5 Reasons You Should Study in Ireland

What makes Ireland the perfect destination for studying and working abroad?

If you’re looking to study abroad, you’ve probably considered the “big four” countries: United States, UK, Australia and Canada often take the limelight.

But as globalisation continues apace and studying abroad gets even more popular, other countries are beginning to see a rise in international students. Vietnam, New Zealand, South Korea and Ireland are some of those countries who have seen an explosion in international students in recent months and years.

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In its Global Citizens 2030, International Talent and Innovation Strategy, the Irish authorities have laid out plans to grow the number of international students in the country 10% by the year 2030, targeting particularly those students in South Asia and Africa.

Given its aim of growing international student numbers, it’s good to know that there are many government incentives in place to help convince foreign students to study in Ireland.

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Combined with ample post-study work opportunities and the simple fact that Ireland is a modern, safe and dynamic country, in the European Union, and it’s easy to see why studying in Ireland is really taking off. Read on to discover five reasons why you should study (and work) in Ireland.

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1. Government Support and Policies

Illustration of a student sitting on a supportive hand, symbolizing Irish government support for international students.

The Irish government’s progressive support and policy incentives are helping to encourage young international students to flock to Ireland to study abroad and work.

The country’s student visa policies are relaxed, allowing international students to stay and work both during and after their studies in Ireland.

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One such example is Ireland’s post-study work visa, which is open to non-European Economic Area (EEA) graduates. This allows international graduates to apply for a work permit that lasts up to two years after they have completed their degrees. This allows students to build a life in Ireland and gain valuable work experience that will help you in your future career, wherever that may be.

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Other generous Irish government incentives for students include a range of scholarships in Ireland targeted at international students. One example is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, a tuition fee waiver and €10,000 stipend for one year which is offered to 60 high-performing students from non-EU/EEA countries each year.

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Speaking of tuition fees, the fees for international students in Ireland are generally lower than those in the “big four”. Although fees vary depending on the degree and university, an average undergraduate student can expect to pay around €9,000 per year to study in Ireland, compared to around £11,000 (€13,000) in the UK and a whopping USD $30,000 (€26,000) in the USA.

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And it’s not just about the incentives to come to Ireland to study. Student support services in this famously hospitable country are also excellent. Whether it’s English language support classes or career counselling, Ireland’s universities are renowned for helping international students to settle in. As just one example, University College Dublin has a dedicated international student support programme for its international arrivals, helping them with visas, accommodation and cultural cohesion.

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2. Top Universities & Globally Recognised Degrees

Illustration of a globe with a graduation cap and diploma, representing Ireland’s globally recognized universities and degrees.

If the UK has Oxford and Cambridge, and the USA has Harvard and Yale, then there are great options for those looking to study abroad and work in Ireland.

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According to the World University Rankings 2025, Trinity College Dublin falls into the top 150 global universities, whilst University College Dublin, RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dublin City University, University College Cork and University of Galway are all well within the world’s top 400 universities.

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Offering globally recognized degrees, these Irish institutions are well set up to help international students thrive.

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Although Irish universities are strong across the board, they excel in several areas. Ireland is something of an engineering expert, particularly in the ever-important field of renewable energy, whilst its burgeoning tech sector also makes it a strong destination for international students interested in computer science and IT.

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The RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences is one of the world’s leading universities in the field of health and medicine, whilst Trinity College Dublin is ranked in the global top 100 for a range of subjects including Classics, Dentistry, Geography, Marketing and Philosophy.

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3. Work While You Study

Illustration of a woman holding a coffee tray in one hand and a laptop in the other, symbolizing working while studying in Ireland.

In some countries, such as India, foreign students are not allowed to work whilst studying. And in others, such as the UK, there are severe restrictions – for example, international students in the UK cannot work as self-employed individuals.

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One of the most attractive factors about studying in Ireland is the flexibility afforded to international students when it comes to working. International students in Ireland can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and can take on full time hours during holidays, which can be an important contribution to the cost of living abroad as a student.

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Ireland has a well-rounded and modern economy, with jobs available in all manner of industries for students, whether in hospitality, sales, customer service or more specific fields such as engineering.

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Overall, these flexible work policies mean that Ireland is one of the best options when it comes to studying abroad for those looking for a good balance between their studies and the ability to earn a living.

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Neko Travels Work & Study in Ireland Programme

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At Neko Travels, our Work & Study in Ireland programme is perfect for those non-EU students looking to study in Ireland, learn English and work for up to 20 hours per week. The programme includes visa-free entry to Ireland for many non-EU nationalities (you can apply for a student visa (stamp 2) on arrival – this allows you to stay for up to eight months).

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The course also includes 25 weeks of English classes to help you learn the language, and 2 months of holidays. If you wish to secure a part time job then you have the ability to work for up to 20 hours per week with this programme.

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If this sounds like a good option for you, then reach out to us at Neko Travel today. We’ll help you with all the paperwork, secure accommodation for you for when you arrive in Ireland and can even pick you up at the airport, if you’d like us to!

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You’ll get a welcome pack and constant support during your time in Ireland, to help you grow and thrive. Find out more at Neko Travels and contact us today to discuss the programme!

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4. A Friendly, Safe & Welcoming Destination

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Illustration of Ireland shaped like a welcoming figure with open arms, representing the country’s friendly and safe environment.

We’ve discussed the policy reasons for studying abroad in Ireland, but there’s a far more simple argument to be made for spending your foreign studies in the Emerald Isle: living in Ireland as a student is a wonderful experience!

Whether you like the hustle and bustle of Dublin or slightly more rural towns and cities like Galway, Ireland’s famous hospitality is guaranteed to embrace all who come here to study.

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Away from the main population centres, living in Ireland as a student allows you to visit natural treasures like the Cliffs of Moher, whilst historic sites like the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle encourage foreign students to explore more of the country while they study.

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Ireland is officially ranked as the third safest country in the world, with an incredibly low crime rate. And the culture in Ireland offers plenty: from the parties of St Patrick’s Day to unique sports like Gaelic football, and of course that iconic black stout famous the world over: Guinness.

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As an English-speaking country, those looking to study in Ireland and learn the language will be learning a new vocabulary that could take them on to many other destinations, be it the United States, Australia, or the UK. Living and studying in Ireland really is a win-win!

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5. Career Opportunities & Networking

Illustration of a young professional surrounded by connected circles, representing career opportunities and networking in Ireland.

The final reason to consider studying in Ireland is that the country can be a great launchpad for a future career.

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Dublin in particular is a well-connected European city and Ireland is a global player in industries such as tech, pharmaceuticals and finance. Corporate giants such as Google, Pfizer, Facebook and Microsoft have offices in Ireland which can give graduates who plan to stay long term the chance to build a life and successful career in Ireland.

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Ireland’s position in the European gives it another advantage for foreign students, especially over the UK, which voted to leave the EU in 2016. Graduates from Irish universities are often able to work in other EU member states, thanks to the bloc’s freedom of movement policy.

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Conclusion

Studying in Ireland is an attractive proposition, even when compared to the traditional “big four” destinations for foreign students.

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Whilst in some countries political division has seen a backlash against immigration (the UK recently placed restrictions on foreign students bringing their dependents to the country, for example), the Irish authorities are actively encouraging foreign students to live and study in the country, with a raft of generous policies to incentivize this.

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And as an influential member of the EU, Ireland is a great destination when it comes to future career opportunities and is home to some of the world’s leading universities. It’s also an incredibly safe country for students. Sure, it might rain a bit, but with a vibrant culture and dining scene, Ireland is also a welcoming and fascinating destination for international students to experience during their studies.

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If you’re planning to study and work in Ireland, then reach out to Neko Travels today to see how we can assist!

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Neko Travels

14/7/2025