Ireland

INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
University
College
Institute
Institute of Technology
School

School leaving and higher education credentials:
Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
National Certificate
National Diploma
Diploma
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's Degree (Honours)
Graduate Diploma
Master's Degree
Master's Degree (Honours)
Doctor's Degree


STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 4
Age of exit: 16
Structure of school system:
Primary
Type of school providing this education: Primary School
Length of program in years: 8
Age level from: 4 to: 12
Junior Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Junior Secondary School
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 12 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: Junior Certificate (Teastas Sóisearach)
Senior Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Senior Secondary School
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 16 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
Senior Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Senior Secondary School
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 16 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate (Ardteistiméireacht)
Vocational
Type of school providing this education: Vocational Secondary School
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 16 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate Applied
Vocational
Type of school providing this education: Vocational Secondary School
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 16 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate Vocational programme
School education:
Primary educatuin lasts for eight years. Secondary school lasts for five to six years. It is divided into a three- to four-year junior secondary cycle, followed by a two-year senior secondary school cycle leading to the award of the Leaving Certificate. Vocational secondary schools offer two-year courses leading to the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied.
Higher education:
Higher education in Ireland is offered by universities and institutes of specialized higher education. Universities are financed for the most part by the State in the form of annual grants-in-aid and non-recurrent grants for capital expenditure, in a proportion of the order of 90%, as well as by student fees, endowments, and private donations. Each college has its own governing body and exercises full control over its finances. Colleges are composed of faculties and departments.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Universities Act Year: 1997
Concerns: Universities
Academic year:
Classes from: Oct to: Jun
Languages of instruction: English, Irish
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
Higher technical and vocational education is offered by Institutes of Technology (formerly Regional Technical Colleges) and specialized colleges. They offer two-year Certificate, three-year Diploma and four-year Degree programmes in the applied fields of Engineering, Science and Business Studies, as well as some postgraduate courses.

University level studies:
University level first stage: Bachelor's Degree:
The main stage of higher education leads to a Bachelor's Degree, which may, in certain cases, also be a professional qualification (Professional Degree). The length of study generally varies between three and four years. The Bachelor's Degree may be awarded as a General Degree, an Honours Degree and a BA (Special) Degree. In Veterinary Medicine, Architecture and Dentistry studies last for five years. Medicine takes six years.
University level second stage: Master's Degree:
The second stage of higher education consists of more advanced (graduate) studies and leads to the Master's Degree. These studies last for a minimum of one year after the award of the Bachelor's Degree. Candidates who attend a course of study and/or present a thesis based on research are awarded an Earned Master's Degree.
University level third stage: Doctorate:
A further two years' study after the Master's Degree are normally required for the PhD Degree.
University level fourth stage: Higher Doctorate:
A Higher Doctorate may be awarded, after a minimum of five years (usually longer), following the award of the first Doctorate, for original work already published.

Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers
Primary school teachers are trained at five colleges of education where they follow a three-year course leading to the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). Each college of education works in partnership with a university which awards the degree.
Training of secondary school teachers
Secondary school teachers take a one-year university course culminating in the Higher Diploma in Education. Training for teachers of specialized subjects is available at the University of Limerick where candidates follow a four-year degree programme. Teachers of Home Economics take a four-year Bachelor of Education (Home Economics) and art teachers take a degree or diploma course at a recognized college followed by a one-year Post-Diploma/Degree course.

Non-traditional studies:
Distance higher education
Oscail -The National Distance Education Centre - is located on the campus of Dublin City University and offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional education programmes.
Lifelong higher education
Short and sandwich courses are provided in the Institutes of Technology and the colleges of technology for people at the "apprentice" stage in certain careers (for instance, medical laboratory technicians and trainees in technological employment).


NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Department of Education and Science (An Roinn Oideachais & Eolaíochta)
Head: Dr Michael Woods, Minister
Administrative officer: John Dennehy, Secretary-General
Tyrone House, Marlborough StreetDublin 1Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 873-4700
Fax: +353(1) 872-9553
EMail: mannionc@educ.irlg v.ie
WWW: http://www.irlgov.ie/educ


Higher Education Authority (HEA) (An tÚdarás Um Ard-Oideachas)
Head: Dr Don Thornhill, Chairman
Administrative officer: John L. Hayden, Secretary/Chief Executive
Marine House, Third Floor, Clanwilliam CourtDublin 2Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 661-2748
Fax: +353(1) 661-0492
EMail: info@hea.ie
WWW: http://www.hea.ie

Role of governing body: Responsible for the founding of universities and tertiary level institutions and their development to meet the needs of the community.

Conference of Heads of Irish Universities (CHIU)
Head: Michael McGrath, Director
Administrative officer: Dr A. Cosgrove, Chairman
10 Lower Mount StreetDublin 2Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 676-4948
Fax: +353(1) 661-2815
EMail: chiu-info@chiu.ie
WWW: http://www.chiu.ie


The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (Comhairle na nDamhachaini Ardoisdeachas agus Oiliunaí)
Head: Seamus Puirseil, Director (Acting)
26 Mountjoy SquareDublin 1Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 855-6526
Fax: +353(1) 855-4250
EMail: info@hetac.ie
WWW: http://www.hetac.ie

Role of governing body: Responsible for the coordination, development and promotion of technical, industrial, scientific, technological and commercial education and education in art and design outside the universities.


ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to non university higher education studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)
Minimum score/requirement: Grade C3 in 2 Higher (or Common) Level papers, together with Grade D3 in 4 other subjects of the Leaving Certificate. Examinations include a language and often Mathematics.
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)
For entry to: All higher education institutions.
Numerus clausus/restrictions: Places are allocated in order of merit depending on the Leaving Certificate grades, on the basis of points score.
Other admission requirements: Applicants for postgraduate courses must make direct applications to the college of their choice.
Foreign students admission
Admission requirements: Foreign students must have, as a minimum, qualifications equivalent to GCE with at least 2 subjects at Advanced level with high grades (at least Grade C) plus 4 other subjects at Ordinary level.
Entry regulations: Entry and residence regulations in Ireland vary according to the person's country of origin. Students who are nationals of another EU Member State and who enter the Republic from any place (other than the UK) must present themselves to the Immigration Officer at the port or airport of entry with the following documents: valid passport; evidence of acceptance as a student at a college or higher education institution; evidence of the ability to meet their needs for the period of study.
Health requirements: Health visa required
Application procedures:
Apply to national body for entry to: Undergraduate degree or Diploma courses at all university colleges and colleges.
Apply to:
Central Applications Office
Tower House, Eglinton StreetGalwayIreland
EMail: help@cao.ie
WWW: http://www.cao.ie

Application closing dates:
For university level studies: 1 Feb
For advanced/doctoral studies: 1 Feb
Recognition of studies & qualifications:
Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The Higher Education and Training Awards Council validates courses in non-university higher education institutions and grants and confers awards on those who successfully take approved courses.
Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):
NARIC, Higher Education Authority
Head: Mary Donoghue
Marine House, Third Floor Clanwilliam CourtDublin 2Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 661-2748
Fax: +353(1) 661-0492
EMail: info@hea.ie
WWW: http://www.hea.ie

Services provided & students dealt with: The Centre acts as an information point supplying general information to foreign students. It is the contact point for the EU Directive 89/48/EEC.

References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: A Guide for Overseas Students
Author: Irish Council for Overseas Students
Title: NCEA Directory of Approved courses in Higher Education
Author: NCEA, Dublin

STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
Department of Education and Science
Marlborough Str.Dublin 1Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 873-4700
Fax: +353(1) 872-9553
WWW: http://www.irlgov.ie/educ

Category of services provided: Special services/Centre for foreign students

Irish Council for Overseas Students
41 Morehampton RoadDublin 4Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 660-5233
Fax: +353(1) 668-2320
EMail: office@icosirl.ie
WWW: http://www.icosirl.ie

Category of services provided: Academic and career counselling services; Special services/Centre for foreign students

National student associations and unions
Union of Students in Ireland
Gratten StreetDublin 2Ireland
Tel: +353(1)602-1600
WWW: http://www.usi.ie

Union of Students in Ireland Travel (USIT)
19 Aston QuayDublin 2Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 778-117
WWW: http://www.usit.ie

Health/social provisions
Social security for home students: Yes
Cost/fee (per year): 0 (Euro)
Foreign student social security provisions: A student from an EC country who is covered by social insurance in his home country may have full eligibility under the Irish General Medical Services. Free hospital care is available to all students within the provision laid down by the Irish Department of Health.
Special student travel fares:
By road: Yes
By rail: Yes
By air: Yes
Available to foreign students: Yes
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Average living costs: 7480 (Euro)
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Euro)
Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 7600 (Euro)
Maximum: 17900 (Euro)
Bodies providing information on student financial aid:
Department of Education and Science
Student Support UnitTuallamore, Co. OffalyIreland
Tel: +353(56) 21363

Deals with: Grants
Category of students: Students from other EU countries.
Irish Council for Overseas Students
41 Morehampton RoadDublin 4Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 660-5233
Fax: +353(1) 668-2320
EMail: office@icosirl.ie
WWW: http://www.icosirl.ie

Category of students: Students from Africa and Asia mostly.
National Agency (SOCRATES/ERASMUS), Higher Education Authority
Third Floor, Marine House, Clanwilliam CourtDublin 2Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 661-2748

Deals with: Grants
Category of students: Nationals students.
Publications on student services and financial aid:
Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001
Publisher: UNESCO/IBE
Year of publication: 1999

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
International Section, Department of Education and Science
Marlborough StreetDublin 1Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 873-4700
Fax: +353(1) 679-1315

Irish Council for Overseas Students
41, Morehampton Rd.Dublin 4Ireland
Tel: +353(1) 610-5233


GRADING SYSTEM
Usual grading system in secondary school
Full Description: A1-A2: 85-100%; B1 to B3: 70-84%; C1 to C3: 55-69%; D1 to D3: 40-54%; E: 25-39; F:10-24; No grade: 0-9%.
Highest on scale: A
Lowest on scale: F
Main grading system used by higher education institutions
Full Description: A: excellent/outstanding; B: above average; C: average; D: below average; E: failing.
Highest on scale: A
Pass/fail level: D/E
Lowest on scale: F

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM


Data for academic year: 2001-2002
Source: Higher Education Authority (HEA), Dublin, 2002