Applying to universities in Ireland

 

Application procedures to study in Ireland vary depending on whether you are an EU or a non-EU student and whether you participate in undergraduate (first cycle) or graduate studies (second and third cycle).

 

 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

 

The application approach to a higher education institution in Ireland varies depending on whether you are an EU student or non-EU student. Your status is determined by your application and cannot be changed after first year registration.

 

 

EU students

 

If you are applying to study in Ireland as an EU citizen, you apply for all undergraduate courses through the Central Applications Office (CAO), unless otherwise stated.  The CAO provides an application pack with a handbook, which lists all the courses on offer and information on how to apply to each one.

 

You can apply either online or by filling in a paper form that can be downloaded from the CAO website. However, we recommend you apply online, as it speeds up the process of evaluating your application.

 

The CAO does not take the final decision on whether you will be admitted to the study program you applied for. Instead, the CAO facilitates the application process by collecting student data through a centralized system.

 

 

Entry requirements

 

Entry requirements for courses may vary from year to year, depending on the number of places available and the number of applicants, so there is a great deal of competition for the more popular programs.  Irish students compete for entry based on results achieved in the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination. Students are graded on their six best subject scores.

 

 

English language requirements

 

Students must show a proficiency in English to be accepted for a degree program. Many universities and colleges provide English language training courses for students hoping to study with them. There are also 94 private English language training schools nationwide, which run short and long-term courses.  

 

The list below indicates the minimum standards in English, which should be met. In certain circumstances, results in examinations other than those outlined below may be accepted as proof of ability. However, the results obtained in such other examinations must indicate ability to one of the standards outlined below:  

 

University of Cambridge: Pass in Use of English Examination

IELTS: Composite score of 6.0- 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in any one component

Cambridge Proficiency: Grade C

Cambridge Advanced: Grade A

 

 

Medicine: If you are interested in applying to study medicine in Ireland, please note that you will have to do the HPAT assessment test, which was introduced for EU students applying for undergraduate medicine in the medical schools in Ireland. The score achieved in the HPAT-Ireland examination will be added to the Leaving Certificate points to create a total points score. Students will be eligible to compete for undergraduate medicine places provided they achieve a minimum of 480* points AND meet the matriculation requirements of the Medical School. 

 

 

Non-EU students

 

If you are a non-EU student and you are applying for graduate study program, you have to send your application directly to the institution where you would like to enroll. In general, you can apply online through the institution website or download the application form from the study program or course website.

 

 

GRADUATE STUDIES

 

Applying to study in Ireland could not be easier for postgraduate students – wherever you are from.  Whether you are an EU or a non-EU postgraduate student, all you have to do is apply directly to the international office in your preferred higher education institute.

 

However, some higher education institutes will ask you to apply through the Postgraduate Applications Centre.

 

 

English Language Requirements

 

All postgraduate courses are given in English and students applying for degree courses must be able to speak, read, and write fluently in order to take part in tutorials, seminar discussions, and examinations.

If your native language is not English or your undergraduate education was not in English, then you will have to pass an approved test before registering for any course.

 

University of Cambridge: Pass in Use of English Examination

TOEFL: 220 (computer-based test) 550 (paper-based test)

IELTS: Composite score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in any one component

Cambridge Proficiency: Grade C

Cambridge Advanced: Grade C

 

Please note that test scores are only valid for 2 years.

 

 

Medicine: If you are interested in applying for graduate entry medicine, you will need to do the GAMSAT examination. GAMSAT is a specific test developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) for medical schools offering graduate-entry programs. GAMSAT is required by all EU graduates applying for the 4 Year Graduate Entry Medicine Programme (GEP).

 

 

Tuition fees

 

 

Tuition costs vary depending on the program, the institution, and whether you are classified as an EU student or non-EU student. They also fluctuate so make sure to double-check the fees with your chosen institution before you begin the application process.

 

EU (undergraduate)

 

A charge of €2,500 is payable by each student to cover non-tuition student services such as examination entry fees, support for student services, as well as support for student clubs and societies. These charges are regulated by the Department of Education and Skills.

 

EU nationals attending full-time undergraduate courses at one of the higher education institutions in Ireland are not normally required to pay any tuition fees. EU nationals who are repeating a full year of study must pay tuition fees. Any EU national who is following a second or subsequent third-level course may also be required to pay tuition fees, depending on the type and duration of the previous course attended. Any EU national who has not been resident in an EU member state for 3 of the past 5 years will be liable for tuition fees.

 

EU (postgraduate)

 

If you are an EU student and are thinking of enrolling postgraduate courses in Ireland, you will have to pay tuition fees. Higher education institutions usually publish information about fees for EU and non-EU students. EU students enjoy lower tuition fees than non-EU students.

 

 

Non-EU students (undergraduate and graduate)

 

If you are not an EU student, you will have to pay tuition fees at universities and colleges in Ireland. The amount of the tuition fees varies largely among institutions and study programs and over the years. We therefore recommend you to check with your university or college the exact amount of the tuition fee for the study program you are interested in.

 

 

Scholarships

 

 

There are hundreds of scholarships available for international students from a wide variety of sources such as the Government of Ireland, the Irish higher education institutions and other organizations. These are awarded solely at the discretion of the individual organizations that set down their own criteria for eligibility. Students are advised to contact the institution or organization of their choice directly, to obtain more detailed information.

 

 

Student visas for Ireland

 

 

Students from within the EU, EEA or Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Ireland. There are also a number of other countries whose citizens do not need a visa – a full list is provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Students from countries exempt from visas should bring proof of acceptance onto a course when entering the country, and register with immigration authorities if intending to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days.

 

Those who need to apply for a visa should do so online, via the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.