StudyLink logoHome
Students on a university campus

Study in Ireland

An island in the North Atlantic, Ireland is separated from Great Britain by the North Channel. Each year, the Irish government invests €728 million in higher education institutions. This allows Ireland to have one of the best higher education systems in the world. University in Ireland would be a great choice for any international student.

Why choose Ireland as an international student

With many internationally ranked institutions, Ireland is a popular choice for students from around the world. The country has been consistently acknowledged as a safe and peaceful city in world rankings, which is complemented by the welcoming nature of the Irish people.

Higher education is provided by different types of institutions. These are universities, colleges of education and institutes of technology. All of the Irish universities are public and therefore state-funded. Five of Ireland’s universities are in the 2023 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked of these is Trinity College Dublin – University of Dublin, which is placed at 98th. The next highest ranked is the University College Dublin, which is placed at =181st.

The academic year observed in Ireland is similar to other European countries, and generally runs from September through to June/July depending on the examination period. There are courses offered at the traditional levels of study. These include bachelors, masters and doctoral, as well as diplomas and other types.

There are several cities that would be great for international students in Ireland, such as Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.

International students who wish to study in Ireland will need to obtain a student visa. For more information about this, please see our Ireland Student Visa Guide.

Search for courses in Ireland

Highlighted courses in Ireland

BA Product Design BA

NCAD Dublin - National College of Art and Design Dublin Ireland

Find out more

Accredited Product Adviser (APA) Professional Qualification

The Insurance Institute of Ireland Ireland

Find out more

International Foundation Studies Programme for Business and Social Sciences International Foundation Programme, Undergraduate Foundation Programme

ONCAMPUS Ireland Ireland

Find out more

Music and Dance BA (Hons)

University of Limerick Ireland

Find out more

Food & Agribusiness Management BSc (Hons)

University College Dublin (UCD) Ireland

Find out more

PhD in Philosophy PhD

School of Philosophy, University College Dublin Ireland

Find out more
View all courses in Ireland

More information about Ireland

Capital City Dublin
Currency EUR, Euro
Language(s) Irish, English
Universities on StudyLink 16 universities
Major Student Cities Cork, Limerick, Galway

Language Requirements

Ireland has two official languages; Irish and English. You will also hear many other different languages spoken all throughout Ireland.

There are courses offered in Irish and English, but all postgraduate courses are taught in English. If you are studying in a non-native language, you will need to provide proficiency of your language skills. If you do not meet the required standards, it is common for institutions to offer English language courses to help you improve.

Despite English being widely spoken across Ireland, learning some Irish language would be a great experience!

Sign up to StudyLink.com

Sign up to StudyLink.com, the home of quality study abroad advice.

Sign up now
Students with books and test tubes