study in ireland complete information

INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALSTypes of higher education institutions:UniversityCollegeInstituteInstitute of TechnologySchool School leaving and higher education credentials:Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)Leaving Certificate Vocational ProgrammeNational CertificateNational DiplomaDiplomaBachelor's DegreeBachelor's Degree (Honours)Graduate DiplomaMaster's DegreeMaster's Degree (Honours)Doctor's Degree STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEMPre-higher education:Duration of compulsory education:Age of entry: 4Age of exit: 16Structure of school system:PrimaryType of school providing this education: Primary SchoolLength of program in years: 8Age level from: 4 to: 12Junior SecondaryType of school providing this education: Junior Secondary SchoolLength of program in years: 4Age level from: 12 to: 16Certificate/diploma awarded: Junior Certificate (Teastas Sóisearach)Senior SecondaryType of school providing this education: Senior Secondary SchoolLength of program in years: 2Age level from: 16 to: 18Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)Senior SecondaryType of school providing this education: Senior Secondary SchoolLength of program in years: 2Age level from: 16 to: 18Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate (Ardteistiméireacht)VocationalType of school providing this education: Vocational Secondary SchoolLength of program in years: 2Age level from: 16 to: 18Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate AppliedVocationalType of school providing this education: Vocational Secondary SchoolLength of program in years: 2Age level from: 16 to: 18Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate Vocational programmeSchool education:Primary educatuin lasts for eight years. Secondary school lasts for five to six years. It is divided into a three- to four-year junior secondary cycle, followed by a two-year senior secondary school cycle leading to the award of the Leaving Certificate. Vocational secondary schools offer two-year courses leading to the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied.Higher education:Higher education in Ireland is offered by universities and institutes of specialized higher education. Universities are financed for the most part by the State in the form of annual grants-in-aid and non-recurrent grants for capital expenditure, in a proportion of the order of 90%, as well as by student fees, endowments, and private donations. Each college has its own governing body and exercises full control over its finances. Colleges are composed of faculties and departments.Main laws/decrees governing higher education:Decree: Universities Act Year: 1997Concerns: UniversitiesAcademic year:Classes from: Oct to: JunLanguages of instruction: English, IrishStages of studies:Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):Non-university level:Higher technical and vocational education is offered by Institutes of Technology (formerly Regional Technical Colleges) and specialized colleges. They offer two-year Certificate, three-year Diploma and four-year Degree programmes in the applied fields of Engineering, Science and Business Studies, as well as some postgraduate courses. University level studies:University level first stage: Bachelor's Degree:The main stage of higher education leads to a Bachelor's Degree, which may, in certain cases, also be a professional qualification (Professional Degree). The length of study generally varies between three and four years. The Bachelor's Degree may be awarded as a General Degree, an Honours Degree and a BA (Special) Degree. In Veterinary Medicine, Architecture and Dentistry studies last for five years. Medicine takes six years.University level second stage: Master's Degree:The second stage of higher education consists of more advanced (graduate) studies and leads to the Master's Degree. These studies last for a minimum of one year after the award of the Bachelor's Degree. Candidates who attend a course of study and/or present a thesis based on research are awarded an Earned Master's Degree.University level third stage: Doctorate:A further two years' study after the Master's Degree are normally required for the PhD Degree.University level fourth stage: Higher Doctorate:A Higher Doctorate may be awarded, after a minimum of five years (usually longer), following the award of the first Doctorate, for original work already published. Teacher education:Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachersPrimary school teachers are trained at five colleges of education where they follow a three-year course leading to the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). Each college of education works in partnership with a university which awards the degree.Training of secondary school teachersSecondary school teachers take a one-year university course culminating in the Higher Diploma in Education. Training for teachers of specialized subjects is available at the University of Limerick where candidates follow a four-year degree programme. Teachers of Home Economics take a four-year Bachelor of Education (Home Economics) and art teachers take a degree or diploma course at a recognized college followed by a one-year Post-Diploma/Degree course. Non-traditional studies:Distance higher educationOscail -The National Distance Education Centre - is located on the campus of Dublin City University and offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional education programmes.Lifelong higher educationShort and sandwich courses are provided in the Institutes of Technology and the colleges of technology for people at the "apprentice" stage in certain careers (for instance, medical laboratory technicians and trainees in technological employment). NATIONAL BODIESAdministration & co-ordination:Responsible authorities:Department of Education and Science (An Roinn Oideachais & Eolaíochta)Head: Dr Michael Woods, MinisterAdministrative officer: John Dennehy, Secretary-GeneralTyrone House, Marlborough StreetDublin 1IrelandTel: +353(1) 873-4700Fax: +353(1) 872-9553EMail: mannionc@educ.irlg v.ieWWW: http://www.irlgov.ie/educ Higher Education Authority (HEA) (An tÚdarás Um Ard-Oideachas)Head: Dr Don Thornhill, ChairmanAdministrative officer: John L. Hayden, Secretary/Chief ExecutiveMarine House, Third Floor, Clanwilliam CourtDublin 2IrelandTel: +353(1) 661-2748Fax: +353(1) 661-0492EMail: info@hea.ieWWW: http://www.hea.ie Role of governing body: Responsible for the founding of universities and tertiary level institutions and their development to meet the needs of the community. Conference of Heads of Irish Universities (CHIU)Head: Michael McGrath, DirectorAdministrative officer: Dr A. Cosgrove, Chairman10 Lower Mount StreetDublin 2IrelandTel: +353(1) 676-4948Fax: +353(1) 661-2815EMail: chiu-info@chiu.ieWWW: http://www.chiu.ie The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (Comhairle na nDamhachaini Ardoisdeachas agus Oiliunaí)Head: Seamus Puirseil, Director (Acting)26 Mountjoy SquareDublin 1IrelandTel: +353(1) 855-6526Fax: +353(1) 855-4250EMail: info@hetac.ieWWW: http://www.hetac.ie Role of governing body: Responsible for the coordination, development and promotion of technical, industrial, scientific, technological and commercial education and education in art and design outside the universities. ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATIONAdmission to non university higher education studiesName of secondary school credential required: Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)Minimum score/requirement: Grade C3 in 2 Higher (or Common) Level papers, together with Grade D3 in 4 other subjects of the Leaving Certificate. Examinations include a language and often Mathematics.Admission to university-level studiesName of secondary school credential required: Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)For entry to: All higher education institutions.Numerus clausus/restrictions: Places are allocated in order of merit depending on the Leaving Certificate grades, on the basis of points score.Other admission requirements: Applicants for postgraduate courses must make direct applications to the college of their choice.Foreign students admissionAdmission requirements: Foreign students must have, as a minimum, qualifications equivalent to GCE with at least 2 subjects at Advanced level with high grades (at least Grade C) plus 4 other subjects at Ordinary level.Entry regulations: Entry and residence regulations in Ireland vary according to the person's country of origin. Students who are nationals of another EU Member State and who enter the Republic from any place (other than the UK) must present themselves to the Immigration Officer at the port or airport of entry with the following documents: valid passport; evidence of acceptance as a student at a college or higher education institution; evidence of the ability to meet their needs for the period of study.Health requirements: Health visa requiredApplication procedures:Apply to national body for entry to: Undergraduate degree or Diploma courses at all university colleges and colleges.Apply to:Central Applications OfficeTower House, Eglinton StreetGalwayIrelandEMail: help@cao.ieWWW: http://www.cao.ie Application closing dates:For university level studies: 1 FebFor advanced/doctoral studies: 1 FebRecognition of studies & qualifications:Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The Higher Education and Training Awards Council validates courses in non-university higher education institutions and grants and confers awards on those who successfully take approved courses.Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):NARIC, Higher Education AuthorityHead: Mary DonoghueMarine House, Third Floor Clanwilliam CourtDublin 2IrelandTel: +353(1) 661-2748Fax: +353(1) 661-0492EMail: info@hea.ieWWW: http://www.hea.ie Services provided & students dealt with: The Centre acts as an information point supplying general information to foreign students. It is the contact point for the EU Directive 89/48/EEC. References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studiesTitle: A Guide for Overseas StudentsAuthor: Irish Council for Overseas StudentsTitle: NCEA Directory of Approved courses in Higher EducationAuthor: NCEA, Dublin STUDENT LIFEMain student services at national levelDepartment of Education and ScienceMarlborough Str.Dublin 1IrelandTel: +353(1) 873-4700Fax: +353(1) 872-9553WWW: http://www.irlgov.ie/educ Category of services provided: Special services/Centre for foreign students Irish Council for Overseas Students41 Morehampton RoadDublin 4IrelandTel: +353(1) 660-5233Fax: +353(1) 668-2320EMail: office@icosirl.ieWWW: http://www.icosirl.ie Category of services provided: Academic and career counselling services; Special services/Centre for foreign students National student associations and unionsUnion of Students in IrelandGratten StreetDublin 2IrelandTel: +353(1)602-1600WWW: http://www.usi.ie Union of Students in Ireland Travel (USIT)19 Aston QuayDublin 2IrelandTel: +353(1) 778-117WWW: http://www.usit.ie Health/social provisionsSocial security for home students: YesCost/fee (per year): 0 (Euro)Foreign student social security provisions: A student from an EC country who is covered by social insurance in his home country may have full eligibility under the Irish General Medical Services. Free hospital care is available to all students within the provision laid down by the Irish Department of Health.Special student travel fares:By road: YesBy rail: YesBy air: YesAvailable to foreign students: YesStudent expenses and financial aidStudent costs:Average living costs: 7480 (Euro)Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Euro)Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 7600 (Euro)Maximum: 17900 (Euro)Bodies providing information on student financial aid:Department of Education and ScienceStudent Support UnitTuallamore, Co. OffalyIrelandTel: +353(56) 21363 Deals with: GrantsCategory of students: Students from other EU countries.Irish Council for Overseas Students41 Morehampton RoadDublin 4IrelandTel: +353(1) 660-5233Fax: +353(1) 668-2320EMail: office@icosirl.ieWWW: http://www.icosirl.ie Category of students: Students from Africa and Asia mostly.National Agency (SOCRATES/ERASMUS), Higher Education AuthorityThird Floor, Marine House, Clanwilliam CourtDublin 2IrelandTel: +353(1) 661-2748 Deals with: GrantsCategory of students: Nationals students.Publications on student services and financial aid:Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001Publisher: UNESCO/IBEYear of publication: 1999 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGESPrincipal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:International Section, Department of Education and ScienceMarlborough StreetDublin 1IrelandTel: +353(1) 873-4700Fax: +353(1) 679-1315 Irish Council for Overseas Students41, Morehampton Rd.Dublin 4IrelandTel: +353(1) 610-5233 GRADING SYSTEMUsual grading system in secondary schoolFull Description: A1-A2: 85-100%; B1 to B3: 70-84%; C1 to C3: 55-69%; D1 to D3: 40-54%; E: 25-39; F:10-24; No grade: 0-9%.Highest on scale: ALowest on scale: FMain grading system used by higher education institutionsFull Description: A: excellent/outstanding; B: above average; C: average; D: below average; E: failing.Highest on scale: APass/fail level: D/ELowest on scale: F NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM Data for academic year: 2001-2002Source: Higher Education Authority (HEA), Dublin, 2002