United Kingdom (UK) vs Ireland for International Students
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UK vs Ireland: The United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland are both popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students, offering high-quality education, vibrant cultures, and potential post-study work opportunities. However, deciding between the two can be a challenge. This comprehensive guide will explore the key factors Indian students should consider when choosing between studying in the UK or Ireland.
The UK and Ireland offer some of the top-ranked universities in the world giving n-number of chances for growth to international students. The doors to various possibilities and work opportunities open up for students who complete their higher education either in the UK or Ireland. For this reason, students from around the world wish to study in the UK and Ireland. This article draws comparisons between the UK and Ireland as study-abroad destinations.
UK vs Ireland: Best Country for Study
Through this article, we have tried to address this very confusion. In this article, we have provided a very unbiased outlook of the United Kingdom and Ireland to help candidates make the right choice. We have taken into account popular parameters such as popular courses, and job availability, cost of studies as the deciding factors. We are going to compare both countries based on several data items from dozens of different sources. All data are based on the most recent data available to us.
| Parameters | United Kingdom (UK) | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Programmes | The UK offers a vast array of programs across various disciplines, with a strong reputation in business, finance, law, engineering, and creative arts. Particularly renowned for programs like MBA, LLB, and design. Read: | Known for its excellence in technology, business, and the sciences. Popular programs include computer science, software development, biosciences, and renewable energy. Read: Top Courses in Ireland |
| Language of Instruction | Both the UK and Ireland use English as the primary language of instruction, eliminating language barriers for Indian students. | |
| University Rankings | The UK boasts a significant number of world-renowned universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and others, consistently ranking among the best globally. Read: Top Universities and Colleges in UK | Ireland has several well-respected universities, such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, but may not have the same depth of top-ranked institutions as the UK. Read: Top Universities and Colleges in Ireland |
| Teaching Style | Leans towards a more interactive and student-centered approach, encouraging critical thinking, group discussions, and independent learning. | Often employs a mix of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, with a focus on clear communication and knowledge acquisition. |
| Application Process | Requires standardized tests like IELTS or PTE for English language proficiency, along with application essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. The application process can be competitive, especially for top universities. | The application process may be simpler, often involving direct application to the chosen university. Standardized tests may not always be mandatory. |
| Cost of Studying | Tuition fees in the UK can vary significantly depending on the university and program. Generally, London universities tend to be more expensive. | The average tuition fee in Ireland is lower in comparison to the UK, making it a more budget-friendly option. |
| Cost of Living | Living expenses in the UK, especially in major cities like London, can be high. Accommodation costs significantly impact the overall budget. | Ireland's cost of living is relatively moderate as compared to major UK cities, with Dublin being the most expensive city in Ireland. |
| Scholarships & Financial Aid | Provides a range of scholarships for international students, including university-specific scholarships, merit-based awards, and Chevening Scholarships (funded by the UK government) | Offers some scholarship opportunities for international students, but the options may be more limited compared to the UK. |
| Part-Time Work Options | International students with a valid Tier 4 (General) student visa can work part-time in the UK for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. | International students with a valid Irish Student Visa can work part-time in Ireland (up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks) |
| Post-Study Work Permit | The Graduate Route visa allows international graduates to work or look for work in the UK for two years after completing a bachelor's degree or three years for a PhD | The Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme provides a post-study work visa for up to 24 months for graduates with qualifications in specific high-demand sectors. |
| Job Market | Offers a vast and diverse job market, with opportunities across various industries. London is a global financial center, attracting professionals in banking, finance, and law. | Has a thriving tech sector and a growing economy, particularly in areas like pharmaceuticals and technology. The job market may be smaller but can be more accessible for recent graduates with an Irish degree. |
| Culture | The UK offers a multicultural experience with a rich history and tradition. | Ireland boasts a strong sense of community, a vibrant pub culture, and a beautiful natural landscape. |
Top Universities for International Students
In this section, we have mentioned the top universities in UK and Ireland as per the latest QS World University Rankings.
| Top Universities in UK |
Top Universities in Ireland |
|---|---|
UK vs Ireland: Admission Requirements
In this section, we have talked about the admission requirements for UK and Ireland.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
UK
For UG courses in the UK, premier universities used to require 13 years of pre-university education. This rule was recently changed and now UK universities recognize CBSE plus two certificates for admission to UG courses.
Ireland
For each course, a minimum academic score of 60% and above in Standard XII is required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured around 50%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program. It is important to remember that even though the entry and exams requirements are lower at Irish universities, the education standard is not. Hence, you should carefully enhance your ability to cope with the high standard of education over the next few years beforehand.
For undergraduate courses, Irish universities accept applications through the Central Applications Office (CAO) an online enrolment system.
You will have to create an account on the CAO website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, a score of TOEFL/IELTS, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and its stages through this account.
If you are applying for a postgraduate course at an Irish university, you need to have a relevant bachelor’s degree or diploma. Your undergraduate course must be consistent and relevant to the course you wish to pursue in your master’s. Candidates would also be required to appear for an English proficiency test to prove their command of the English language.
Cost of Studying an Undergraduate Programme: Comparison Between UK and Ireland
This section talks about the cost of studying an undergraduate programme in UK vs Ireland.
| Cost of Studying Comparison Between UK and Ireland for UG course | ||
|---|---|---|
| Particulars |
Undergraduate courses in the UK |
Undergraduate courses in Ireland |
| Average Tuition Fee |
£11,400 - £38,000 |
€22,438 to €26,178 |
| Average Living Expense |
₹ 14-24 Lakhs |
₹ 10-18 Lakhs |
| Duration |
3-4 Years |
3-4 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, TOEFL |
Cost of Studying a Postgraduate Programme
This section talks about the cost of studying a postgraduate programme in UK vs Ireland.
| Cost of Studying Comparison Between UK and Ireland for PG course | ||
|---|---|---|
| Particulars |
Postgraduate courses in UK |
Postgraduate courses in Ireland |
| Average Tuition Fee |
£17,000 - £22,000 |
€ 12,000 to €29,000 |
| Average Living Expense |
₹ 14-24 Lakhs |
₹ 10-18 Lakhs |
| Duration |
1.5-2 Years |
1-2 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, TOEFL |
Read
| Cost of Studying in Ireland | Cost of studying in the UK |
| Cost of Living for International Students in Ireland | Living costs for International Students in the UK |
Student Visa for UK and Ireland
Know all about the UK Student Visa vs Ireland Student Visa.
UK Student Visa
A full-time student visa is called a Tier 4 (general) student visa. For this visa, these rules apply -
- This visa category is for students coming to the UK for higher education. To apply for this, the applicant must be at least 16 years old.
- Tier 4 (General) student visa is issued to those students who shall be pursuing a full-time degree and not to students who will study language or short-term courses.
- The fee for the Tier 4 (General) student visa is £490.
- Students can apply for the Tier 4 (General) student visa 3 months before starting the course that they want to pursue
- There are certain rules that international students who go on a student visa must be aware of. Some of the restrictions on working part-time on a UK student visa include a maximum of 20 hours per week of paid / unpaid work for those studying at a degree level or more. Full-time work is allowed at the time of vacations.
Ireland Student Visa
- Students are required to apply for an Ireland Study Visa if they are planning to come to Ireland to undertake a course of study for three months or less or longer than three months
- Applicants would be required to show funds of at least €10,000 per year in their bank account at the time of applying for the study visa. This amount equals the cost of living in Ireland for an international student for one academic year.
- The cost of an Ireland student visa is EUR 100.
- Holding a valid stamp 2 means you will be permitted to work for 20 hours per week during the academic session, and 40 hours per week during May, June, July, and August, and from 15th December to 15th January. These are the vacation times in Ireland so the time allowed to work increases in the vacations.
Post-Graduate Work Visa in UK and Ireland
Check out the differences between the post-study work visas for the UK and Ireland.
UK Post Study Work Visa
- The UK Home Office has opened its new post-study work visa (Graduate route visa) for international students.
- According to the Graduate route, international students who have got their degree from a recognised university in the UK can stay there and look for work for two years.
- To apply for the UK Post Study Work Visa, you should be in the UK. You must also have a student visa. Apart from this, you should have also studied a bachelor’s / postgraduate/other eligible degrees from the UK and the university or college should have informed The Home Office about the successful completion of the course.
Ireland Post Study Work Visa
Once you have finished your studies in Ireland, you may wish to stay back a little longer and consider taking up a job to gain invaluable work experience on an Irish post-study work visa. If you are enrolled as a full-time student, with an Irish accredited degree, and have the Visa Stamp 2 you may qualify for the Third Level Graduate Scheme. The steps to the process are as follows –
- Students can apply for a non-renewable extension of up to 2 years after course completion. This extension is granted for the purpose of finding suitable employment.
- Later on, you can apply for a green card (renamed Critical Skills Employment Permit) or work permit (renamed General Employment Permit).
A new visa stamp – Stamp 1G – is now granted to foreign graduates who are authorized to work under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. So if you are granted Stamp 1G you don’t need to separately apply for a visa extension.
Popular Job Sectors in UK and Ireland
Check out the popular fields of work opportunities in the UK and Ireland.
UK
Top jobs in the UK are Accountancy, banking and finance, engineering, healthcare, law, information technology, retail, sales, science, and pharmaceuticals.
Ireland
Some of the top job sectors in Ireland are business/finance, healthcare, information technology, engineering, life sciences, marketing, etc. For a list of popular Jobs in Ireland visit: top job sectors in Ireland.
Residency in UK and Ireland
Learn more about the PR conditions in Ireland and UK below.
UK
Permanent Residency in the UK is also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). As per this, you can live and work in the UK permanently. You can apply for ILR if:
- You have lived in the UK for 5 years or more
- You have a work visa
- You are a family member of a UK citizen or permanent resident
Ireland
If you have been living in Ireland with a work permit for five years you become eligible for the Ireland Permanent Residence Permit. Foreign applicants who receive Irish permanent residency will get a Stamp 4 on their passport, valid for 5 years and renewable. Additionally, after eight years of legal residence, the foreign national can apply for a “Without Condition As To Time” endorsement, which as the name suggests, does not have a pre-specified validity.
UK vs Ireland: Scholarships & Financial Aid
Several scholarships are available to study in the UK and Ireland. Check out the details below.
UK
Both the UK Government and Universities offer an extensive range of UK scholarships and fellowships for Indian students. These financial aid tools are open for all prospective students wishing to pursue a full-time study program in any stream. For a list of scholarships, visit: Scholarships to Study in UK
Ireland
Ireland has over time become one of the preferred study-abroad destinations for international students and for the right reasons. To encourage the flow of foreign nationals for education, the country along with Irish universities have announced several scholarships for the benefit of international students. For a list of scholarships, visit: Scholarships to Study in Ireland
Climate Condition
UK
The UK has a variable climate changing from day to day. It is difficult to predict the weather. In general, the summers are warm and winters see snowfall. Summers are cooler than those of India. Also, the rains are unpredictable and it could rain at any time during the year. The average temperature in summers is around 25°C to 15°C; in winters it is around 7°C to 0°C. The UK is divided into two main climate zones: a maritime climate and a continental climate. The maritime climate dominates in the south-east of England and includes London, with rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year. The continental zone covers most of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England. It has a much more pronounced seasonal temperature variation with cold winters and warm summers, as well as high levels of precipitation throughout the year.
Ireland
Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate because of the controlling influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Mean annual temperatures usually range between 9°C and 10°C with a higher value in coastal regions. Summer is the warmest season and the average temperature is between 18°C and 20°C. July is the warmest month, followed by August and June. The coldest month is January followed by February and then December.
Candidates looking for assistance with university admissions are required to get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors on our website. Students can get in touch with us in the comments below.
UK vs Ireland FAQs
Q. Is Ireland better than the UK?
A. The quality of life in the UK is considered to be better than in Ireland. This is due to the UK's safety, variety of facilities and amenities, and climate. The cost of living in the UK may not be as low as in some other European countries but it is more affordable than in the US. Ireland ranked second in the United Nations 2020 rankings of 189 countries.
Q. Is the education system better in Ireland than in the UK?
A. Ireland and the United Kingdom have many similarities. They are both located in Europe and they both use English as their main language. However, there are a few key differences between them. It is to be noted that both countries have excellent education systems and are home to some of the best universities. While deciding about this, you can take into consideration the entry requirements, cost of studying, and university where admission has to be taken.
Q. Is Ireland best for international students?
A. Ireland is a good place to study abroad for various reasons such as the standard of teaching and education, career opportunities, and good lifestyle. The Irish education system is known for its high-quality, low cost of living, and proximity to other European countries. The country offers a variety of programs at all levels and a wide range of study options.
Q. Can I get a permanent residency in Ireland?
A.The Irish government made some major changes in its immigration policy. You can now apply for permanent residence in Ireland if you legally live there for a period of 5 years. One of the benefits of this is that you will not need to renew your permit annually, saving valuable time and money.
Q. How many hours a student can work in Ireland?
A. One can take up casual employment of up to 20 hours part-time per week in term time or up to 40 hours per week during the college vacation periods. It is the better oppurtunity for students to work along with thier studies during free time.
Q. Which country is most suitable for international students?
A. USA, Switzerland, Singapore, China, Japan, Australia, Canada, etc. are some of the top choices among international students to study abroad. Every year, many students from all over the world apply for admission in mentioned countries to study abroad.
Q. Is Ireland better than the UK?
A. When we look at living in Ireland vs. the UK, quality of life is judged to be higher in Ireland. In fact, Ireland ranked eighth in the United Nations 2022 annual ranking of 189 countries, whereas the United Kingdom is in 18th position in the ranking.
Q. Is it easier to immigrate to UK or Ireland?
A. It is easier to come under the Irish work permit scheme than the UK Tier 2 visa scheme. It is also easier to gain Irish permanent residence and citizenship than the UK equivalent. Once you are an Irish citizen you and your family, live, and work freely throughout the EU.
Q: What is the acceptance rate for NCI Ireland?
National College of Ireland is one of the best public research universities in the Ireland. The National College of Ireland is among the colleges that do not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources including EduRank, the National College of Ireland acceptance rate is 52%. This shows that NCI is moderately selective for admissions and international students may find it comparatively tougher to get into. Please note that, the data on the acceptance rate is taken from unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: What is your review of Central Lancashire University?
University of Central lanchester surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs across its professional schools and colleges.
Here are the reasons why you should go for UCLAN:
Academics: University of Central Lancashire offers a range of over 350 undergraduate programs as well as more than 200 graduate programs for their international students. Below are some famous courses the university is highly famous for:
- Arts, Engineering, Applied & Biomedical Sciences;
- Business & Management;
- Psychology;
- Social Science;
- Community Service;
- Design & Fashion;
- Medicine & Nursing;
- Language & Global Studies;
- Journalism;
- Media Studies; and
- Sports.
Location of the university - The Universit of Central Lanchester is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access tooutdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives students an additional mark to study at UK.
Ranking: According to global ranking partner THE (Times Higher Education) University Ranking, University of Central Lancashire ranking is 1001-1200 in Best Global Universities, which is Improving from 801-1000 in 2022.
Fees: : The cost of attending UCLAN for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at UCLAN are typically higher than for UK citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending UCLAN.
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- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in Ireland33 Universities
- Universities in USA1036 Universities
- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in Australia122 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
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