Moving abroad to study can be exciting and scary with a mixture of doubts and apprehension. Ireland has built itself a strong foundation as being one of the best places to take a course or even transfer for a semester. Before flying across an ocean or even taking an hour-long plane ride, knowing the answers to a few questions could really help you along your way.
Is Ireland diverse?
Up until a few years ago, Ireland had less than one per cent of foreigners living as permanent residents but in recent years the number of students coming in from different corners of the world has increased considerably. A survey in 2017 found that there has been an 8% increase in English speaking students coming to Ireland to continue their education. The numbers rose from 119,119 in 2016 to 129,290 in 2017. The increase in students has come mostly from outside the EU with a lot of students from America, Asia and the Middle East looking at Ireland as a great study option.
What are the costs like?
As an EU national, students are eligible for home fee rates but students from other parts of the world tend to struggle with the costs. Estimations made by various research studies show that living in Ireland needs a budget of at least $800 and this is not adding the cost of rent. Renting a shared apartment in Ireland can cost anywhere from $470 to $940. Insurance and anything you spend on education can be added on after these costs are taking into account which results in quite an expensive monthly budget.
How easy is it to work after I complete my degree?
If you are planning to settle down in another country and are looking for a few working years as well, Ireland is definitely one of the better bets. The Irish government recently increased the amount of time international students could stay in Ireland after finishing their degree. This in part is also to increase the number of students who select Ireland as their study destination. The Irish government increases the stay-back option for non-EU students to 24 months from the initial 12 months giving students more time in the country and even the possibility to find a full-time job.
What is the visa process like?
Certain nations need a student visa when moving to Ireland for their course and it is best to start the process at least 8 months before you plan on leaving. Certain documents will be needed when going through this process and students can apply online.
- Letter of acknowledgement from the University that has accepted you.
- Proof of adequate funds and that you have paid your full tuition fee.
- Proof that you are fluent in the language your course is being conducted.
- Confirmation that you have medical insurance for your time spent in Ireland.
- Reasons you have missed any year of study or taken a gap.
- Confirmation that you will return to your home country after completing your studies.
Overall, Ireland is a great place to study if you have been accepted into a great course and have done your research. It is also a fantastic place to live with friendly people and a rich history that can prove to be very interesting.