Education is seen as critical to the economic, social, and cultural success of Ireland. Ireland’s education policy is overseen by the Department of Education and Skills. The Department’s mission is to assure the delivery of a comprehensive, cost-effective, and accessible education system of the highest international standards. The Department of Education and Science is responsible for the administration of numerous aspects of Irish education. The Department defines broad regulations governing school recognition; prescribes curriculum; makes regulations governing school administration, resource allocation, and personnel; and negotiates teacher wage scales. The Inspectorate is actively engaged in a number of projects aimed at enhancing the quality of teaching and learning at the elementary and secondary levels. The Department, in collaboration with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), is responsible for ensuring the quality of further and third-level education. QQI is the state agency in charge of making sure that post-secondary education and training providers in the state give good education and training.

The Irish education system is made up of first level, second level, third-level and further education. State-funded education is available at all levels, unless you choose to send your child to a private institution. Education is compulsory from the age of 6 to 16, or until they have completed 3 years of second level (post-primary) education. Pre-school education is not offered on a national level in Ireland; it is mostly delivered via privately sponsored childcare facilities. The Department of Education and Science finances a few pre-school projects, focusing on children at risk. The typical first-level school enrolls pupils by age into eight year-groups or classes, ranging from junior infants to sixth class. While children in Ireland are not required to attend school until the age of six, most children begin in the September following their fourth birthday. Therefore, most four-year-olds and almost all five-year-olds are enrolled in infant classes at first-level schools (also called national or primary schools). Thus, a significant portion of what is called pre-school education in other countries (ages four to six) is offered free of charge to all children in Ireland. First-level education consists of an eight-year cycle. The primary goals of first-level education are to prepare the child to live a complete life as a kid and to achieve his or her potential as a unique person, as well as to prepare the child to be sociable and cooperative. The curriculum is child-centered and provides for flexibility in scheduling and teaching techniques. Most schools are state-funded, privately owned “all-through” schools, catering for pupils from 4 to 12 years of age. Students usually attend school in their neighborhood, but can attend any school in the nation as long as a space is available. Where there is a shortage of vacancies, the school should give precedence to applicants who meet the school’s admissions standards and Annual Admission Notice.

Pupils transition to a second-level school after completing their first-level education, often at the age of 12 years.Secondary, vocational, community, and comprehensive schools compose the second level. Vocational education committees (VECs) are responsible for vocational schools, while school boards are responsible for community and comprehensive schools. Second-level education expands on first-level education by providing students with a comprehensive, high-quality learning environment that prepares them for further or higher education, as well as direct employment. The educational cycle is typically six years long, spanning the ages of twelve to eighteen. The Junior Certificate is taken after three years (age 12–15), while the standard Leaving Certificate is taken after six years (age 15–18/19). The Junior Cycle is focused on preparing for the Senior Cycle by offering wide, balanced, and cohesive programs of study across a range of curricular areas. The Senior Cycle is the continuation of the Junior Cycle. It was recently reformed. The Transition Year, a significant educational innovation in Ireland, is now firmly entrenched in the system. It enables students to participate in a range of educational activities throughout the year, including work experience. Many people continue on after post-primary to further education and third-level education.

The conventional Leaving Certificate examination is the last examination of secondary (post-primary) education, and is often taken at the age of 17 or 18. The State Examinations Commission administers the examination. Students must enroll in a minimum of five subjects, one of which must be Irish. The Leaving Certificate determines admission to universities, colleges, and technical institutions. The two additional types of certificates: the first is the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), which modifies the conventional Leaving Certificate Programme by emphasizing technical subjects and including vocational modules; and the second is the Applied Leaving Certificate (LCA), an interdisciplinary, person-centered course that aims to prepare individuals for adulthood and professional life by providing suitable learning experiences. It was made to help students who can’t complete their Leaving Certificate requirements through regular Leaving Certificate programs.

In Ireland, third-level education refers to education beyond the secondary level, which is primarily delivered through universities, institutes of technology, and colleges of education. Additionally, a few additional third-level schools provide specialty education in a limited number of professions, including medicine and law. Most third-level educational institutions are heavily subsidized by the state. Second chance and alternative programs are provided to young people and adults who left school early or without obtaining the necessary credentials. Numerous aspects of the Irish educational system’s management are centralized in the Department of Education and Science. Universities are independent and self-governing institutions. They provide bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. The technical sector consists of technological universities (TUs) and institutes of technology (ITs), which provide certificate, diploma, and degree-level education and training in fields such as business, science, engineering, languages, and music. Ireland’s colleges provide specialized courses leading to bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas.

Please visit the Ireland admission details page for more information on university admission, tuition costs, and other topics.(https://studyoverseashub.com/bachelors-degree/ireland/)

Studying overseas might be one of the most crucial decisions a student makes. It outlines several factors that must be considered, including living abroad and accommodation. You may learn what to anticipate for living expenses here. Accommodation options in Ireland include on-campus housing (residence halls), private student hostels, homestays, and private or shared rental housing. Prior to making a decision, you must evaluate pricing, location, and availability. In general, on-campus residence halls are the most cost-effective option, but they fill up quickly. “Choosing Accommodation” provides further information regarding accommodation.

Transportation

The transportation system consists of trams, buses, ferries, and bicycles. Additionally, taxis and ridesharing services such as Uber are viable alternatives to commuting. The majority of Ireland’s public transportation systems accept the Leap Card as payment. The Leap Card is a pay-as-you-go smart card used for public transportation in Ireland. The Student Leap Card  offers up to a 50% discount on Irish transportation and national savings on retail purchases to full-time students in Ireland. Regular cards for adults may be bought at any TFI Leap agent, via the TFI Leap Card website , or at certain DART ticket vending machines in Dublin. However, student cards can only be acquired online via the TFI Leap Card website.. You may add funds to your card via the app, online, at any Payzone agent, or at the commuter train ticket machines. The minimum charge is €5.

The islands off the coast of Ireland are serviced by ferries. Ferries operate across rivers, inlets, and loughs, offering cyclists convenient bypasses. Dublin is the only city with its own tram network, the Luas. There is no timetable for the Luas , but you may check the status of any stop here. The bus is the most economical mode of transportation. There is service to and from most inhabited locations. The bus network is extensive and competitive, although journey times may be lengthy and many sites of interest outside of urban centers are not covered. The rail network is faster, but only serves major metropolitan areas. However, Ireland’s National Journey Planner app is particularly handy for booking bus and rail trips. Bus Éireann, the largest bus operator in Ireland, is the primary bus service in Ireland. Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland operate inside the Greater Dublin Area on the TFI network. Private buses often outperform Bus Éireann in Ireland and operate where government buses are unreliable or absent. Online reservations for Bus Éireann are available, but seats cannot be reserved. Many routes have dynamic pricing, so booking in advance will get the best deals. Trains are the fastest means of cross-country travel. Irish Rail services operate intercity, city-wide and commuter services in Dublin and Cork. Most lines connect Dublin to major cities and towns. It may be costly to travel by train, so wherever feasible, make a reservation in advance. If you intend to use public transportation often, you should consider purchasing a discount pass. Visit the Irish Rail website for bookings and additional information.

Driving

Driving has various drawbacks, such as high expenses and limited parking. But if you’re brave enough, this is by far the best way to go. It will provide you with the greatest flexibility and options of any other mode of transport. A car will save you time and allow you to access even the most remote areas. It is possible to find low-cost rentals via rental agencies or through companies like Budget. Rentals might also be cheaper than bus prices if more people travel together. In Ireland, non-EU licenses are valid for up to 12 months, while EU licenses are considered the same as Irish licenses. Before hitting the road, students must check that their vehicles are insured and have a valid license.

Cycling

The small size and gorgeous landscape of Ireland make it a great place for cycling. Cycling is the cheapest and healthiest form of transportation. Cyclists are frightened by concerns including inclement weather, restricted roadways, and some highly fast cars. Bicycles will be transported by buses if space permits. Note that intercity trains may charge up to €10.50 per bicycle. Bicycles are transported by ferry to Ireland’s islands for free. Irish Rail only admits two bicycles per train, so you should plan ahead. In Ireland, roads are designated as M (motorway), N (national), or R (regional). M roads are not ideal for cycling, although R and N roads are okay. Rental programs and companies with nationwide depots, such as Raleigh , NOW Dublin Bikes, and Bike Share , make it much simpler.

Tips

• Use the Transport for Ireland Fare Estimator to find out how much any mode of transportation, including taxis, will cost.
• The TFI Leap Top-Up App enables you to instantly add value to your TFI Leap Card, check your balance, collect tickets, and determine how close you are to achieving your daily and weekly cap values.
• The TFI Journey Planner App is a door-to-door journey planner that offers service information, directions, and travel time estimates for all licensed public transport companies in Ireland.
• The TFI Real Time Ireland App aggregates all real-time information services offered by Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, and Luas.The application gives real-time updates that facilitate effective travel planning.
• The TFI Go App enables you to purchase tickets for Irish public transportation systems straight from your mobile device. Your ticket is downloaded to the app and is immediately used for travel. No need to print, just activate your ticket and provide it to the driver upon boarding.
• The National Route Planner offers information and comparison options for traveling by bus, train, tram, ferry, and taxi, as well as information on walking segments of your journey.

Entertainment

There are so many exciting things to do in your spare time in Ireland. Examine the various societies and clubs on your campus as a starting point. Most schools have clubs that offer sponsored events, parties, language or cultural clubs, and so on to keep students engaged. On weekends and holidays, you could entertain yourself by going to the stadium, festivals, pubs, green parks, museums, and churches. You can also kayak along the Liffey River if you are a student in Dublin. Kayaking is also available in cities such as Kerry, Galway, and Cork.

More information on activities in Ireland is available at:

getyourguide, http://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-ireland/ ,and http://journalistontherun.com/2015/08/30/50-unique-things-to-do-in-ireland/.

Events and festivals you shouldn’t miss: https://www.discoveringireland.com/events1/

Banking

Opening a bank account in Ireland during your studies will allow you to manage your funds in the local currency, pay bills, and work part-time. It is quite advantageous for students to establish a banking relationship as soon as they arrive in Ireland. Few banks allow overseas students to apply online. If they do, you should fill out the application form on their website and provide a scanned copy of the necessary papers. If they do not, you’ll have to make an appointment and show up at the branch with your proof of identity (Student ID proof), valid passport, proof of residence, utility bills (less than six months old), and previous bank statements (home country). Your account should be active the same day or within two business days.

When selecting a bank, keep in mind the following factors: the bank’s location, accessibility to ATMs, service costs, and mobile banking features. Ireland’s leading banks are KBC, Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banking (AIB), and Ulster Bank. Most of them have accounts for students, so check out their websites and compare them before you decide.

1. Ireland provides world-class education and research, ranking among the best internationally. It is defined by originality, flexibility, and pragmatism. With an education in Ireland, you can be certain that your credentials will be recognized globally.

2. In Ireland, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during vacations and breaks (June to September and December 15th to January 15th).In addition, Ireland’s “Third level graduate program” allows graduate students to stay in Ireland for up to 12 months (undergraduates) or 24 months (Masters/PhD students) while they search for graduate-level employment and apply for a general work permit, a critical skills work permit, or a research hosting agreement, with the option of applying for permanent residency later. There are few economies in Europe growing as rapidly as Ireland’s. The thriving economy has resulted in an increase in the need for competent graduates. Ireland is also home to many major multinational corporations, which means there are plenty of job options.

3. Ireland is internationally renowned for its safety, friendliness, and hospitality. Ireland is ranked 8th in the 2021 Global Peace Index score, which ranks countries based on their level of safety and security, the severity of ongoing domestic and international conflict, as well as the scope of militarization. Ireland is constantly outstanding in terms of standards of living, tranquility, and human development. Thousands of students come to Ireland each year to study due to the country’s young demographics, cultural riches, natural beauty, excellent Irish literature, and, of course, famed Irish pubs.

4. Ireland is an incredible place to call home, owing to its thriving cultural legacy and easy access to the English language. Ireland is home to many museums, cathedrals, parks, and monuments. Ireland is small, making it easy to get around, yet it is also vibrant and culturally progressive. Meanwhile, the vast countryside is lightly populated and offers spectacular views of the coastline and mountains.

5. Ireland’s location in Europe makes it an ideal base for weekend and holiday explorations of the rest of Europe, and it’s just a short flight away if you choose to do so. All of this is made possible by the frequent flights of low-cost carriers across Europe.

6. It’s an incredible opportunity to study abroad in a multilingual country where most of the population speaks both English and Irish (or Gaelic). However, English is more widely spoken than Irish, and regional accents vary significantly. Students studying in Ireland can acquire a second language and get a greater understanding and participation in Ireland’s cultural and community life.

How do I apply to a university in Ireland?

Ans: Contact us via live chat or email to begin the application process.

How early should I apply for my studies?

Ans: We advise students to contact Study Overseas Hub about their application as soon as they have their high school diploma.

How can I apply for a visa?

Ans: Non-citizens of the UK or the European Economic Area (the EU plus Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein) who want to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa. A long-stay ‘D’ visa is usually applied for studies. 

Students will also need to provide the following to apply:

• Visa Request Form

• A letter of enrollment

• A valid passport

• Passport-sized photographs

• Health insurance

• Bank statements

• Evidence of English language proficiency

• Proof that the Ireland visa fee and tuition have been paid

• Proof of residence in Ireland

Please ensure that you have properly completed the application form and prepared all necessary documents before your scheduled appointment. Country-specific regulations may also exist, and your SOH counselor will ensure you have the proper documents. Keep in mind that Study Overseas Hub will support you with your visa application throughout its entirety.

How long does it take for a visa to be processed?

Ans: The processing time usually ranges from three weeks to one month.

How much bank balance is required for Ireland student visa?

Ans: Please note that there is no fixed amount of funds that will determine whether an application is approved or denied. We recommend that you have between €7,000 and €10,000 in an Irish bank account or an established, licensed bank in your home country to show that you can live and study comfortably in Ireland for up to a year.

Can I go to Ireland without IELTS?

Ans: Yes, Students from English-speaking countries and applicants to English-language programs are not required to submit test results with their visa applications.

Which English language tests are accepted by Irish institutions?

Ans: In Ireland, IELTS is the test of choice. Other English tests, like the TOEFL, Cambridge English Language Assessments (CELA), Duolingo English Test, English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP), and Oxford Test of English, are also accepted.

How much does it cost to study in Ireland?

Ans: Course fees vary from €9,000 to €25,000 for international students.

Can I work as a student in Ireland?

Ans: Students in Ireland are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week during the summer and winter vacations (June to September and December 15th to January 15th).

Can I stay in Ireland after I complete my studies to seek employment?

Ans: Yes, there are several initiatives in Ireland for graduate students to seek employment.

What is the minimum wage in Ireland?

Ans: Since January 1, 2022, the minimum wage in the United States is €10.50 per hour.

•    Republic of Ireland (Éire in Irish)

•    The island of Ireland has a total area of 84,421 square kilometers while Republic of Ireland has a total area of 70,283 sq km (27,136 sq mi) which is about the same size as New Brunswick in Canada.

•  The two official languages are Irish and English, however English is more widely spoken.

•  Ireland has a population of about 5 million people.

• Ireland’s currency is the euro (€), and it was one of the first 12 countries in the European Union to use it.

•  The temperate climate of Ireland is characterized by warm summers, mild winters, ample rainfall, and a lack of temperature extremes. Summer temperatures typically range between 60°F/15°C and 70°F/20°C, while winter temperatures typically range between 40°F/5°C and 46°F/8°C.

•The Republic of Ireland operates on a single standard time zone: March (UTC + 1) and October (UTC + 0).

• The international dialing code for Ireland is +353.

• Ireland has a 230 volt, 50 Hz power supply and uses socket and plug type G.

• Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, is home to just under a quarter of the country’s population.

• Ireland is one of only a few countries worldwide (and the only one in the European Union) without postal codes.

• Over 70 million people worldwide claim Irish ancestry.The primary reason for such a high number is the large emigrations caused by hunger and the pursuit of better prospects overseas, particularly in America throughout the 1800s. Ireland has a population of around 4.9 million people now, whereas Arizona alone has a population of 6.7 million.

• In 1759, Arthur Guinness established Guinness, one of the world’s most renowned brewers, in Dublin, Ireland. Surprisingly, Ireland, the birthplace of Guinness, does not have the world’s largest Guinness market! Britain is number one, Nigeria is number two, and Ireland is number three.

• Ireland’s average annual beer consumption is 131.1 liters, ranking second only to the Czech Republic in terms of per capita consumption.Every day, Dublin produces nothing less than 5 million pints of Guinness.

•Halloween originated from an Irish festival called Samhain.

•In Ireland, condoms could only be purchased with a prescription until 1985.

• Surnames beginning with “Mac” in Ireland mean “son of,” while surnames beginning with “O” mean “grandson of.”

•The first divorce in Ireland occurred on January 17, 1997. 25 years after the statute was passed, Ireland now boasts one of the lowest divorce rates in Europe and the world.

•It has been unlawful to be intoxicated in public in Ireland since 2009.

•Ireland has one of the world’s youngest populations due to its high birthrate, specifically in the past 50 years.

•As part of the Centenarian Bounty, you get a letter from the President and €2,540 on your 100th birthday.

•Ireland doesn’t have any snakes because the sea has kept many animals from mainland Europe from getting to the island.

• After winning a competition in 1792, Irishman James Hoban designed the White House, which houses the President of the United States.

•The greatest red-light district in Europe used to be on Montgomery Street in Dublin.

•Oh! We also can’t forget that studying in Ireland is the best way to learn most of the interesting facts.