Most in-demand courses in Ireland for international students

Most in-demand courses in Ireland for international students

By Piyush Kumar

Ireland stands out as an emerging destination when it comes to higher education for international students. It not only offers a rich academic experience but also promises an unforgettable cultural journey. According to the Embassy of Ireland, in 2022, more than 6,000 Indian students chose Ireland as their study-abroad destination at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Besides the world-class university experience, Ireland also offers excellent opportunities for IT professionals. Known as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Europe, Ireland has garnered massive interest in Computer Science and Information Technology courses. A significant influx of students comes from India, China, and Malaysia. Also, Ireland offers an excellent opportunity for post-study career options.

In the first seven months of 2023, Ireland granted 6,868 employment permits to Indian nationals across diverse fields such as healthcare, communications, and finance. Additionally, recent adjustments made by the Irish government to the Atypical Working Scheme, including salary threshold modifications and reduced waiting periods, have bolstered Ireland’s status as a preferred destination for both education and employment.

Here are some of the courses that have garnered widespread recognition and appeal.

Information Technology/Computer Science

Ireland has world-renowned IT colleges and universities offering a comprehensive education in computer science. After completing a computer science program in Ireland, graduates can pursue roles such as Software Developer, Database Administrator, Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer System Analyst, Web Developer, Information Security Analyst, and IT Project Manager.

Engineering

Ireland’s seven most well-known universities are among the world’s top 500 engineering and technology institutes. The presence of major IT and corporate giants like Apple Ireland, Microsoft, SAP, and Oracle in the country ensures that engineering students receive valuable industrial training from some of the world’s best industries.

Finance

Studying finance in Ireland has gained popularity due to its high employability in accountancy, investment banking, commercial banking, funds administration, financial technology (FinTech), taxation, audit, forensic accounting, investment banking, tax advisory, and more. Top finance graduates find placements in major multinational corporations and big four accounting firms like Ernst & Young and Deloitte. Students can pursue degrees such as MSc in Finance, MSc in Accounting, MA in Accounting, or professional qualifications like ACA, ACCA, CPA, or CIMA.

Data Science/Big Data

Ireland is renowned as a destination for pursuing degrees in data science, with ample opportunities in this field. Data experts can explore various career paths, including roles as statisticians, data science analysts, data analytics consultants, big data engineers, database administrators, and big data architects. Some prominent companies like Intel, Cisco, Apple, Bank of America, IBM, Accenture, and others actively hire data science graduates.

Cybersecurity

Ireland experiences a substantial need for cybersecurity experts as companies seek to safeguard their extensive databases. Upon completing this course, graduates can explore various career paths, including roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Security Incident Manager, IT Security Consultant, Cybersecurity Support Engineer, Security Systems Administrator, IT Security Engineer, Penetration Tester, Compliance and Auditing Specialist, Forensics Analyst, and Chief Information Security Officer, among others.

Ireland’s exceptional education system, numerous career opportunities, strong support networks, and a hospitable environment render it the premier choice for those pursuing higher education. It is an excellent country for students searching for academic distinction and a stable way of life.

(Author is Regional Director- South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education)