Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Degree Courses in Ireland

All set to enroll yourself for a postgraduate degree program in Ireland? WEN helps you with the detailed information about the whole admission process and requirements for pursuing postgraduate degree courses in Ireland.

Whether a EU or a non-EU postgraduate applicant, applying to study in Ireland is not that an easy process. One needs to directly apply to the international office for the preferred higher education institution. However, some higher education institutes even ask a student to apply through the Postgraduate Application Centre. The admission process for colleges and universities vary, and one needs to consult the individual colleges’ website for the proper guidance regarding current admission process.

Applying for Post Graduate Courses

The candidates need to directly apply to the Universities for all post graduate courses in Ireland (except teachers' training).

The application process
Postgraduate courses in Ireland can be directly applied to the university, with an exception on the teachers' training courses. The timings and the method for courses differs a lot from institution to institution. The applications must include:

Application form
The application form can be in PDF format or hard copy from the respective university's website. The candidates are required to also give a brief about the employment history, extra-curricular activities and academic history. They should also write a supporting statement, explaining in details about why they want to pursue the course and how are eligible for it.

Transcript of results
The candidates must also submit an official transcript from their undergraduate college they have attended.

Interview
Some potential candidates are also interviewed for post graduate courses which is a part of the selection process.

Application do’s and don’ts

One of the most important things to remember during your admission process is ‘Never to leave it to the last minute’!

This might sound very obvious for many but one should take enough time to draft the application form and to give time to think about the answers and well phrasing them will be worth the effort. The applications should be submitted well in advance before the closing date. One should highlight the specific achievements that support the application. Focus on the point that you’re prepare for the postgraduate study by finely highlighting your research and analytical skills.

Prepare beforehand and also dress smartly, if called for an interview by any institutes. If you can talk passionately and articulately about the subject you want to pursue then definitely you are half-way there.

English Language Requirements:

The medium of instruction for all postgraduate courses in Ireland is English and those students who have applied for degree courses must be fluent in speaking, reading and writing the English language so that they can take active part in seminar, tutorials, discussions and also to sit for examinations.

If English is not the native language of the applicant or if he/she has not done their undergraduate education in English language, then he/she is required to clear another test before getting themselves registered for any other courses.

Find below the list of English test held for admission in Ireland

Exam	Required Level
PTE Academic	Minimum score of 63
ETAPP	Grade C1
ARELS oral examinations	Pass
Cambridge Advanced	Grade C
Cambridge Proficiency	Grade C
IELTS	Composite score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in any one component
TOEFL	220 (computer-based test) 550 (paper-based test)
University of Cambridge	Pass in Use of English Examination
GCE O-Level English Language	Grade C
GCSE English Language	Grade C
Irish Leaving Certificate in English	Ordinary level grade D

P.S. The scores are valid for only 2 years. For exclusive details see Standardized Tests

GAMSAT

Candidates who are interested to apply for medicine courses, must go for GAMSAT examination that is held specifically for students who wants to pursue medicine courses in various medical colleges in Ireland. GAMSAT is developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), that offers graduate-entry courses. All graduate in EU who wish to apply for the 4 Years Graduate Entry Medicine Programme (GEP) are required to take the GAMSAT.