Why Study in Ireland

Sajco Education Consultants represents prestigious education institutions for students to study in Ireland. Our team has expertise in dealing with admission application across many countries for Ireland education system ensuring the best possible service.

Ireland’s worldwide reputation for high quality education is built on the solid foundation of commitment to excellence

Ireland Strengths

Internationally Recognised Qualifications

Ireland is in the top twenty worldwide for its higher education system, according to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014.

Importantly also, the Irish NFQ system is compatible with the ENIC NARIC (European Network of Information Centres/National Academic Recognition Information Centres), which facilitates the recognition of academic qualifications throughout Europe and internationally in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

A Friendly, Safe Environment

• Ireland is a friendly, safe country. But don’t just take our word for it.

  • In 2010, Lonely Planet named Ireland the most friendly country in the world.
  • The Global Peace 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.

• In 2013, the 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.

A Friendly, Safe Environment

Ireland is the European hub to over 1,000 leading multinational companies! Companies who require a skilled, educated and highly capable workforce to drive their success chose to locate in Ireland.

Over 1,000 FDI giants in ICT, Social Media, Pharmaceuticals and Finance have made Ireland the hub of their European operations, with names such as Google, HP, Apple, IBM, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Pfizer, GSK and Genzyme.

• Apart from a strong foreign owned multinational sector, Ireland also has vibrant indigenous industries. Companies competing on the world stage including CRH, Smurfit Kappa, DCC, Glen Dimplex, Greencore, Kingspan, NTR and Paddy Power.
• Half of the medical technology companies in Ireland are Irish and there is a vibrant software sector exporting mainly to the UK and the US.

Education in Ireland

Qualification Framework in Ireland

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) provides a structure to compare and contrast the level and standard of different qualifications. This helps you to make informed decisions about your qualification choices and to consider progression opportunities available to you. The NFQ also makes it easier for you to explain to others what qualifications you hold, or are studying for. This becomes very important when you are considering further learning or when you are applying for a job at home or abroad.

Average Tuition Fees in Ireland

Tuition costs vary considerably depending on the institution and the study programme. Tuition costs do not remain static, so it is important to double check fees with the Institution(s) you are considering applying to.

Living costs in Ireland

Every year estimates are published which give an indication of how much it costs to be a student for one academic year (nine months) in Ireland.

• Room 300 650
• Booking Security Deposit for Accommodation 300*
• Food (based on eating at campus restaurants) 420
• Heat & Light (based on 3 people sharing) 50
• Textbooks and Stationery 75 (dependent upon course )
• Personal Expenses 300 (Social functions, Sport etc.)

Rents and many prices are cheaper for those living outside of Dublin so lower overall costs can be expected.

When moving to Ireland for study, you should also budget an additional sum for one off start up costs such as buying kitchen items, bedding, a television, mobile phone, etc and also for any international travel you plan during the year.

Working in Ireland

International students engaged in full time study of at least one year’s duration (on a course leading to a qualification which is recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Skills currently do not need a work permit to work in Ireland.

From 1st January 2015 students holding a valid immigration stamp 2 will be permitted to work 40 hours per week only during the months of May, June, July and Augustand from 15th December to 15th January inclusive. At all other times they will be limited to working 20 hours per week.

Degree programme students can get casual work where they are:

• Registered with GNIB
• Enrolled on a recognised programme leading to a qualification recognised by the Minister for Education & Skills
• Attending a full time programme of education at or above NFQ Level 7
• Undertaking a minimum of 15 hours day time study
• Getting tuition, between the hours of 8am and 6pm per week for a minimum of 25 weeks per annum
• On a programme of at least one year’s duration

Students will also be required to comply with the Universal Social Contribution (USC), Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), employment laws and taxation requirements.

Internship

Students enrolled on courses on the Degree Programme are allowed to undertake an internship where this forms part of their programme. This is subject to the following rules.

• The internship or work placement part of the programme cannot exceed 50% of the duration of the programme e.g. a 4 year programme would permit 2 years of work placement. In addition, the employment cannot be in a self employed capacity.
• Work placements as part of an academic programme must form an integral part of the programme which contributes to the final award.
• Educational facilities must also ensure that the placements are suited to the programme being pursued.

Post Study Pathways

It may be possible to stay in Ireland after you complete your studies for the purpose of seeking employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This scheme exists to allow legally resident non EU third level graduates to remain in Ireland in order to look for employment or apply for a green card/work permit.

• During their approved stay under the scheme, a student can work full time (40 hours a week).
• The permission under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme is non renewable.
• A student can only avail of the Third Level Graduate Scheme in accordance with the rules below.

Third Level Graduate Scheme

This allows non EU/EEA students who have graduated from Irish higher education institutions to remain in Ireland for 12 months to seek employment.

To be eligible for a one year permission under the third level graduate scheme, a student is required to have:

• an award granted by a recognised Irish awarding body, for example Dublin Institute of Technology, Irish universities, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Institutes of Technology with delegated authority).
• Students are eligible for scheme if they have a Bachelor, Master or PhD degree
• Employers can hire graduates who are eligible to work for up to 40 hours per week.
• You must have a valid GNIB card which will be extended for 12 months

When should you apply

• You apply, after your results issue, to the GNIB office. You must:
  • Provide a letter from the university or college you attended indicating you have obtained your examination results and are eligible to graduate
  • Have a valid passport
  • Have your GNIB Card
  • Pay 300 by credit/debit card.
• After 12 months, you may be eligible for the Green Card or Work Permit Scheme.

Academic Intakes

The Major Intake is in September , However there are few courses running for January and April Intake as well.

Admission Requirements

Apply for a Course

Applying for a course to study in Ireland is easy. Depending on what you plan to study, undergraduate, postgraduate or English language courses, there are different ways to apply. At Sajco Education we recommend using our online application service to process your application on our fast track service.

We have a dedicated Admissions Team who will work with you to help you in your course choice and throughout the application process. For entry requirements, please check the individual course specifications in this prospectus or contact us.

Outlined here is a summary of the how to apply for our courses. For more information please feel free to contact a member of our Admissions Team. Application can be made by contacting Sajco Education at +44 (0) 333 344 1532 or Email:admissions@Sajco.co

General Requirements for Undergraduate Level

If you have successfully completed or in possession of a valid college leaving certificate and qualify for higher education studies in your home country, you may also qualify for higher education studies in Ireland. However, you are requested to prove your level of English and have studied another language. In some cases, you must also satisfy course specific requirements. For example, if you are applying for mathematical studies, you must have studied mathematics.

Master’s Studies

If you are applying for a master’s program at university level in ireland, you are required to be in possession of a relevant bachelor’s or equivalent degree diploma.

Doctoral Studies

In the event you are applying for doctoral studies at university in Ireland, you are required to be in possession of a relevant diploma or master’s degree program.

General English Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you are required to prove your level of command of the English language through the results you received from your studies at upper secondary school or through the results you received at the TOEFL or IELTS tests.

• The minimum accepted score for the TOEFL test is usually 570 (paper based) or 90 (Internet based).

• 6.5 for the IELTS test.

  We recommend you check with your institution if your studies of English from upper secondary school are sufficient to meet the English language requirement or you need to take the TOEFL or IELTS tests.

Requirements to access Medicine Studies in Ireland

Undergraduate level (first cycle)

In addition to meeting the general entrance requirements, you must also take the Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT).

[Click here to visit the HPAT website]

Graduate level (second and third cycle)

Applicants must have a minimum grade of 2.1 (Honors Second Class) in their Bachelor’s Degree. In addition, all applicants must take the Graduate Medical Schools Admissions Test.

[Click here to visit the Graduate Medical Schools Admissions Test website]

English Language & Non Degree Programme

This section sets out some of the visa conditions and immigration rules for English language and non degree programme non EEA students in Ireland, as defined by the New Immigration Regime for Full Time Non EEA Students introduced in July 2011.

If you are applying for a student visa to do an English language course in Ireland, it is very important to ensure that it is arecognised English language school.

The main conditions of being a Full Time Language and Non Degree Programme Non EEA student are:

The maximum time a student may stay in Ireland for the purpose of attending courses at language/non degree level is limited to three years; The conditions below must be compiled with

• You must have a Letter of Acceptance from the college, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full time day time education involving a minimum of 15 hours organised daytime tuition each week between the hours of 8am and 6pm
• You must have proof that fees have been paid to the college. Where your fees are below 6,000, the full amount of the fees must be paid in advance.
• You must have access to 3,000 at first registration. This is in addition to your course fees.
• You must comply with Medical Insurance requirements.

How to Apply Visa

Student Visa Requirements

Like most other countries, Ireland requires candidates from many non EU countries to have a visa to come and study in Ireland. If you are a citizen of any of the non EU countries on this list, then you need a visa to study in Ireland. The student immigration process is divided into two categories, based on whether you are applying for a degree programme offered by a higher education institution or you intend to pursue an English language or non degree course.

• Show evidence of language proficiency, you must show that you have the capacity to fully partake in your chosen course through the medium of English. INIS requires IELTS of 5 but most Irish universities and colleges generally require IELTS of 6.5

Evidence of Payment of Fees

Evidence that all fees have been paid prior to the visa application being submitted. These applications should contain either

• A copy of an Electronic Transfer of Funds from the applicant to the Irish Bank of the college, showing details of the beneficiary’s name, address, bank details and the same details for sender and a copy of a letter/receipt from the Irish college confirming that the fee has bee received or
• A valid receipt showing that the course fees have been lodged to an approved student fees payment service.
• Where the course fees are less than 6000 fees must be paid in full to the college. Where the course fees are in excess of 6000, you must pay at least this amount. The minimum amount is an Immigration requirement. However, the college you wish to attend may require full payment of fees.
• Fees paid to the college are a matter between the student and the college. However, in the event of the visa application being refused the college should refund the fee ( minus any small administration charge) within a reasonable period.
• Make sure you keep copies of all documents submitted
• If you are applying from China, India, Nigeria, Russia, United Arab Emirates or the United Kingdom, please also check the Irish Embassy website for details of further documentation which may be required.

Maintenance Funds

Note: The estimated cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year is 7,000. You must demonstrate that you or your sponsor has ready access to an amount of at least 7,000 for each year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years. Where NON EEA Students are studying for a period of less than 6 months the non EEA Student must have access to 500 per month of the stay or 3000 whichever is the lesser.

Evidence of Maintenance Funds

You must provide evidence that you have access to sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and cost of living expenses. You must show you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment. In order to provide evidence of access to sufficient finances you will need:

• A detailed statement of your bank account covering a six month period immediately prior to your visa application, and showing sufficient funds to cover your costs.
• Produce official confirmation that you are in receipt of a scholarship

Making Online Visa Application

You must make your visa application on line using the AVATS on line facility ,this Online Visa Application Facility is available worldwide and must be used by all applicants for an Irish Visa. You should read the visa application details very carefully. If you do not provide the documentation required, your visa will be refused.

Some points for you to note. When making an application you must:

• Complete the online application form
• Check the Irish Embassy details where your documentation is to be sent
• Provide a passport sized photo
• Ensure your passport is valid for 12 months
• Pay the application fee
• Provide a signed letter of application which explains why you require the visa

• A Letter of Acceptance from the Irish university, college or school, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full time education, involving a minimum of 15 hours organised daytime tuition each week.

  • This letter must name you (the applicant) and verify the title/duration of the course
  • It should also confirm the amount of fees payable for your course, and that this amount has been paid.
  • If the college has taken out medical insurance on your behalf, details of this must be contained in this letter of acceptance. If it is not arranged by the college, you must organise this yourself and provide evidence with your application.

Processing Times and Checking on your Visa Status

• You should apply as early as possible for your visa as it normally takes eight weeks for it to be processed but in busy periods it may take longer than this.

• You can check online to see if your visa has been processed (using your Visa Application Number). This list is updated weekly.
• If you get approval for a visa, the Embassy to which you sent your documents will affix a visa to your passport.

• If you are refused a visa you may appeal the decision within 2 months.

Alternative Evidence of Finance Degree Programme Students (Education Bond)

A pilot programme has now been introduced that would allow degree programme students to provide an alternative to bank statements as a method of proof of finances. The alternative method is an “Education bond” with a minimum value of 7,000. The bond must be lodged to an approved student fees payment service (e.g. the electronic fee payment service offered by EduStep)

• ou should apply as early as possible for your visa as it normally takes eight weeks for it to be processed but in busy periods it may take longer than this.

• You can check online to see if your visa has been processed (using your Visa Application Number). This list is updated weekly.
• If you get approval for a visa, the Embassy to which you sent your documents will affix a visa to your passport.

• If you are refused a visa you may appeal the decision within 2 months.

Health Insurance for international students in Ireland

Students from non EU countries are not covered for any free medical attention off campus and must therefore have their own private insurance. Please note that heavy levies are charged for all hospitalisation and it is advised to make provision for adequate medical insurance. Non EU students are required to show proof of comprehensive medical insurance when registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Proof of health insurance is also required when applying for a student visa.

Students are strongly advised to arrange insurance for private medical care as this ensures choice of hospital, doctor and hospital accommodation in the event of illness.

Please note that you can only arrange health insurance with an Irish Health Insurance Provider when you are living in Ireland.

Insurance / Health Cover

We have Insurance policy available exclusively to students travelling to Ireland from overseas to undertake a course of study at an approved educational establishment. This can be purchased online before travelling to Ireland.

Insurance Providers:

• Study Care
• Aviva Health Insurance
• VHI Healthcare

Registering with Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB)

After arrival, many international students have to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

All non Irish nationals, who are not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, must register in person with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) after arrival and after completion of registration at your third level institution. The GNIB will issue you with a residence permit/GNIB card. The fee for this card is 300 and must be paid by credit card, laser card or bank giro. This fee cannot be paid in cash.

Garda National Immigration Bureau

13 14 Burgh Quay,

Dublin 2, Ireland

Tel: +353 1 666 9130 / 01

Download GNIB Location Map

Opening Hours Mon. to Thurs.: 8.00am 10.00pm

What you need to bring with you:

• Valid passport;
• Current student card;
• Evidence of financial support, e.g. current bank statement showing your name, a letter of guarantee from parent or guardian indicating availability of sufficient funds to sustain you for the duration of your stay in Ireland; or a letter from your sponsoring body confirming financial status.
• A letter from the college including your student status, start date and the duration of your course and stating that fees have been paid.
• Evidence of private health insurance.
• 300 this must be paid by credit card, laser card or ban

Note: Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Agreement. You will, therefore, still have to apply for an Irish visa even if you have a visa for a Schengen country.