Embarking on the journey of studying abroad is a dream shared by countless students, eager to broaden their horizons and explore new opportunities. However, with so many options to choose from, such as the esteemed universities in the UK, US, Ireland, Germany, and beyond, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the choices. In this blog, we will delve into the nuances of studying in the UK and Ireland, shedding light on key factors such as costs, requirements, opportunities, and cultural environments, to guide you toward an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.
Note: Remember to always research and verify the most up-to-date information about studying abroad as policies and regulations may change over time.
Ireland vs UK: Eligibility Criteria
UK:
For undergraduate courses, 13 years of education was required but now CBSE plus two certificates are acceptable. A 10 + 2 academic qualification is mandatory and minimum percentages required in 12th usually vary but on average, at least 60% + is preferred.
For PG degrees, an undergraduate degree of 3 years is compulsory and for many courses such as Economics, you will be required to take the GRE. For management courses especially a GMAT or GRE score is mandatory.
For both UG and PG courses, a language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL is usually required but some universities may waive it. It’s important to check particular university requirements. However, for Visa requirements a language test is necessary.
Ireland:
A minimum academic score of 60% in 12th grade is required. The Central Applications Office (CAO) is responsible for receiving and processing applications for undergraduate courses via an online enrollment system.
For PG courses, a 3-year Undergraduate degree is mandatory. An English language proficiency test would be required too.
Ireland vs UK: Student Visa Requirements
UK:
You are eligible to apply for a student visa up to 6 months before the start date of your course and once you have enrolled in your full-time degree then you will be eligible to receive a Tier 4 student visa. But beware, it is not applicable for short courses!
The duration of your stay in the UK is determined by the duration of your course and the level of study you have completed in the country. If you are 18 years or above and pursuing a degree-level course, you can typically remain in the UK for up to 5 years. However, if your course is below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
If you wish to earn some money while studying in the UK you can do so! You are allowed to work for 20 hours a week during your semester. Typically, students often obtain employment at cafes, restaurants, and similar establishments. You cannot however be self-employed or work in certain professions such as professional sports player or coach. More elaborate details on what you can and cannot do will be provided if and when your visa is confirmed.
Ireland:
In Ireland, a student visa will be applicable if you are planning to pursue a course of 3 months or more. You must ensure that your application for a student visa must be completed up to 3 months before your travel date. Like the UK, in Ireland, you can work for about 20 hours a week too. A very important thing to keep in mind is that funds of at least 7000 euros must be held in your bank account at the time of applying.
Ireland vs UK: Post-Study Work Permit
UK:
If you’re graduating with a UG or PG degree in the UK, you’ll be stoked to know that a graduate visa lets you stay in the country for a minimum of 2 years! And if you’ve completed a Ph.D. or any other doctorate, you’re eligible to stay for 3 years. But here’s a heads up: if you’re looking to extend your stay beyond the graduate visa, you can’t simply renew it. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa category, like a Skilled Worker visa, while still holding onto your student visa.
Moreover, did you know there’s another visa option for students who want to live and work in the UK? It’s called the India Young Professionals Scheme visa! This visa allows Indian nationals between the ages of 18 to 30 to stay and work in the UK for up to two years, with a few conditions, of course. But here’s the catch: before you can apply for this visa, you need to be chosen through the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot.
Ireland:
If you have a full-time Irish degree that has been approved, you may be able to apply for the Third Level Graduate Visa Scheme. This scheme allows you to work for upto 2 years after your course is completed! While you are undertaking your full-time course with a student visa you can get a stamp on your visa which enables you to work after your degree.
You can later apply for a green card (renamed Critical Skills Employment Permit) or work permit (renamed General Employment Permit).
If you have the travel bug and would like to visit other countries in Europe too then just remember that you will require separate visas for the other Euro countries!
Cost of studying and living in the UK vs Ireland:
In terms of tuition fees both UK and Ireland are pretty much at par but the UK tends to be more costly for most courses. Both these countries are usually more expensive than other countries in Europe but the fees are usually lower than those of US or Australian universities. Arts and humanities courses will be cheaper than those that are more science or commerce based. Capital cities like Dublin in Ireland and London in the UK tend to have higher tuition fees and living costs compared to other parts of the country like Cork or Limerick in Ireland and Bradford or Nottingham in the UK.
The average cost of living for the UK could be around 5-6 lakhs per annum whereas for Ireland it would be around 4-5 lakhs per annum.
Tuition fees for undergraduate courses are in the range of 16-20 LPA for the UK and 12-15 LPA for Ireland. For postgraduate courses in the UK, the range is again around 17-20 LPA, and for Ireland, it is around 13-14 LPA.
UNOCUE’s take on UK vs Ireland
The UK is known for its world-class universities, including the London Business School, London School of Economics, and Imperial College London, among others. These universities have a global reputation for excellence and attract students from around the world who are seeking a rigorous academic experience.
On the other hand, Ireland offers high-quality education as well, with universities such as University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin ranking highly in global university rankings. It has a strong and growing economy along with immigrant-friendly policies, which has resulted in many employment opportunities for graduates, making the country an attractive destination. Moreover, Ireland is a welcoming and friendly country, with a strong tradition of hospitality and inclusiveness. This makes it an ideal destination for students who are looking to study abroad and experience a new culture while feeling at home.
Ultimately, choosing between the UK and Ireland as study destinations will depend on the individual’s priorities and preferences. For those seeking a world-class education, the UK may be a better fit, while those looking for opportunities to settle down after their studies may prefer Ireland. However, it is important to do thorough research and consider all factors before making a decision.
If you need more help making your decision then feel free to reach out to one of UNOCUE’s experienced mentors!