Frequently Asked Questions about Undergraduate Study (full degree) in Ireland
Information provided by Education in Ireland
Education in Ireland is responsible for the promotion of Irish higher education overseas. www.educationireland.com
Each of the Irish universities welcomes applications from high school graduates, as well as students transferring from US universities!
I am interested in undergraduate study in Ireland. Where do I start?
1. Visit the Education in Ireland1 website where you will find all the information you need to begin your journey, including links to all the international offices of the universities you are interested in. Programs and application procedures vary across the universities but overall the application process in Ireland is straightforward. Applications are assessed based on high school grades and a range of standardized tests such as SATS, APs and ACTs.
2. Call or email the international office of the university or universities you are interested in applying to. It is recommended that that you make contact by the end of your Junior year in High School, or early in your Senior year.
The international office staff will deal with all your initial questions and send you detailed information about the programs on offer, application procedures, specific entry requirements and living in Ireland.
3. Submit an application to the university or universities of your choice.
The initial deadline for applications varies across institutions but is generally around March 31st. The late application deadline stretches to July 1st. In some cases applications may be considered beyond this date.
What programs are available to me?
Irish universities offer a very broad range of internationally recognized, high-quality programs across many academic fields. You will find full details on www.educationireland.com or on the website of the university you are interested in attending.
Academic schedules in Ireland are similar to those in the US. Specific dates will vary slightly from one institution to the next, but generally universities operate a semester schedule, with mid-term breaks in the fall and spring semesters, and a winter and summer vacation.
Can I study in other European countries during my time in Ireland?
All Irish universities participate in “Erasmus” – a European Union flagship educational exchange program for students in higher education. There are many advantages to participating in Erasmus as part of your European experience:
• Stand out in the job market – a great addition to your resumé
• Return to the USA more motivated, independent and confident
• It counts towards your degree – it is not a gap year
• Learn a range of life-skills not taught in the lecture theatre
• Improve your language skills
• Extend your international network of friends!
• Discover another European culture and expand your international perspective
• It is really good fun!
How much will it cost me to study in Ireland?
The good news is that Ireland is one of the most affordable countries in Europe! On average, you can expect to spend between $10,000 and $16,000 per year on living expenses depending on the location of your school, the type of accommodation you choose, and your personal lifestyle.
Tuition costs in Ireland compare very favorably with US universities. At present tuition fees for undergraduate students from outside the European Union for fields such as business, law, science, engineering, humanities and arts range from $12,000 - $22,000 depending on the programme and the university. Tuition fees for medical programmes start from around $40,000. Full details are provided on the university websites.
Can I receive Financial Aid assistance or Scholarships to Study in Ireland?
All Irish universities have US Government Federal Aid approval. For details on the Direct Loan Program see https://studentloan.gov/mydirectloan/index.action or https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/schoolSearch?locale=en_EN
There are scholarships available for students interested in pursuing undergraduate studies in Ireland. The Irish government operates international exchange scholarship agreements, and most universities offer a limited number of partial scholarships.
More information is available at www.educationireland.com/scholarships.html
Do I require a visa to study in Ireland?
US citizens do not require a visa to study in Ireland. Upon arrival in Ireland, you need to show immigration officials the letter of acceptance from your Irish institution confirming your place in a recognized program, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your accommodation and living expenses. Your Irish institution will prepare you for this straightforward process. All students from outside the European Union are also required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau within 30 days of arriving in Ireland.
International students are required to have medical insurance and students attending universities can purchase insurance online when paying tuition fees, at a cost of around $150 per year.
Do the universities provide accommodation?
Irish universities provide on-campus and/or off-campus student residences. Most residences consist of apartment-style self catering units. Students can usually choose between an official student residence or privately rented accommodation.
Want to find out more?
The Education in Ireland website will answer all your questions about studying in Ireland and has a full listing of the many and varied internationally recognized and approved programs on offer in Ireland. From Education in Ireland you can link to all the universities as well as to general information and student websites.
