Top Reasons for International Students to Study in Ireland

Ireland is also known as Emerald Isle, located on the westernmost edge of Europe, and recognised as a popular study destination among international students. A rich cultural background, world-class universities, high-quality education system, affordable tuition fees, a stayback visa and a vibrant student life are some benefits of studying in Ireland. The country boasts top universities like Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, and University College Dublin and these are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025. 

According to Statista, employment in Ireland is expected to continue its upward trend, with the number of employed individuals projected to increase by approximately 40,000 (+1.47%) between 2024 and 2025. This growth marks the fifth consecutive year of expansion, bringing the total employed population to an estimated 2.77 million in 2025, reaching a new peak. Ireland’s culture, vibrant nightlife, green landscape, friendly people, and rich heritage are the added benefits for international students. Moreover, the living cost in Ireland is affordable compared to other popular study destinations like the UK, and the US. Students also benefit from post-study visa options offered by Ireland that open doors to global career opportunities. Read the complete article and learn further reasons and benefits of studying in Ireland.

Why study in Ireland?

Ireland, one of the world's most sought-after destinations for higher education, blends historical charm with modern innovation, making it an ideal place for students. Ireland is the place for some of the world's best universities, it offers state-of-the-art facilities, renowned academicians, and a strong commitment to education. The Ireland government ensures academic excellence and a high graduate employability rate. With English as the primary language, international students can easily adapt to the dynamic Irish culture. Ireland’s strategic location in Europe also allows for travel and exploration. Additionally, Ireland's emphasis on research excellence provides students with valuable global opportunities. Likewise, there are many reasons to choose Ireland as a study destination. 

Below infographic highlights some of the most significant reasons and benefits of studying in Ireland.

1. High-Quality Education

Ireland’s academic excellence is the top-most benefit for international students to prefer the country. The Irish education system ranks in the top 20 in Europe (IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook). This achievement is due to the quality of education offered by the Irish universities being monitored and maintained by the Irish Government through the National Framework of Qualification. The educational institutions of Ireland offer top-quality education at affordable fees with highly experienced faculties and cutting-edge research facilities. Their teaching techniques are unique and interactively to promote independent learning. Most education institutions receive government funding which makes the standard of education high. This attracts a significant number of international students, more than one in ten full-time students in Ireland come from overseas, says IDP. 

2. Diverse Programs

Following its acclaimed education system, Ireland offers a diverse catalogue of academic programs for domestic and international students. Over 5000 courses are available across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels in fields ranging from Engineering to Philosophy. Students have a wide range of options including Medicine, Engineering, Digital marketing, AI, Business, Computer science, Finance, Information technology, Literature, History, Public health, Philosophy, Pharma, Psychology, and many more. Moreover, several English courses are available that allure many international students to the country. From undergraduate to advanced research studies, Ireland offers the best to the students.

3. Affordable Tuition fees & Cost of Living

The next significant reason to choose Ireland is its more affordable option for international students in terms of tuition fees and living costs when compared to other popular destinations for studying abroad, such as the USA or the UK. Undergraduate courses in Ireland typically cost between €9,000 and €45,000 per year, with most universities charging €10,000 to €29,000. While masters's degrees in Ireland typically cost €9,000 - €25,000 annually. Furthermore, students also benefit from hundreds of scholarships, funding programmes, and plenty of part-time job opportunities without compromising on academic quality. The monthly cost of living in Ireland for a single person is approximately €2,500 - €3,500 (INR 2,26,350 - INR 3,16,883), depending on lifestyle and location.

4. Research opportunities

The Irish Research Council provides funding opportunities for postgraduate scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships through annual calls for proposals. This is one of the reasons to choose Ireland as the study destination. Notably, Irish universities rank in the top 1% of research institutions globally. Ireland attracts international students, especially in technology, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable energy, with key research facilities of top global companies. This rich research environment makes Ireland a prime destination for students aiming to transform lives and shape the future through science and technology.

5. Safe & Welcoming Environment

According to the Global Peace Index, Ireland is the second most peaceful country in the world and has consistently ranked among the top 10 most peaceful nations globally. Ireland ranks 17th of the 143 countries polled in the World Happiness Report. This shows that Ireland is a safe and welcoming country for students by encouraging a sense of community and diversity. Ireland’s safety index is 47.6 as per numbeo. Furthermore, Ireland is an ideal travel destination with several historic places, stunning castles, ancient monuments and beautiful lakes.

6. Stunning Landscapes

Ireland has stunning landscapes that enhance the experience of international students. They find breathtaking scenery everywhere in Ireland, whether they are studying or relaxing. From the rocky cliffs of Moher to the peaceful lakes of Killarney and the gentle hills of Connemara, nature's beauty is all around, making every moment special. These landscapes aren't just for relaxation, they're a source of inspiration and reflection. With scenic landscapes, green countryside, and idyllic cityscapes, Ireland's natural beauty awaits exploration and appreciation.

7. Quality of Life & Cultural Immersion

Ireland is celebrated for its relaxed and joyful lifestyle with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and artistic expression. The country is ranked second-highest globally for quality of life by the United Nations. This attracts students worldwide to pursue their higher education in Ireland. From its world-renowned literary legacy of James Joyce and W.B. Yeats to its lively pubs and traditional music, Ireland's cultural heritage, including its vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, is woven into everyday life. Residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the country's vibrant arts scene, attending festivals, exploring museums, and engaging in local traditions. With great infrastructure and a lively culture, Ireland provides a welcoming environment for all, whether enjoying the music, singing, dancing, or partaking in Irish sports and traditions.

8. Post-study (stay back visa) Work Visa

The post-study work visa is another substantial perk for studying in Ireland. Graduates from Irish higher education institutions can remain in Ireland under the Third Level Graduate Programme, commonly known as the "stay back visa." The duration of stay depends on the degree level, with Master's and PhD graduates generally receiving a longer period than Bachelor's graduates. Compared to other EEA member countries, students find it uncomplicated to get a post-study visa in Ireland. This visa allows graduates holding a bachelor’s degree to stay for one year, while those with a master's can extend their stay for two years. This opportunity supports students to work full-time, up to 40 hours per week across Europe. Graduates from non-EU countries can apply for the Irish Third-level Graduate Scheme and utilise this time to seek employment. After getting a job, they can also apply for a green card, known as a Critical Skills Employment Permit.

9. Career Prospects

If you have a post-study work visa, Ireland offers global job opportunities, with leading multinational corporations such as Apple, Google, Alphabet, Amazon, and Samsung providing graduates with abundant career prospects. Students can build a strong foundation for an international career through internships, co-op programs, and networking events.

Notably, Irish institutions offer globally recognized degrees. As of 2025, Ireland's employment rate stands at approximately 75.3%, with an unemployment rate near 4%, indicating near-full employment. According to Statista, as of the third quarter of 2024, the human health and social work activities sector was the largest employer in Ireland, with approximately 379,200 workers, while the administrative and support service activities sector was the smallest, employing only 103,400 people.

The most in-demand job sectors in Ireland for 2025 include technology (with a focus on cybersecurity and AI), healthcare, construction, engineering, finance, accounting, sales, marketing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

10. Part-time Jobs Opportunities

If you are struggling to manage your study expenses in Ireland, you can take up part-time work while studying. Ireland not only helps students with post-work visa, the country also supports international students to manage their expenses by offering multiple scholarships and part-time job opportunities. As a student in Ireland, part-time jobs typically pay €10–€12 per hour, with higher wages in Dublin and Cork. Smaller towns like Limerick may offer lower rates of €8–€9 per hour. These wages are based on the national minimum wage.

Key Highlights of Part-Time Jobs in Ireland:

• Average hourly wage: €10–€12
• Dublin & Cork: €10–€12 per hour
• Limerick: €8–€9 per hour
• Term Time: Up to 20 hours per week
• Holidays: Up to 40 hours per week
• Common student jobs: Tutor/teaching Assistant, Library Assistant, Research Assistant, Campus Tour Guide, etc
• Students typically earn under €13,000 per year
• No tax or USC for earnings below this threshold
• In-Demand Job Sectors in Ireland: AI, Engineering, Sales, Construction, Software Engineering, Software analysis, and Software development

11. English-speaking Environment

Ireland is an English-speaking country, which is a great advantage for non-native English speakers. Students studying in Ireland can enhance their language fluency and communication skills effortlessly due to the English-speaking environment and daily social interactions. This not only makes Ireland a preferred destination but also supports individuals seeking to enhance their marketability with multinational companies. Moreover, English serves as the primary medium of instruction in key sectors such as business and technology. Overcoming language barriers becomes smoother in such an environment, thereby increasing one's employability prospects. Non-native speakers aiming to study in Ireland may be required to provide an English proficiency certificate from recognized providers like IELTS or TOEFL.

Conclusion

After reading the above benefits of studying in Ireland, you would have got the answer to the question “Why study in Ireland?”. As we discussed in the article, Ireland is an excellent destination for both EU and non-EU students due to its plenty of benefits including affordable tuition fees, low living costs, several internships, part-time jobs, and more. If you have a plan to study in Ireland, get expert support from Kanan.co for a smooth academic journey!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

1. Why Ireland is best for study? 

There are plenty of reasons to consider that Ireland is the best study destination for international students. However, some major benefits like high-quality education system, Affordable tuition fees, post-study work opportunities, a welcoming and vibrant culture, job prospects in many international companies, and more. 

2. What are the advantages of studying in Ireland for international students?

Studying in Ireland offers a strong foundation for a thriving career. With its high education standards tailored to the demands of a dynamic economy and effective collaborations between universities and global businesses. Thus Ireland is a great choice for international students.

3. How does Ireland's economy compare to other countries? 

Ireland's economy is strong, frequently ranking high in GDP per capita due to factors such as an attractive business climate, low corporate tax rates, and a significant presence of multinational corporations in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors.

 4. What are the perks of studying in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland is renowned for its top-notch education, housing prestigious institutions like Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University. These universities attract students from around the globe every year by offering a diverse and enriching academic experience.

5. Is Ireland good for Indian students?

Yes. Ireland is becoming a popular destination among Indian students for pursuing higher education due to its top-ranked universities, affordable 1-year master's programmes, and 2-year post-study work visas. And Ireland is the perfect destination for Indian students for their career growth. 

6. Is Ireland good for a master's?

Studying a master's degree in Ireland offers advantages such as specialised education, access to research opportunities, and availability of higher job positions among top employers.