Students often compare the UK vs Ireland in a quest to attain the best possible education. Choosing between the two depends on your specific priorities. While highly different in size in terms of area, both countries offer excellent education systems with prestigious universities, but they have some key differences to consider. The QS World University Rankings 2024 highlight Ireland's two universities in the top 200 and the UK's 27 institutes.
Before choosing, it’s essential to compare not just academics, but also the cost of living in the UK and Ireland, as expenses significantly affect the overall study abroad experience.
Top Universities: UK vs Ireland
According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, some of the top-ranked universities in the UK and Ireland are:
Ireland vs UK: Eligibility & Admission Requirements
UK
In the UK, there are different requirements for each educational level that must be met in order to be admitted. The primary prerequisite set by UK exam boards is a strong command of the English language because that is the medium of instruction. Documents including your current passport, the application for a student visa, an admissions letter, evidence of funds, a payment receipt, and your original marksheets will all be required. Interviews may be necessary for admission to certain universities. As for educational qualifications, most UK universities require:
A Levels as minimum passing grade in one or two subjects per the university’s policies.
Universities require two GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education) (preferably one in math and one in English).
Ireland
Depending on the university and the major selected, different universities in Ireland have different entrance requirements. Even so, foreign applicants to Irish universities typically need to provide the following paperwork:
Transcripts from university courses or degrees.
Results of English language exams, such as the IELTS.
Work experience and samples (if necessary).
Scores on the GMAT or GRE (if applicable).
Tuition Fees: Ireland vs UK
The average tuition costs for undergraduate and graduate programs in the UK and Ireland for various fields are shown in the following table:
Course
UK
Ireland
Computer Science
£9,250 per year (UG) £15,000 per year (PG) £20,000 per year (Doctorate)
€15,000 per year (UG) €20,000 per year (PG) €25,000 per year (Doctorate)
Economics
£9,250 per year (UG)\ £15,000 per year (PG) £20,000 per year (Doctorate)
€15,000 per year (UG) €20,000 per year (PG) €25,000 per year (Doctorate)
Management
£9,250 per year (UG) £15,000 per year (PG) £20,000 per year (Doctorate)
€15,000 per year (UG) €20,000 per year (PG) €25,000 per year (Doctorate)
Finance
£9,250 per year (UG) £15,000 per year (PG) £20,000 per year (Doctorate)
€15,000 per year (UG) €20,000 per year (PG) €25,000 per year (Doctorate)
Engineering
£9,250 per year (UG) £15,000 per year (PG) £20,000 per year (Doctorate)
€15,000 per year (UG) €20,000 per year (PG) €25,000 per year (Doctorate)
Please note that the tuition prices listed above are estimates. To learn more about the precise tuition costs for the program you wish to apply for, you are advised to visit the university's official website.
Living Expenses in the UK vs Ireland: Which Is Better
Depending on the city, lifestyle, and other elements, the cost of living in the UK and Ireland varies. The cost of living comparison between the UK and Ireland is shown in the following table.
Expense
Ireland
UK
Cost of living one person
$2,337
$1,994
One person rent
$1,531
$1,213
Transport expenses
$124
$155
Monthly salary after tax
$3,162
$3,072
Food expenses
$540
$473
*Data as per livingcost.org
Please note these costs are only indicative. Living expenses in both Ireland and the UK vary and emphasize the need for careful planning and budgeting before moving to either country.
Work Permit and PR
UK
You will require both an employment visa and a work permit to live and work in the UK. Depending on how long you plan to stay or what kind of work you plan to do, there are numerous kinds of work visas.
Once you have applied and provided all the required documents for the procedure, it takes approximately 3 weeks to get a revert on your UK work permit application (if you are outside UK), and within 8 weeks (if you are in the UK).
Ireland
Your registration certificate is the Irish Residence Permit (IRP). Upon registering with the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS), you will receive an IRP.
An IRP shows
that the type of immigration permission you possess—such as a stamp number—has been registered and that it allows you to remain in Ireland
Foreign nationals must, in most circumstances, have resided in Ireland continuously for at least five years, without extended absences, to be eligible for permanent Irish residency. Applying for Irish permanent residency can be done in a few different ways, such as through a business permit, employment permit, Irish Immigrant Investor program, or joining a family member. The path you choose for your application may require you to meet additional qualifying standards.
Average Salaries: UK vs Ireland
Here is a comparison of the average salaries in UK vs Ireland for some common job roles:
Job Role
UK
Ireland
Software Engineer
£29,600
$47,531
Manager
£47,263
$56,281
Financial Analyst
£34,444
$40,443
Civil Engineer
£38,483
£39,839
Marketing Manager
£35,567
£48,017
Economist
£37,893
£55,971
*As per Payscale
To conclude, deciding between Ireland vs the UK for international students for education depends on what you like, your academic goals, and your budget. Pick the one that fits your preferences and situation best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more top-ranked universities UK or Ireland?
There are more top-notch institutions in the UK than in Ireland. The UK is home to four of the world's top ten universities. However, it must be considered that UK is a much bigger country and has 150+ educational institutions while Ireland only has around 22.
What support is available for students with disabilities in UK universities?
Both disabled and non-disabled students are welcome at UK universities and colleges. According to the law, they cannot discriminate against students with disabilities and must ensure that all campus facilities are accessible to everyone. International students are subject to the same laws that apply to students who are UK citizens.
Are there opportunities for language and cultural exchange programs in the UK and Ireland?
Yes, there are lots of options for programs involving language and cultural exchange. These courses give participants the chance to partake in immersive language learning experiences that promote linguistic and cultural awareness.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them w...
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