Ireland vs the Netherlands: Eligibility, Cost of Study, Colleges, Scholarships, & Jobs

Table of Contents

1. Overview: Ireland vs. Netherlands
2. Top Universities in Ireland 
3. Top Universities in the Netherlands
4. Eligibility Requirements
5. Application Process
6. Documents Required 
7. Scholarships 
8. Study Visa Application
9. Job Opportunities
10. Which is Better – Ireland or the Netherlands? 
11. Frequently Asked Questions

Europe is a special and exciting place for anyone who wants to think, explore and learn. The Netherlands and Ireland are top European study-abroad destinations for international students aspiring for global leadership opportunities. 

Culturally rich and endlessly curious, studying in Ireland or the Netherlands teaches you to challenge, debate, imagine and create. The universities and colleges in these powerful countries combine academic excellence with transformative student experiences.

Choosing your study abroad location from Amsterdam vs Dublin involves carefully examining your study abroad goals. Here’s a guide to assist you in making the right choice. 

Overview: Ireland vs. Netherlands

Ireland and the Netherlands are top study-abroad destinations with unique academic and professional prospects. International students can explore opportunities of research and work in Europe while studying in these countries.

Feature	Netherlands	Ireland
Average Tuition Fee	10,000 – 30,000 EUR	14,000 – 32,000 EUR
Average Living Costs	800 – 1,100 EUR per month	1,280 – 2,000 EUR
Language Requirements	TOEFL – 550 (paper-based) or 213 (internet-based); IELTS: at least 6.0.	IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL (78+), PTE (53+), Duolingo (120+), Cambridge C1 Advanced (180+), and C2 Proficiency (200+)
Post-study Work Permit	1 year	Up to 2 years
Student Visa Fees	93 EUR/99 USD	80 EUR/ 87 USD
Top Companies for Jobs	ASML Holding, Heineken, Philips, Airbus, Deloitte.	Google, HP, Apple, IBM, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Pfizer, GSK, and Genzyme.
Top Job Sectors	Energy, Finance, Healthcare, Engineering, Logistics, Agriculture, Data science.	IT, Technology, Engineering, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Construction, Management

Top Universities in Ireland 

Irish universities are recognized for their academic excellence globally. Every year, they feature in the top global universities ranked by the top statistics agencies such as QS, Times, and US News. 

University in Ireland	QS World University Rankings 2025
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin	81
University College Dublin	171
University of Galway	289
University College Cork	292
University of Limerick	426
Dublin City University	436

Top Universities in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a European country renowned for academic opportunities, growing industries, and work-life balance. Universities in the Netherlands offer programs in Dutch and English. The top universities in the Netherlands are given in the table below: 

University in the Netherlands	QS World University Rankings 2025
Delft University of Technology	49
University of Amsterdam	55
Utrecht University	105
Eindhoven University of Technology	136
Leiden University	141

Eligibility Requirements

Individual universities decide the eligibility requirements for admission to universities in the Netherlands and Ireland. Generally, the following criteria are set for international student enrollment: 

• 12 years of school education for undergraduate courses
• 3 or 4 years of bachelor’s degree for postgraduate courses
• Financial proof for funding your study for at least 1 year, such as an education loan sanction letter or FD certificate
• IELTS or TOEFL as proof of English proficiency

Application Process

The study abroad application process involves different stages of admission, starting from shortlisting your university options based on your career interests.

• Research your university and course options.
• Prepare the required documents in advance. Visit the official university website for the accurate checklist.
• Fill out the application form accurately and submit it with the required documents.
• Once you receive an acceptance letter, apply for a visa.

An easy way to simplify your application process? Just contact Nomad Credit and talk to our study abroad counselor. Our tailored approach and guidance help you navigate the whole process without stress. Join today! 

Documents Required 

Preparing your documents is crucial for success in studying abroad. The exact checklist of documents varies depending on your university and course selection. A general checklist of documents is given below for your reference: 

Duly-filled application	2 – 3 letters of recommendation
Passport copy	SOP (Statement of Purpose)
Application fee receipt	Mandatory entrance test results – GRE, GMAT, BMAT, LNAT, UKCAT
Academic transcripts	An updated resume or CV
Proof of language proficiency	IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL (78+), PTE (53+), Duolingo (120+), Cambridge C1 Advanced (180+), and C2 Proficiency (200+)

Cost of Study

Already, but financial concerns pop up? The question of how much is required to get your degree from the Netherlands or Ireland can be answered by referring to your desired university website. If you are wondering about the tuition fees, see the table below for a general overview: 

Level of Study	Netherlands	Ireland
Undergraduate	9,000 – 20,000 EUR	9,000 – 28,000 EUR
Postgraduate	12,000 – 30,000 EUR	14,000 – 32,000 EUR
Doctoral	10,000 – 25,000 EUR	8,000 – 32,000 EUR

Scholarships

Getting a financial reward for your academic merit eases your financial burden in the Netherlands and Ireland. International students can explore scholarships offered by governments, private companies, and non-profit organizations, to list a few financial sources.

 

Study Visa Application

The study visa application for studying in the Netherlands and Ireland is online and can be done from your home country. Visit your home country department website for the Netherlands and Ireland study visa application and complete the application process. 

Features	Netherlands	Ireland
Visa Validity	Course duration + 3 months	Up to your course duration
Application Fee	93 EUR (99 USD)	80 EUR (87 USD)
Processing Time	4 – 6 weeks	8 weeks

Here are the documents required for a study visa in Ireland and New Zealand: 

Netherlands	Ireland
Legal copies of ID & passport	Application form & letter
Health insurance	Offer letter
Financial proof	Proof of funds
Educational transcripts	ETF (Electronic Transfer of Funds) copy to prove you have paid the fee to the college
Signed antecedents form	English-proficiency certificate
A signed declaration of tuberculosis	Medical certificate
University offer letter	Health Insurance

Job Opportunities

Here are the top job opportunities and salary data in the Netherlands and Ireland: 

Job Role	Salary in the Netherlands	Salary in Ireland
Software Developer	65,000 – 90,000 EUR	54,000 – 80,000 EUR
Engineer	54,000 – 93,000 EUR	40,000 – 65,000 EUR
Nurse	55,000 – 68,000 EUR	45,000 – 50,000 EUR
Data Analyst	50,000 – 70,000 EUR	35,000 – 54,000 EUR
Business Analyst	45,000 – 65,000 EUR	40,000 – 60,000 EUR
Marketing Manager	45,000 – 80,000 EUR	55,000 – 70,000 EUR
Financial Analyst	45,000 – 60,000 EUR	32,000 – 55,000 EUR

Which is Better – Ireland or the Netherlands? 

And we have reached the final question – Ireland or the Netherlands, which country suits you best? 

The answer? It’s up to you. Carefully evaluate your career goals, finances, future aspirations, and job opportunities in both countries. With the help of Nomad Credit counselors, you can make your own decisions. 

• Ireland has the advantage of being an English-speaking country with a lower population density. 
• The Netherlands will extend the chance to work anywhere in Europe. Located on the mainland, living in the Netherlands is a great opportunity for European explorations. 

Which course are you looking for? In which environment do you see yourself in the future? Consider the questions while booking your consultation call with the Nomad Credit counselor. Access our tailored study abroad support at zero cost today! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Ireland or the Netherlands? 

Ireland and the Netherlands are two European countries with their own unique offerings. International students can choose their options after scrutinizing their academic interests and career aspirations. 

Is Ireland a good country to study abroad? 

Yes. Ireland is one of the safest and least corrupt countries in the world, ranking at 02nd on the Global Peace Index. International students can explore academic opportunities while enjoying a peaceful living. 

Is the Netherlands a good country to study abroad? 

Yes. The Netherlands is a prominent destination to study abroad with a global ranking of 18 for safety. Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe. 

How is the Netherlands’ economy compared to Ireland? 

The Netherlands boasts the 17th largest economy globally, with a GDP of $913.7 billion, surpassing Ireland’s 33rd ranking and $382.5 billion GDP. 

Why is Ireland considered to be a cost-effective country to live in? 

Ireland is considered to be a cost-effective country for many reasons. Some of them are low corporate tax rates, competitive labor costs, foreign investment inflows, a stable national economy, prudent budget policies, EU membership benefits, and EU subsidies.