The majority of postgraduate degrees are offered by universities, although high-quality Ph.D. programmes are also on offer at Institutes of Technology. An upper class (2:1) Masters in a relevant subject is required to gain entry into a Doctoral programme. These degrees usually last three or four years full-time in Ireland, and can be either ‘traditional’ or ‘structured’: the structured Ph.D. is structurally similar to a traditional Ph.D., but incorporates an organised programme of training and evaluation, thus providing an additional level of support to students.

Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is a popular student city and boasts the highest concentration of universities and colleges in the country. Other popular student destinations include Galway, on the west coast, and Cork, on the south coast. For postgraduate students, Ireland’s academic calendar typically starts in September, going through to December and breaking for Christmas. Studies resume in January and finish in June or July, with an Easter break in April or May.

Opportunities in Ireland for postgraduates and English students

Ireland has a reputation for educational excellence, which explains why thousands of foreign students flock to the country each year. Here, they can choose from over 5,000 internationally-recognised qualifications, so there really is something for everyone no matter their level of education.  And postgraduate opportunities abound for students in Ireland, which is home to a surprising amount of internationally-recognised companies – Google, Dell, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, GSK and Pfizer all have a major presence in the country. 

Ireland also has a wide range of language classes for foreign students looking to learn English as a second language, which is useful for all sorts of personal and professional reasons. Hundreds of Brazilians arrive in Ireland every month to take advantage of Irish language schools’ relatively low fees, and a visa regime which allows foreigners to study while working part-time (up to 20 hours a week).  In addition to these financial advantages, Ireland is a safe and friendly place to study, for postgraduate students and English learners alike. The country’s rich culture, tradition and history complements its unspoiled countryside, breath-taking coasts and dynamic cities, offering foreign students a huge range of leisure activities to offset their studies.

In this article, we will look further at the opportunities that exist for Brazilian students looking to obtain a postgraduate degree, or learn English, in Ireland.

Postgraduate Opportunities

A range of institutions provide higher education options in Ireland, including seven universities, seven Colleges of Education and 14 Institutes of Technology. Five of these institutions feature among  the Top 500 in the world, according to the QS 2020 World University Rankings.  Trinity College Dublin is the highest Irish entry, at number 108, followed by University College, Dublin (185), National University of Ireland, Galway (259), University College Cork (310) and Dublin City University (429).

Foreign students requiring a visa to study in the country should apply online before they travel, at the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). Courses that take less than three months to complete require a ‘C study visa’, while courses that last longer than three months require a ‘D study visa’. 

Finally, it goes without saying that all postgraduate courses in Ireland are taught in English, so fluency in the language is a must. If English is not your first language, you will be asked to pass an approved language test, such as TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC, before registering for your course. Luckily, Ireland has you covered here too!

Tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses tend to vary depending on the course, the university, and your classification as either a UK, EU or non-EU student. Fees for international students are considerably higher at both levels, but financial support is often available from universities in the form of scholarships and bursaries. If you require support, make sure to check the eligibility criteria at your preferred institution beforehand on their website, and leave plenty of time for the application to be processed. Financial incentives are also provided by the Irish government and other organisations. 

English Language Opportunities

If a full postgraduate course is too daunting a prospect at this stage, why not visit Ireland to improve your English instead? Whatever your age, background or ambitions, you should be able to find the right language course for you in Ireland, from business communications to casual conversation. 

Applying for an English language course in Ireland is extremely straightforward. First, identify your preferred destination, and check that you are applying to a recognized English language school, by researching user reviews and references.   Then all you need to do is apply directly to the school, indicating your preferred course – and book your flights!

Ireland is a popular destination for foreigners seeking to learn and study English as a second language (ESL). The country stands out for studying English over other European countries, partly because English is the first language of most residents, and partly because of the quality of its institutions – not to mention the country’s beautiful landscapes, fascinating tourist attractions, and modern city centres. Ireland is also an ideal location for networking with other students and fellow professionals from all over the world, and to learn an appealing new accent, distinct from the standardized British or American ways of speaking.

When researching and choosing the right English language course for you, bear in mind your budget and current level of written and spoken English. It also pays to look into the location, weather, and prestige of the language institute you’re considering, to avoid any unwanted surprises upon arrival. 

Language schools in Ireland usually offer a wide range of programs for different kinds of students and needs. Some are aimed exclusively at adults, often with a focus on business English for professionals and executives. Others cater to teenagers and college students. Specific courses in Ireland include Academic English, Business English, Communication English, Conversation English, Culture English, English for traveling, Intensive, Part-time, online, and English classes that prepare you for exams like the TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC, among others.

As you can see, Ireland is a fantastic option for foreign students who are looking to start a postgraduate degree or just improve their English in a friendly and immersive environment.  Why not join the hundreds of Brazilians who come to Ireland every month, and improve both your CV and know-how in a beautiful and welcoming country!