Ireland
As far back as 500 AD, Ireland, and its monks and monasteries, were at the centre of learning in Europe, earning Ireland the title Land of Saints and Scholars. In 1592, Trinity College Dublin received its charter and university status. National University of Ireland Maynooth dates back to 1795, and the universities in Galway and Cork were both founded in 1845.
Ireland’s history has engendered a deep appreciation and respect for learning, and, today, educational attainment rates are among the highest in the world. Over 85 per cent of young people complete secondary level education, and over two-thirds of those go on to higher level education. Ireland is ranked first in Europe in terms of graduates per 1,000 inhabitants.
Government investment in world class facilities build on a lengthy tradition of academic excellence. Today, there are seven universities, 14 Institutes of Technology and many other world-leading education and research centres, housed in state-of-the-art facilities on beautiful campuses
Irish research ranks within the top one per cent globally in 18 research fields, and all of the country’s universities are in the top 3 per cent worldwide. Students from 160 countries study in Ireland and make up 12 per cent of the student population.
Why Ireland?
High-Quality Education
Ireland is ranked in the top 10 for education (IMB World Competitiveness Ranking 2019) and provides students with one of the best education systems in the world; offering world-class universities, a diverse range of degree options and globally-recognised qualifications.
Career Opportunities
There are many great career opportunities in Ireland for international graduates due to its appeal to multinational businesses, including well-known companies such as eBay, Skype and Microsoft. Most universities, including UCD, offer internship opportunities that are a great way to gain real experience in the workplace that can prove invaluable when job-hunting.
Post-Study Work Visa Opportunities
When it comes to post-study work, Ireland is the only English-speaking country in Europe that offers post-study work visas to international graduates, making it an attractive destination to kick-start your career. Once you find full time employment after studying in Ireland, you will be eligible to apply for residency – over 13,500 first residence permits were issued to higher education students in 2017 (European Migration Network).
Discover Irish Culture
You will be welcomed into Ireland by some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet and you will soon discover that the Irish are proud of their country, culture and traditions. Experience the feast day of Ireland’s Patron Saint with Saint Patrick’s Day, listen to traditional Irish music, watch Irish dancing, take part in Irish sports such as Gaelic football or get lost in Irish myths and legends.
Career Advantages
You will gain a wealth of career-enhancing skills and experiences that will help you become more employable from studying abroad. You’ll be able to develop some key transferable skills that you can take to any job such as communication, project management and language, as well as make global connections and become more confident – things valued by employers around the world.
A Mix Of City Life And Nature
Ireland offers a great balance of city life and country life. Major cities in Ireland are smaller than other European capitals but offer everything you need (from shops and restaurants to entertainment and transport) and are vibrant and full of unique history. You won’t need to travel far out of any of Ireland’s cities to discover its famous natural beauty. From the Cliffs of Moher (which you might recognise from Harry Potter) and the Ring of Kerry to Brow Head and Dingle, the natural landscapes around Ireland are breathtaking and perfect for exploring whilst you study for your degree.
Perfect Travel Location
Not only will you be able to take advantage of everything Ireland has to offer, but you will also have Europe on your doorstep. With the UK within easy reach and the west coast of Europe just a few hours away by plane, travel opportunities are vast (in between your studies of course). It’s also worth mentioning that North and South America sit just across the Atlantic.
International Students
The number of international students in Ireland from non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries has increased by 45% since 2013 (European Migration Network). You will be surrounded by over 35,000 like-minded students from over 150 different countries that have also made the rewarding choice to study in Ireland.
Find New Interests And Make New Friends
Studying in a different country means you can try out new activities and make new friends. You will have the opportunity to make lifelong friends with people from different backgrounds – who are all in the same situation as you. You will also have the chance to experience new activities you might have not had access to before, such as surfing and mountain biking.
Safety
Ireland is consistently listed as one of the safest countries in the world, ranking in the top 15 in the Global Peace Index 2019, as well as ranked as being the 12th most peaceful country.