With the launch of our new centre in Maynooth, Ireland, international students will have the unique opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. Ireland is known for its affordability compared to other metropolitan cities like London, Boston and Sydney. Ireland also offers a fantastic location to live and study. We have put together a list of 5 reasons why international students should consider joining a foundation programme with OnCampus Ireland and progress to top-ranked universities in Ireland.
1. Education quality
Ireland’s education system is amongst the best in the world. It ranks in the top 10 globally as an education system that meets the needs of a competitive economy and is 12th in global rankings for overall quality of scientific research, according to QS Rankings. Ireland is implementing a comprehensive, forward looking National Skills Strategy & Action Plan for Education, which aims to make Irish education and training the best in Europe by 2026.
2. Government investment
The Irish Government invests close to 800 million Euro annually in research in Ireland's higher education institutions. The impact of this funding is that Ireland's higher education institutions now lead the world in an increasing number of fields, such as: 1st for Immunology, 2nd for Agricultural Sciences, 3rd for Nanotechnology and 5th for Material Sciences.
3. Career opportunities
Some of the world’s biggest and best companies have key strategic research facilities in Ireland and international students can join programmes that are driving innovation and changing lives worldwide. (Google, HP, Apple, Meta, Pfizer, GSK, Amazon, Microsoft, and Intel to name a few.) Graduates from Irish universities have the chance to apply for 1- or 2-year post-study work visas to progress to careers in Ireland. According to the Irish HEA Graduate Outcomes Survey, 82% of graduates from Irish universities are in employment within 9 months of graduating, with 90% of those working in Ireland.
4. Quality of life in Ireland
Ireland is world renowned for its friendliness and hospitality, offering a safe and welcoming place for international students. Hospitality is a large part of Irish culture, so you will be able to get to know the locals you meet very quickly and make friends. Ireland consistently ranks in the world’s top countries for quality of life, peace, and human development. It is identified as the third safest country in the world (Global Peace Index 2022), enjoys the second-highest GDP (IMF, 2023), and even ranks in the top 10% of happiest nations on earth (World Happiness Report 2023). As a country it provides a forward-thinking, innovative academic environment against a backdrop of beautiful landscapes and historic cities.
5. Travel opportunities
Ireland is incredibly close to the rest of Europe, providing plenty of opportunities to travel to further abroad for weekend city breaks or longer trips to a new country. The nearby city of Dublin is home to an airport that boasts links with over 190 airports around the world. From Maynooth, where OnCampus Ireland is based, you can get to Dublin Airport in just over one hour via public transport or in 30 minutes via car.
