YOUR ESSENTIAL 10 STEP GUIDE TO STUDYING IN IRELAND

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YOUR ESSENTIAL 10 STEP GUIDE TO STUDYING IN
IRELANDNow that you have decided to pick
Ireland as your dream destination to study
abroad, heres our quick and easy 10-Step Guide
to help you make your stay successful and
memorable 1. Plan ahead get the basics
rightNo matter where you are, moving abroad to
study can become daunting if youre not prepared
well in advance. For Indian students, it is
better to plan for your Ireland study at least a
year in advance. This includes picking the right
program, applying to colleges of your choice,
getting your documents in order, securing your
visa, providing necessary proofs of
affordability, looking for research or industry
career opportunities etc. Early planning will
make your entire stay in Ireland enjoyable.You
can also speak to an expert who will help you
plan this to your best advantage.
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2. Where and what to studyDespite being an
island nation, Ireland has quite a few top global
universities and over 5000study programs to
choose from!While Dublin, the student hub,
remains the most popular destination, it is not
your only option. There are other high-ranking
universities in cities like Cork, Limerick, and
Galway. You can pursue either your Bachelors
Degree of three years, a Masters Degree of one
to two years or a Doctorate/PhD course. Many
institutions also offer shorter certificate and
diploma courses with global recognition and
accreditation.
Popular Universities in Ireland Popular Courses 
Trinity College Dublin University College Dublin National University of Ireland, Galway University College Cork Technological University Dublin American College, Dublin Cork Institute of Technology Waterford Institute of Technology National College of Ireland Language and Literature MBA Social Sciences Computer Science / Information Technology Data Analytics Accounting Finance Biotechnology Medicine
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3. Applying to UniversityOnce youve narrowed
down your destination city/target university and
have an idea about which course to pursue, you
must thoroughly research different programs
across universities for detailed information
about subjects, credits, cut-offs, deadlines for
applications, tuition fees, etc. You can search
online or contact the admissions office at the
colleges.Post this, you take your IELTS, TOEFL
or GMAT exams for English language proficiency
and get your Statement of Purpose, Essays, Resume
and Letters of Recommendation in order. Other
documents like academic transcripts, certificates
for extra-curricular activities, passport, and
proof of funds will also be needed.Next, you
need to fill in your application form directly
with the university, and submit along with your
documents. Generally, student intakes are during
September and February months. Some colleges also
require you to appear for an interview after
shortlisting your application.If successful,
you get your acceptance letter from the college
and can begin applying for a student visa.Tip
Experts advise that student applications which
are real and demonstrate enthusiasm to learn the
subject manage to stand out from the crowd!
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 Fees and expensesCompared to most other
destinations abroad, the cost of studying in
Ireland is lower and, with the benefit of job
opportunities and post-study work options,
Ireland is a true value for money proposition
for Indians.In general course fees are between
10,000 and 20,000 per year. Irish universities
offer several merit-based scholarships for Indian
students. You can fill an online application
mentioning why you should be nominated for
scholarship and what benefits you shall bring
from it to the university.Other expenses
include accommodation, travel, personal expenses,
and mandatory medical insurance cost. These range
from 7,000 to 12,000 per year, on average.You
can opt for an easy financing option from any
Indian bank, by submitting offer letter and other
documents. Banks will typically fund upto 80 of
your fees with the repayment beginning after your
course completion.
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Getting your visaThe visa process for studying
abroad in Ireland is online - you fill-up the
application, typically for a long-stay
single-entry student visa, along with required
proof of funds and other documents. You need at
least 7,000 in your bank account to show enough
money to cover costs for your stay for one year.
Other documents include admission letter, proof
for payment of first tuition fee instalment,
passport, employment details, and medical
insurance proof.You can secure yourself a work
permit which allows you to work part-time, i.e.
20-hours per week during the academic year, and
full-time, i.e. 40-hours per week during
holidays. Ireland also offers the benefit of a
post-study visa where you can stay in the country
and look for job opportunities for upto two
years.
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. Living and accommodationMost universities
provide living arrangements for international
students and many opt for on-campus housing in
their university. This way, you get to experience
different cultures and interact with other
students. However, given huge demand, these are
often difficult to find and you need to apply
early.Post-graduate students prefer off-campus,
rented accommodation. University accommodation
offices can help you find the most affordable
option. You can also homestay as a paying guest
with a local Irish family.7. Checklist Before
you leave IndiaBy now youre looking forward to
your life in Ireland for the next year or two,
and are ready to board your flight. Still, lady
luck favours the prepared and it is wise to make
sure you have a complete checklist prior to your
departureBuy medical and travel
insuranceFinalise living arrangementsHave
documents like passport, visa, tickets,
university letter, etc. readyList of key
addresses and emergency contacts in IrelandClear
all paperwork pending in IndiaPack well and
carry essential items like charging adapters etc.
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. Once you arriveOne of the first things you
should do is secure yourself a local phone and
internet connection and call your family back
home once you land.Like many Indian students,
you may initially find it difficult to settle
into an unfamiliar country with unknown people
and feel alone or homesick. You neednt worry
this is quite common. . Participating in your
college groups and teams can help you make new
friends quickly. Ireland has a large Indian
diaspora - you can get involved with them in
community activities. In a few weeks, youll be
ready to live the Irish lifestyle with friends at
the pub or simply travel to explore the
countryside.Tip Most universities have an
in-house counsellors whom you can talk to in the
event of continued homesickness or any other
mental health worries.9. Post-study options for
IndiansIreland offers solid job and career
prospects for international students. Study
programs typically include an internship that
develops your skillsets and is a great way to
build industry contacts for job placements later.
Most universities have advisors who assist and
guide in your job search.Once you secure
employment, you get issued a work visa, valid for
up to a maximum of two years. After that, it
becomes renewable by your employer. If you wish
to continue living in Ireland and who can blame
if you do? you can apply for a Green Card.10.
The Final StepFinally, in this 10-Step Guide to
Studying in Ireland remember to enjoy your
student experience and live in the moment!Have
questions? Ask an expert at an Education in
Ireland Fair in your city