The land of castles, also a popular destination for students from all over the world- Ireland is a small independent nation situated on the West Coast of Europe. Ireland is a member of the European Union since 1973. It has developed from being a predominantly agricultural economy in the 1950s to a thorough modern nation with a well-developed manufacturing and international service sectors having their presence in Ireland

COST OF STUDY

The annual tuition fee varies from 6000 to 10,000 Eros (i.e. RS. 3 lakhs to Rs. 5 lakhs) depending on the program and institution. The approximate annual living expense of an Indian Student is projected as 6000 Euros.

An exact estimation about the cost of living of a student at Ireland may be difficult since no two people live in the same way. However for a nine-month academic year, in addition to course fees and other academic expenses an international student living in Ireland will need approximately € 9950.

University College Dublin (UCD) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD) make annual estimates for students living outside their family home. Their estimates for the academic year 2003-2004 are € 9036 and € 10 500 respectively. These figures include rent, electricity, food, books and laundry and medicine as well as travel and social life expenses.

These figures are near the minimum sum needed for a person to survive in Ireland. Costs can be higher or lower according to the way of life the person chooses to lead. Costs should be increased proportionately if you are calculating costs for a period of one full year.

ELIGIBILITY

For postgraduate programs most of the good universities prefer a first class or high second class. In the undergraduate level most of the good universities look for 60% or higher. There are special cases when a few students have been admitted to educational institutions with 2nd class.

Most of the institutions have only one intake that begins in September. Recently few institutions have started accepting students for February intake, but this is not available for all programs.

English Proficiency requirement:

Since 2002 IELTS (International English language Testing System) or TOEFL is made mandatory for aspiring students, who want to get into the colleges or universities in Ireland. In the normal course of events an overall band of 6.0 is required for the postgraduate courses and 5.5 required for undergraduate courses and diplomas.

IELTS

International English Language Testing System is normally known as IELTS which is administered by University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES) , British Council and IDP Education Australia.

The score of IELTS is valid for 2 years. The test fee comprises Rs. 6500/. For more info visit the official website at www.britishcouncil.org or www.ieltsindia.com.
Students can make registration either in person or by mail.

TOEFL

TOEFL is Test of English as a Foreign Language. The test is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and the test fee is $130. Those who want to study in UK have to clear the test with definite scores.

The score is valid for 2 years and the score is sent to 4 universities by ETS free of cost at the time of exam. ETS charges additionally for scores sent to universities later. For more info visit the official website at www.toefl.org or www.ets.org

VISA

Student visa applications are processed by the Department of Justice, Dublin and aspiring students need to lodge their application through the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi. In accordance with the Irish law a student aspiring to study in Ireland must pay the first year fees in full to the college/university before lodging the visa application. Under normal circumstances a personal interview is not required and to process the application it takes 7 to 8 weeks.

If you require an entry visa for Ireland and would like to study here, you will need to present the following with your Visa Application:

·    Copies of your educational qualifications.

·    Letter of acceptance from a recognised school/college/university confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study. The course of study must be full time and have a minimum of 15 hours per week study time.

·    Evidence that the fees have been paid in full.

·    Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself for at least the initial part of your stay

OTHER EDUCATIONAL DESTINATIONS

Apart from the above four most popular countries, we have been successfully placing many students to other countries like Canada, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Cyprus, Singapore, Dubai etc. based on the students’ academic and financial background, interests, priorities and requirements