Ireland is a North Atlantic island separated from Great Britain by the St. Georges Channel, the Irish Sea and the North Channel. Divided into two political regions--the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Ireland as a whole island belongs to the Common Travel Area and is a member of the EU. Distinctions between the two jurisdictions include currencies (Northern Ireland used the pound sterling and the Republic of Ireland uses the euro) and governments (the RI is a parliamentary democracy and NI is fundamentally governed by the United Kingdom.
What Type of Schools Offer Business Degrees in Ireland?
Currently, the Republic of Ireland has seven universities and five colleges; Northern Island has three universities, two university colleges and six colleges. Ibat College in Dublin is an example of a college offering bachelor and master degrees in business, business administration, entrepreneurship and finance/accounting. Belfast and Ulster in Northern Ireland are home to several colleges and universities that also provide a variety of undergraduate and graduate business degrees.
Be aware that higher education in the Republic of Ireland is referred to as "third-level" education rather than tertiary or college-level education.
How Long is the Academic Year?
Classes begin in September and continue until May or June, depending on each school's academic calender plans. The academic year is interrrupted by several holidays recognized in Ireland, including the October Holiday, Christmas, New Years and Easter.
How Much is Tuition?
Irish and EU students may attend school under the "Free Fees Initiative" if they meet certain requirements. However, FFI students must pay registration fees amounting to 3000 EUR per academic year.
For international students, tuition costs vary among higher learning institutions and could range from 20,000 EUR ($24,000) to 35,000 EUR ($39,000) for undergraduate business degree programs that take three to four years to complete. Students must purchase textbooks and other items necessary to the program.
In addition, Ireland offers a support scheme to help students from developing countries pay for their business degrees,whereby such students need only pay EU fees. Alternately, non-EU students should seek financial assistance from their country's education department regarding scholarships and study abroad grants.
Why Earn a Business Degree in Ireland?
With nearly all Irish universities rank consistently in the top five percent globally, Ireland offers students the ability to receive internationally recognized degrees in an entrepreneur-friendly environment. Moreover, Ireland is an English-speaking country (aside from regional dialects in Northern Ireland that are difficult to understand) that facilitates traveling to many places in Europe as well as finding employment in many European countries because of its centralized location.