Ireland is a captivating destination that attracts students from all over the planet seeking high-quality education and a totally amazing experience. This country is famous for its picturesque landscapes, friendly locals and rich cultural heritage. It provides a distinctive blend of exciting student life, academic excellence and myriad career opportunities.
In case you intend to pursue a Master’s Degree, Ireland must surely be a prospective destination on your radar. Universities in Ireland for MS are some of the top-notch institutions in the world.
About Ireland
Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is an island nation that is part of Western Europe. It comprises two parts: Northern Island and the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Island is part of the UK, while the Republic is part of the European Union. It is famous for its fabulous landscapes like rugged cliffs, rolling hills and scenic coastal regions.
The country places an onus on education; it is renowned for its much-esteemed universities and high standards for academics. In the past few decades, Ireland has witnessed much economic growth that has transformed it into a hub for finance, pharmaceuticals, technology and research. The latter are excellent avenues for career prospects after pursuing Masters in the country.
Why pursue masters in Ireland?
- Excellence in academics
The country boasts of rich traditions in academics and research; many Irish universities enjoy worldwide reputation for delivering education of high quality, opportunities for cutting-edge research and a strong focus on practical learning.
- Offerings of diverse courses
Ireland provides an extensive range of Master’s programs ranging from business and engineering to the social sciences or arts. Such programs cater to varied career aspirations and diverse interests.
- Multi-cultural ethos
Ireland is a melting pot of diverse cultures, making it a welcoming and inclusive location for foreign students. As a student, you will gain the opportunity to interact with students from all over the world, helping to create life-long friendships and build a global network of peers.
- Opportunities for employment
The country has a thriving employment scene, particularly in sectors such as research, finance, pharmaceuticals and technology. When you complete Masters from Ireland, you can gain access to amazing career opportunities and enhance your employability across the world.
- Rich lifestyle and culture
There is a rich blend of nature and urban landscape in this country, featuring vibrant cities and stunning scenery. Students can experience an unforgettable experience thanks to the lively social life, rich traditions and amazing history of this land.
- Masters of short-tenure
In contrast to other countries, where most master’s degrees are two-year courses, Ireland has one-year master’s courses. Students can use the extra one year to acquire some work experience and use the knowledge gained for seeking placements.
- Hub of leading global companies
It is natural that the more the number of leading global companies in a country, the greater are the career opportunities. Many global companies like IBM, Google, Abbot, Facebook, Twitter, etc. have established their head-quarters of Europe in Ireland.
- Safe environment
The locals of Ireland are very friendly to foreign students. Ireland is a peaceful country with a welcoming ethos. You can hope to have an amazing experience in a secure ambience. As regards the safety of women, the country ranks 7th in Europe and 16th in the world.
- Favourable policies for immigration
Ireland has an attractive immigration policy permitting non- EEA (European Economic Area) students to remain in the country after education and explore local opportunities for careers.
Eligibility for MS programs
In order to pursue a Master’s degree in this country, foreign students need to meet certain stipulations before submitting their applications.
Most universities demand that students should have acquired a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognised institution.
Since the language of instruction is English, there is a need for language proficiency. Certain colleges in Ireland for Masters also demand a level of work experience in the intended field of study. Some Masters courses may even feature entrance exams to enrol.
Scholarship programs
Ireland offers a variety of scholarships to deserving candidates, such as:
- Government of Ireland scholarships: for foreign students. An example is the Post-graduate Scholarship Programme.
- University-specific scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: Funded by the EU for Master’s degree programs.
- Foundations’ & NGO’s scholarships.
Cost of study
Compared to countries like the US and Canada, the cost of studying in Ireland is much more affordable. The cost can vary based on the lifestyle of the student, the university and the specific program of study. The following are the major costs:
- Tuition fees: On average, they can range from 10,000 to 20,000 Euros per year.
- Living expenses: Range from 10,000 to 12,000 per year.
- Health insurance: Ranges from 300 to 600 Euros per year.
- Books and supplies: Range from 500 to 1000 Euros per year.
- Transport: Public transport costs 50 to 100 Euros per month.
- Leisure and social activities: Students also need to budget for these.
Opportunities for career
When you procure a Master’s degree from Ireland, it can boost career prospects, both in Ireland and the rest of the world. The Irish government has begun to offer a post-study work visa of 2 years to Indian students.
Graduates can find jobs in government organisations, MNC’s and research institutions. The technology sector in the country dubbed as the ‘Silicon Docks’ of Dublin provides many opportunities for the professionals who are tech-savvy.
The focus on R&D in Ireland creates much demand for scientists and skilled researchers in different fields. Some masters degree holders also become entrepreneurs since Ireland has an eco-system which is start-up friendly.
Some of the leading career opportunities in Ireland include:
- Technology sector: software engineering, computer science, cyber security and data analytics
- Pharmaceuticals and life sciences
- Financial services: investment banking, risk analysis, financial consulting and asset management
- Research and academia
- Construction and Engineering: civil, mechanical and electrical engineering
Top Universities
There are several universities in Ireland that are highly reputed for academic excellence and cutting-edge research. These include the following:
- University College Dublin
- Trinity College Dublin
- University of Galway
- University College Cork
- Dublin City University
- Maynooth University
- University of Limerick
- Technology University Dublin
- Munster Technological University
In sum, pursuit of a Master’s degree in Ireland provides many opportunities and benefits for students who are attempting to improve their academic credentials and career paths. The highly reputed educational system of Ireland, combined with the vibrant economy, diverse courses and rich cultural heritage, renders it as a perfect location for higher studies.
