US vs Ireland for International Students
USA vs Ireland: Key Highlights
Parameters | USA | Ireland |
---|---|---|
Currency | US Dollars ($) | Euros (Є) |
Total Universities | 3,000+ | 22 |
Average Cost of Studying | USD 12,000 - USD 50,000 | Є9,500 - Є34,500 |
Average Cost of Living | USD 14,000 annually | 1,000 per month |
Top Universities |
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Part Time Work Permission | 20 hours/week |
20 hours/week
|
Top Job Sectors |
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Admission Requirements to Study in USA vs Ireland
Applying for admission in the USA or Ireland for a master’s or undergraduate program means you need to look at the eligibility criteria in both countries. Check it below and then apply
USA Admission Requirements
- Students must complete their 12 years of schooling for UG courses and clear either ACT or the SAT Exam.
- For postgraduate programs, completing 16 years of education is compulsory. You may have to take up an additional one-year course if you have gone through a three-year bachelor’s degree.
- If you have studied at a premier Indian institute, some US universities might also accept your three-year degree, although the cases are rare.
- To study MBA in the USA and other management programs students are required to submit their GMAT Score.
- You may ask for work experience for MBA courses.
- For science and other programs, students are required to submit GRE Scores.
- Provide your score in English Language Proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Ireland Admission Requirements
- To study UG courses in Ireland, students are required to score at least 60% or above in Class XII.
- Diploma and foundation programs are offered to those getting 50% or so.
- Students can use an online enrollment system, i.e. CAO (Central Applications Office), and apply for UG courses.
- You will have to provide your IELTS/TOEFL scores.
- The entry requirement is lower at Irish universities, but the education standard is not.
- PG courses require a bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects and your English language proficiency test scores.
- You may have to provide GRE/GMAT scores in some cases.
Cost of Studying UG Courses in the USA vs Ireland
The following table draws a cost comparison for pursuing an undergraduate course in either USA or Ireland:
Particulars |
Undergraduate courses in the USA |
Undergraduate courses in Ireland |
---|---|---|
Average Tuition Fee |
BSc: Rs 27.36 Lakhs BTech: Rs 27.47 Lakhs BBA: Rs 25.21 Lakhs |
BSc: Rs 13.02 Lakhs BTech: Rs 11.25 Lakhs BBA: Rs 10.40 Lakhs |
Average Living Expense |
Rs 10.5 lakhs |
Rs 9.50 Lakhs |
Duration |
3-4 Years |
3-4 Years |
Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, TOEFL |
Cost of Studying PG Courses in the USA vs Ireland
The cost of studying a postgraduate course in USA is different from the cost of pursuing a postgraduate course in Ireland for international students, check out the difference in costs based on the type of program of study:
Particulars |
Postgraduate courses in the USA |
Postgraduate courses in Ireland |
---|---|---|
Average Tuition Fee |
MA: INR 24.26 Lakhs MS: INR 24.24 Lakhs |
MA: INR 13.07 Lakhs MS: INR 14.42 Lakhs |
Average Living Expense |
INR 10.5 Lakhs |
INR 9.5 Lakhs |
Duration |
1.5-2 Years |
1-2 Years |
Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, TOEFL |
Related Reads:
Cost of Studying in the US | Cost of Living in the US |
Cost of Studying in Ireland | Cost of Living for International Students in Ireland |
Student Visa Requirements in USA & Ireland
There is a set of rules which are required to be fulfilled before applying for a student visa to study in the USA and Ireland after universities offer admission to international students. The following sections focus country country-based student visa-related requirements.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
USA Student Visa
- A full-time US student visa is called an F1 visa. This visa has the following regulations -
- A personal interview is compulsory, and you will be required to appear for an appointment to provide Biometrics.
- You can remain in the US for up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete your academic program unless you have been approved to stay and work for a period of time under the OPT Program (Optional Practical Training)
- It costs $160 to apply for this visa.
- You cannot work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, the student may work up to 40 hours per week. The student can only work on-campus for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria.
Ireland Student Visa
- Students are required to apply for an Ireland Study Visa if they are planning to come to Ireland for 3 months or less or longer than 3 months.
-
Students can apply for Ireland Study up to 3 months before their date to travel to Ireland.
- Ireland ‘C Study Visa’: This visa is for study programs that are of a total duration of 3 months or less.
- Ireland ‘D Study Visa’: It is for study programs that are longer than 3 months.
- Applicants would be required to show funds of at least €7,000 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.
- In addition, you need to be able to prove that you or your parents/sponsor will be able to provide at least €7000 for each year of your studies, in addition to the course fee.
- 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 the months of 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 during the vacations.
Post-Graduate Work Visa in USA & Ireland
After completing graduation, a lot of international students look forward to finding a full-time job, for which a post-graduate work visa is essential if staying back to work in either USA or Ireland. Check out the post-graduate visa-related details for both of these countries below:
USA Post-Graduate Work Visa
The USA allows students to remain after completing the course and get practical knowledge in their expertise. It is temporary employment permission allowing students to stay for 12 months. You can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but you cannot begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document. The Student Co-Op Program is a formally structured program where the intent is to recruit students, while still in school, to fill permanent positions upon graduation. In most cases, you will have to apply for Work Visa upon getting a full-time job of a permanent nature.
Ireland Post-Graduate 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. 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 Jobs in USA & Ireland
Finding a full-time job is a herculean task after graduating from top countries like the USA. But there are some popular sectors which usually offer job roles to fresh graduates. Following is a brief on the popular jobs for students in USA and Ireland.
Popular Jobs in the USA
The USA offers the most extensive job profiles and salaries to students. Jobs in fields like healthcare, real estate, information technology, retail, education, etc. are some of the top jobs in America. The fastest-growing occupations are projected to include personal care aides, home health aides, nursing assistants, elementary school teachers (preschool), software developers, computer systems analysts, software engineers, project managers, and web developers.
Read: Popular Job Sectors in the US
Ireland Popular Jobs
Accounting, Forestry, Engineering, Arts, Business Operations, Education, Food Service, Healthcare, Human Resources, Information technology, Media, etc. are some of the popular job sectors in Ireland. The country has a thriving tourism industry with over 2 million tourists visiting annually. Ireland’s culture and heritage are also major attractions for tourists. Ireland’s low corporate tax rate and high-quality workforce are two key factors that have attracted many multinational companies to set up operations there. In addition, Ireland is well-connected to the global economy through its membership in the European Union (EU) and its location on the Atlantic Ocean.
Read: Popular Job Sectors in Ireland
Work Permit in USA & Ireland
To stay back after graduating from US or Ireland universities, international students would require a work permit to work in a full-time job in these countries. The requirements for work permits vary, they have been elaborated on below:
USA Work Permit
During the semester, you are permitted to work 20 part-time hours, and during the vacations between semesters, you are permitted to work 40. You'll be able to make some money and improve your financial situation as a result. A permanent residency option is possible but it is a very long-drawn and slow process. It is a complicated process and requires the person applying for it to reside in the US for at least five years on the grounds of employment. After that you will be granted a “Green Card”, but the whole process might take years to complete.
Ireland Work Permit
Ireland offers the chance to work part-time to gain experience and money. The nation permits its students to work 20 hours a week while enrolled in classes. You're allowed to put in 40 hours of labour between their breaks. 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, which is valid for 5 years and is 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.
Climate Condition in USA & Ireland
International students moving to either USA or Ireland must know about the climatic conditions so that they can prep their clothing accordingly. Here's a glimpse into the climate of the USA and Ireland:
USA Climate
The US is a massive area of land having varied temperatures and climates in different areas. East Coast has a warm climate and covers cities like St. Louis, NYC. The Midwest and New England regions have frozen winters and cover cities like Chicago and Boston. The Pacific Northwest has a humid oceanic climate and covers cities like Seattle and Portland. The Southwest has a hot desert climate and covers cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. The southeast has a warm to hot, humid climate and covers cities like Houston and New Orleans.
Ireland Climate
Ireland's climate is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, so the warm ocean currents keep temperatures mild. In the spring and summer (May to July) the average temperature is between 64°F and 68°F (17°C and 20°C). During the autumn season (August to October), the temperature varies from 57°F and 64°F (13°C and 17°C), with September being a mild month with a sunny and warm atmosphere. In winter (November to March beginning), the temperature reaches 46°F (7.78°C) with January and February as the coldest months. Apart from a few cold weeks, snow is scarce in Ireland.
Particulars |
Ireland |
USA |
---|---|---|
Daytime Temperature |
13.2 °C |
18.7 °C |
Nighttime Temperature |
6.8 °C |
7.1 °C |
Water Temperature |
11.5 °C |
17.7 °C |
Humidity |
83 % |
67 % |
Sunshine Hours per day |
3.8 |
7.2 |
The best study-abroad destination depends on your priorities. Consider factors like your desired program, budget, career goals, and preferred lifestyle. If affordability and a focus on technology or business are your main concerns, Ireland might be a good fit. If you seek a wider program variety, access to top-ranked universities, and a diverse cultural experience, the US could be the better choice. Indian students looking for assistance with university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors for assistance on the same. Remember: Thorough research into specific universities and programs is crucial. Talk to alumni, attend virtual information sessions, and weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision. Good luck with your study abroad journey.
Thus, based on the table above, which is a summary of what the guide has discussed, applicants can choose the country that best suits them for studying abroad. Also, applicants can consider other country options against the already mentioned ones.
Related Articles
Need more help and want admission and application-related assistance? Sign up for our free Shiksha Abroad Counselling and request a callback from our team of expert counsellors.
FAQs on USA vs Ireland
Q. Is USA better than Ireland?
Q. Is Ireland the best place to study?
Q. Why do international students choose to study in Ireland?
Q. Is Ireland better than the USA for Masters?
Q. Is it easy to get a PR in Ireland after studying?
Q. Is the education system better in Ireland than in the USA?
Q. Is Ireland best for international students?
Q. How many hours a student can work in Ireland?
Q. Can I get a permanent residency in Ireland?
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: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: Is Texas A&M Commerce a good university?
Texas A&M Commerce is regarded as one of the top public universities across the United States. Moreover, the Texas A&M Commerce ranking 2024 under the category of Best Colleges is National Universities is #369. Also, the acceptance rate of this university is 42%. Additionally, the university offers the best academic programs, expert faculty, job & placement, and more. Besides, Texas A&M University-Commerce also offers over 130 academic degrees for its students.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: How long does it take to get admission to Iowa State?
After submitting the application the Iowa State admission committee will review the application for admission on the basis of documents that applicants provide. A decision may require several weeks as it depends on the time of year the applicant submits the application (Applications submitted right before the deadline require a much longer processing time due to the volume of applications received then.). Applicants will receive an admission offer letter and the I-20 Form if admitted.
Q: How can I apply for Dublin Business School Ireland admissions?
Dublin Business School accepts international applications through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website. Students can refer to the listings below for the steps to apply at DBS Ireland:
Step 1: Open the Application Portal and head to the form
Step 2: Select the student type and course
Step 3: Course selection:
- Select a course type
- Select a course
- Select the year of entry as ‘Year 1’
- Choose the batch commencement date
Step 4: Enter personal details:
- Add details like name, date of birth, contact details, gender, nationality, etc
- Address
- Emergency contact details
Step 5: Keep filling the details and continue until the last step:
- Insert previous education information
- Input other details
Step 6: Submit the application form
Q: Is the University of South Dakota hard to get into?
With a 99% acceptance rate, the University of South Dakota is easy to get into. The university follows an easy approach during admission. The university takes a simple admissions procedure. The high acceptance percentage does not mean that the university admits every applicant; rather, it suggests permissive admittance as compared to another university.
Students must prove themselves by scoring excellent academic scores, English proficiency requirements, and standardized test scores. Also, the university prioritizes factors, such as rigor of secondary school record, class rank, academic GPA, standardized test scores, application essays, recommendations, and more.
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- Universities in Ireland33 Universities
- Universities in USA1036 Universities
- Universities in Canada173 Universities
- Universities in Australia121 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities