What you should know before studying in Ireland

Ireland might not be the biggest country, but it has lots to offer international students. More than 35,000 are enrolled at its top-quality universities, where they are never far from a bustling city or spectacular natural landscape. Add that to the amazing career options on offer, and the attraction is clear. If it's one you share, now may be the time to explore further.  Read on as we explain what you should know before studying in Ireland.

1. You can expect friendly faces and safe places

Irish people have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. This is underlined by the fact that they have a word for their kind of warm humour and fun. Craic (pronounced crack) is something you will be invited to enjoy from the first day that you study in Ireland, and which will never leave you.

So try not to worry about approaching people for help in the country. Even where there are language barriers, many will be very keen to help you – whether you need directions, transport timings or something more serious. You can also be assured that this is a safe place. Ireland ranks second on the Global Peace Index.

2. The universities are world-renowned

Whatever you study, a degree from an Irish university will be thorough and well-regarded. Six of Ireland's institutions place in the top 400 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, while Trinity College Dublin is 87th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Rankings aside, you can expect cutting-edge facilities and expert faculty wherever you go.

Discover more of the top universities in Ireland.

3. There are lots of green spaces

The lush natural landscapes of Ireland are loved worldwide, and are the reason why it is known as the Emerald Isle. Green spaces and open air fill the country, with some remarkable locations to visit for a break from the city.

You could stand atop the dramatic Cliffs of Moher on the rugged west coast, walk through the vast Mullaghmeen Forest, or pass through the mountainside Gap of Dunloe. Whether you are a confident explorer or a casual day-tripper, Ireland will never stop giving you new places to enjoy.

See even more places to visit in Ireland.

4. There are fully funded scholarships

The dream of studying abroad without financial concerns may not be easy to achieve, but Ireland can make it real. Each year, 60 international postgraduates come to the country on a Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship. The award, which is open to applicants from every country outside Europe, covers tuition fees and EUR 10,000 of living expenses.

Additionally, you could consider the Ireland Fellows Programme. Organised by the government's international development agency, Irish Aid, this provides scholarships that cover fees, travel, accommodation and living expenses. Applications are open to postgraduates from countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Pacific.

Learn more about fully funded government scholarships.

5. The Republic of Ireland is not in the UK

It is important to note that the Republic of Ireland is an independent country. It is separate from Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. While they share the same island (known itself as Ireland), they differ politically. The history of this is sensitive and complicated, and something that is worth learning about in advance. However, today's Ireland is harmonious, with no physical borders.

One key difference is that the Republic is part of the European Union, while the North is not. This makes it easier for students from many European countries to enrol there, paying the same tuition fees as Irish students.

They may even be able to use their own currency, as the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro. Northern Ireland uses the British Pound, but around the border, some shops accept both. While separate, the links between the two places are close, making a day trip from Dublin to Belfast easy.

If money is on your mind, we can help ease it. Discover the cost of living in Ireland.

6. You can work while studying

Full-time international students can work alongside their education in Ireland for up to 20 hours per week. In the periods of December 15 to January 15, and June 1 and September 30, you can work for up to 40 hours. If your course requires it, you can even complete a full-time work placement or internship.

What's more, you will be entitled to the same minimum wage as everyone else in the country. At present, this is EUR 12.70 per hour. From January 2025, it will rise to EUR 13.50 per hour.

Find out more about international student work rights in Ireland.

7. The country has rich culture and history

From Enya to Hozier and James Joyce to Sally Rooney, the culture of Ireland has travelled the world for generations. The country is rightly proud of its contributions to the field of art, and does a lot to promote them at home and abroad. Lovers of literature, music and film will find a lot to enjoy, including the Electric Picnic and Longitude festivals, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Famously, Ireland also has a deep Celtic heritage. This goes back thousands of years, and is the source of everything from fascinating folklore and mythology to the Irish language. Although most people in the country primarily speak English, this is still very important. Irish is taught in schools, and spoken fluently by many people.

Discover the most famous celebration of Irish culture with our guide to St Patrick's Day.

8. You may be able to bring your family

If you are a PhD student, or studying in Ireland on a government scholarship, your family members could join you. This is providing that you have enough money to support them. In the case of scholarship students, funding for that must be part of your award. Dependant family members of other students can only come to Ireland on a separate visa.

Find out all about studying abroad with family.

9. You can stay to work after graduation

If you enjoy studying in Ireland, you may well want to start your career there. In that case, you will have options. Through the third level graduate programme, you could stay to work in the country for up to 12 months after leaving education. If you are a PhD or master's graduate, you could extend this for a further 12 months.

Alternatively, you may be able to apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit. For these, you will need an eligible job offer. As such, they are more difficult to obtain, but do show that post-study visa options are abundant.

Find out how to apply for a post-study visa in Ireland.

10. There are top employers nationwide

For a small country, Ireland has a very strong employment offering. Graduates can find work here at some of the world's biggest businesses in a range of sectors. Famous companies in tech, finance and pharmaceuticals all have a base in the country, including Apple, Accenture and Pfizer.

Ireland is also a great place for a career in healthcare. The country's publicly funded Health Service Executive is its biggest employer of international graduates, and has continually expanded. Last year, its staff numbers grew by a larger amount than ever before.

Explore even more of the top employers in Ireland.

Now that you're clear on what you should know before studying in Ireland, why not explore further? We can show you how to apply to study in Ireland, the best student cities in Ireland and the most in-demand jobs in Ireland. Alternatively, you can start looking for courses in the country now with our simple search tool.