Ireland Education System - Understand How it Works

Know how the Irish education system works!

Academic excellence, internationally-recognised qualifications, vibrant campus life, abundant growth in research, and immense employment opportunities, education in Ireland will offer you all.

Study levels in Ireland

The Irish education system is quite similar to that of the UK which in itself explains the quality it provides to its students. Education in Ireland is mainly categorised in four levels.

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

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

The NFQ specifies the standards of Irish education qualifications. It measure and compares the learning standards and achievements of qualifications and also facilitates the transfer between institutions i.e. it allows students to move from one study level to another as long as their student visa requirements are fulfilled. Since the qualifications under NFQ correspond with that of European Qualification Framework, your degree is recognised and accepted globally.

Note that the both Irish universities, Institutes of Technology and HECA private colleges provide third-level qualifications on the NFQ.

Fee structure

Ireland is a great place to enjoy a world-class education, quality of life and colourful confluence of culture. While the tuition fee in Ireland is reasonable, it is best to plan well to manager your expenses well. Tuition fees for international students vary according to the type and duration of the course. Each university in Ireland sets its own tuition fees, depending on subject and level of study. The average degree costs between €10,000 and €25,000 a year.

Teaching and learning style

Universities and colleges in Ireland provide an interactive and innovative learning approach wherein you’ll be engaging with your classmates and your instructor alike while understanding the topic/concept of discussion. Irish system reaches out to support international students, both in the classroom and outside of it.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of independent learning which can include working on assignments, reading a lot of academic lists and making notes during your lectures. In addition to lectures, tutorials are also conducted to helps students understand the concepts in a better manner. The classroom size is small and English is the medium of instruction. As an International student, you may take some time to get used to the Irish accent but once you do, you’ll know why it is called the most charming accent of the world.

Higher (or third-level) education

The higher education comprises universities, colleges, and institutes of technology, most of which are Irish government funded. Ireland has a total of 7 universities, 7 colleges of education, 15 private higher education institutions and 14 Institutes of Technology (IoT). There a few additional third-level private institutions in Ireland that offer specialised education in disciplines like business studies, art and design, law, medicine, etc.

Higher education can entail degree and non-degree programs.

Non-degree programs

Degree programs

Pathway programs

There are also many pathway programs to higher education for international students including foundation studies mostly in business, social sciences, engineering or pure/applied sciences. Irish universities have arranged with private pathway providers that helps students receive the extra support and assistance they need to succeed. International students aiming for masters can also apply to pre-master pathway programs if they’re unable to fulfil the requirements for direct entry.

Academic year

Higher education is usually divided into two semesters.

Education System

Ireland's school system consists of different stages - primary, second, third-level and further education. Third-level education or Higher studies in Ireland is provided by three types of institutions - Universities, Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Education. Other than these there are a number of independent private colleges.

Let us take a look at the most important higher education institutions in Ireland-  

Here is a quick run-through of the type of educational degree offered in Ireland:

• Bachelor  Degree: It is a full-time undergraduate degree which is referred to as a Bachelor’s degree. It can be an ordinary Bachelors degree (3 years or Honours Bachelor Degree (3-4 years).
• Masters Degree: A graduate or master’s degree mostly covers 1 to 2 academic years in the universities of Ireland.  
• Doctorate Degree: A doctorate degree takes a total of 4 to 5 years to complete.

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

For those interested in Ireland to study abroad, it is essential to know about NFQ. All Irish institutions provide higher education degrees on the NFQ. The system specifies the standards of Irish education qualifications. NFQ allows the measurement and comparison of  qualifications. It also enables students to transfer between institutions and study levels. 

Here is how the Irish degrees are marked as per the NFQ:

• NFQ Level 7: Ordinary Bachelor Degree 
• NFQ Level 8: Honours Bachelor Degree 
• NFQ Level 8: Higher Diploma 
• NFQ Level 9: Postgraduate Diploma 
• NFQ Level 9: Masters Degree 
• NFQ Level 10: Doctoral Degree 

Popular Universities

Ireland has several top universities up its sleeve. Find below a list of the top universities in Ireland:

Top Courses

Students can choose between multiple courses in Ireland. To make the right choice, view the below-listed top courses to study in Ireland:

• Education
• Computer Science
• Management
• Finance
• Data Science & Big Data
• Business Analytics
• Banking and Finance
• Pharmaceutical Sciences 
• Cloud Computing

Admission Process

The process of admission or intakes in Ireland varies with the universities. However, each of them follow one standard process, which is listed below:

1. Determine whether you are an EU applicant or a non-EU applicant and the study level you wish to join - bachelor or masters
2. Choose the course you wish to study. 
3. Compare, contrast and shortlist the type of institutions offering your course.  
4. Apply for the desired courses at the university’s website along with all the relevant documents.
5. Be fully aware of the costs involved and scholarships available for the course. 
6. After getting accepted, apply for an appropriate student visa to match your studies.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirement for Irish universities may vary from university to university, but some requirements remain the same - 

Cost of Attendance

The cost of studying in Ireland depends on your university, course, and location choice. The cost can be divided into the cost of living and tuition costs.

Tuition Fees

Ireland university fees depend upon the university you choose and the course you pursue. Here is a quick look at the tuition fees in Ireland:

Cost of Living

The cost of living for international students in Ireland depends upon your lifestyle. The cost of living can go upto 12,000 EUR per year. The major cost components in Ireland are 

Best student cities

Ireland has multiple student-friendly study destinations. Here are your top 5 picks along with their estimated cost of living and top universities: