Celtic crosses, megalithic tombs and castle ruins: Ireland is a mystical country. Numerous legends and fables tell of heroic gods, great kings and fairies. The landscape of the island state also appears magical: gently rolling hills are said to glow in more than 40 shades of green. A complete Bachelor in Ireland offers enough time to get a good overview of the country and its quirks.
Reasons for a Bachelor in Ireland
Ireland’s universities are characterized by extremely high quality study programs and intensive student supervision by the teachers. The country’s universities regularly occupy the top places in international rankings. Those who do their bachelor’s degree in Ireland achieve an internationally recognized degree that can facilitate their entry into professional life.
Then there is the international atmosphere that prevails at Irish universities. Students from more than 150 countries are drawn to the green island to study. With an Irish bachelor’s degree, students have good cards, especially with international companies. This is not least due to the fact that in an English-speaking country like Ireland, English skills can be promoted to a particular degree. The majority of the Irish speak English, the courses are predominantly English-speaking.
For Germans, Ireland also has the advantage that the journey there is pleasantly short. This makes the step abroad easier, especially for Bachelor students who often did not live alone before starting their studies.
Characteristics of Bachelor studies in Ireland
The study system in Ireland, like the UK, is divided into an undergraduate and a postgraduate area. To learn more about the country of Ireland and continent of Europe, please follow sourcemakeup. For example, a bachelor’s degree in Ireland is possible at one of the country’s seven universities. But the 14 Institutes of Technology and the 7 Colleges of Education also offer Bachelor programs.
For a Bachelor in Ireland the following can be stated in general:
- Duration: usually 3 years
- Possible forms: Ordinary Bachelor Degree or Honors Bachelor Degree
- Degrees: Bachelor of Arts, (BA) Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Education (Bed), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Bachelor of Medicine (MB), Bachelor of Law (LLB)
Ordinary and Honors Bachelor Degree
Most of the bachelor’s degrees are honors degrees. An honors degree opens students the option of studying “with distinction” (with honors) finish. The following levels are possible:
- First class honors (1st)
- Second class honors, upper division (2: 1)
- Second class honors, lower division (2: 2)
- Third class honors (3rd)
Some Irish universities offer stand-alone Ordinary Bachelor Degrees. These last three years, whereas the Bachelor of Honors usually takes four years. Compared to the Honors programs, the content of the Ordinary Bachelor’s degree is less complex and less research-oriented. The entry requirements are also less strict.
For students with an Ordinary Bachelor Degree, some universities have the option of completing a one-year course. In this way, they also achieve an honors degree. In many cases, the Bachelor of Honors is required for a subsequent Master’s degree.
Bachelor in Ireland: Application Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in Ireland usually requires a high school diploma and adequate English language skills. The latter can be demonstrated in the form of a standardized test such as the TOEFL or IELTS. At some universities, a technical diploma is also sufficient as access authorization. Prospective students can obtain more detailed information from the respective university.
Unless otherwise stated, applications for undergraduate programs in Ireland are usually submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO). For some Bachelor programs, students have to apply directly to the respective university.
Bachelor Ireland: costs
There are no tuition fees for EU citizens who complete at least two years of undergraduate studies at a state university. Nevertheless, the students are obliged to pay a student contribution fee of EUR 2000 – EUR 3000 per year.
The private universities in Ireland charge tuition fees. These range from EUR 4,000 to EUR 9,000 per academic year. Each university in Ireland has the opportunity to decide on the exact amount of the fees.
The cost of living is added to the tuition fees. Life in Ireland is relatively expensive. Students should expect EUR 650 – EUR 1000 per month.
Funding Aid for a Bachelor in Ireland
Fortunately, there are several ways in which it is easier to finance a Bachelor in Ireland:
- Foreign BAföG: up to EUR 4,600 towards tuition fees and further subsidies for travel expenses and health insurance
- DAAD scholarships: for example, one-year funding through a DAAD annual scholarship
- Irish University Scholarships: Lower tuition fees. The respective universities provide information.
- Education and student loans
It is also possible in Ireland to earn some extra money with a part-time job. The hourly wage is between EUR 8 and EUR 14. During the semester, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. It is permissible to work full-time during the semester break. EU citizens do not need a special work permit, an Irish social security number is sufficient.
What to consider when entering Ireland
EU citizens need a valid passport or identity card to enter the country. After three months stay in Ireland students are obliged to the local police department or the Ministry of Justice a residence permit (residence permit) to apply.
Students must also have health insurance while studying abroad in Ireland. Due to the social security agreement within the EU, the insurance coverage of the German statutory health insurance funds is normally retained in Ireland. However, it is advisable to clarify which costs will be covered in an emergency and to have a European health insurance card issued.
Privately insured persons should also inquire with their health insurance company which services it covers during a bachelor’s degree in Ireland. It may be useful to have a medical insurance taken out for Ireland.
