Discover Why Ireland is an Excellent Choice for You!

Renowned for its expansive green landscapes and majestic castles, Ireland provides a unique blend of countryside charm and vibrant urban living. With its top-tier universities, diverse range of courses, and ample employment prospects, Ireland emerges as an ideal destination for Indian students. Serving as a technology hub with numerous prominent companies hosting their European bases, Ireland promises a comprehensive experience that extends far beyond academic pursuits.

Ireland's Educational Structure

Educational Levels in Ireland - The Irish education system mirrors that of the UK, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality education. Education in Ireland is organized into four main tiers:

• Primary education, including pre-primary schooling
• Post-primary education
• Further education and training
• Higher education

In this article, we delve into the reasons why choosing Ireland for studying abroad is advantageous and share some intriguing facts about the country.

Why opt for Ireland as a study destination?

Here are the top six reasons why Indian students should consider studying in Ireland:

1. Exceptional institutions

With one in ten full-time students in Ireland being international, the country's institutions offer outstanding education. The Irish government maintains educational standards through the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), ensuring consistent quality across universities.

2. Innovation and research

Irish universities and colleges rank in the top 1% globally for research across 19 disciplines, including social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and healthcare. Students benefit from research-driven programs and renowned figures like Ernest Walton, John Bell, Oscar Wilde, and James Joyce, highlighting Ireland's commitment to innovation and creativity.

3. Abundant opportunities

Ireland offers plentiful opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, with many global organizations housing strategic research facilities in the country. Ireland hosts over 1,000 multinational companies, including major players in ICT, pharmaceuticals, gaming, and financial services.

4. Secure community

Ranked 3rd on the Global Peace Index 2023, Ireland is among the safest countries globally. Students enjoy rights similar to local citizens and thrive in a supportive society.

5. Rich cultural experience

Renowned for their warmth and hospitality, the Irish welcome international students into their family-oriented society. Festivals like St. Patrick's Day and the Galway Oyster Festival showcase Ireland's vibrant traditions and music, ensuring students feel at home.

6. Work opportunities

Students can supplement their education in Ireland by working part-time, with allowances of 20 hours per week during academic terms and 40 hours per week during select months. Graduates can seek employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme for non-EU graduates after completing their studies.

A Welcoming and Secure Environment

Ireland prides itself on its welcoming and secure atmosphere, backed by notable rankings and indices:

• Ranked as the 5th most friendly country globally.
• Recognized as the 8th most peaceful nation according to the Global Peace Index, assessing conflict, safety, and societal security.
• Ireland holds the 12th position in the Global Peace Index and the 22nd spot in the World Happiness Index, with its youth boasting the fourth highest standard of education worldwide as per the OECD 2019 Education report.
• The Bloomberg Innovation Index 2020 positioned Ireland as the 16th most innovative country, home to five of Forbes' Top 10 companies: Apple, Google, Alphabet, Amazon, and Samsung.
• Known for their maternal warmth, the Irish extend a familial welcome to newcomers, treating them as part of the family, especially when staying with host families.
• Higher Education Institutions in Ireland are dedicated to ensuring the seamless integration of visiting students, offering designated staff members for assistance, ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable stay.

In essence, Ireland fosters a friendly and inclusive environment, enriching the experience of international students.

Prominent Global Corporations in Ireland

Ireland serves as the European headquarters for over 1,000 prominent multinational corporations! These companies, seeking a skilled, educated, and proficient workforce to propel their endeavors, have chosen Ireland as their base of operations.

With a robust presence in sectors such as ICT, Social Media, Pharmaceuticals, and Finance, Ireland hosts a multitude of FDI giants, including Google, HP, Apple, IBM, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pfizer, GSK, and Genzyme.

• Ireland continues to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI), positioning itself as the second most appealing country globally for FDI, following Singapore.
• Alongside a robust multinational sector, Ireland boasts thriving indigenous industries, with companies like CRH, Smurfit Kappa, DCC, Glen Dimplex, Greencore, Kingspan, NTR, and Paddy Power competing on the global stage.
• Half of Ireland's medical technology companies are domestically owned, while the vibrant software sector primarily exports to the UK and the US.
• Ireland enjoys a natural competitive edge in the food and beverage industry.
• As Europe's largest exporter of beef and the fourth largest globally, Ireland's beef products, notably used in one out of every five beef burgers consumed daily in McDonald's restaurants across Europe, underscore its significance on the international stage.

Employment Opportunities in Ireland

International students enrolled in full-time study programs lasting at least one year (leading to a qualification recognized by the Irish Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science) currently do not require a work permit to seek employment in Ireland.

Students holding valid immigration stamp 2 permission can work up to 40 hours per week only during June, July, August, and September, and from 15th December to 15th January inclusive. Outside of these periods, students with Immigration permission Stamp 2 are restricted to working 20 hours per week. The permission to work expires upon the expiration of the student's Stamp 2 immigration permission.

Degree program students are eligible for casual work if they:

• Are registered with GNIB
• Are enrolled in a recognized program leading to a qualification recognized by the Minister for Education & Skills
• Attend full-time education at or above NFQ Level 7
• Undertake a minimum of 15 hours of daytime study
• Receive tuition between 8 am and 6 pm weekly for at least 25 weeks per annum
• Are enrolled in a program lasting at least one year

International students meeting the above criteria and intending to work in Ireland must acquire a Personal Public Services Number (PPS Number). Employers are only permitted to pay employees with a PPS number, and funds are typically disbursed to an Irish bank account. Students must also adhere to Universal Social Contribution (USC), Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), employment laws, and taxation requirements. 

It's common to undergo a trial period before securing permanent employment, with Ireland's minimum wage set at €10.50 per hour.

Internship Opportunities

Students enrolled in degree programs may participate in internships as part of their curriculum, subject to the following regulations:

• The internship or work placement cannot exceed 50% of the program's duration (e.g., a 4-year program allows for 2 years of work placement). Additionally, the employment cannot be in a self-employed capacity.
• Work placements must be an integral part of the academic program contributing to the final award.
• Educational institutions must ensure that placements align with the pursued program.

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