Top 10 Benefits of Studying in Ireland for International Students

Thinking about studying abroad in Ireland? Check out our top 10 reasons why Ireland is an excellent study destination for international students.

1. High quality education

It is widely known that Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world. Irish universities have a long history of educating students to the highest internationally recognised standards.  Ireland has world-ranking Universities that feature on the top University ranking lists. All Irish Universities are ranked in the top 3% of institutions in the world with many research fields in the top 1%.

Irish Universities are globally connected, offering internationally recognised degrees that are held in high regard by employers worldwide. This ensures that graduates have access to top career opportunities on a global scale.

2. Excellent employment opportunities

Ireland is a country full of opportunities. It is home to multiple top multinational companies. In fact Ireland has been voted as the second most attractive country in the world for foreign investment after Singapore. This has seen Ireland become a hub for many leading global companies including tech companies such as Facebook, Google, LinkedIn and pharmaceutical companies including GSK and Pfizer. Many multinationals have setup their European headquarters in Ireland, leading to multiple employment opportunities for highly skilled graduates. Many international students choose to stay in Ireland following their graduation, as they have huge employment opportunities available to them.

The Irish Government offers a stay and work visa for University graduates. International students who graduate from Irish Universities can remain in Ireland for one to two years after finishing their studies and start their careers here.

3. Excellent location for developing English language skills

Ireland is an island nation, located on the westernmost edge of Europe. It is Europe’s second largest island after Great Britain.  Ireland is the ideal location to develop your English language skills. The English language has now become the global language of business. Ireland is the only native English-speaking country in the EU. Being fluent in English increases your marketability and gives you a big advantage if you are applying for a job in a multinational company. Living and studying in Ireland is the best way to become proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking the English language.

4. A Safe and Friendly Country

Ireland is a safe and tolerant place to live. Each year Ireland ranks consistently in the world’s top 20 countries for happiness, quality of life, peace and human development. In 2022 Ireland came third in a list of the world’s safest countries to live according to The Global Peace Index (GPI). The GPI is the leading measure of global peacefulness, ranking 163 of the world’s countries in relation to safety and security.

Irish people take great pride on the welcome they offer new arrivals to the country. The friendliness and hospitality of Irish people will contribute significantly to the ease with which you will adapt to student life in Ireland.

5. Study in a multicultural environment

The excellent reputation of the Irish education system attracts international students from all over the world. In fact more than one in ten full-time students come from overseas. There are currently over 35,000 international students from over 161 countries studying the extensive range of courses available in Ireland.

You will study in a multinational, multicultural environment, surrounded by fellow international students. You will gain a qualification that focuses on research and global collaboration while meeting the needs of a competitive economy.

6. A progressive, entrepreneurial country

Ireland is a socially and economically progressive country. Irish people are renowned all over the world as being creative thinkers with a willingness to think far beyond the obvious. For instance, Ireland is the European headquarters of the world’s largest technological and pharmaceutical companies. The Irish are global leaders in the production of agricultural products that are exported to the far corners of the world. Irish research scientists are among the most elite in the world and their input is greatly valued globally. Outside the world of commerce, Ireland has been home to countless authors, poets and playwrights for centuries.

Ireland’s deep-rooted culture of creativity and problem-solving has made us stand out globally. Graduates from Ireland’s leading universities are highly sought after in diverse industries all over the world. The Irish culture of being entrepreneurial will help you to learn the crucial life skills of resilience and self-reliance.

7. History and culture

Ireland is steeped in rich heritage and culture. It is known all over the world for it’s beautiful green countryside, intriguing history and friendly people. Ireland is full of galleries, museums, cathedrals and parks and is famous for its contribution to the world of literature, music, film and arts. Irish cities are vibrant and culturally sophisticated with the added advantage that they are smaller and easier to get around in comparison to other larger cities.

8. Research opportunities

Irish universities are in the top 1% of research institutions in the world. Many large and leading global companies have key research facilities located in Ireland. International students can join research programmes that are driving innovation and changing lives around the world. The experience you gain will ensure that your qualifications are highly sought after by future employers.

9. Excellent supports for international students

As well as being guaranteed excellent academic quality, colleges in Ireland offer various support systems to ensure the best possible experience for international students. Every Irish University has a dedicated international office to cater for the needs of international students. They also offer a wide variety of clubs, societies and support structures to help you settle into university life. Nurturing international students and helping them adapt to a new culture is of high priority for Irish Universities.

10. Affordable

It is significantly cheaper to study in Ireland compared to the UK. Fees and living costs in Dublin are 25% lower than in London. Ireland also offers reasonably priced tuition fees when compared with other countries including the USA, Canada and Australia.