Admission Timeline in Ireland – Irish universities and colleges usually begin their autumn intake of students in September and the spring intake in February. Specific colleges also have provisions that allow for year-round enrolment for students. Ireland has been strongly pursuing foreign student applications in recent times, leading to an increase of 45% (between 2013-2017) in the number of non-EU students coming to study in the country according to a study conducted by the European Migration Network (EMN). Ireland offers students the option of applying for a Stamp 2 visa which makes them eligible to work for 40 hours per week during the holiday months and 20 hours per week during the regular months, without applying for any extra work permits. The number of international students who went on to secure employment permits in Ireland after graduating has also increased in recent years from less than 50 in 2013 to 871 in 2017, according to a report published by the ESRI (The Economic and Social Research Institute) in 2019.
This article seeks to provide Indian students with the information they need to schedule their admission applications so that they dont miss an opportunity.
Admission Timeline in Ireland – Why Study in Ireland?
Indian students looking to study abroad may not be aware of Ireland as an option, but the Irish education system is ranked in the Top 20 in Europe by the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. The country is globally connected and is constantly in the process of evolving economically, academically and culturally. Along with providing the highest standard of education in its 5000+ programs, Ireland provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in its culture and enrich their academic experience. Its also an English-speaking country which removes a lot of language barriers faced by international students in other European countries. Moreover, Ireland is considered one of the safest countries for international students to live and study in. It was ranked 12th on the list of most peaceful countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index.
Want to know about best Irish Universities? Read Top Universities in Ireland article here.
Admission Timeline in Ireland - UG Admission Timeline
Indian students aspiring to apply for undergraduate programs in Ireland can visit Buddy4Study where they can sign up for counselling sessions which will guide them through the entire application process and also help them in securing offers from colleges in Ireland. The following table lists the application deadlines for undergraduate courses for Indian/Non-EU students:
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS – IRELAND ADMISSION TIMELINE 2020
| Normal Application Deadline | February 1 |
| Music, Drama, Dental and Medicine Course Deadline | February 1 |
| Late Application Deadline | May 1 |
| Advanced Entry into Courses | June 1 |
| Continuous Admission for Courses | June 30 |
Admission Timeline in Ireland – Popular UG Courses
All of Irelands seven public universities rank within the top 700 in the QS World University Rankings of 2019. They also have private-sector universities like the Burren College of Art and Dublin Business School. The universities offer 5000+ programmes to interested students, the most popular of which are:
- Engineering
- Archaeology
- Arts and Humanities
- Veterinary Sciences
- Nursing/Health and Welfare
- Classics and Ancient History
- Computer Science
- Business Studies
The following table contains a list of the most sought-after courses at the undergraduate level offered by the topmost Irish universities, according to the QS World University Rankings:
| University | Top Courses Offered | Intake Timeline |
| Trinity College Dublin |
Accounting and Finance
Computer Science and IT Medicine
|
Normal Application Deadline 1st February
Late Application Deadline 1st May |
| University College Dublin |
Veterinary Science
History Nursing Engineering
|
Normal Application Deadline 1st October
Late Application Deadline Course Specific
|
| National University of Ireland, Galway |
English Language and Literature
Pharmacy and Pharmacology
|
Normal Application Deadline 1st October
Late Application Deadline – Course Specific
|
Admission Timeline in Ireland – PG Admission Timeline
Postgraduate programs in Ireland have the same application procedure for EU and Indian applicants. Prospective students have to shortlist their desired institution and then send in the applications directly to the concerned offices of the university/college. However, some universities/colleges are now listed on the PostGraduate Application Centre or PAC website. You can visit the website and browse through the list of courses and programs available for application through the PAC portal. For universities or courses that arent listed on the PAC portal, you need to apply directly through the college website.
Admission Timeline in Ireland Popular PG Courses
According to a recent USN (U.S. News) report, Ireland is mentioned in the list of Top 5 nations for advanced developments in the field of Immunology, Nanotechnology and Material Sciences. Irish research ranks within the top 1% globally, as per the SFI rankings. For students who wish to continue their higher education in an environment that encourages excellence and provides the best possible tools for their researchers, Ireland is a great option. The following is a list of some of the most popular Masters and PhD level courses available in Ireland:
- Immunology
- Nanotechnology
- Material Sciences
- Engineering
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Creative
- History
The following table contains a list of popular post-graduation courses available in Ireland at the topmost universities for international students, according to the QS World University Rankings:
| University | Top PG Courses Offered | Intake Timeline |
| Trinity College Dublin |
Computer Science and Information Studies
Mathematics Materials Science
|
Individual dates for each course.
Research Application Period September and March
|
| University College Dublin |
Library and Information Management
Nursing Philosophy
|
Normal Application Deadline 1 October (Open until all places are filled) |
| National University of Ireland Galway |
English Language and Literature
Psychology Chemistry
|
Normal Application Deadline
1 October (Open till all places are filled)
Research Applications accepted at any time
|
Admission Timeline in Ireland – College Admission via PAC portal
The following is a list of institutions that have made it mandatory for aspirants to apply through the PAC portal:
- Dublin City University
- University College Cork
- NUI Galway
- Maynooth University
- Waterford Institute of Technology
- Institute of Technology, Carlow
- Greater Dublin University
- Galway Mayo Institute of Technology
- Cork Institute of Technology
Closing dates for applications can vary between institutions depending on the course you are applying for. Many institutes are very strict about the closing dates, so refer very carefully to the information available on the website. Every institute you apply to will have its list of certain information and documents needed to process your application in a timely manner.
Admission Timeline in Ireland – Application Process
Step 1: Students planning to study in Ireland should decide on the college/university and their choice of course to study. The students can search on https://admission.buddy4study.com/study-abroad/study-in-ireland to receive all the information regarding higher education institutes, programs offered, cost of study etc.
Step 2: Once the students reach a final decision, Buddy4Study counselling team will help them in applying to these universities and securing admission offers.
Step 3: After the admission offer has been secured, our counsellor will help them to apply for a visa through the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service. Students may be required to submit their biometric information as part of the application process.
Step 4: Once the visa is approved, Buddy4Study will also help the students in securing an education loan as well as accommodation in Ireland.
If the application process for admission in Ireland seems daunting, refer to Buddy4Studys expert team of counsellors who will guide you through each and every step of the process.
Admission Timeline in Ireland FAQs
Q. When does the admission process start in Ireland?
A. The admission process in Ireland starts in September for the winter semester and in February for the spring semester.
Q. Can I still apply if I miss the application deadlines?
A. Yes, certain courses and universities have provisions for late submission of application forms and will allow candidates to send in their applications at a later date too.
Q. Is there a specific admission process for Indian students?
A. Indian students at the undergraduate level need to apply directly to the International Office of their chosen institute. The process is the same for post-graduate level students.
Q. What are the closing dates for applications?
A. The closing dates vary greatly between institutions depending upon their policies and the course you have selected. Youll need to be thorough while gathering information before sending in your applications.
Q. What are some common documents required for admission in Ireland?
Some of the common documents required for admission in Ireland are academic transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS scores, SOP, Proof of Funds and Health insurance. Check the university websites for specific requirements for each course.
Q. Which exam is required for MS in Ireland?
A. There aren’t any specific exams per se that you are required to clear to study at the PG level in Ireland. However, you do have to clear either the TOEFL, IELTS or another equivalent english language proficiency test because you will need these scores to apply.
Q. What are the intakes for Ireland?
A. Irish universities and colleges usually begin their autumn intake of students in September and the spring intake in February. Specific colleges also have provisions that allow for year-round enrolment for students. Refer to the article above to get a full breakdown of the intake process.
Q. What are the requirements for Ireland student visa?
A. You can apply for a visa to study in the Republic of Ireland through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, which also offers more information on the documentation required by different applicants according to their circumstances. An Irish embassy or consulate in your home country will also be able to provide more information. General application documents and requirements will include a valid passport, proof of enrolment at a recognised Irish university, proof of health insurance (if required) and a proof of funds.
Q. Is studying in Ireland expensive?
A. The fees vary depending on the discipline of your study and on factors like the location of your college and whether you are living in a metropolitan centre like Dublin. However, generally speaking, the cost of studying in Ireland for international students are somewhere around the European average of EUR 5,000 per year.
Q. What are the options for post-study work permits in Ireland?
Post-study work permits are only available for students who have completed their PG or PhD degrees from an Irish higher education institution. Students with language degrees, short-term diplomas etc do not qualify for the post-study work permit.
Q. What are some of the top companies and startups in Ireland?
Dublin is known as the Silicon Valley of Europe. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Amazon etc have all set up their European headquarters in Dublin. Along with the established names in the industry, Dublin is also home to some fast-growing startups like:
- Soapbox Labs
- Abodoo
- Nuritas
- UrbanVolt
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