Overview
If you are planning to study abroad and you are confused between the UK and Ireland for your study abroad destinations then get ready for a tough competition. Because both of these countries are ideal in terms of academic excellence, global professional growth, and a comfortable lifestyle. Both countries are home to the world’s best higher education institutes. There is going to be a very close comparison between the two based on your educational, professional, and lifestyle preferences.
Let’s make it a little easier for you to decide between the two and explore a few facts that can help you decide which one is a well-suited study-abroad destination for you!
Our UK vs Ireland study abroad comparison will give you a comprehensive overview to understand the main differences in both countries in terms of higher education prospects. Following are the main highlights for you:
UK vs Ireland Visa Rights
The UK left the European Union in 2020 and Brexit was huge news worldwide. On the other hand, Ireland is still part of the European Union.
-> So, what are your rights to travel in EU countries such as Germany, France, Spain, or any other EU country? Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area thus you will need to apply for a visa to travel to other EU countries despite the fact Ireland is part of the EU. The same is the case with the UK. You have to apply for an additional visa to visit a country in the EU or a non-EU country.
-> Both the UK and Ireland allow full-time international students to work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays.
UK vs Ireland Tuition Fees
Well, both countries charge approximately the same amount of tuition fees but that fee is comparatively lesser than in Australia and the USA. One thing to consider while comparing tuition fees is that it depends upon the type of program, university, and city.
-> Some programs charge lesser tuition fees such as arts and humanities, however, some programs such as medical, pharmacy, and engineering have higher tuition fees as they require labs, equipment, and additional facilities.
-> London in the UK and Dublin in Ireland are comparatively more expensive than other cities in the country. As these cities are the capital they are comparatively expensive in terms of tuition fees and living expenses.
-> Tuition fees can vary due to universities as well. Some universities such as Oxford and Cambridge are expensive although they are not in London.
-> The type of currency in the UK is the British Pound (£) and in Ireland is the Euro (€). To compare the tuition fees of both countries first you need to check the conversion rate of your local currency into pounds or euros. Generally, pounds have a slightly stronger value than the euro but that depends on the value of the currency at the time of submission.
-> The tuition fees of Irish universities are around 9.850-55.000€ per year while UK universities are £9.250-26.000 per year and for medicine, it can go up to £58.600 per year.
Living Cost in UK vs Ireland
We highly recommend you visit Expatistan (https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living) to compare the living costs in two cities. It provides you with a comparison of different cities by different products of thousands of prices entered by people.
-> Dublin seems a cheaper destination in comparison with the UK on the basis of living costs. But we recommend you go for the latest cost comparison between London and Dublin.
-> Many other internet sources suggest that both London and Dublin are similar in cost of living. It reports around £12.000 per year cost in UK capital and 8.000-12.000€ in Ireland capital.
-> However, Bristol in the UK is 25-30% less expensive than London and Galway is 20-30% less expensive than Dublin in Ireland. This suggests that both the UK and Ireland are not represented by London and Dublin only. So, we recommend you go for a cost comparison of other cities in the UK and Ireland as well.
Higher Education Institutes in the UK vs Ireland
Both the UK and Ireland are home to top-notch academic higher education institutes offering world-class education.
-> Ireland has the best Irish university; Trinity College Dublin which owns the world’s most famous libraries and University College Dublin with 108th and 185th ranking as per QS World University Ranking.
-> UK has 4 of its universities in the top 10 QS World University Ranking. But, the affordability comparison for these universities is yet to be done.
Accommodation in UK vs Ireland
University accommodation in Ireland and the UK is expensive compared to private accommodation. So, if you study abroad in Ireland then you will need 8000€ per year for accommodation at Trinity College Dublin and 11.000€ per year at University College Dublin. In the case of London, the rent goes up to £535, or £640.
In the case of private accommodation Ireland requires students to pay 427€ per month and nearly 28€ for utilities. Whereas the UK has £439 per month in accommodation expenses with utilities and bills included.
Recreational Activities in UK vs Ireland
The UK has a wider area and larger population and offers a wide range of fun activities in parks, exhibitions, concerts, restaurants, and other social events. But Ireland is also called ‘Emerald Island” and it provides beautiful natural sceneries if you are a fan of nature. You can travel between both countries as a student of the UK or Ireland and explore more whenever you want.
Finally!
Well, both the UK and Ireland are top study destinations for international students and that is evident in our UK vs Ireland study abroad comparison. No doubt studying in any of these countries is going to open many professional doors for international students, if you wish to pursue the UK or Ireland as your study abroad destination but are confused then reach out to us, AK Consultants will perform a thorough assessment of your academic and professional background and give you a comprehensive support and additional guidance to apply and process your application at the best suited study abroad destination for you!
FAQ’s
Ans. UK is home to the world’s best higher education universities whereas Ireland also owns some of the best universities in QS World University Ranking. Both countries offer world-class higher education with progressive career prospects.
Ans. The UK is not a part of the EU so you need a visa to travel to other EU countries. However, Ireland is a part of the EU but not in the Schengen area so you will need a visa to travel to other EU countries as well from Ireland.
