Universities in Ireland - higher education in Ireland, study at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Limerick. What and how is taught in Irish elementary school? The most famous universities in Ireland

Irish universities are not as popular as English ones, but the level of local education is not lower in quality than that of British institutions. Many foreigners will also be pleased with the cost of education, which is two times lower than in the UK. Ireland ranks 6th in terms of education, behind Germany and Norway.

Admission to universities does not involve entrance exams. Enrollment takes place on a competitive basis. The basis for admission is the Leaving Certificate - the National Graduation Certificate, which students receive at the end of the 12th grade after the final exams (similar to the Unified State Examination). Exam results are evaluated as a percentage. After passing school exams, applicants send applications to universities through a computer form CAO (Central Application Office).

You can simultaneously submit up to 6 applications to different universities. If the number of points scored corresponds to the passing one, the applicant is considered enrolled.

In the Republic of Ireland, higher education is provided by 9 universities, institutes of technology and vocational colleges. Universities offer school graduates training programs in various fields: marketing, law, journalism, pedagogy, exact sciences, etc.

Duration of study in institutions:

• Technological education - 2 years;
• Undergraduate - 3-4 years;
• Master's degree - 1-2 years;
• Postgraduate studies - 3 years.

The academic year begins in September, is divided into two or three semesters and lasts until mid-June. The educational process consists of lectures, practical work, seminars. Each student is assigned a tutor, with whom he can consult and study individually.

Education programs

The training system has a three-stage structure according to the Bologna scheme.

Undergraduate

The bachelor's degree can be issued by colleges, institutes of technology and universities in Ireland. Terms of study:

• Standard diploma - 3 years;
• Honorary Bachelor - 4 years.

The most common destinations:

• Art;
• Humanitarian sciences;
• Engineering;
• Business and law;
• Pedagogy;
• Natural Sciences;
• The medicine.

The training lasts 1-2 years. The program includes theoretical and research activities. Graduates of the master's program apply for high positions in their chosen field and can teach at the university.

PhD

The term of study is 3 years. The training program consists of teaching and research activities with the defense of a dissertation. The first year is given to the graduate student to attend seminars, lectures and laboratory work. The second year of study involves the defense of a dissertation, as well as the teaching of disciplines for junior students.

Universities and colleges

As in all of Europe, universities in Ireland are divided into:

• Colleges of Technology;
• Institutes of Vocational Education;
• Universities.

Graduates of certain specialties in colleges are in demand on the labor market more than students who graduated from prestigious universities. Colleges can be both autonomous professional institutions and a separate part of universities.

The state widely practices the introduction of colleges and universities into a single system. An example is the National University of Ireland, which is an association of four universities and six colleges.

Conditions for admission

There are no entrance tests to universities in the country, but first of all, all universities in Ireland require knowledge of English and the highest scores in specialized subjects. Upon admission, some universities conduct additional exams to test the qualifications of the applicant.

Language requirement

Foreign applicants must provide test results according to international systems upon admission: TOEFL not less than 550 points or IELTS at the level of 6 points and above. If the applicant is not sure of his level, then it is recommended to take language courses in specialized schools.

How Russians can enter an Irish university

Most Irish universities count the Russian certificate, so you can apply for a bachelor's degree immediately after graduation. High grades are taken into account, but it will be necessary to additionally prove your knowledge in the chosen profile. Some universities may ask you to take an internal test.

Master's and PhD programs must be entered with a basic education of at least a bachelor's degree.

Transfer from a Russian university to an Irish one is not possible, studies begin from the first year.

List of documents

Citizens of Russia to enroll in undergraduate studies in educational institutions in Ireland must have:

• Certificate of secondary school education in English;
• Motivation letter;
• Recommendations of teachers, certificates of participation in olympiads, international competitions and other evidence of good academic performance;
• Confirmation of the level of English ( TOEFL or IELTS certificates);
• A document indicating financial wealth.

The entire list of required documents for admission must be sent to SAO until February 1st.

student visa

If the applicant goes to courses for up to three months, then a degree visa is issued "FROM". For longer periods, the student receives a category visa "D".

For an entry permit, a package of documents is required:

• Confirmation of admission to an Irish university.
• Confirmation of financial viability.
• Confirmation of language proficiency (international certificates).
• International passport.
• Documents about the existing education.
• Insurance.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Statement.

Visa processing time is 8 weeks.

Cost of education

Higher education is funded by the state. Education in Ireland for its own citizens and residents of the countries of the European Union for a bachelor's degree is free. Upon admission to the magistracy and postgraduate studies - 5-10 thousand euros per year.

Students from other countries pay the full cost. It depends on the chosen specialization and is much cheaper than in other European countries. The average price for all foreign citizens (including citizens of the Russian Federation and the CIS) is 15 thousand euros per year.

Approximate prices:

Is it possible to get education for free

Students who came to study from outside the country EU are not eligible for free education in Ireland. But many universities offer scholarships and grants for outstanding students. Refugees with official status are entitled to free education.

Scholarships and grants for students

The conditions for receiving scholarships for foreign citizens are set by universities and colleges depending on the academic performance and level of knowledge of each student. The amount of the scholarship is specified directly in the international department of the higher educational institution.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ireland annually allocates grants for talented foreign students.

There is a special program designed to strengthen educational ties between Ireland and Russia. The government allocates grants for 1 year of study, summer schools, master's or postgraduate studies. Yes, Trinity College Dublin accepts Russian students with an incentive scholarship.

Internship and exchange studies

Many travel firms and companies offer a wide range of internship programs in Ireland. Short-term internship lasts 2-4 weeks. Documents are submitted to the company three months before the trip. Suitable housing is provided to the student, taking into account his wishes.

Studying under the exchange program takes place with living in an Irish family. It is the responsibility of the student to have a conscientious attitude to study and compliance with the rules of residence. The host family does everything to make the foreign guest feel at home.

The exchange fee includes:

• Transfer from the airport to the place of residence;
• Administrative expenses;
• 3 meals a day;
• Homestay, etc.

Accommodation and meals

Students can choose different types of accommodation:

• Student campus;
• Host family;
• Removable housing.

Irish university campuses are considered the most equipped and comfortable hostels in all of Europe. Permission on the possibility of settling on the campus is specified in the international department of the higher educational institution.

Host families are carefully checked for compliance with the living conditions. Each university has its own list of families with which it cooperates annually.

You can rent an apartment for two or three, this is a convenient option if the applicant is not coming alone.

The cost of meals on campuses or in inexpensive catering places is approximately 50-70 euros per week. There are no free meals for students.

Top Universities in Ireland

• Trinity CollegeDublin. The university has worldwide recognition and is considered the best on the island. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, founded in 1592. Graduates are valued all over the world and find decent jobs in their specialty. Official site -
• UniversityCollegeDublin. It ranks second in the list of the best universities in the country. The institution is considered the best in terms of the quality of education and is included in the rating of "200 universities with a quality education system." The most prestigious faculty is veterinary medicine. Official site -
• UniversityCollegeCork. The university began its activity in 1845. Leading specializations are pharmaceutics and pharmacology. Graduates are in great demand in the labor market. Website -
• National University of Ireland Galway. Released many political figures, including the president of the country. Ranked among the Top 5 Universities in Ireland. Official site -
• DublincityUniversity. This is a young university, founded in 1975. Located in Dublin, it consists of urban campuses. It ranks 5th in the ranking of the best universities in the Republic of Ireland and is in great demand among foreign applicants. The main direction is research in the field of IT. Official site -

Ireland is the world leader in the number of educational institutions per capita. Diplomas from local universities are highly rated outside the country, so thousands of foreign students annually arrive in Ireland to receive higher education at universities.

Irish higher education system

Irish universities are funded by the state by 90 percent. In addition to 7 universities, the higher education system includes: technological institutes; pedagogical colleges; private business schools and IT schools.

The program of study at the university provides an opportunity for the student to devote himself to science without being distracted by general subjects. Students are focused on making scientific discoveries, and not on the practical application of the knowledge gained.

Technological institutes, on the contrary, emphasize the practical side of study, the program in them is based on the needs of the industry of the country and the world. Colleges provide the most career-oriented education. Demanded training programs in them: information technologies; jurisprudence; Social sciencies; psychology; humanitarian sciences.

The structure of higher education in Ireland is similar to the British one. The first stage - bachelor's degree - lasts 3-4 years. The second stage is a master's degree, after its completion, higher education is considered completed. Those who wish to engage in research activities move to the third stage - postgraduate and doctoral studies.

By the way, the quality of Irish education is not inferior to British. At the same time, the cost of obtaining it, as a rule, is lower. At the age of 17-18, an Irishman takes final school exams in 6 selected disciplines to receive a Leaving Certificate (certificate). The results are also introductory for admission to the university. To enter the university, an applicant must obtain the highest scores in at least two specialized subjects.

Universities in Ireland

Seven well-known Irish universities, tuition fees:

1. Trinity College Dublin- (""). Every year it is included in the top 50 universities in the world. The price of training per year is from 16035 EUR.
2. Dublin City University() was founded only in 1975. Educational programs are focused on gaining knowledge in the field of business, IT technologies, natural sciences, and languages. The price of the annual course is about 12500 EUR.
3. Dublin Institute of Technology() specializes in technology education. The cost of training is from 11000 EUR per year.
4. University College Dublin- . There are more than 20 scientific centers on the territory of the university. The cost of studying is from 5500 EUR per year.
5. University College Cork(Irish National University Cork) is one of the most prestigious in the country. The minimum tuition fee is 7350 EUR per year.
6. University of Limerick() is the leader in corporate education in the country, employing over 2,000 students every year. The price of study is from 8500 EUR for an annual course.
7. AT National University of Ireland Galway() seven faculties. In addition to traditional economics and jurisprudence, Celtic anthropology is available for study. The annual course costs about 12,000 EUR.

How to enter an Irish university for a Russian

It is better to choose a university at least a year before the expected admission. accept applications from Russian and foreign citizens from September to the beginning of March inclusive. You can apply later, but you will have to pay a fine. Deadlines may vary depending on the university.

List of documents for admission to undergraduate studies:

• certificate of complete secondary education, certified and translated into English;
• a statement drawn up in the form of an essay, it is also called a motivation letter (the writing style is business-like, you need to tell why the applicant is interested in studying at an Irish university at a particular faculty);
• diplomas, diplomas, certificates - everything that additionally confirms academic performance;
• certificates proving sufficient English proficiency (- from 220 points in the online version, from 550 in the regular one; - not less than 6.5 points);
• an applicant who applied for the Faculty of Medicine must pass an additional HPAT exam;
• certificate confirming solvency.

Also, the university can conduct an internal interview or testing. Higher education in Ireland for Russians who do not have sufficient knowledge of the English language or basic disciplines can only be obtained by completing Foundation preparatory courses at universities. The courses last a year, the average cost is 9000 EUR, upon completion, students are automatically enrolled in the chosen faculty.

The specificity of Irish universities is such that they do not provide for restrictions on the recruitment of foreign students. But each candidacy goes through a long consideration: this includes discussion in the international department, and taking into account the opinions of the teaching staff. The decision on enrollment is made within two months.

To obtain a second higher education in Ireland, you need to submit the following documents:

• document on the completed bachelor's degree;
• characteristics from teachers;
• confirmation of work experience in the specialty.

The cost of education, the possibility of free education

Educated citizens are valued in Ireland. Any Irishman can study for a bachelor's degree for free. Russian citizens will have to pay for education. The price of educational services in Ireland is lower than in many other European countries, but still quite high.

The average cost for Russians is 15,000 EUR per year, the minimum price is 8,000 EUR. For students from countries outside the EU, free education is not provided. But many educational institutions provide an opportunity to receive a grant or scholarship to foreign students. For example, Trinity College Dublin provides students from Russia with an incentive scholarship.

Refugees with official status have the opportunity not to pay for their studies.

The educational process: what is taught and how

The process of higher education takes place in English. There are many educational programs, the most popular ones are chemistry, IT-technologies, medicine, agriculture.

The academic year lasts from September to June: 2-3 semesters and 2 vacation breaks in December and April. Each first-year student is assigned a tutor, whose duties include individual lessons with the student.

Universities do not save on research activities. For example, Trinity College Dublin, together with international companies, form the Department of Innovation Services. Students, and not only technical specialties, participate in its work. For example, students of historical faculties make archives, and can even make money on it.

In professional institutes, it is important to master practical skills. By the way, graduates of institutes in some specialties (especially those related to business) are valued even higher in the labor market than specialists who graduated from the university.

The hallmark of teaching in Ireland is that it pays well. A professor receives an average of 67,000 EUR per year. Therefore, the negligent attitude of teachers to work is nonsense.

Accommodation and meals

The student has several options for accommodation:

1. Host family. Pros: own room; food; language practice is acquired; no need to pay additional bills. Cons: someone else's cuisine may not be pleasant; in case of possible disagreements, it is not easy to find another housing at once. The cost of living is 120 EUR per week.
2. Student hostel(campus). Pros: provided without problems; separate bedroom. Cons: accommodation in one apartment for 6-8 people; shared bathroom and kitchen. The average price is 100 EUR per week.
3. Rental apartment. Pros: no neighbors; own kitchen and bathroom. Cons: Finding a suitable apartment is difficult; lack of language practice. The minimum cost of housing is 170 EUR per week.

In the second and third options, you will additionally have to pay for electricity, heating, Internet (about 200 more EUR monthly). Meals on campuses, inexpensive cafes will cost about 60 EUR weekly.

Advantages and disadvantages of studying in Ireland

pros:

1. The country speaks a language close to British English. Therefore, you can easily master the "pure" colloquial pronunciation.
2. You can get a scholarship.
3. Irish education is valued all over the world.
4. Students can work.
5. Ireland is a safe country.
6. Saturated extracurricular activities: sports sections and hobby classes.
7. No need to waste time and money on preparatory courses unnecessarily.
8. The Irish are a friendly people.

Minuses:

1. Difficult to do.
2. High tuition costs.
3. You cannot transfer from a Russian university to an Irish one.

In Ireland, 40 percent of the population is under 25 years of age. This contributes to the active development of new forms of education. The education system is one of the best in the world, according to an independent study conducted in 2007.

Many young people around the world are inspired by Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde, who once studied in Ireland. And after them they go to receive an education that even a great writer is not ashamed to have.

All higher education institutions in Ireland

On this page, you can get acquainted with 46 universities in Ireland, which are located in 10 cities. The cost of obtaining higher education for the Bachelor's program ranges from 0 USD to 29783 USD, for the Master's program from 0 USD to 19214 USD. Read a detailed description and testimonials from students who have studied at universities in Ireland.

Universities in Ireland are extremely popular with Russian students. In fact, there are not many countries in the world where you can get a quality higher education and an international diploma at an affordable price. In addition, higher education in Ireland for Russians requires only a certificate of completion of a Russian high school - you do not have to overpay for a whole year of study in preparatory courses.

However, in addition to the financial aspect, higher education in Ireland has a number of other undeniable advantages.

HIGHER EDUCATION IN IRELAND

From time immemorial, Ireland has been the center of European pedagogical thought. At the dawn of the Middle Ages - in the 6th century AD, when most of the neighboring powers had no time for education, the first schools at monasteries began to be created in Ireland.

The opportunity to get a higher education appeared among the inhabitants of the Emerald Isle in the 16th century, when, at the suggestion of the English Queen Elizabeth I, the country's first university, Dublin University, was founded.

The modern system of higher education in Ireland has a structure similar to the British one and consists of 3 levels:

• Bachelor's degree in Ireland lasts 3-4 years. At the end of the 3-year course, the graduate receives an Ordinary Bachelor Degree, the result of a 4-year bachelor's degree is the Honors Bachelor Degree. This degree, which can literally be translated as "Bachelor's degree with honors", is usually received by those who intend to continue their studies in a master's program in Ireland or apply for a managerial position.
• Magistracy in Ireland does not fundamentally differ from European or American: there are few lectures, a lot of independent research work. The duration of the master's program at a university in Ireland is 2 years.
• Doctoral studies, like Ireland's master's degree, are also devoid of characteristic national features. Obtaining a PhD in the Emerald Isle can take from 2 to 6 years, depending on the chosen field of study.

As in neighboring Great Britain, students pursuing higher education in Ireland spend a lot of time in libraries and laboratories, doing independent work, and also actively participate in all kinds of extracurricular activities - from student theater productions to kayaking competitions.

TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN IRELAND

The modern system of higher education in Ireland is represented by 3 types of educational institutions.

Universities - there are only 9 in the whole country - are mainly engaged in research work. Irish university students are the future scientific elite.

Colleges and institutions representing higher education in Ireland, which account for dozens, are focused on the practical application of knowledge. Compared to classical universities, here they pay less attention to the study of fundamental sciences and research work, focusing on the knowledge and skills that a graduate will need in his future work.

ADVANTAGES OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN IRELAND FOR RUSSIAN STUDENTS

For many of our compatriots, one of the main arguments in favor of choosing a higher education in Ireland is the low cost of education compared to other English-speaking countries. A year of higher education in Ireland for Russians will cost about a third less than in an English educational institution. At the same time, the academic training and technical equipment of the universities of the Emerald Isle is no worse than in the UK.

By the way, the cost of living and meals during higher education in Ireland is also noticeably (20 - 30%) lower than in Britain, the USA and some states of continental Europe.

In addition, Russian students receiving higher education in Ireland are officially allowed to work - up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during the holidays. Part-time employment during higher education in Ireland is not only an additional source of income, but also, if the student works in their specialty, an experience that potential employers will definitely appreciate.

Another important resource that can be saved by enrolling in an Irish university is time. Ireland is one of the few English-speaking countries that recognizes a domestic high school diploma as a sufficient basis for enrolling in a university.

And, of course, not the last role in the choice of the future place of higher education in Ireland for Russians is played by the issue of the student's psychological comfort. And in this sense, the country is the best suited for our student. Many compatriots note that the mentality of the islanders is close to the Russian one. The Irish are one of the most hospitable peoples inhabiting Europe; any foreigner here is guaranteed a warm welcome and care from the locals.

The number of universities in Ireland offering Master's and Bachelor's programs to Russian students is quite large. Not so many documents are required for enrollment - in addition to the certificate of education, translated and notarized, you need confirmation that the financial capabilities of the applicant will allow him to pay for his studies and living in this country. Usually a bank statement is used for this.

If you are interested in higher education in Ireland for Russians, contact the KNOWLEDGE CENTER. The company's specialists will advise on all issues related to higher education in Ireland, select the right educational institution for you and help you correctly draw up the documents necessary for enrollment. You can sign up for a consultation at the "KNOWLEDGE CENTER" using the online application form below.

Ireland ranks first in the world in terms of the number of educational institutions per capita. At the same time, the cost of education in it is 20-30% lower than in other English-speaking countries.

Duration of Irish university programs

As in many other European countries, Irish universities are divided into universities and colleges of vocational education. Moreover, in some specialties (business, design), college graduates are more in demand on the market than university graduates. State universities are, first of all, scientific centers. And private, as a rule, are more focused on practice and market needs. In Irish universities, you can get a vocational education in 2 years, a bachelor's degree in 3-4 years, a master's degree in 1-2 years, a graduate student in 3 years.

Education in Ireland in English

The official language of Ireland is English, so education in all Irish universities is in English.

Admission to Irish Universities

To enter Irish universities, a Russian certificate of school education and a certificate of knowledge of the English language are sufficient. At the same time, it is desirable to have good grades in major subjects, and even better - a medal. If you are not sure that you can immediately master the first-year program in a non-native language, then the Foundation preparatory programs that exist at many universities will help you. The advantage of this one-year program is that after it you can be automatically enrolled in a university not only in Ireland, but also in the UK or the USA.

Acceptance of documents for the programs of the first higher education in all Irish universities is carried out centrally through the Central Application Office (Central Application Office) and lasts until February 1. Applications for graduate and postgraduate programs should be submitted directly to the universities within the deadlines set by them for specific programs.

Cost and Scholarships to Study in Ireland

Citizens of the European Union study for free at the bachelor's degree (provided that this is the first education) and for 4-10 thousand euros per year in the magistracy and postgraduate studies. The remaining international students of all levels pay 10-20 thousand euros per year. Engineering and medical specialties are traditionally more expensive: up to 50 thousand euros. Living expenses are 700 euros per month.

There are many ways for international students to cover their expenses with scholarships, but most of them are offered at the post-baccalaureate level. It is allowed to earn extra money up to 20 hours a week while studying and up to 40 hours during the holidays. Graduates from the CIS countries can stay in Ireland for up to 16 months without additional permits, which should be enough to find a job.