Types of Higher Education Institutions 

1 : University

Description:A university is an institution which offers higher education programmes leading to qualifications which are recognised through the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This includes technological universities.


2 : Institute of Technology

Description:The Institutes of Technology (IoT) are designated under State legislation. They provide programmes leading to awards at NFQ Levels 6 - 10. The Institutes of Technology are designated awarding bodies with powers to make their own awards at specified levels of the NFQ.


3 : Other Higher Education Institution

Description:Providers of higher education and training, other than the Universities and Institute of Technology, offering programmes leading to awards in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

top Pre-Higher Education System

Age of 

entry:4

exit:16

Structure of School System 

Primary : Primary School

Length of program:8

Age level from:4

Age level to:12


Junior Secondary : Junior Secondary School

Length of program:3

Age level from:12

Age level to:15

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Junior Certificate (Teastas Sóisearach)


Senior Secondary : Senior Secondary School

Length of program:2

Age level from:15

Age level to:17

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Leaving Certificate (Ardteistiméireacht)


Vocational : Vocational Education and Training

Age level from:16

Age level to:18

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Further Education and Training Certificate (Level 1 - 6 Certificate)

Description of School System 

Primary schools operate an eight‐year programme, consisting of two initial years (Junior and Senior Infants), followed by classes 1‐6.

Post‐primary education consists of a three‐year junior cycle followed by a two or three‐year senior cycle. In the senior cycle there is an optional one‐year Transition Year after which the learner can take one of three Leaving Certificate programmes of two years duration: the Leaving Certificate (established), the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied. A majority of learners complete the Leaving Certificate (established) programme.

Performance in the Leaving Certificate examination is the main basis on which places in universities, institutes of technology and other further and higher education colleges are allocated. Vocational/further education and training awards such as the Level 5 Certificate and Advanced Certificate are also deemed to meet the minimum entry requirements for a range of higher education institutions/programmes.

top Higher Education System

Structure 

The higher education and training sector in Ireland comprises a range of higher education institutions – universities, institutes of technology, colleges of education and other recognised institutions, including private colleges.

Laws/Decrees 

Technological Universities Act (2018)

Description:The Technological Universities Act 2018 provides for the establishment of technological universities.


Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act (2012)


Universities Act (1997)

Description:Universities

Languages of Instruction 

Irish, English

Stages of Higher Education 

University level first stage : Bachelor's degree

Description: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 an Ordinary degree (3 years in duration), an Honours degree (3-4 years in duration). In Veterinary Medicine, Architecture and Dentistry, studies last for five years. Medicine takes six years.


University level second stage : Master's degree/ Postgraduate diploma

Description: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 a Master's degree.


University level third stage : Doctorate

Description:A further three to four years of study after the Master's degree is normally required for the PhD degree.


University level fourth stage : Higher Doctorate

Description: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.

top Bodies

Governing bodies and other organizations / associations 

An Roinn Oideachais

Role:The Department of Education is a department of the Irish state with responsibility for education and training. The mission of the Department is to enable learners to achieve their full potential and contribute to Ireland's economic, social and cultural development.

Street:Marlborough Street

City:Dublin

PostCode:D01 RC96

Tel:+353(1) 889 6400

Fax:+353(1) 872 9553

www:http://www.education.ie

Contacts:Norma Foley (Head), Job title : Minister


An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta

Role:Responsible for policy, funding and governance of the higher and further education and research sectors.

Street:Marlborough Street

City:Dublin 1

PostCode:D01 RC96

Tel:+353(1) 889 6400

www:https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-higher-education-innovation-and-science/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/dfheris

Contacts:Simon Harris (Head), Job title : Minister


An tÚdarás Um Ard-Oideachas

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

Street:3 Shelbourne Buildings, Crampton Avenue Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge

City:Dublin

PostCode:DO4 C2Y6

Tel:+353(1) 231 7100

Fax:+353(1) 231 7172

www:http://www.hea.ie

Contacts:- Michael Horgan (Head), Job title : Chair
- Alan Wall (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Chief Executive Officer


Dearbhú Cáilíochta agus Cáilíochtaí Éireann

Role:Established as a new integrated agency, replacing the Further Education and Training Awards Council, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and incorporating the functions of the Irish Universities Quality Board, QQI is responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training (including English language provision) and validates programmes and makes awards for certain providers in these sectors. QQI is also responsible for the maintenance, development and review of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Street:26/27 Denzille Lane

City:Dublin

PostCode:D02 P266

Tel:+353(1) 905 8100

www:http://www.qqi.ie

Contacts:Padraig Walsh (Head), Job title : Chief Executive


An Chomairle um Thaighde Eirinn

Role:The Council is mandated to fund excellent research within, and between, all disciplines, and in doing so to enhance Ireland’s international reputation as a centre for research and learning; support the education and skills development of excellent individual early stage researchers and cultivate agile independent researchers and thinkers, whilst offering a range of opportunities which support diverse career paths; enrich the pool of knowledge and expertise available for addressing Ireland’s current and future challenges, whether societal, cultural or economic and deliver for citizens through collaboration and enabling knowledge exchange with government departments and agencies, enterprise and civic society; provide policy advice on postgraduate education and on more general research matters to the HEA and other national and international bodies.

Street:3 Shelbourne Buildings, Crampton Avenue Ballsbridge

City:Dublin

PostCode:DO4 C2Y6

Tel:+353(1) 231 5000

Fax:+353(1) 231 5009

www:http://www.research.ie

Contacts:- Daniel Carey (Head), Job title : Interim Chair
- Louise Callinan (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Director


Irish Universities Association

Role:Representative body for Ireland’s universities, it develops strategy and policy to advance third and fourth level education and research in order to maximise universities’ contribution to Ireland’s social, cultural and economic well-being.

Street:48 Merrion Square

City:Dublin

PostCode:D02 PK02

Tel:+353(1) 676 4948

Fax:+353(1) 662 2815

www:http://www.iua.ie

Contacts:- Mark Rogers (Head), Job title : President
- Jim Miley (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Director General


Technological Higher Education Association - THEA

Role:Representative body for Institutes of Technology in Ireland.

Street:First Floor, Fumbally Square Fumbally Lane

City:Dublin

PostCode:D08 XYA5

Tel:+353(1) 708 2900

www:http://www.thea.ie

Contacts:- Joseph Ryan (Head), Job title : Chief Executive
- Miriam Ryan (International Relations Officer), Job title : Head of International Relations

Bodies Responsible for Recognition 

Dearbhú Cáilíochta agus Cáilíochtaí Éireann

Role:Responsible for recognition and equivalence of overseas diplomas.

Recognition for institution:no

Recognition for profession:no

Street:26/27 Denzille Lane

City:Dublin

PostCode:D02 P266

Tel:+353(1) 905 8100

www:http://www.qqi.ie

Student Associations 

Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn

Street:14 Mount Street Upper

City:Dublin 2

PostCode:D02 EY24

Tel:+353(1) 709 9300

www:http://www.usi.ie

Contacts:Clare Austick (Head), Job title : President

Bodies Responsible for Financial Aid 

An tÚdarás Um Ard-Oideachas

Grants:no

Loans:no

Street:3 Shelbourne Buildings, Crampton Avenue Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge

City:Dublin

PostCode:DO4 C2Y6

Tel:+353(1) 231 7100

Fax:+353(1) 231 7172

www:http://www.hea.ie


An Roinn Oideachais

Grants:no

Loans:no

Street:Marlborough Street

City:Dublin

PostCode:D01 RC96

Tel:+353(1) 889 6400

Fax:+353(1) 872 9553

www:http://www.education.ie


Irish Council for Overseas Students - ICOS

Role:ICOS’ mission is to protect the rights of international students, and to contribute to a healthy and vibrant international education sector in Ireland which has the quality of the student experience at its centre.

Grants:yes

Loans:no

Street:41 Morehampton Road

City:Dublin

PostCode:D04 AE28

Tel:+353(1) 660 5233

Fax:+353(1) 668 2320

www:http://www.icosirl.ie

Bodies Responsible for International Cooperation 

International Services, Department of Education and Skills

Street:Marlborough Street

City:Dublin

PostCode:D01 RC96

www:http://www.education.ie/en/The-Education-System/International/

top Admission to Higher Education

Secondary School Credentials Required for Non-University Level Admission 

Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)

Secondary School Credentials Required for University Level Admission 

Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)

Requirement for:All higher education institutions.

Numerus Clausus 

Places are allocated in order of merit depending on the Leaving Certificate grades, on the basis of points score.

Foreign Students Admission 

Definition:Entry criteria and decisions for the purposes of accessing education are made by each higher education institutions.

Application to Central Body:Yes

top Recognition of Studies

System of Recognition 

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is a state agency with responsibility for qualifications and quality assurance of further and higher education and training (post secondary school) in Ireland. QQI is responsible for the maintenance of the 10 level framework of qualifications which includes all publicly awarded qualifications such as school, further and higher education and training qualifications. QQI is also an awarding body in its own right.

NARIC Ireland, the national contact point for advice on qualifications recognition, based at Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), provides advice on the academic recognition of foreign qualifications. Further, the service offers information on the Irish qualifications and education systems. See: www.naric.ie for further information. The service is part of an international network known as ENIC-NARIC (European Network of Information Centres / National Academic Recognition Information Centres). This Network shares information on qualifications and education systems around the world as a way of aiding academic recognition and mobility. Further information and contact details for each centre are available at www.enic-naric.net. Recognition decisions for the purposes of access to further and higher education are made by the education institutions.

Multilateral Agreements 

Any agreements in place are detailed on individual country pages on the Recognition Advice Database on QQI.ie, see here: http://qsearch.qqi.ie/WebPart/Search?searchtype=recognitions

Other Info Sources 

Information on programmes and awards recognised in the Irish framework of qualifications can be found in the Irish Register of Qualifications www.irq.ie

top Student Life

Social Security/Health Insurance for Home Students 

Is there social security:Yes

Cost/fee (per year):0 Euro

Special Travel Concessions 

By Road:Yes

By Rail:Yes

By Air:Yes

Available to Foreign Students:Yes

Student Expenses and Aid 

National Students - Min Tuition Fees:0 Euro

Publications Listing Financial Aid 

See: www.studentfinance.ie for information.

Year of publication:0

top Credentials

 

Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)

Description:The Leaving Certificate and its various programmes is placed at Levels 4 and 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). It is the final course in the Irish secondary school system. It takes a minimum of two years preparation, but an optional Transition Year means that for some- students it takes place three years after the Junior Certificate Examination. This award may lead to progression to a programme leading to a further education and training award at Level 5 or at a higher level or to a higher education and training award at Level 6 or higher.


Level 5 Certificate

Description:Level 5 on the A Level 5 Certificate enables learners to develop a broad range of skills, which are vocational specific and require a general understanding of the subject matter. The majority of certificate/module holders at Level 5 take up positions of employment. Holders of certificates at this level also meet the minimum entry requirements for a range of higher education programmes.


Advanced Certificate

Description:Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). An advanced certificate award enables learners to develop a comprehensive range of skills, which may be vocational specific and/or of a general supervisory nature, and require detailed theoretical understanding. Modules include advanced vocational/occupational skills, enabling certificate holders to work independently.

Credential required for entry:Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)


Higher Certificate

Description:Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The Higher Certificate is normally awarded after completion of a programme of two years duration in a recognised higher education institution. A Certificate holder at this level may transfer to a programme on the next level of the framework.

Credential required for entry:Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)
Advanced Certificate


Ordinary Bachelor Degree

Description:Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The Ordinary Bachelor Degree is normally awarded after completion of a programme of three years duration in a recognised higher education institution. Progression routes include an Honours Bachelor Degree or progression to a Higher Diploma.

Credential required for entry:Leaving Certificate (Ardteistmeireacht)
Advanced Certificate
Higher Certificate


Honours Bachelor Degree

Description:Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The Honours Bachelor Degree is normally awarded following completion of a programme of three to four years duration in a recognised higher education institution. Progress and transfer routes include transferring to programmes leading to Higher Diploma / Masters Degree / Post-graduate Diploma or in some cases programmes leading to a Doctoral Degree.


Higher Diploma

Description:Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). he Higher Diploma is normally awarded following completion of a programme of 1 year duration in a recognised higher education institution. Entry to a programme leading to a Higher Diploma is typically for holders of Honours Bachelor Degrees but can also be for holders of Ordinary Bachelor Degrees. Progress and transfer routes include transferring to programmes leading to Higher Diploma/Masters Degree/Post-graduate Diploma or in some cases programmes leading to a Doctoral Degree.

Credential required for entry:Ordinary Bachelor Degree
Honours Bachelor Degree


Masters Degree

Description:Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). There are two types of Masters Degree in Ireland: taught Masters Degrees and research Masters Degrees. The taught Masters Degree is awarded following completion of a programme of 1 to 2 years duration. Entry to a programme leading to a Masters Degree is typically for holders of Honours Bachelor Degrees, however in some cases entry to such programmes can be permitted for those with Ordinary Bachelor Degrees. Some of the progression and transfer routes include progression to programmes leading to Doctoral Degrees or to another Masters Degree or to a Post-graduate Diploma.

Credential required for entry:Honours Bachelor Degree
Higher Diploma
Post-graduate Diploma


Post-graduate Diploma

Description:Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The Post-graduate Diploma is normally awarded following completion of a programme of 1 year duration in a recognised higher education institution. Entry to a programme leading to a Post-graduate diploma is typically for holders of Honours Bachelor Degrees but can also be for holders of Ordinary Bachelor Degrees. Progression and transfer routes include exemptions from a programme leading to a Masters Degree

Credential required for entry:Ordinary Bachelor Degree
Honours Bachelor Degree
Higher Diploma


Doctoral Degree

Description:Level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Entry to a programme leading to a Doctoral Degree is typically for holders of Honours Bachelor Degrees. The general model is that a holder of an Honours Bachelor degree with a high classification enters initially on to a Masters research programme, and transfers on to a Doctoral programme after one year on the Masters research programme. Various models for Doctoral Degree programmes now exist, ranging from the traditional research doctorate to professional and practitioner doctoral programmes which have substantial taught components

Credential required for entry:Honours Bachelor Degree
Masters Degree


Higher Doctorate

Description:Higher Doctorate

top Data Provided by

AcademicYear 

From:2020

To:2021

Source 

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), Dublin, October 2021.

Updated on 19-10-2021