The UK vs. Ireland: Deciding Where to Study

Are you thinking of studying in Ireland or the United Kingdom? The two countries offer excellent education systems and house some top-rated universities worldwide. The UK vs. Ireland: Deciding Where to StudyWhile many Nigerians compete more for spots

Share

While many Nigerians compete more for spots in UK universities, Ireland gives the UK a run for its high education standards. However, the choice boils down to your lifestyle or personal preference.

Are you thinking of studying in Ireland or the United Kingdom? The two countries offer excellent education systems and house some top-rated universities worldwide. 

The UK vs. Ireland: Deciding Where to Study

While many Nigerians compete more for spots in UK universities, Ireland gives the UK a run for its high education standards. However, the choice boils down to your lifestyle or personal preference.

We have listed some factors that would help you make the right choice.

The Different Zone - Where’s The Difference?

The United Kingdom has left the European Union, while Ireland is still in the EU. Regarding your visa rights, the different zones make some differences. For instance, the two countries are not part of the Schengen Area, which makes it difficult to roam the EU freely. You must apply for a visa to visit Spain, France, Germany, and other parts of the EU.

Tuition Fees

The two countries share a tie in tuition fees because you may not see a significant difference in the payment. However, the two countries offer a more affordable fees than Australia and the United States.

Meanwhile,  courses have different tuition fees, and universities offer different fees. Arts and humanities do not cost as much as science or lab-based courses. 

Remember that Ireland and the United Kingdom have different currencies. So while you must make payments in British Pound (£) in the United Kingdom, Ireland makes of Euro (€) in Ireland.

Cost of Living

As a Nigerian, the cost of living in your desired country plays a vital role in your studies. For example, Dublin is cheaper than London in most aspects. However, the cost of living has little difference between the counties. 

Dublin and London are a part of these countries and may not serve as a better yardstick. You should do your homework before you decide on the country to use. 

World’s Best Universities 

You may not find it easy to pick the countries apart in terms of education and quality. However, the countries have some of the best universities that rank high on the QS World University Rankings website.

The UK has at least 4 of the top 10 universities, while Ireland has a stake on that list. However, the UK has a more prominent influence because of its universities. For example, the UK has at least 130 universities and Ireland has eight. Remember that Ireland is a small country compared to the UK.

The UK vs. Ireland: Deciding Where to Study

Duration of Course and Semester System

The United Kingdom has two major terms: Term 1 begins in September, and Term 2 commences in January. However, some universities may have an additional Summer term of shorter duration, which starts in April. 

Ireland has a similar semester system and duration course, where the first or Autumn semester starts in September, and the second or Winter semester begins in January. If you are coming for your master's, the UK offers at least 180 credits, divided between some modules, which vary between 10 and 30 credits each.

You would have to follow the European ECTS system for awarding credits in Ireland. A Master's programme is typically worth 90-120 credits, depending on whether the duration of the programme is 1-2 years. 

Work While Studying

The two countries offer international students the opportunity to work as students. In the UK, Tier 4 Student Visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week and full-time during the holidays. 

On the other hand, international students coming to Ireland need Stamp 2 permission on their Student Visa to be permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and up to 40 hours a week during the designated holiday period (June-September and 15 December to 15 January). However, students with Stamp 2A cannot work in Ireland.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

You enjoy the privilege of Graduate Route as an international student who graduates with an undergraduate degree or higher in the UK. You can remain in the UK for two years, with opportunities to stay on longer upon finding suitable employment. 

Students in Ireland have a similar privilege, which allows them to apply for the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme within six months of graduation. In addition, the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme permits them to remain in Ireland for 24 months after the successful completion of a programme to work full-time, i.e., 40 hours a week, or to apply for a work permit to remain in the country post-expiry of the scheme.

 

The UK vs. Ireland: Deciding Where to Study

Accommodation

You enjoy more affordable accommodation in Ireland than in the UK. While the UK has a fair accommodation rent, Ireland favors international more.

In addition, if you don't live in the university hostels, you can spend more money. On the other hand, schools in rural areas have affordable accommodations, especially if you want to live off-campus in both countries.

Did you find this article helpful?

You can read more of our articles on our blog.