Higher Education
Universities, Technological Institutions, Colleges of Education, and Private Independent colleges, are the components of Higher Education in Ireland. Entry requirements for overseas students are determined individually by each institution and generally performance in national examination and English language aptitude, are the important criteria in this regard.

Most higher education colleges also conduct foundation programmes for international students. Once you have successfully completed one of these programmes, you may directly go for an award programme within the institution. Such award programme is often recognized by other institutions for entry to their programmes. Most universities run a semesterised system. The academic year typically runs from September to June and is divided into either two or three semesters with holidays in December (Christmas) and April (Easter).

Universities in Ireland
University of Dublin (Trinity College, TCD) (Estd. 1592)
National University of Ireland (NUI)
University of Limerick (Estd. 1989)
Dublin City University (Estd. 1989)
Queens University of Belfast
University of Ulster

Constituent universities of National University of Ireland (NUI):
University College Dublin National University of Ireland, Dublin (UCD)
University College Cork National University of Ireland, Cork (UCC)
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI-Galway);
National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUI- Maynooth).

Programmes offered by Universities: Degrees at Bachelors level (for which teaching is done through lectures followed by tutorials, practical and laboratory work where necessary), Masters level (teaching is research based. However, taught masters programmes covering course work and research also form part of the teaching methodology) and Doctorate levels. Degrees are awarded by the respective universities. Department of Education and Science ensures quality of education through its agencies. In addition, undergraduate and postgraduate diploma courses covering multiple disciplines as well as Continuing and Distance education programmes are also offered.