IRELAND

In recent years Ireland has become one of the most attractive destinations for international students. The reasons are obvious: the only English-speaking country in the European Union (after Brexit), a mild climate, a safe environment and degrees recognised all over the world. People come here for quality education and an atmosphere that is very different from the bustle of London or Paris. Here you study rather than simply live — but you also live well.

What people usually come to study

For school pupils. Irish private boarding schools are small institutions where everything feels homely. Unlike in the United Kingdom, only around 10% of schools here are private boarding schools, but they are no less impressive in quality and are noticeably more competitive on price. Schools take children from the age of 11–12, and some from the lower years. The institutions offer the Irish national curriculum, which culminates in the Leaving Certificate exam. This qualification is recognised at many universities in the USA, Europe and the United Kingdom. Pupils live in on-campus residences for the full week or only on weekdays, going to host families at weekends.

For university students. Some of Europe's oldest universities are located here, such as Trinity College Dublin (founded in 1592). The strongest fields are information technology (Dublin is called «Europe's Silicon Valley» — the European headquarters of Google, Facebook and Apple are based here), pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, business and finance, and engineering. The higher education system includes universities, technological institutes and private colleges. A Bachelor's degree usually lasts 3–4 years and a Master's 1–2 years.

Features of studying here

Secondary education. Irish boarding schools have a more relaxed atmosphere than British ones. Classes are small — on average 10–15 pupils. The school day includes not only academic lessons but also sport, the arts and clubs. School residences are cosy, often with informal, almost family-like interaction between pupils and house staff. The curriculum is varied: from compulsory subjects (English, mathematics, the sciences) to a choice of dozens of options, including business, economics, accounting, biology, chemistry, physics, music, art, design and graphics. After lessons come sporting events, music classes and trips to theatres, museums and galleries. Each year, overseas tours are organised for pupils, including to the USA, France, Germany, Italy and Belgium.

Higher education. Study at Irish universities is built on a combination of lectures, seminars and independent work. Great emphasis is placed on research and practice — especially in technical disciplines and the natural sciences.

Visa requirements

Citizens of non-EU countries need a student visa to study in Ireland for longer than 90 days. The process involves several stages.

Main requirements:

• Confirmation of enrolment from an Irish educational institution
• Proof of tuition payment (or evidence of available funds)
• Proof of funds: living costs of 7,000 euros for the applicant (plus additional funds for each accompanying person)
• Medical insurance
• A certificate of no criminal record from your country of residence
• A passport valid for at least 12 months after the planned end of your studies

Cost and timing: The consular fee for a student visa is 100 euros. Processing an application can take 8–12 weeks, so it is best to submit your documents 3–4 months before the start of your studies. After arriving in Ireland, within 90 days you need to register with the immigration service and obtain a residence permit (IRP card).

Pros and cons

Pros:

• English is the official language, which makes settling in easier.
• Irish degrees are highly regarded worldwide, especially in IT, pharmaceuticals and business.
• More affordable tuition costs compared with the USA or the United Kingdom.
• A safe environment and a friendly attitude towards foreigners.
• «Europe's Silicon Valley» — unique career opportunities at technology companies.
• EU membership offers certain advantages after graduation.
• A multicultural but not oversaturated environment.

Cons:

• An acute housing shortage, especially in Dublin, and high rental prices.
• A limited choice of boarding schools compared with the United Kingdom.
• The climate — windy and rainy, with hardly any warm summer.
• Public transport in smaller towns is poorly developed, and it can be inconvenient without a car.
• Degrees from Irish universities carry less weight outside Europe compared with Oxbridge or American universities.