The higher education system in Ireland consists of the university sector, institutes of technology and private independent colleges. The entry requirements for international students to higher education are determined individually by each institution and are generally based on national examination performance and English language aptitude.

Irish Higher education institutions offer degrees at ordinary and Honours Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate levels and undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas over a full range of disciplines.

Ireland is a friendly, safe country. But don’t just take our word for it.
• Ireland is among the most friendly country in the world.
• The Global Place index rates 158 nations worldwide on measures such as conflict, safety and security in society and militarisation. In 2014, it ranked Ireland the 13th most peaceful place on Earth.
OECD put Ireland in the top ten in its Better Life index. In general, Irish people were more satisfied with their lives and had more positive experiences in a typical day than the OECD average. What’s more, the Irish scored second highest in the OECD for citizens volunteering time, giving money and helping a stranger.
The Irish have a huge maternal side and love to welcome or ‘mother’ new guests. If staying with a host family, you’re sure to be treated as one of the family. If not, there’s always a greeting or a helping hand just around the corner.
The Higher Education institutions are absolutely committed to ensuring that visiting students settle in to their new environment and have all the information needed for an enjoyable stay. All our higher education institutions have a designated staff member to whom international students can turn for any assistance.
Simply put, we’re a friendly, welcoming bunch of people, and that’s why international students get so much out of the Irish experience.