US vs Ireland for International Students
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US vs Ireland for International Students

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Sep 18, 2024 20:08 IST

The United States (US) and Ireland have long been top destinations for Indian students seeking an international education. But choosing between the two can be a tough call. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key factors Indian students should consider when deciding between studying in the US or Ireland.

USA vs Ireland

Studying abroad is rapidly gaining popularity among students worldwide. There are many destinations to study abroad and complete the degree in your expertise. It may be difficult to select one country to continue higher education from abroad universities. Selection becomes more difficult when you have the two most popular abroad destinations offering students better programs and career opportunities. 

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
  • MIT
  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • CalTech
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • University College Cork
  • Dundalk Institute of Technology
  • Limerick Institute of Technology
  • University of Galway
Part Time Work Permission 20 hours/week
20 hours/week
Top Job Sectors
  • Healthcare
  • Information Technology
  • Real estate development
  • Retail
  • Education
  • Accountancy & Tax
  • Finance Services
  • Legal
  • Marketing
  • Technology

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
MBA: INR 28.58 Lakhs

MA: INR 13.07 Lakhs

MS: INR 14.42 Lakhs
MBA: INR 12.96 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.

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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:

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Is this recommendation relevant?
  1. 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.
  2. 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.

USA 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 States 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 USA Ireland
Focus area STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) technology, business, and the sciences
Popular programmes Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine and Business Programs like MBA are highly sought-after. Read: Popular Courses in the US Computer Science, Software Development, Renewable Energy, and Finance. Read: Top Courses in Ireland
Language of Instruction Both countries use English as the primary language of instruction, making it easier for Indian students to adapt
University Rankings Boasts a significant number of universities consistently ranked among the world's best, like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and others. Read: Top Universities in US Has several well-regarded 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 US. Read: Top Universities and Colleges in Ireland
Teaching Style Often emphasizes a more independent learning style, encouraging student participation and critical thinking in classroom discussions Leans towards a more traditional lecture-based approach, with some focus on seminars and group work
Cost of Studying Generally more expensive than in Ireland, with tuition fees varying significantly depending on the university and program. Offers lower tuition fees compared to the US, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Cost of Living Living expenses can be high, particularly in major cities like New York or Los Angeles. Offers a relatively moderate cost of living compared to the US, especially for accommodation.
Application Process The application process for the US requires various standardized tests like SAT/ACT scores, along with application essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. The process can be quite competitive. The application process for Ireland is simpler, often involving direct application to the chosen university. Standardized tests may not always be mandatory.
Scholarships & Financial Aid The USA provides a wider range of scholarship opportunities, including university-specific scholarships, merit-based awards, and need-based financial aid. Read: Scholarships to Study in the USA Ireland offers some scholarships for international students, but the options may be more limited compared to the US. Read: Scholarships to Study in Ireland
Part-Time Work Options International students are allowed to work part-time on campus with a valid F-1 visa. Read: Part-time Jobs for Indian Students in USA International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks) with a valid Irish Student Visa. Read: Part-Time Work Options in Ireland
Post-Study Work Permit Obtaining Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows for a temporary work authorization period after graduation. Read: Post Study Work Permit in USA for Indian Students 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. Read: Post-Study Work Visa in Ireland
Job Market The USA offers a vast and diverse job market, with opportunities across various industries. However, competition for jobs can be fierce. Ireland has a thriving tech sector and a growing economy, with a high demand for skilled professionals. The job market may be smaller than in the US but can be more accessible for recent graduates with an Irish degree.

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?

A. The United Nations ranked Ireland at the 2nd position for quality of life. On the other hand, the US was ranked at the 7th position. That being said, both countries have their own strong suits for students. The US has more job opportunities because of its ever-thriving economy. Whereas, Ireland has flourishing business sectors, well-known educational institutes, and great public infrastructure.

Q. Is Ireland the best place to study?

A. Ireland has the best education system in the world. The schools and universities are globally connected and the graduates of Irish education institutes have access to opportunities in various job sectors all over the world. Ireland is one of second tier countries preferred for studying abroad after most sought after countries like USA, Canada, Australia and the UK. Hence, Ireland can be considered for studying abroad by international students. 

Q. Why do international students choose to study in Ireland?

A. Ireland’s rugged coastline and affordable cost of living make it a popular destination for international students. It is an Anglophone country and an EU member state and this makes Ireland one of the attractive study destinations for students. Ireland has some of the best business schools and also offers some renowned masters courses in technology and information science. These courses are valuable in abroad for better job opportunities and growth options as well. 

Q. Is Ireland better than the USA for Masters?

A. If you are looking to study medicine, engineering, MBA, or MBBS, then the USA is more expensive than other countries. Ireland, on the other hand, is an affordable option to pursue Masters. USA ranks among the top five study abroad destinations for international students, whereas, Ireland ranks lower in the hierarchy for Ireland. Though USA has a wide varierty of masters degrees but admission rates are low, on the other hand Ireland is an equally good option for international studnets to pursue masters that too at a lower cost. In this regard, Ireland can be preferred over USA for masters.

Q. Is it easy to get a PR in Ireland after studying?

A. If international students focus on making their academic and work profile strong, they will be able to gain a PR in Ireland easily. Students can do this by doing internships and sustaining good academic scores. After this, get a work permit. You get PR after years of living in Ireland.

Q. Is the education system better in Ireland than in the USA?

A. Ireland and the USA have many similarities. They are 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. 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 while studying in Ireland. Students have the option to work across various job roles. Check out Part-Time Work Options in Ireland for International Students 

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:   What is the acceptance rate for NCI Ireland?

A:

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?

A:

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?

A:

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?

A:

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?

A:

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?

A:

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?

A:

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?

A:

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.

About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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Reviewed by
Syed
MBA in USA

Syed Nazrul Hassan, an MA graduate in International Relations, is an adroit counselor who believes in the philosophy of putting himself in student's shoes in order to provide honest and sincere counseling services. ... Read Full Bio

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