Post Brexit, Ireland is the place to study abroad

No language barrier, several stay back options and employment opportunities make Ireland an ideal higher education destination for Indians, says Barry O'Driscoll, senior education adviser for 'Education in Ireland'

All universities in Ireland are ranked in the top 5% globally and Ireland's technology institutes are famous for their close links with the industry and their highly employable graduates. The country offers a buzzing, multicultural society where students are welcomed with warm culture and high education standards. According to Global Peace Index 2017, Ireland is one of the ten safest countries on earth.
THE ADVANTAGE
A key advantage of studying in Ireland, according to Barry O'Driscoll, senior education adviser for 'Education in Ireland' is that students at postgraduate level can avail a two-year 'stay-back' option after completing their course. Last year, the Irish government announced an extension to its Third Level Graduate Scheme, for non-EU/EEA students at post graduate level. At a time when other countries like the US, UK and Australia are tightening their visa rules for international students and graduates; Ireland has taken the opposite approach.

"Non-EU students in Ireland, when they complete their studies can remain in the country for a further two years to seek suitable employment. Over 1,000 multinational corporations having their European headquarters in Ireland, it is an ideal place for high performing students to kick start their careers."

BREXIT AFTERMATH

After Brexit, Ireland will be the only English speaking country in the European Union (EU). For the UK, Brexit brings uncertainty over the future of the UK's involvement in international research and concerns about losing European research funding and top international academics. Whereas for Ireland, its strong place in the EU will ensure that Irish higher education institutions continue to access valuable EU funding, and remain at the forefront of research and innovation. Ireland's EU membership has played an integral role in building Ireland's reputation as a location for world class research and as a centre of excellence in higher education.

IRISH EDUCATION SYSTEM

Continuous innovation in higher education has been an important driver of Ireland's knowledge based economy; which has made us the fastest growing economy in Europe. The UN's Global Innovation Index 2018 named Ireland the tenth most innovative economy in the world. Ireland's rapid rise in world rankings for research and development is notable. In 19 fields of research, Irish universities are in the top 1% in the world. For example, Ireland is ranked second in the world for nanotechnology, second for immunology, second for chemistry, third for material science and fourth in the world for agricultural science. A network of applied research centres within Ireland's higher education system, as well as a robust PhD framework play important roles in fostering continuous innovation.

MOST SOUGHT AFTER COURSES

In recent years there has been growing demand for engineering, biotechnology, cloud computing, accounting, finance and MBA. There is also a lot of interest in niche masters programmes such as cyber security, digital forensics, data analytics, biomedical science, material science, networking, aerospace engineering, business management and digital marketing.

SCHOLARSHIPS

There are about 200 merit-based scholarships on offer directly from the HEIs, ranging from 10% to 50% fee waivers.