Ireland is an English speaking nation among the other countries of European Union. The higher education system in Ireland comprises of the university sector, the technological sector and the colleges of education aided by the state and self financed private colleges.

 The Higher Education Authority is the statutory body responsible for the funding of universities, institutes of technologies and higher education institutions in Ireland.

University Sector in Ireland:

Most of the universities in Ireland are government funded but are having autonomous autonomous status as far as administrative matters are concerned.

The universities in Ireland are:

• 1. The National University of Ireland (NUI) is the consortium of 04 universities – University College Dublin (UCD), University of Galway, University College Cork and National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
• 2. The Trinity College Dublin (TCD) which is a sole constituent college of University College Dublin.
• 3. The university of Limerick
• 4. Dublin City University (DCU)
• 5. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) which is private university.

The Technological Sector in higher education:

The technological sector includes technological universities (TUs) and Institute of Technologies (ITs). There are 05 technological universities and 02 institutes of technology in Ireland.

The colleges provide bachelor degree, post graduate diploma and vocational education in Ireland.

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system of 10 levels is the awarding pathway of academic programs offered by the higher education institutions. Generally universities and TUs make their own awards to qualifying students whereas the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the awarding body for all tertiary level academic programs

Post-study work provisions in Ireland:

Being an international student, before you take admission to an academic program in Ireland, you must make sure that you are securing admission to a program which is approved as per the ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programs) for international students by Ireland Immigration.

You are allowed to do apart time work to support your studies only if your program is approved in the ILEP. There are large number of programs of varying duration are available for international students in Ireland.

Ireland has a great employment potential for international students to find part-time works and permanent job placements as the country is a host of many technology start ups. Six of the ten biggest cyber security companies are located in Ireland.

Ireland offers stay back options (post study work visa) up to 02 years depending on the level of qualification you have.

Affordable Universities available for September 2023 / Jan 2024 intakes in Ireland