August 12, 2021
Study in Ireland for Indian students
by Arunachalam
Study in Ireland for Indian Students
A tiny island that packs a punch, Ireland is known for the sheer beauty of its landscapes and friendly, hearty people. It has consistently ranked in the top 20 countries for its quality of life, and Indian students are making a beeline for this country as a preferred choice for higher education.
Ireland’s vibrant culture and rich heritage make it a lovely place to spend your student life in. As a follow up to the high quality of its educational programs, the country also offers rewarding work opportunities once you have graduated, and the study abroad experience here will teach you lessons that will last a lifetime.
Situated on the western coast of Europe bordering UK, Ireland is a member of the European Union and is home to over 35,000 foreign students from 160 countries.
Read on to know why Ireland is growing in popularity as a study destination for Indian students.
The Education System in Ireland
Higher education in Ireland is on par with the best in the world, with study programs in natural sciences, social sciences and humanities highly sought after among international students. Research institutions are aplenty, with cutting-edge research facilities and infrastructure that is second to none. Students can gain experience working with top notch researchers on various real-world projects.
Why Choose Ireland As Your Study Destination?
Here are the top reasons for you to pick Ireland as your preferred destination for studying abroad:
- Higher education courses in Ireland are widely known for excellence, especially in the scientific fields.
- 9 out of 10 top pharma firms in the world are in Ireland.
- 40% of the population is under the age of 25, and international students are warmly welcomed into this global student community
- Ireland has a modern economy with a good quality of life.
- Many scholarships of 2000 Euros upwards are open to foreign students.
- On completing their course of studies, students can get employed in any of over 1000 Ireland-based multinational companies.
- Healthcare and medical fields are promising sectors, and Indian students can thrive in this environment
- Opportunities for Jobs in Ireland
With a booming economy and growing business environment, Ireland is home to some of the largest multinational companies and organisations. Students can easily get gainful employment in these organisations, and gain practical exposure to the real world in their field of study. Many of the universities often offer internship opportunities.
You must apply for a Green Card (also called a work permit) from the Irish Government so that when pursuing your education, you can make money. Foreign students can also avail of various financial aids to supplement their education, such as study abroad loans and scholarships.
Cost of Living for International Students in Ireland
Typically, students will need to shell out €7,000 to €12,000 as the cost of living per year for one academic year. This amount is inclusive of rent, utilities, food, books, laundry and medication. Tuition fees, travel passes and social expenses are NOT included.
You will have to create a budget for initial set up expenses as well, such as buying kitchen equipment, a mattress, a study desk and so on.
Public Transportation and Accommodation
Public transportation in Europe is expensive, and it makes sense to look for an accommodation within walking distance of your college. A monthly bus pass for students is €105 if you are thinking of taking a bus to college. Purchasing a vehicle is not really feasible if you are on a budget, as you will have to take care of the maintenance, repairs, insurance, etc., plus fuel charges. Most overseas students travel by bike.
Accommodation
Do start searching for accommodation as soon as possible. You can arrive in the country two weeks ahead of the commencement of classes and can start to look at housing options. If you are late in your search, you might find that very few decent options are available.Most students prefer to share the apartment with other students or tenants, as the rent will be split. The average rent for a two-room apartment in urban areas is around € 1000-1200 per month, and you can expect € 800-900 in suburban areas. Keep in mind that you will have to pay power bills and other maintenance costs on top of this.
Food
Indian food and groceries are very expensive in Europe, so you will have to get used to western food. Restaurants are also very expensive, so learning to make quick meals is going to be very helpful.
The table below lists out all the expenses that you are likely to be having on a monthly as well as yearly basis.
| Cost | Monthly (€) | Annual (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | €427 | €3,843 |
| Utilities | €28 | €252 |
| Food | €167 | €1,503 |
| Travel | €135 | €1,215 |
| Books & Class materials | €70 | €630 |
| Clothes/Medical | €41 | €369 |
| Mobile | €31 | €279 |
| Social life/Misc | €75 | €675 |
Irish Visa for Study in Ireland for Indian Students
Before visiting Ireland, Indian students must apply for a visa. To apply for a study visa, you must have in hand:
- An approval of the offer letter for a recognised study programme in Ireland
- A payment letter from a college in Ireland
- In order to study in Ireland, students from the EU do not require a visa.
Process Of Visa for Study in Ireland for Indian Students
All Indian students who wish to study in Ireland must first get a student visa as a prerequisite. This visa will depend on your age and the sort of study you choose to do in Ireland. The table below lists the types of students visa available:
| S.No | Duration of study | Visa Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Less than three months | C Study Visa |
| 2. | More than three months | D Study Visa |
Visit the official website of the Irish Government to apply for a Visa online. It is possible to apply for a visa up to three months before the expected day of your trip. The date to which your application fee is charged is the date to which you apply.
The following are the other requirements to study in Ireland for Indian students:
Documents Required for Ireland study visa for Indian students Currently valid passport, valid for 12 months after your expected arrival date in Ireland, or other valid documents for travel Letter of recognition by an Irish organisation accepted Colour pictures in passport format Proof of passing an English exam, such as IELTS Receipt of tuition payment. For example, this may be a legitimate receipt indicating course payments, or a copy of the application by the borrower to the Irish bank of the university or college that has been forwarded to an authorised fee payment service Proof of funds (€7,000) for the length of the course for your living. Proof of some gaps in the duration of the study (if any) Biometric Data in the application process. Declaration of your commitment that you will leave Ireland when your visa expires Application review sheets and proof of your return home as certified documentation for the ‘C’ visa
Proof of academic potential to follow the path you have selected
A personal interview at the Irish embassy or consulate is also mandatory. As an applicant from outside Ireland, you have to pay 60 euro as a visa fee (check the latest fee before you apply)
English Language Requirements
Students who are interested in studying in Ireland must satisfy the minimum requirements for English. Every university has its own minimum criteria, so do check what they are before applying. The IELTS exam is usually mandatory.
You will also be required to show proficiency in the English language in order to secure your Study Visa for Ireland.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most common measure of proficiency in the language of learning, job and migration. For an Irish research visa, Universities demand a minimum 5.0 band grade in IELTS.
Need help with your application to study in Ireland? Visit the best migration consultants in Kochi – MWT Education Consultancy. Our expert counsellors are happy to help!
Written by
Arunachalam
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