Higher Education in Ireland

The Irish education system is quite similar to that in Australia with three and four year undergraduate degrees leading on to Master’s research and coursework degrees and research PhDs.

One difference is that although all universities are theoretically non-denominational, the four colleges that make up the National University of Ireland - University College, Cork, University College, Dublin, Maynooth and Galway - have a Catholic ‘ethos’.

You usually apply to enrol through your chosen institution but increasingly on-line applications are being taken through a central Irish system at www.pac.ie However as an international student it is probably wise to make some direct enquires with the university staff you plan to work with before proceeding through the central system.

There are seven major universities in Ireland, then another fourteen institutes of technology and numerous colleges and institutes. A full listing can be found in the National Guide to Postgraduate Studies, listed below.