There are numerous benefits to studying in either country, which is why it can be challenging to draw comparisons between the United Kingdom and Ireland. A significant portion of the decision-making process is influenced by personal or lifestyle preferences.
The following are a few facts that may assist you in determining the location where you wish to pursue your degree over the next few years.
EU, Visa, Schengen zone what’s what and where’s the difference?
Brexit was a significant event in the news, as you may be aware, as the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union in 2020.
Conversely, if you intend to travel throughout Europe, you may be wondering what the distinction in your visa privileges is, given that Ireland remains a member of the EU. In summary, there is no distinction.
Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Area, which means that, despite being a member of the European Union, it is not possible to travel freely within the EU. In order to visit Germany, France, Spain, or any other EU country, you would still be required to obtain an additional visa.
The same is true for the United Kingdom. Regardless of whether the destination country is part of the European Union or not, you will be required to obtain an additional visa in order to depart the country.
Full-time international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the study period under both Irish and UK student visas. You are permitted to work a maximum of 40 hours per week during the summer or Christmas holiday.
Tuition fees
The issue of tuition fees is a bit of a stalemate. A comparable sum of money is required to be allocated to tuition fees in both the United Kingdom and Ireland. Nevertheless, that sum is typically less expensive than tuition fees in the United States or Australia.
There are two considerations to keep in mind when comparing tuition fees. Courses that are taught in laboratories or necessitate specialized equipment and facilities are generally more costly, while arts and humanities courses are generally less expensive.
The second point to keep in mind is that tuition fees vary among universities. Capital cities, including Dublin in Ireland and London in the United Kingdom, are more expensive than the remainder of the country. This implies that tuition fees and living expenses are significantly higher in capital cities.
Tuition fees are also contingent upon the university itself; therefore, Cambridge and Oxford, which are renowned universities in the United Kingdom, will be more costly, despite their absence from London.
It is also crucial to remember that the United Kingdom and Ireland do not utilize the same currency. The Euro (€) is the currency of Ireland, as well as the majority of Europe, and the British Pound (£) is the currency of the United Kingdom.
In order to determine the cost of an item, it is crucial to verify the conversation rate in relation to the local currency. In general, the British Pound is slightly more powerful than the Euro; however, this is contingent upon the current value of the currency.
Irish tuition fees typically range from 9,850 to 55,000 euros annually, while British fees typically range from 9,250 to 26,000 pounds annually. The tuition fees for medical courses in the United Kingdom can be substantially higher, with an annual maximum of £58.600.
Cost of living
It is advisable to locate this type of information on the Internet. Expatistan is one of the most effective websites for comparing the costs of living in cities worldwide.
Expatistan is constructed from thousands of prices for a variety of products that are submitted by thousands of individuals. Therefore, Dublin appears to be more cost-effective than London for those interested in studying in one of the capitals. However, this may be subject to change, so it is advisable to consult Expatistan for the most recent comparison.
According to additional online sources, the cost of living in both capital cities is comparable; approximately £12,000 annually in the United Kingdom and 8,000-12,000 euros in Ireland. I would also suggest that $11,000 per year would be manageable to live with, based on my personal experience of living in the UK. However, it is crucial to consult the cost of living guides of each university, as they may differ based on the institution and its accommodation options.
Nevertheless, Dublin is not the sole metropolis in Ireland, and London does not represent the entirety of the United Kingdom. There are numerous other locations that provide exceptional courses and have significantly lower living expenses.
Bristol is 25% less expensive than London, and Galway is typically 20% less expensive than Dublin. However, it is crucial to consult Expatistan for the most recent comparison.
World’s best universities
It will be difficult to make a decision if you rely solely on the caliber of universities. Some of the world’s most prestigious universities are located in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.
British universities possess an advantage on the QS World University Rankings website. The United Kingdom is home to four of the top ten universities.
Conversely, Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin are the most prestigious Irish universities, respectively ranking 108th and 185th in the QS World University Rankings 2020. Trinity College Dublin boasts one of the world’s most renowned libraries.
The number of university options varies significantly between the two countries. In the United Kingdom, there are approximately 130 universities, while Ireland has only eight. If you elect to investigate Irish universities initially, this simplifies the comparison process.
Nevertheless, the number may be misleading; however, it is reasonable when considering that the United Kingdom has a population of 66.65 million and Ireland has a population of only 4.9 million. Additionally, it is crucial to bear in mind that the United Kingdom is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Accommodation
The most expensive accommodations are associated with the finest universities. This implies that the annual accommodation cost for Trinity College Dublin is 8000€, while University College Dublin’s annual accommodation cost is 11,000€.
Similar to the United Kingdom, private accommodations in Ireland appear to be more affordable than those provided by universities. According to the recommendations of Education in Ireland, you will require approximately 427€ per month for rent and an additional 28€ for utilities.
The situation is comparable in the United Kingdom, except that utilities and expenses are included in the rent. The 2019 National Student Money Survey indicates that in order to cover rent, utilities, and other expenses, an estimated £439 per month is required.
According to the Times Higher Education, the monthly rent increases to £535 if you opt to reside in university accommodation in the United Kingdom, or £640 if you are studying in London.
Nightlife and free time
In contrast to Dublin, London is significantly larger; however, both cities provide exceptional opportunities to invest your leisure time. Concerts, exhibitions, nightclubs, parks, and taverns are plentiful.
The United Kingdom may appear to be a more apparent choice due to its larger size and population. Nevertheless, Ireland, which is also referred to as the “Emerald Island,” provides a plethora of natural wonders for those who prefer to spend their leisure time in the countryside or outdoors.
If you are interested in experiencing the best of both worlds, there are numerous flights between the United Kingdom and Ireland. You are free to transition between the two at your convenience, provided that your visa permits it.
It is certain that you will not be exhausted, regardless of your selection.