Studying in Europe
Ready for an adventure? Interested in different cultures? Ever thought about studying in another country? Does the CAO system stress you out? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, read on...
The Irish application system for university places is extremely competitive due to a low number of course places and high demand from applying students. In many European countries, there is a philosophy that every student has the “Right to Education” so once you meet the minimum entry requirements for a course, you can be offered a place! Entry requirements are often significantly lower than here or in the UK. It is very important to note that this neither reflects the difficulty of the course nor the university’s standing. (Not convinced? According to the EUNICAS website, 9 Dutch universities rank higher than Trinity College!)
Where to go: EUNICAS
EUNICAS should be your first stop for applications for Europe. On the EUNICAS website you can discover about courses right across Europe in countries like the Netherlands, Romania, Italy and Poland, to name but a few. Similar to the UCAS website, you can find information about entry requirements and course content as well as fee information. There are a wide range of courses from Humanities to Business, to Law to Medicine.
But why study in Europe?
Imagine the edge being able to say you studied in Europe would give you in an interview! It says that you’re adaptable and that you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone. Studying outside Ireland will also expose you to new cultures and allow you to make international contacts. You might even learn some of the vernacular language!
Ok, but what’s the cost?
This is naturally a major concern of students. Fees across Europe can vary massively so this is why it is crucial to do your research on the EUNICAS website. For example, International Business and Economics in the University of Mageburg in Germany is free of tuition fees for Irish students. Irish students can avail of free tuition fees in many courses in Germany and Scandanavia. While other courses have tuition fees: Medicine at the Medical University of Silesia in Poland costs Irish students about €11,200 a year. If you are a recipient of the SUSI grant, you can take the maintenance portion of the grant with you to study in an EU country. It is important to remember that rents and cost of living are substantially cheaper in the EU compared to studying here in Ireland.
But my language skills aren’t great!
Worried that your Leaving Cert French will be no help to you in Poland? Struggling in Spanish class, never mind in a university lecture? Fear not! Many of the courses in European universities actually have classes in English! The textbooks are in English, the assignments are in English. Many universities see the importance of English, particularly in the Business world, so offer classes in English.
Still unsure?
If you’re still not convinced, remember your college course here in Ireland might offer you the chance of a semester abroad through the Erasmus scheme. You can always apply and give yourself another option. (Currently, some universities are still admitting students from the Class of 2023 to courses in Europe.) Come next September you might have decided you’re ready for a change of scenery. Your dream course could just be a flight away!
Whether you’re seriously considering Europe or thinking of it as a back-up option, please get in touch with us at Educating Éire with any questions you might have!
Also Check: Free Science Resources
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