About Ireland:

Ireland has a long and strong tradition of education and is historically known as the "Island of Saints and Scholars". This has led to education always being highly valued and a focus for funding and development. It has also been a major factor in Ireland's economic success in recent years. Among other things, Ireland was named "Best Place in the World to Live" by the Economist in.

International students are welcome to study at any third level institution. There are nine universities in Ireland - 2 in Northern Ireland and 7 in the Republic. These universities offer bachelor, master and doctorate programs in addition to a wide range of research. All education at the institutes is validated by Ireland's national certification authority to ensure that the education provided holds the highest international standard. Many institutes of technology hold postgraduate diploma and degree programs, both taught and research based.

Students holding a valid immigration stamp 2 permission will be permitted to work 40 hours per week only during the months of June, July, August and September and from 15th December to 15th January inclusive. At all other times students holding Immigration permission Stamp 2 will be limited to working 20 hours per week.