Ireland has one of the best education systems in Europe.
The quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth Ireland has experienced over the last few decades. Irish higher education institutions are widely recognized for excellence in many disciplines. Ireland is the largest exporter of software in the world and rates amongst the top five producers of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals globally. The ever-increasing demands of this high technology economy have ensured that the higher education technological sector offers the highest and most advanced standards and opportunities available today. Ireland’s emerald landscape and its people are among the most enriching reasons to study in Ireland. Ireland is an English speaking country.

Ireland is recognized as an international location for high quality scientific research. Ireland is a dynamic, lively and modern country. Ireland’s landscape provides a rich environment for the many outdoor leisure pursuits for which it is famous. Ireland has a rich cultural heritage with its own distinctive language (Gaelic) music, culture and sports. Irish people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality which greatly contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life in Ireland. The number of international students visiting Ireland is increasing each year, students from all over the world is taking advantage of the higher education standard in Ireland coupled with the unique cultural experience Ireland is a safe country to study in. Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy. The new government rules allow students to stay back for 6 months on declaration of results to seek employment. Once a student gains employment, the student becomes eligible to apply for Green Card/Work Permit. Ireland has a young vibrant population, with 40% of the population under the age of 25; Ireland is one of the most exciting places in the world to be a student.

Under Graduate and Post Graduate Programs

UNDER GRADUATE PROGRAMS :
Higher education in Ireland at the undergraduate level consists of a 3-4 year Bachelor’s degree. This is followed by a range of graduate options, entry to most of which require a good honours Bachelors degree or equivalent. In addition, some courses will have special entry requirements, such as a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for MBA programs. While the majority of courses require a Bachelor’s degree in a related area, there are a number of conversion programs, particularly at the postgraduate certificate/diploma level.

POST GRADUATE :
These are usually of one and in some cases two-year’s duration, and are normally taught courses.
Masters programs can normally last 1-2 years. There is a wide range of taught masters programs covering all the main disciplines. In addition, many students pursue Masters programs by research, both in the universities and in the Institutes of Technology.

PhDs in Ireland are by research and normally would be expected to take a minimum of three years. Students work under an academic supervisor and carry out research leading to the publication of a thesis that shows evidence of original work. Availability of places depends on the availability of an academic supervisor in the candidate’s area of specialization.

QUALITY EDUCATION :
The education system in Ireland is one of the best in the world’, 2007 Independent IMD World Competitiveness Report. Irish education is of the highest international quality. The quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth Ireland has experienced over the last few decades. Irish higher education institutions are widely recognized for excellence in many disciplines. Ireland is recognized as an international location for high quality scientific research.

GENERAL INFORMATION
http://educationireland.ie/   for everything you need to know about studying in Ireland
www.education.ie  The Department of Education and Science for  scholarships

GENERAL EDUCATIONAL SITES:

• Department of Education and Science
• Department of Education, Northern Ireland
• Provides list of schools in Ireland (online)/country information
• Scoilnet, mainly primary/post primary
• CAO Application System for Irish Colleges
• Union of Students in Ireland
• Expertise Ireland
• Higher Education Authority
• Higher Education and Training Awards Council
• Further Education and Training Awards Council
• The Advisory Council for English Language Schools
• Marketing English in Ireland (MEI RELSA)
• Irish Council for International Students
• Higher Education Colleges Association
• National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
• Qualifications Recognition
• The National University of Ireland
• Irish Universities Medical Consortium
• Irish Universities Association
• Institutes of Technology Ireland
• Ireland’s National Education and Research Network