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Higher Education in Ireland

Referred to as third level education, Ireland has eight public universities and several specialist colleges and institutes of technology.

The top universities in Ireland include;

1. Trinity College Dublin
2. University College Dublin
3. National University of Ireland, Galway
4. University College Cork
5. University of Limerick

Ireland’s universities are popular with international students as all degree programmes are taught in English, all eight universities appear in the QS World Ranking, and the universities have dedicated international offices offering support and community. International offices offering support and community.

Tuition is covered by the EU for EU citizens, but there is a €3,000 contribution each year to cover administration costs. Be aware if you leave your course and then reapply under 5 years later or must repeat a year due to failing, you will have to pay full fees. To find out more about university fees – Third-level student fees and charges (citizensinformation.ie).

The academic year is divided into two semesters, semester 1 from September to December and semester 2 from January to April. Undergraduate degrees are typically four years in duration, with a year for work experience and Erasmus. Master’s degrees range from one to two years. degrees range from one to two years.

PhD Programmes in Ireland

A PhD in Ireland usually costs between €4,000-€9,000 a year for EU students. International students usually pay a higher fee of at least €9,000 a year but some courses may be as high as €30,000.

A typical PhD in Ireland lasts three to four years. Ireland offers both traditional and structured PhDs, with transferable skills and training modules integrated into your independent research.

There are scholarships and grants available to help offset the costs, from the universities themselves, the government, the EU and The Irish Research Council. Funding may be available for your PhD programme, consult the university for further information.

Geographical variation

The cost of living in Ireland is comparable to the UK, France and Germany, however this varies according to area. The cost of living in Ireland decreases the further you are from Dublin and can be considerably lower in rural areas.

Accommodation

Ireland is traditionally a nation of homeowners with a relatively small rental market. Therefore, finding a rental property in Ireland can be difficult, with desirable properties being snapped up quickly, particularly in Dublin. Rents outside Dublin are only marginally less. The best way for expats to find accommodation in Ireland is through a letting agent, such as My Home but beware that you may be charged an administration fee on top of the rent.

There are no restrictions on non-Irish nationals wishing to buy a property in Ireland. However, buyers must consider the extra fees and charges (stamp duty, legal and registration fees) involved in purchasing a property. Since the economic crisis of 2008, property prices have fallen dramatically but there remains a distinct shortage of affordable homes, so it’s a good idea to rent first before jumping in.

Rental deposit

Landlords usually require a rental deposit of one to two month’s rent in Ireland. The deposit acts as security against damage to the property and is refunded when the tenant leaves. Letting agencies may also charge an administration fee on top of the deposit.

Utilities

Utilities in Ireland include electricity, gas, water and waste removal and are known as ‘the bills’. The Electricity Supply Board is the largest electricity provider. A more competitive market has been created through the recent emergence of other smaller providers, however electricity prices in Ireland are high in comparison to other European countries. Gas is comparably cheaper and provided by the partially state-run Ervia (previously Gas Board). Water rates are a contentious issue in Ireland as, before 2009, water was provided free of charge. Households are now billed for water consumption by the newly-established Irish Water. Domestic refuse removal and recycling is charged annually and rates depend on the local authority providing the service.

Healthcare and medical costs

The healthcare system in Ireland is modern and efficient. All Irish citizens are entitled to free healthcare, which is managed by the Health Service Executive. Healthcare costs are funded through general taxation, although residents on a median-level income and above are liable to pay extra medical charges (such as for prescription medicine). Those on a low income can apply for a Medical Card which grants free access to GP services, prescription medicine and dental, optical and aural services. If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national, or if you are normally resident in Ireland, you are entitled to receive the same level of free healthcare as Irish citizens. For more information about free healthcare in Ireland, consult the Citizens Information service. Those from outside the EU will need to have a private health insurance policy until Irish residency status is granted.

Shopping and Sales Tax

The choice of shopping in Ireland is huge, with large chain department stores, such as Arnotts and smaller shopping outlets in rural areas. There are also a number of large shopping malls such as the St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in Dublin. For grocery shopping, Ireland has a wide range of supermarket chains such as Tesco Ireland, Dunnes Stores and SuperValu, as well as budget chains such as Aldi and Lidl.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most goods and services in Ireland. The current rate is 23%.

Transportation in Ireland

Public Transport

Travel by bus is the most common method of public transportation. The largest operator is Bus Éireann, which has routes all over Ireland (except Dublin city centre, which is served by Dublin Bus). You can pay your bus fare in cash on boarding the bus, buy ticket in advance online or with the Leap Card valid in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

Ireland’s rail system is run by Iarnród Éireann. All rail routes radiate from Dublin, connecting major cities and towns with the capital. Tickets can be bought online in advance or at the train stations.

In Dublin, the is also the Luas and DART. The Luas is the city’s tram system, with two lines, red (west to east) and green (north to south). You can buy your ticket at the tram stops or tap on and off with your Leap Card. The DART is an electric rail system, running along Dublin’s coastline. A series of commuter rail routes connect the city centre to Dublin’s many commuter towns.

‘Free Now’ is the top taxi provider in Ireland, with the ability to order and pay for a taxi from their app. All taxis in Ireland are required to accept card and are regulated by the National Transport Authority.

To find out more how to get around Ireland and plan your journey see the Transport for Ireland website.

International Travel

Ireland has four international airports – Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Knock. Dublin is the most popular, receiving millions of passengers every year. Aer Lingus and Ryanair are popular Irish air carriers.

There are also ports in Dublin, Wexford and Cork, with regular ferries connecting Ireland to the UK and mainland Europe

Working in Ireland

The maximum hours you can work a week in Ireland is 48 hours. The typical business day is from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. In universities, you can expect to work around 37 to 39 hours a week. Under the Organisation of Working Time Act, extra pay or time in lieu should be available to employees working on Sundays.

Ireland has a large tech and pharmaceutical industry, which is reflected in the best companies to work in. Highly rated employers in Ireland include LinkedIn, Google, Irish Rail, Lily, Pfizer, and Apple.

Holidays

Holiday entitlement in Ireland is protected by law and allows workers an average of four weeks of paid leave a year. While most EU countries calculate leave from April to March, many Irish employers calculate it based on the calendar year (January to December). Generally, both full-time and part-time workers are entitled to 8% of the hours worked in a year. For more details, visit the Citizens Information website here.

Business Etiquette in Ireland

Business structures in Ireland tend to be hierarchical, where decisions are made at the top. However, the relationship between managers and colleagues is generally relaxed and the Irish view themselves as team players who conduct business in a friendly and collaborative manner. Networking and relationship-building between colleagues and business partners are essential to the successful Irish business model.

Business in Ireland tends to be less formal than in other European countries. Irish businesspeople are comfortable using first names instead of titles and appreciate a friendly approach, with a firm handshake as the accepted business greeting.

Regarding punctuality, it is important to be on time for meetings and appointments. Business meetings in Ireland generally follow a pre-determined structure but tend to be informal and conversational in comparison to other countries.

The Irish are tolerant and friendly people and are not quick to take offence at good natured humour. Indeed a few jokes would be actively encouraged to break the ice.

Tax

In Ireland the tax year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Workers are taxed if they are considered a resident in Ireland (if a worker spends 183 days or more in Ireland during a tax year or 280 days over two consecutive years). Workers are taxed 20% on their taxable income up to a certain threshold. There may be some tax breaks for expats living in Ireland but it is advisable to seek the advice of an expat tax planner to find out if you are eligible. The Irish government is keen to attract foreign investment to the country, which has seen low corporate tax rates of below 12.5% levied on most businesses. Ireland operates a progressive personal tax system, with most workers being on a Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system, with tax deducted by their employer. VAT is charged on most goods and services and is currently set at 23%. For more information, visit the www.revenue.ie website.

Pensions

There are three types of pension in Ireland; two which are based on social insurance contributions and a state pension. To be eligible, workers need to be a permanent resident in Ireland and have made sufficient contributions during their working lives. To register you will need to complete Form SPT/SPC1 at your local Social Welfare Office or Department of Social Protection. People who do not qualify for a contributory pension can apply for a non-contributory pension, which is means-tested and available to people aged 66 or over.

Disability

The rights of disabled people are protected by the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2011 which make it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees on the basis of their disability. The law also compels employers to make adjustments in the workplace to accommodate disabled workers. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 also forces employers to take worker’s disabilities into account, especially regarding doors, passageways, stairs, work stations and toilets. Under the Disability Act 2005, 3% of jobs in public sector bodies are reserved for people with disabilities.

Eligibility to Work in Ireland

The freedom of movement with the European Union means UK, EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals are permitted to enter Ireland with a passport or national identity card. You do not require a visa to live or work in Ireland if you are an UK, EU, EEA or Swiss national.

For countries outside of the EU please see the Department of Justice for more information – Coming to work in Ireland – Immigration Service Delivery (irishimmigration.ie).

Organisational Structure

Since the early 1990s Ireland has been transformed into a modern and thriving economy and is now viewed as one of the most progressive European nations. A range of multinational companies have offices in Dublin, which has become a magnet for technology and industry.

Business structures in Ireland tend to be hierarchical, where decisions are made at the top. However, the relationship between managers and subordinates is generally relaxed and the Irish view themselves as team players who conduct business in a friendly and informal manner. Networking and relationship-building between colleagues and business partners is essential to the successful Irish business model.

Management Style

Depending on the organisation, managers in Ireland are generally open and inclusive of the opinions of their subordinates and prefer to work as a team, rather than taking an authoritarian role. Relationship-building between employees and managers is seen as paramount to the success of the business. Managers will endeavour to build a good rapport through taking an interest in their employees and engaging in banter with the team. It is customary for Irish managers to take into account all employees’ views before making an important decision.

Formality and Relationships

Business in Ireland tends to be less formal than in other European countries. Irish business people are comfortable using first names instead of titles and appreciate a friendly approach.

Irish people are warm and friendly and this permeates business relationships. Face-to-face meetings are preferred to the telephone and a direct, conversational style is expected. The Irish are famous for their razor-sharp wit and workplace banter can often leave some foreigners bewildered. It is not uncommon to continue meetings in a more social setting or over lunch, however bear in mind that family is central to Irish life so it’s best not to make too many demands on people’s personal time.

Dress Code

Business attire in Ireland tends to be smart and formal. Women usually wear smart business suits and blouses while most men opt for dark suits, shirts and ties. It’s advisable to carry a raincoat and umbrella to avoid turning up to meetings soaked from the inevitable Irish downpour.

Greetings

The handshake is the accepted business greeting in Ireland. On meeting Irish business people, shake hands with everyone in the room and maintain eye contact, as this will put people at ease. Having a friendly demeanour and open communication style will take you far in an Irish business meeting.

Punctuality

Good time-keeping is important in business meetings and appointments, however the Irish have a more relaxed attitude to punctuality in social situations, where you may be waiting up to an hour for your counterparts to turn up. However, if you are going to be late to a meeting it is a good idea to phone ahead, particularly in Dublin where severe traffic congestion can mean that being on time is somewhat out of your hands.

Meetings

Business meetings in Ireland generally follow a pre-determined structure but tend to be informal and conversational in comparison to other countries. It is quite common for a meeting to be conducted in a restaurant or pub and negotiations are personable and relaxed. Expect lengthy and eloquent discussions at business meetings, where everyone is encouraged to participate. To get the most out of an Irish business meeting it is important to get to know all the participants and not be over aggressive in trying to get the deal done.

Business Language

Most business in Ireland is conducted in English. However, be aware that Irish-English has many different words and phrases to British English. Regional accents in Ireland vary greatly and Irish people have a tendency to speak rather quickly, so non-English speakers may have some difficulty understanding what is being said. It is perfectly acceptable to ask someone to repeat themselves or to politely ask them to speak more slowly.