Concern is evident from my son regarding achieving sufficient CAO points to pursue his desired course. Consequently, he is considering alternatives in the Netherlands and other places where English instruction is prevalent. I’ve heard both positive and negative accounts from fellow parents concerning the experiences of Irish students overseas, but reliable information is scarce. Would you advocate this possibility?
Over the last ten years, it has become increasingly common for Irish pupils to seek academic opportunities in European universities where they may not necessarily attain the required CAO points.
While these courses are often intellectually challenging, leading some students to leave prematurely, the majority persist and eventually graduate. Subsequently, most return to Ireland to join the job market or solicit professional validation of their credentials, and a few decide to reside in their new nations.
Given the high CAO points requisite in Ireland, my son has been contemplating the idea of studying overseas. Would this be a prudent choice?
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There are nearly 400 undergraduate programmes taught in English in the Netherlands, making it the first choice destination for Irish pupils. In 2023, the number of Irish pupils studying in the Netherlands had risen to almost 2,000, up from just below 250 in 2013.
Tuition fees for most courses stand at approximately €2,200 per year. Similar to Ireland, accommodation can be scarce but if arranged by April or May, students could find a place ranging €500-550 per month in cities like Groningen/Maastricht. However, accommodation in Amsterdam/Rotterdam is pricier. On the overall preference scale, Groningen is the top choice destination.
In terms of subject choices, the most sought-after disciplines amongst Irish pupils in the Netherlands comprise psychology, business/economics, and physiotherapy.
Almost 90% of programmes in the Netherlands lack a selection process, requiring only basic entry qualifications, specified as two H5s and four O6s in terms of Leaving Cert grades.
Globally, seven Dutch universities frequently feature in the top 100.
In summary, a significant number of Irish aspirants are being drawn to Italy and Poland, with veterinary medicine constituting the top discipline amongst those taken up in these countries. Over 60 Irish pupils started the 2024/25 academic year as freshmen studying medicine, dentistry and veterinary in Poland’s capital, Warsaw.
The field of politics and international relations is gaining traction amongst Irish scholars all over Europe. This rise in popularity is exemplified by a particular student from Limerick, who pursued her bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of Leiden, before obtaining her master’s degree from the University of Bologna in Italy and Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA.
At a recently held event by Eunicas – an Irish organisation supporting Irish pupils seeking education in Europe – a mother enquired from a professor at the University of Milan about the prerequisites to study medicine or dentistry in Italy, in terms of Leaving Certificates grades, CAO points or specific disciplines. To this, his response emphasised on the IMAT aptitude test being the sole determinant for admission, with no concern for the grades or points mentioned. Adding to its attraction, the tuition for medicine in Italy ranges from a mere €156 to €4,000, adjusted according to the family’s revenue.
Conclusively, pursuing education overseas can be beneficial for students whose CAO points are not sufficient enough to undertake their desired course.