If you are interested in studying abroad, you need to do some careful research about the relevant degree, the college and the country. This section gives you an idea of some of the most important aspects you need to consider.

Comparability / Recognition

You should seriously consider what you want to do after completing a degree abroad. If your future plans involve working and/or studying in Ireland, ask questions such as:

-          Will the qualification be recognised in Ireland, or will I have to complement a ‘shortfall’ in the degree with further courses/modules?

-          How do Irish employers rate the degree/college?

-          If you want to pursue further studies in Ireland, will Irish Universities recognise the qualification?

There are a number is useful resources here in relation to having a qualification recognised in Ireland, and vice versa.

Regulated professions

It is important to note that in many cases, the final decisions on employment and recognition of qualifications lie with the employer. However, some professions are regulated and require very specific standards and qualifications. For example:

• A medical doctor wishing to practise medicine in the Republic of Ireland must meet the requirements and register with the Medical Council.
  
• CORU regulates health and social care professions, such as dietitians, opticians, occupational therapists and social workers. Visit the CORU website for the most up to date information as occupations may be added to their list
  
• To work as a primary and secondary school teacher in Ireland, you need to be registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland, which means that the Teaching Council must recognise your qualification and they can identify if you have any shortfalls in a qualification from overseas.
  
• The IAA (Irish Aviation Authority) is responsible for licensing and certification of air crew, aircraft maintenance engineers, air traffic services personnel and aviation security personnel.
  

A full list of the regulated professions in Ireland is available on the EU Regulated Professions Database.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) & NARIC

On a more general level, QQI - NARIC can help you compare a foreign qualification to a major award-type and level on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. See more information on QQI - NARIC.

See a video here, explaining what QQI can help you with

 

QQI also has a leaflet with information about ‘Travelling with your Irish Qualification’ which provides advice on the initial steps involved in getting Irish qualifications recognised abroad, whether for study or employment purposes:

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Europe’s education and training systems are diverse and the EQF uses eight reference levels which span the full scale of qualifications, from basic (Level 1, for example school leaving certificates) to advanced (Level 8, for example Doctorates) levels. The eight reference levels are described in terms of 'learning outcomes'. Note that the EQF differs from the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.

Certificate Supplements for Level 5 and Level 6 FET Awards

If you plan to use a Further Education and Training (FET) award rather than a Leaving Certificate for entry to a course, make sure that you have the Certificate Supplement. A Certificate Supplement is provided on-line to people who hold FETAC Level 5 and Level 6 Major, Special Purpose and Supplemental Awards. Certificate Supplements are really useful if you are trying to have your Award understood overseas whether for academic recognition (through NARIC UK for example), but also for employment purposes.

The supplement gives information about your Award so that employers, or education and training providers, worldwide can easily understand your qualification, and what you have learned (knowledge, skill and competence). You can use it along with your CV, when applying for work or for further learning experiences in Ireland and abroad.

Note that FETAC 5 in a relevant subject is not universally accepted or recognised to meet entry requirements. While it can be used to access relevant degrees in Universities of Applied Sciences, Research universities in some countries (e.g. Netherlands) will not accept FETAC 5.

Europass – The European Skills Passport

The European Skills Passport (ESP) is an electronic portfolio which makes the qualifications, skills and competences of an individual more transparent to employers and education institutions in the EU and other parts of the world. 

Visas and permits

As an EU citizen, you are entitled to study at any EU university under the same conditions as nationals. However, if you are going to study outside the EU and in a non-European country, you may need a student visa. Each country will have specific requirements for student visas. You should consult with the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to study for more details. See more information about student visas here

Costs

The costs associated with studying, such as fees and cost of living, can often be lower compared to studying in Ireland, particularly in this current housing crisis.

But there are costs nonetheless, so make a budget and do some research into the cost of the following in your country of choice:

• Tuition fees (if applicable)
• Food and accommodation
• Student Visa (if outside Europe)
• Course literature
• Course material, e.g. laptop
• Clothes
• Travel & Insurance
• Bills, including phone and broadband
• Hobbies, socialising

If you are trying to decide between studying in Ireland or abroad, remember that most of the items listed above are also relevant for students opting to study in Ireland (where the cost of living in many cases is much higher). Tuition fees and costs of living are listed for a number of locations worldwide under the ‘Study abroad – by location’ section.

Supports in the college

In Ireland, most third level colleges offer similar levels of student supports, such as disability supports, academic writing supports and health care services. The level of supports offered varies in different countries, and if you think that you will require specific supports, make sure to thoroughly research what is on offer.

Language requirements

For those who opt to study abroad in a country where English is not the official/first language, make sure to find answers to questions such as:

• Will all or only parts of the course will be delivered through the English language?
• Will students be required to learn the local language for work placement? (e.g. so that a medical student can communicate with patients during the work placement)
• Will you be required to complete a language test?

Accommodation

Many universities have student accommodations available, but in some countries, you may need to find temporary accommodation (such as a hostel) initially so that you can find something more long term when you are in the country. But whatever you do, research your options in time and don’t leave it to chance. In some cases, you can request assistance from the university to find apartments and fellow students interested in sharing rent.

Consider alternatives

You may want to consider enrolling in an Irish college and doing an exchange year/Erasmus+. Erasmus+ is an EU programme that allows people who are registered students in a higher education institution and enrolled in studies leading to a recognised degree to study abroad as part of their degree. The period of study abroad must be relevant to the main degree and can last from 3 to 12 months. Most universities and colleges in Ireland have an Erasmus+ programme in place and students who are interested should contact their university, college or organisation.

See: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/node_en