Why Study in Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland is one of the most popular destinations for students from all over the world. The undergraduate and post-graduate degrees awarded in Ireland have widespread international recognition and good standing among the best in the world. Every year 2, 00,000 students visit Ireland for their further studies. Irish schools and universities are known for their excellent academics in general and English language training in particular.
Education System
The Irish Education System was traditionally divided into three basis levels: Primary, Secondary and Higher Education which offers a wide range of opportunities from post-secondary courses, to vocational and technical training, to full degree and the highest post-graduate levels. In recent years the focus has expanded to include pre-school education and adult and further education as the concept of lifelong learning becomes reflected in the education opportunities available within the Irish education system. The higher education system in Ireland encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the colleges of education and private independent colleges of which the first three groupings are autonomous and self-governing, but substantially state funded.
Entry to third level education for Irish students is competitive and based upon performance in the final secondary school examination, the Leaving Certificate. Entry requirements for oversea students are determined individually by each institution and are generally based on national examination performance and English language aptitude.
The Universities, the Dublin Institute of Technology and a growing number of the Institutes of Technology are authorized to confer their own awards. The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) is authorized to make awards in the non-university sector. HETAC makes awards and sets and monitors standards at all levels of higher education and training up to doctorate level.
The qualifications system in Ireland has been modernized with the introduction of the National Framework of Qualifications. Students are encouraged to use the National Framework Qualifications to identify the qualification they will achieve before making decisions.
The quality and standard of all Irish educational awards made by authorized institutions and HETAC are fully recognized globally.
The following academic awards can be achieved at Irish higher education institutions:
The academic year typically runs from September to June and is divided into either two or three semesters with holidays in December (Christmas) and April (Easter).
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