Essential guide to Ireland for International Students

Essential guide to Ireland for international students

General Information

Currency: Euro (EUR) – this is approximately 1.17EUR to every 1GBP

National language: Irish Gaelic, English

Geography: Ireland can refer to the island itself, which is in western Europe just to the west of Great Britain. The name Ireland also refers to the Republic of Ireland, which takes up five-sixths of the island. The remaining one-sixth of the island is Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom.

Time in Capital City: GMT

Climate: Mild winters and cool summers, with no real extremes of temperature in either direction. Frequent rainfall and overcast skies.

Population: 5.2 million people

Annual Costs (approximate):

University Cost (EUR): Undergraduate EU nationals who meet certain criteria may be eligible to have their tuition frees paid by the government. Otherwise, undergraduate fees may be from €9,850 - €55,000. Postgraduate fees range from €9,950 - €34,500.

Living Costs (EUR): €17,500

Total Cost (EUR): €17,500 - €72,500 undergraduate / €27,450 - €52,000 postgraduate

Top Universities in Ireland:

1. Trinity College Dublin
2. University College Dublin
3. RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science

Things You HAVE To Do:

• Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and known for its friendly atmosphere. Learn how to pull a pint at the Guiness Storehouse or enjoy the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s many pubs, learn more about the history of Ireland at the Kilmainham Gaol Museum and the Little Museum of Dublin, or take a stroll under the trees at St Stephen’s Green.
• Explore the fascinating Giant’s Causeway, a unique natural formation of hexagonal basalt pillars that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a road trip from Donegal to Kinsale. Ireland has some of the most gorgeous natural views available, from breathtaking cliffs over the sea to the beautiful green landscapes that give the Emerald Isle its name, and you’ll get to see them all on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Quick tips:

• In Ireland you can call either 112 or 999 if you are in need of emergency services.
• It can be expensive, particularly in the larger cities. You should ensure that you check the living costs of the specific area that you’re moving to, and have enough saved before moving. If you live outside of the major cities, then you will likely have to factor in the costs of driving and car ownership, as there are limited public transport options in rural areas.
• That said, the higher cost of living is balanced with very high levels of satisfaction across many quality of life categories including healthcare, safety and education.
• Ireland is well-known as a friendly country, and it welcomes all. It has one of the most diverse populations in the EU, and is also highly supportive of LGBTQ+ rights. Dublin in particular has a strong LGBTQ+ scene.
• Ireland is emphatically NOT part of the United Kingdom, and is especially not English. While there are some points of cultural similarity, Ireland has a very distinct national identity and assuming too much in common with the UK won’t go down well. If you plan to move there, it is a good idea to look into the historical struggle for Ireland’s independence in order to get an understanding of the relationship between Ireland and the UK.

* Image reference Unsplash