Australia Vs Ireland – Which is the Best for International Students?

Table of Contents-

1. The Education System: Ireland vs Australia for Masters/Graduation
2. Australia vs. Ireland: Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
3. Cost of living in Australia vs Ireland
4. Cost of study: Ireland vs Australia
5. Application and Visa Process
6. Top Courses in Australia vs. Ireland
7. Ireland vs Australia: Top Universities with Ranking
8. Australia vs Ireland: Accommodation expenses
9. Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing between Australia and Ireland for college can be tough!  Both countries have great universities, but there are some things to consider: Figuring out how education works in Ireland vs. Australia study abroad, checking out the top universities in each country each education system, and understanding the costs, accommodation options, and more.

We can help you compare these factors and make the best decision for you. Let’s begin!

The Education System: Ireland vs Australia for Masters/Graduation

Terms	Australia	Ireland
Education System:	Colleges in Ireland are famous for preserving their prestigious image associated with research and development. Smaller class sizes in Irish universities often mean that students get individualized help from the professors since the low number helps in learning.	Colleges in Ireland are famous for preserving their prestigious image associated with research and development. Smaller class sizes in Irish universities often mean that students get individualized help from the professors due to the fact that the low number helps in learning.
Universities:	Australia has 42 universities and the majority of them are really highly rated in the international rankings.	Ireland is home to 9 universities and 14 Institutes of Technology, each with its unique identity.
Specialties:	It is the near-perfect place for students who enjoy natural science, technology, and the study of humanities.	It’s a great destination for enthusiasts of literature, technology, pharmaceuticals, and history.
International Students:	Australia welcomes more than 700,000 international students on a yearly basis, with students from across the globe, making it one of the most attractive destinations for academic purposes.	With over 35,000 international students, Ireland’s academic landscape is enriched by diverse perspectives.

Comparison:

• Australia and Ireland provide excellent education systems. Australia’s comparative advantage is that it has more universities and diverse research prospects, thus allowing students to choose from a wider array of programs. 
• Yet Ireland has a greater number of programs. Australia has 1000+ programs, whereas Ireland has 2500+ programs. 

Australia vs. Ireland: Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

Requirement	Australia	Ireland
Academic Credentials	Minimum 60% in Class XII for Diploma  Minimum 65% and higher in Class XII for Bachelors  3-year Bachelor’s degree for Masters  May require a 4-year degree or honors degree in some cases	Required marks in Class XII or Bachelor’s (depending on program)
Standardized Tests	IELTS/TOEFL and GRE/GMAT (in some cases)	TOEFL/IELTS (may vary by program)
Additional Documents	May require personal essays, SOPs, LORs, resumes	Personal essays, SOPs, LORs, resumes, and other materials (may vary by program)

Cost of living in Australia vs Ireland

In general, tuition fees and the Ireland vs. Australia living cost are higher in Australia compared to Ireland.

• Consumer prices in Australia, including rent, are 1.8% lower than in Ireland.
• Rent prices in Australia are 18.8% lower than in Ireland.
• Restaurant prices in Australia are 0.3% lower than in Ireland.
• Grocery prices in Australia are 26.4% higher than in Ireland.
• Local purchasing power in Australia is 15.2% higher than in Ireland.

Average Expenses in USD	Australia	Ireland
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant	86.87 $ (135.00 AUD) approx	85.32 $ (80.00 €)approx
Food and groceries	260$ (400 AUD)approx	215$ (200€)approx
Local transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	109.40 $ (170.00 AUD)approx	106.65 $ (100.00 €)approx
Utilities (Monthly)	213.80 $ (332.25 AUD)approx	225.46 $ (211.39 €)approx
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	3,453.57 $ (5,366.78 AUD)approx	3,046.11 $ (2,856.05 €)approx

Cost of study: Ireland vs Australia

	Australia	Ireland
Tuition Fees	For undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, tuition in Australia typically ranges from AUD14,000 to AUD37,000 annually.	Annual expenses for attending school in Ireland range from €10,000 to €25,000.

Application and Visa Process

Australia:

• The Australian visa process is generally straightforward but requires careful planning and attention to detail.
• Various visa options are available for international students, such as the Student Visa (subclass 500), enabling full-time study at an Australian educational institution.
• The process includes submitting necessary documentation, such as proof of enrollment, financial capacity, health insurance, and English language proficiency.

Ireland:

• The visa process for Ireland is typically streamlined and efficient.
• International students can apply for a Study Visa, allowing them to study in Ireland for a specified period.
• Requirements include proof of acceptance to an Irish educational institution, sufficient funds for self-support, and health insurance coverage.

Prospective students should carefully review visa guidelines and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth application process.

Top Courses in Australia vs. Ireland

Ireland	Australia
Business Administration Computer Science Finance Hospitality Management Marketing Pharmaceutical Sciences	Engineering  Business Administration  Information Technology Accounting Architecture Economics

Ireland vs Australia: Top Universities with Ranking

Top Australian Universities	Ranking 2024	Top Ireland Universities	Ranking 2024
The University of Melbourne	#14	Trinity College Dublin	#81
The University of New South Wales	#19	University College Dublin	#171
The University of Sydney	#19	University of Galway	#289
Australian National University	#34	University College Cork	#292
Monash University	#42	University of Limerick	#426

Australia vs Ireland: Accommodation expenses

Ireland: 

Higher education institutions offer accommodation in student residence halls, which typically exceed the European average of 200 – 300 EUR. Finding a place can be challenging due to limited availability and high demand.

In addition to residence halls, students have the option to rent or share an apartment or live with an Irish family.

Average accommodation prices for students in Ireland are as follows:

• Student living alone: 400 – 900 EUR/month
• Student living with a partner or colleagues: 450 – 550 EUR/month
• Student living on campus: 300 – 650 EUR/month

Australia:

Most universities offer a limited number of student dormitories for on-campus accommodation. As a result, many international students opt to rent private property or live with a local family through homestay programs.

Here are the average prices for common accommodation options:

• Homestay: 450 – 1,200 AUD/month
• Student halls of residence: 440 – 1,100 AUD/month
• Renting an apartment: 750 – 1,700 AUD/month
• Sharing a rented apartment/house: 380 – 850 AUD/month

Note: When these costs are converted to USD, the cost of accommodation is higher compared to Ireland. 

Conclusion

Choosing between Australia and Ireland can be challenging due to their unique benefits. First, decide on a specific course or area of study. Then, assess the availability of educational resources and financial support in both countries to make a well-informed decision.

Thus, this decision will help you better understand your needs and pick the most suitable choice. Despite the decision-making process, Australia and Ireland are the most favorable study-abroad destinations, providing great possibilities for students.

Frequently asked questions

Which country is more affordable to live in, Australia or Ireland?

The cost of living in Ireland is much less than the living expenses in Australia. But, it depends on the city and the type of life one follows.

Is it better to study in Ireland or Australia?

Both countries offer excellent educational experiences. Your choice should be based on personal academic interests, lifestyle preferences, and financial considerations.

Is it better to immigrate to Ireland or Australia?

While Australia is generally more expensive than Ireland, both offer globally ranked universities and thriving economies. Ireland is known for its technology sector, while Australia has opportunities in engineering, mining, manufacturing, and more. Both countries have pathways to permanent residency, with Australia offering a higher quality of life in several aspects and Ireland’s strategic location near Europe providing more travel opportunities.

Is Ireland a good destination for Indian students?

Absolutely, Ireland is an idyllic place for international students, including those from India. It has an excellent education system, renowned colleges, abundant job opportunities, and a highly secure environment with low crime. Ireland definitely appeals to global students who want different educational opportunities.

What are the post-study work opportunities for international students in the USA and Ireland?

Both the USA and Ireland offer diverse job opportunities for international students across various industries and sectors. In the USA, international students can explore opportunities in fields such as technology, finance, healthcare, research, hospitality, and more. Ireland also provides job opportunities in sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, engineering, and tourism.