Study in Ireland Part 2

PhD in Ireland

A good master’s degree, especially in a research program, paves the way for a doctorate. It is a prerequisite for an academic career in Irish universities. As a rule, three years pass before the doctoral thesis based on one’s own research can be submitted and defended orally.

Postgraduate courses

In Ireland there are postgraduate courses in some subjects based on the level of experience of the students. Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas are available at both universities and the Institutes of Technology. A Certificate e program lasts one semester; a Diploma program takes two semesters.

The postgraduate courses apply exemplary and problem-oriented knowledge in order to provide insights into current research and the transfer of technical know-how. Graduates from such a program can then apply for a master’s degree. The introductory offer of the postgraduate programs includes pre-postgraduate programs that also end with certificates.

The Institutes of Technology also have various certificates and diplomas in their range of courses. They exist alongside the undergraduate bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and differ in their duration of study: the one-year certificate, the two-year higher or national certificate and the national diploma. Directly following a one-year National Diploma, there is the possibility of obtaining a National Certificate within one year.

Studying in Ireland: requirements

If you are applying for an Irish Bachelor’s degree, one of the requirements for studying abroad is to be admitted to university. Responsible for applying for a full-time study in undergraduate region is the Central Applications Office (CAO). Nevertheless, for some study programs, the application is exceptionally made directly to the respective university. As a rule, the application documents include the Abitur certificate and possibly acquired study certificates in a certified English translation, a curriculum vitae and corresponding language certificates. In some cases, this includes proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay.

In the postgraduate area, an application is made directly to the respective university. It decides independently on the allocation of study places. At some universities, institutes of technology and colleges, the Postgraduate Applications Center (PAC) is centrally responsible for applications. Applicants can find information on the pac.ie website.

As a rule, a successfully completed bachelor’s degree is the admission requirement for postgraduate studies. For some courses, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA), several years of professional experience is a requirement. With regard to the expiring German diploma, master’s or state examination programs, admission behaves differently: At some universities, proof of an intermediate examination or a preliminary diploma is sufficient. Other universities require a degree.

Another requirement for studying abroad in Ireland is proof of sufficient knowledge of English. As a rule, corresponding results in standardized tests such as TOEFL, CAE or IELTS are sufficient. Some universities get a more precise picture of the applicants and their skills in advance by means of interviews. In addition to English in Ireland, Gaelic, the “Irish” language, is another official language, which is why all official signs in Ireland are bilingual. Many universities offer Celtic language courses.

Study abroad cost in Ireland

Both the cost of living for board and lodging and the tuition fees for studying in Ireland are above the German average. To learn more about the country of Ireland and continent of Europe, please follow vaultedwatches. Undergraduate students who are EU citizens and are enrolled for at least four semesters of undergraduate and full-time study can study in Ireland with no tuition fees. The registration and examination fees are excluded from this exemption.

The cost of studying abroad in Ireland can vary considerably, depending on the university, subject and degree. On average, the tuition fees start at around EUR 3,000 for the Bachelor and around EUR 4,500 for the Master. Most of the higher education institutions are in the capital city of Dublin with high rental costs. Accommodation in a student dormitory can hardly be found for less than EUR 400 a month, as a rule it is closer to EUR 600. The same applies to private rentals or places with host families. The cost of groceries or going out is also at a high level.

Funding options for studying in Ireland

It is therefore all the more important to find out about financial aid for studying abroad in Ireland in good time. One point of contact is, for example, the DAAD, which awards various partial scholarships depending on the department and section of study. The ERASMUS program is probably the most frequently used option for a semester abroad. The state can help students with grants under the Auslands-BAföG or with an education loan.

If you want to work independently in Ireland, please note that the number of hours per week is limited to 20 hours during the lecture period. There are no limits during the semester break. As in Germany, you also have to apply for a social security number in advance.

Visa and entry requirements for Ireland

EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient. For a period over three months you can get a residence permit, called the Residence Permit, apply. Health insurance is usually provided by the European health insurance card. However, in Ireland you have to pay for doctor’s visits yourself.

Study in Ireland Part 2

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