Reasons for Studying Abroad
Students have different reasons for studying abroad, from wanting to study at the highest ranking college in the world; experiencing a new way of learning; looking for a different and exciting experience living in a new country; or because entry requirements may be more attainable in another country.
University Ranking Systems
It is safe to say that opinions are split on the relevance of university rankings and league tables. One of the main criticisms is that the main ranking systems rely heavily on publication and citation data and academic reputation surveys. This means that university rankings are often more relevant for postgraduate courses than undergraduate programmes. It also means that most ranking systems do not inform us about the quality of education or the undergraduate student experience.
However, if you are interested in accessing a degree in a university which ranks highly internationally, you can check out the most recent rankings. However, be aware that there are a number of ranking systems which can vary quite significantly as they use different criteria and there is not one system which can claim to have the ‘true’ ranking.
For example, in the 2019 tables, the highest ranking Irish University was Trinity College Dublin, which was ranked at number 108 in the QS rankings, at number 120 in the Times Higher Education rankings and at number 225 in the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR).
How Can You Be Sure About a University’s Ranking?
The simple answer is that there is not one single definitive table. If the ranking of a university matters to you, the best advice would be to check at least two or three ranking systems (see links to the most commonly used ones below). You should also check how a university ranks in a specific discipline/subject as that can vary from the overall ranking of a university. If you want to dig even deeper, and if you plan to work in Ireland in the future, it would be useful to know how Irish employers rate different international degrees, so ask them!
Links to International University Rankings:
- Times Higher Education rankings
- Center for World University Rankings
- Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities
Entry requirements
For most courses and in most countries, the entry requirements are lower compared to Ireland (and the UK). This does not imply that the courses are of a lower standard, but that they use different entry requirements and that they may have higher number of places on their programmes. So if you struggle to meet the Irish entry requirements or CAO points in your discipline of choice, do some research into your options in other jurisdictions! Generally, if you meet NUI minimum entry requirements, you also meet requirements to study in leading European universities, conditional on some subject requirements.
Of course, apart from Health Sciences, these programmes are no longer just ‘insurance choices’, or a back-up in the event of not getting the points for your chosen programme in Ireland). Increasing numbers of students a registering for programmes in Europe, despite good offers from Irish or UK universities.
The Experience
Choosing to study abroad for the adventure and the experience is as valid as any other reason. Education is rarely about the qualification alone; with it comes experiences of being in a new country, experiencing a new culture, languages, customs and activities. Moving to a new country on your own will also foster independence, adaptability and resilience – and these are all traits which employers look for in their employees. Be sure to highlight these essential transversal skills and experiences in future CV’s and job interviews!
If you are motivated to study abroad by adventure and cultural experiences, choosing the ‘right’ country may be your priority. See further information about studying in different parts of the world, including the UK, Europe, USA and Australia/NZ.
Lack of Offerings in Ireland
You may find that there is a very limited offering of courses in Ireland in a specific subject, and studying abroad may be your best, if not only, option. For example, University of Limerick has long been the only Irish university with an undergraduate degree in dance and many dancers travel abroad in order to further their dance careers. But make sure to check the full range of offerings in Ireland as well, using our Course Finder
Develop Language Skills
If you want to develop your language skills, studying in a country where the language is the official language makes perfect sense.
