Application Process for a Master’s in Ireland

1. Choose the program you want to study for your Master's in Ireland

• It begins with online research. First, you have to do extensive research on the various courses that are offered in your field of specialisation.

• Universities in Ireland are internationally renowned centres of education. Although the conditions for admission may vary from one university to another, many insist on having a bachelor’s degree in the same or related subjects.

• Make a list of the programs that align with your goals and cross-check with eligibility for application. Admission requirements often have a minimum grade requirement as well. These may be different depending on whether you apply to a university, institute of technology or college.

• During this stage of screening, look for the various jobs available for chosen programs that you can pursue after graduation.

2. Choose 8-15 universities to apply

• Do a thorough research about the universities and target courses that you are aiming to apply. After a thorough investigation of the university website, head to Google and look for university reviews from current/previous students. Politely contact them for information regarding the course/university you are interested in.

• If you are hoping to work while studying, look for a university that is located in or close to a city that has options for student jobs. Cork, Galway, Dublin and Limerick are the four major cities in Ireland where jobs and internships are comparatively easier to find. It is important to have an internship/part-time job for two reasons - to fund your living expenses and to gain relevant work experience in Ireland.

• The average tuition fee for non-EU students is between €9,000 and €20,000, which is a considerable amount. However, several universities provide options to avail financial aid in the form of scholarships. During this phase of the application process, look for scholarship options, scholarship application deadlines, and requirements as well.

• Create a chart with the final list of 8-15 universities, the programs at these universities that you are interested in, entry requirements, application periods and deadlines, tuition fees and scholarship options, and list of documents required for applying to study.

3. Get the necessary documents

• Apart from making copies of your original degree certificate, you will need to contact your previous university for official transcripts of your Bachelor studies and your detailed academic history.

• Your application form will include all educational and professional milestones and will be similar to a résumé. Universities demand different sets of documents, but letters of recommendation from university professors and employers are usually needed.

• You may be required to submit proof of English language proficiency with TOEFL/ IELTS/PTE test scores. Cut-offs for minimum test scores depends on the university and program you apply to. These exams are not conducted regularly, so keep the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE application dates, exam dates and university application deadlines in mind and prepare accordingly.

• Several universities ask for a Personal Statement which is like an SOP or Statement of Purpose where you explain why you wish to join that specific program at that particular university, and why you are the ideal fit.

4. Apply to the selected universities for your Master's in Ireland

• Submit the necessary documents. To apply to universities for a master’s in Ireland, use the official website of The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) that charges a one-time fee of €50 for processing the applications.

5. Receive admit letter from university

• Congratulations! You have received an offer letter to study at a university in Ireland. If you have received offer letters from multiple universities, do one more round of research before making the final decision.

• Determine if you are suitable for the program and recheck details such as percentage of international students, facilities on campus and extra-curricular activities that you can be a part of. You may also want to start searching for accommodation options.

• It is not wise to spend too much time celebrating the university acceptance letter; you should initiate the process for your student visa and start arranging the documents necessary for visa application.

6. Initiate student visa process

• If you an international student from a non-EU country, you will probably need a D Type student visa from the Irish embassy or consulate at your home country in order to study in Ireland.

• You may be required to pay the first instalment of your tuition fee and pay a one-time application fee of €300.

• The primary documents you will need to get a student visa for Ireland are - your passport, proof of enrolment at a university in Ireland, health insurance, and proof of funds.

Conclusion