LOOKING TO STUDY IN IRELAND?
Ireland is the perfect study destination for anyone looking for a world-class education as well as many activities to keep you entertained after weeks. The Kader Asmal Network acts as ambassadors to Ireland and has compiled our top ten reasons you should consider Ireland as your study abroad destination. This list is by no means exhaustive but just gives you a look into some of the things you can expect when you arrive in Ireland.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY IN IRELAND
1. High quality education
Ireland is a renowned study destination with world class universities, a myriad of study options and globally recognised qualifications. It is home to eight universities in the QS World University Ranking. These universities are: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, National University of Ireland Galway, University College Cork, Dublin City University, University of Limerick, Maynooth University and Technological University of Dublin. Attendance at these universities can be funded through the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme.
2. Career opportunities
Some of the biggest multinationals in the world have their European headquarters in Ireland including Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Airbnb and PayPal—just to name a few. This opens up career opportunities for graduates with Irish degrees. Most universities offer internships, which are a great way to gain invaluable work experience while studying.
3. Post-study work opportunities
Ireland is the only English-speaking country in Europe that offers work visas to international graduates, making it an attractive study destination. International students have the opportunity to apply for the Stamp 1G visa which is granted for 12 months for those who have completed a master’s degree programme.
4. Irish culture
The Irish are some of the most hospitable people in the world and are great ambassadors for their country. Visitors will get to experience St Patrick’s Day held on 17 March celebrating the patron Saint. This day is marked with street parades, pub crawls, lots of green and traditional Irish music.
5. Travel location
Ireland has some of the most breathtaking landscapes with its plush green terrain. The Cobh port located in Cork was the last port of sail of the Titanic before it sank. The Cliffs of Moher were featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Skellig Michael in County Kerry was also featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
6. Safety
Ireland has been consistently listed among the safest countries in the world, ranking 8th in the Global Peace Index 2021. The Gardi (Irish Police Force) is a primarily unarmed force for this reason.
7. Personal development
Studying abroad accelerates personal growth. You learn independence, gain valuable life experience, meet diverse people from around the world and learn to adapt to new situations and challenges. You will also learn to manage your finances, cook for yourself and be self reliant. You will forever cherish these experiences as you enter different phases of your life.
8. Visa-free travel from South Africa
South Africans do not need to apply for a visa prior to entering Ireland. This makes it an ideal and convenient travel destination. Ireland has always shown great support to South Africa, even during apartheid.
9. Festivals and cultural activities
Ireland has a host of activities scheduled throughout the year that will keep you busy. The Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade is one of the biggest events, with traditional Irish music, dance and more than enough beer and whiskey to keep your thirst quenched.
10. City life and pubs
An Irish study abroad experience would not be complete without mentioning the pubs and other exciting city experiences. Most cities are filled with pubs. Tigh Neachtain in Galway offers good Guinness and over 100 whiskeys. The Stag’s Head pub in Dublin is a landmark with an interior characterized by the typically urban Irish Victorian pub interior. Another notable mention is the much loved Temple Bar in Dublin.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY IN IRELAND
1. High quality education
Ireland is a renowned study destination with world class universities, a myriad of study options and globally recognised qualifications. It is home to eight universities in the QS World University Ranking. These universities are: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, National University of Ireland Galway, University College Cork, Dublin City University, University of Limerick, Maynooth University and Technological University of Dublin. Attendance at these universities can be funded through the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme.
2. Career opportunities
Some of the biggest multinationals in the world have their European headquarters in Ireland including Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Airbnb and PayPal—just to name a few. This opens up career opportunities for graduates with Irish degrees. Most universities offer internships, which are a great way to gain invaluable work experience while studying.
3. Post-study work opportunities
Ireland is the only English-speaking country in Europe that offers work visas to international graduates, making it an attractive study destination. International students have the opportunity to apply for the Stamp 1G visa which is granted for 12 months for those who have completed a master’s degree programme.
4. Irish culture
The Irish are some of the most hospitable people in the world and are great ambassadors for their country. Visitors will get to experience St Patrick’s Day held on 17 March celebrating the patron Saint. This day is marked with street parades, pub crawls, lots of green and traditional Irish music.
5. Travel location
Ireland has some of the most breathtaking landscapes with its plush green terrain. The Cobh port located in Cork was the last port of sail of the Titanic before it sank. The Cliffs of Moher were featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Skellig Michael in County Kerry was also featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
6. Safety
Ireland has been consistently listed among the safest countries in the world, ranking 8th in the Global Peace Index 2021. The Gardi (Irish Police Force) is a primarily unarmed force for this reason.
7. Personal development
Studying abroad accelerates personal growth. You learn independence, gain valuable life experience, meet diverse people from around the world and learn to adapt to new situations and challenges. You will also learn to manage your finances, cook for yourself and be self reliant. You will forever cherish these experiences as you enter different phases of your life.
8. Visa-free travel from South Africa
South Africans do not need to apply for a visa prior to entering Ireland. This makes it an ideal and convenient travel destination. Ireland has always shown great support to South Africa, even during apartheid.
9. Festivals and cultural activities
Ireland has a host of activities scheduled throughout the year that will keep you busy. The Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade is one of the biggest events, with traditional Irish music, dance and more than enough beer and whiskey to keep your thirst quenched.
10. City life and pubs
An Irish study abroad experience would not be complete without mentioning the pubs and other exciting city experiences. Most cities are filled with pubs. Tigh Neachtain in Galway offers good Guinness and over 100 whiskeys. The Stag’s Head pub in Dublin is a landmark with an interior characterized by the typically urban Irish Victorian pub interior. Another notable mention is the much loved Temple Bar in Dublin.
FUNDING YOUR STUDIES IN IRELAND
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme (KAFP) is part of Ireland’s programme of development cooperation in South Africa and was launched in 2013. It is a fully-funded scholarship opportunity offered to South African students to study at Master’s level in Ireland’s world-renowned Higher Education Institutions.
The scholarship is named in honour of Kader Asmal to recognise his contribution to human rights in South Africa and Ireland as well as celebrate the long history and close ties between the two countries. This scholarship is the flagship programme of the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa and is part of the broader Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme offered by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs.
The KAFP is targeted at early career professionals in South Africa, with leadership potential. The scholarship has a focus on supporting fellows who want to pursue careers in human rights as a means to honour Kader Asmal who led the South African anti-apartheid movement in Britain and Ireland. It also broadly supports leadership for the Sustainable Development Goals, the development of women’s leadership capacity, and women’s participation in STEM. Upon completion of their studies, Fellows return to South Africa and join the Kader Asmal Alumni network.
For more information about the fellowship, please contact Elias Ledwaba elias.ledwaba@dfa.ie
HELPFUL TIPS AND TRICKS FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Previous fellows have compiled all their tips and explanation of the process through the helpful Youtube videos below:
HELPFUL TIPS AND TRICKS FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Previous fellows have compiled all their tips and explanation of the process through the helpful Youtube videos below:
ALUMNI SHARE THEIR STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE IN IRELAND
Aisha Hamdulay is 2019/20 Kader Asmal Fellow who completed her MSc at the University College Dublin in the Humanitarian Action, Conflict and Development program.
“The Kader Asmal Fellowship was an invaluable experience in terms of personal, professional and academic growth. I felt a connection with Ireland because of the similarities with our histories, and Ireland’s support in ending Apartheid. If I can share a message with aspiring fellows and students, it is that you are your own greatest enemy as well as greatest motivator. Focus on motivating yourself. And as gloomy as things may look in our country at times, remember what we have to celebrate about it as well.”
Kelesto Malepe is 2019/20 Kader Asmal Fellow who completed her Master’s Degree in Environmental Resource Management at University College Dublin in Ireland.
“Moving to Ireland was of great benefit, personally, academically and professionally. I was presented with a great platform to network with like-minded individuals within my industry and my academic stream. My fondest memory of my stay in Ireland is the random road trips with friends, traveling around and seeing the beautiful Irish Landscapes and rich culture.”
Glorence Makharinge is a 2017/2018 Kader Asmal Fellow who completed her masters in Business Administration (Project Management) at the Dublin Business School.
“When I completed my masters I secured a job offer in Ireland and currently work as a Civil Engineer for residential and commercial developments in Dublin. The fellowship afforded me an opportunity to live and work in Ireland and I am forever grateful for that.”