Types of higher education institutions
Universities – institutions that offer academic courses on all three levels
Independent College - independent higher education institution or part of the
university
College of Technology
College of Education/Teacher Training
Structure of university studies
The academic year in Ireland starts in October and ends in June. It is typically divided
into three terms, but in recent years some institutions have introduced a two semester
system. The language of instruction is English or Irish.
a) University
1st level – undergraduate studies offer different types of courses
leading to diploma or Bachelor degree
* Bachelor - 3-4 years full-time study
Note: Architecture and veterinary medicine bachelor degrees require five years full-time study
2nd level - graduate studies
* Master Degree - 1-2 years of study and research after a Bachelor degree
3rd level – doctoral studies
* Doctor of Philosophy - 1-2 years full-time research
Note: It is possible to study technical courses at universities.
c) College of Education
Graduate of 3-year study (B.Ed.) is qualified as a primary school teacher. The second
level teacher complete a primary level at university and then follows up with the Higher
Diploma in Education again at university.
Application procedures
- application for almost all full time undergraduate courses is made through a Central
Application Office (CAO). CAO provides an applications pack with a handbook which lists
all the courses on offer and gives information on how to apply
- for postgraduate programs, students should apply direct to the university or college of
their choice
- information on study programs are available from the International Education Board
Ireland or from universities
- overseas applicants, who are not EU residents, should normally apply by December 15; the
final closing date for EU nationals is February 1
- students should begin the application process about 12 months before they hope to enroll
Financing of university studies
- tuition at Irish universities vary from IEP 5,200 to IEP 12,500 for an academic year
- the living expenses in Ireland are about IEP 5,500
- there are very few scholarships available from the universities direct
- many students studying in Ireland are sponsored by their own governments
- the National Grant Awarding Agency informs on private scholarship programs
Health insurance
Student health services are provided free of charge on campus in third level institutions.
Since there are charges for medical services off-campus, students are strongly advised to
make their own arrangements for health insurance cover.
Important addresses
Central Applications Office (CAO)
Tower House
Eglinton Street
Galway
tel. +353 (91) 563 318
fax +353 (91) 563 269
The International Education Board Ireland
65 Fitzwilliam Square
Dublin 2
tel. +353 (1) 661 2085
fax +353 (1) 676 8623
e-mail: enquiries@iebi.ie
National Grant Awarding Agency
Higher Education Authority
21, Fitzwilliam Square
Dublin 2
tel. +353 (1) 661 2748
fax +353 (1) 661 0492
Irish Council for Overseas Students
41, Morehampton Road
Dublin 4
tel. +353 (1) 660 5233
fax +353 (1) 668 2320
- services for international students
Ministry of Education
International Section
Marlborough St.
Dublin 1
tel. +353 (1) 873 4700
fax +353 (1) 872 9003
VHI House Lower
Abbey Street
Dublin 1
tel. +353 (1) 872 4499
fax +353 (1) 799 4091
Useful publications
title: A Guide for Overseas Students
published: Irish Council for Overseas Students
title: Education Ireland
published: The International Education Board Ireland 1996
title: Matriculation, Regulations and Courses
published: National University of Ireland
title: NCEA Directory of Approved Courses in Higher Education
published: NCEA (National Council for Education Awards)
Internet addresses
http://www.educ.kent.edu/ulist/ie.html
- information on universities
http://www.iebi.ie - International Education Board
Ireland