or Direct PhD.

Eligibility Criteria for Studying in Ireland

To pursue a UG course in Ireland, you must be at least 18 and have 60% in 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. An English proficiency exam, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, is required for all courses to prove language proficiency.

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 handle the daunting, time-consuming process, ensuring you don’t have to do the hard work.

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 loan rejection. Once the loan is sanctioned, you decide your loan disbursement date and finalise your loan.

We ensure a smooth, hassle-free loan application process, allowing you to focus on your education abroad.

How to Apply for a Student Visa for Studying in Ireland?

Ireland attracts international students with top universities offering high-quality education, drawing students from around the world. As Indian students planning to pursue higher education in Ireland, you require a student visa. To know everything you’d need for a student visa for Ireland, continue reading:

Since you’re planning to pursue your bachelor's or master's in Ireland, you would require a D study visa or a long-term study visa (meant for a stay of more than 3 months). It is recommended to apply for a long-term study visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland from your home country.

• Apply for your student visa online through the AVATS Ireland website by creating an account.
• Prepare all necessary documents required for applying for your student visa in Ireland for verification by AVATS.
• Upload scanned copies of all documents.
• You will receive an Application Summary Form when you complete your AVATS online application. This will let you know how to submit your application for processing and pay your visa fee.
• Print and sign your Application Summary Form.
• Arrange your appointment with VFS (Visa Facilitation Service) and submit all relevant documents.

Documents Required for Applying for an Irish Student Visa

• Signed AVATS application form
• Current and old passports, if any
• Letter of application/statement of purpose, outlining the reasons for selecting Ireland, your provider and your course
• Acceptance letter from your Irish university
• Evidence of fee payment for the course
• Previous academic mark sheets
• Language proficiency test results
• Proof of finances
• Medical insurance

Post-Study Work Visa in Ireland

After studying in Ireland, consider staying to gain work experience, strengthening your CV for future career opportunities.

Full-time students with an Irish accredited degree and Visa Stamp 2 may qualify for the Graduate Scheme.

Ireland’s Third Level Graduate Programme provides a one-year work permit for bachelor’s and two years for master’s.

Ireland offers the Stamp 1G visa for job hunting post-study, with pathways to employment permits and permanent residency. With its welcoming immigration policies, Ireland offers a straightforward path to PR for qualified candidates.

FAQs

Can I work while studying in Ireland?
You can work part-time (20 hours/week) during classes and full-time (40 hours/week) during holidays. It is recommended to still check your visa guidelines for working on your study visa.

What are the English requirements for Irish universities?
You are required to take an English proficiency exam to showcase your proficiency in the language. Most universities require IELTS (6.0–7.0), TOEFL (80–100), or PTE (minimum 63) scores.

What are the options for study abroad loans in Ireland?
At Lorien Finance, we have an array of loan options for your education in Ireland. You can easily secure collateral as well as a non-collateral loan at competitive interest rates with us. Simply reach out to us and our team will guide you every step of the way

What are the application deadlines for scholarships to study in Ireland?
Application deadlines for scholarships to study in Ireland vary depending on the scholarship. It is important to check the specific deadline for each scholarship.