Studying abroad can be an excellent opportunity to gain a world class qualification, improve language skills, intercultural skills, self-awareness and grow as a person. These are all life skills and experiences which many employers value in job applicants. And with an ever increasing globalisation of the labour market, having studied abroad may give you an edge which can improve your future employment prospects.

Studying abroad for the full duration of a course provides an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and the chance to travel and see that part of the world, while getting a qualification. However, that may not be for everyone and there are other options, such as completing an Erasmus+ programme, or doing your work/practical placement element of an Irish degree abroad.

Compared to studying in Ireland, studying abroad requires even more preparation, exploration and research – so make sure to start in time!

This section provides important information for anyone considering studying abroad, including:

• Reasons to study abroad (university rankings, entry requirements, the experience etc.)
• Important considerations (comparability of qualifications, visas, language requirements etc.)
• Study abroad – by subject (including medicine, languages, art, engineering etc.)
• Study abroad – by location (covering key information about studying in the UK, Europe, the USA and Australia & New Zealand)

As there are numerous ‘student recruitment’ companies online promoting specific universities or courses, it can be difficult to know if you are getting balanced and accurate information. This section aims to provide clear and impartial information, with links to relevant and up-to-date websites.

There is also an independent personalised European University Central Application Support service – EUNiCAS which is aimed at Irish students interested in studying in Europe.