Irish University System Presented on Eve of Student Fair

On Wednesday 23 October 2024, the Irish Ambassador to Luxembourg, Jean McDonald, hosted a reception at her residence for a group of students in Luxembourg who are considering studying in Ireland.

In her welcome address, Ambassador McDonald explained that one of her priorities for her second year of her term in Luxembourg is education, and that this event was aimed at providing information to those who are thinking about third-level options in Ireland.

To an audience of around 25 students aged 16-18 years old from various secondary schools in the Grand Duchy, John Byrne, Deputy Head of Mission at the Irish Embassy in Luxembourg, led a presentation entitled “Third-Level Education in Ireland”.

Ireland has eight universities and five Technological Universities, as well as various institutes of technology and colleges of education; most undergraduate degrees are three or four years in duration and range from social sciences, humanities, science, psychology, law, medicine, etc., with the universities and colleges having active student sports clubs and societies - he recalled that he dud debating, karate and rock climbing.

He summarised the application process which is coordinated through the Central Applications Office (CAO), meaning that one needs just to apply once, centrally, with up to ten options available. He also addressed a grade conversion scale allowing students with results from other exam systems (than Ireland’s Leaving Certificate) to apply. CAO opens applications in November; while most courses do not have fees, most colleges charge a student contribution (to cover student services and examinations) up to €3,000 (in 2023). Many universities have student accommodation but many students rent in the private market.

Two former students then presented testimonials of studying in Ireland.

Grainne, from Monaghan, studied in Queens University in Belfast, and did an Erasmus year in France. She now works as a translator for the European Institutions on Luxembourg. She played Gaelic football and basketball, as well as joining both Irish and French societies. She lived in Belfast in university student accommodation which she recommended; in her second and third years she lived in private accommodation with friends. She also mentioned that she did a Masters in Galway.

Shane, from Limerick, studied a Bachelor of Business at the University of Limerick. He currently works at the Maples Group in Luxembourg. He lived at home and played table-tennis and badminton.

John Byrne explained that most universities and colleges in Ireland have Open Days which can be helpful for finding out more. He opened the meeting to the floor and answered a number of questions from those attending.

The event was held in advance of the two-day Student Fair (Studentefoire) being held at the Belval campus of the University of Luxembourg on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October. Two hundred exhibitors from seventeen countries are expected to be present on-site, with some online, including third-level universities. From Ireland, these include Trinity College Dublin.