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Nursing courses in Ireland offer international students an excellent opportunity to pursue careers in the healthcare industry. With a strong reputation for high-quality education, Ireland provides a variety of nursing programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These courses are designed to provide interested students with the skills needed to excel in the field and exposure to a diverse healthcare system. Whether you’re aiming to work as a nurse in Ireland or internationally, these courses lay the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in nursing. In this blog, you will read all about Nursing courses in Ireland, the requirements, application process, and more. So, if you are ready to study in Ireland, let’s get started.
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Why Study Nursing in Ireland?
Studying nursing in Ireland offers students a unique opportunity to gain a world-class education in a country known for its advanced healthcare system and multicultural environment. With globally recognized qualifications, practical training, and career prospects, Ireland is an ideal destination for aspiring nurses.
- Ireland is amongst the most preferred countries to pursue higher education, mainly nursing with many top universities that have featured at the top of QS Universities Rankings 2025.
- Ireland is home to the world’s top nursing colleges and universities that provide world-class education and training to students.
- Nursing degrees from Ireland are widely accepted, opening career opportunities worldwide.
- Most courses in Ireland focus on equipping students with preventive medicines, hands-on experience in illness treatment, curing different diseases, and more.
- Compared to other study-abroad destinations, Ireland offers a quality education at competitive tuition fees
- Students gain hands-on experience in Ireland’s well-equipped hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Graduates from these colleges are employed by some of the best hospitals and clinics in Ireland. The average salary for a Nurse is $39,768 (INR 32.87 Lakh).
- International students can stay in Ireland after graduation to seek employment using their Ireland post-study work visa.
Types of Nursing Courses in Ireland
Ireland offers a range of nursing courses, each designed to meet the diverse needs of students and the healthcare industry. These programs provide students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for their nursing careers.
- Undergraduate Nursing Degrees: Bachelor’s programs offering foundational knowledge and training in nursing.
- Postgraduate Nursing Courses: Advanced degrees for specialization in specific fields of nursing.
- Diploma in Nursing: Diploma in Nursing are short-term courses focused on practical nursing skills.
- PhD in Nursing: Research-based programs for those interested in academic or leadership roles.
- Specialized Nursing Programs: Courses focusing on specific areas like paediatrics, geriatrics, or public health.
- Pre-nursing Courses: These are introductory courses in the sciences that help students prepare for nursing school
Top Specializations for Nursing in Ireland
Students who wish to study nursing in Ireland can choose to specialise in various emerging sectors. They can pursue any path depending on their academic interests.
| Specialization | Description |
| Nursing & Midwifery | Focuses on maternal care, childbirth, and postnatal support for mothers and infants. |
| Cardiac Nursing | Specializes in the care of patients with heart-related conditions and diseases. |
| Emergency Nursing | Trains nurses to handle urgent and life-threatening medical emergencies. |
| Practical Nursing | Focuses on providing basic patient care. |
| General Nursing | Offers training in diverse nursing skills for comprehensive patient care across healthcare sectors. |
| International Nursing | Equips nurses for global healthcare standards and opportunities to work internationally. |
| Pre-health Sciences | Prepares students with foundational knowledge for careers in nursing and healthcare. |
| Critical Care Nursing | Specializes in treating critically ill patients requiring intensive care. |
| Pediatric Nursing | Focuses on providing medical care to children from infancy to adolescence. |
| Gastroenterology Nursing | Specializes in the treatment and care of patients with digestive system issues. |
| Public Health Nursing | Concentrates on improving community health and preventing diseases through public awareness. |
| Psychiatric Nursing | Focuses on mental health care for individuals with psychological and emotional disorders. |
| Mental Health Nursing | Addresses the mental and emotional well-being of patients, offering therapy and support. |
| Intellectual Disability Nursing | Specializes in caring for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
| Children’s Nursing | Provides specialized care for infants and young children in various healthcare settings. |
| Midwife | Focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care for mothers and newborns. |
| Adult Nurse | Specializes in providing care for adult patients with diverse healthcare needs. |
Also Read: Nursing Courses After 12th: Fees, Types, Diploma, Scope
Top Universities Offering Nursing Courses in Ireland
Many prestigious universities offer Nursing courses in Ireland. Some of the popular universities in Ireland are
| Top Universities for Nursing in Ireland | Minimum English Language Requirements |
| University of Galway | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Dublin City University | TOEFL: 92 iBT IELTS: 6.5 Duolingo: 120 |
| Royal College of Surgeons | IELTS: 6.5 |
| South East Technological University | IELTS: 5.5 TOEFL: 196 |
| Griffith College Dublin | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL iBT: 79 |
| Trinity College Dublin | TOEFL: 88iBT PTE: 63 IELTS: 6.5 |
| University College Cork | TOEFL: 90iBT PTE: 63 IELTS: 6.5 |
| University College Dubin | TOEFL: 100iBT IELTS: 7.0 |
| National University of Ireland Galway | TOEFL: 88 iBT IELTS: 6.5 |
| University of Limerick | TOEFL: 90iBT PTE: 61 IELTS: 6.5 |
| Munster Technological University | PTE: 50 IELTS: 6.0 OET 250 |
| Technological University of the Shannon (Athlone Institute of Technology) | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Technological University of the Shannon(Letterkenny Institute of Technology) | TOEFL: 79iBT PTE: 59 IELTS: 7.0 |
Admission Process to Study Nursing in Ireland
International applicants who are new to the Ireland education system may find it difficult to understand the requirements and application process. This is because universities may have different application processes depending on the courses. Here we have provided some general information to help you understand everything better.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to apply for Nursing courses in Ireland, you must fulfil the admission requirements specified by your chosen university. Though these course requirements might vary as per program and university, we have listed down the general eligibility criteria and document checklist you must keep in mind while applying for Nursing courses in Ireland:
- For bachelor’s degree Nursing courses in Ireland, the candidate must have completed their graduation in Secondary School or equivalent with Mathematics, English, Biology, and Chemistry as core subjects at the 12th level.
- For master’s degree courses, the candidate must have a registered nurse license with a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing in addition to other eligibility criteria. Further, many universities also ask for at least one year of clinical experience.
- For doctoral-level programs, the applicant must have a master’s degree in Nursing or equivalent.
Application Process
- Identify whether you want to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree based on your qualifications and career goals.
- Review course-specific details and ensure you meet the academic and English language eligibility criteria.
- For UG applications, you can submit your application through the Central Applications Office (CAO), the primary platform for undergraduate course admissions in Ireland.
- For postgraduate admissions, you need to apply directly through the university’s official website or the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) for some institutions.
- Next, prepare supporting documents which may include academic transcripts, a personal statement, a CV, and letters of recommendation.
- Some institutions may conduct interviews or request personal statements to assess your interest and commitment to nursing.
- Lastly, submit your application by paying the fee as displayed on the screen.
Documents Required
You may require the following documents for the application process
- Acceptance letter
- Nursing License (if applicable)
- Resume
- Academic transcripts
- English language proficiency proofs
- SOP
- LOR
- Additional documents
Also Read: Top 10 Reasons to Study in Ireland for International Students
Cost of Studying Nursing in Ireland
Another great advantage of pursuing studies at universities in Ireland is affordability. The cost of studying Nursing in Ireland is as follows;
| Expenses | Cost in INR | INR Conversions |
| Bachelors Courses | EUR 9,850 to EUR 25,500 | 8.23 Lakh to 21.36 Lakh |
| Masters Courses | EUR 9,500 to EUR 34,500 | 7.95 Lakh to 28.90 Lakh |
| On-Campus | Varies from one university to another | – |
| Off-Campus | EUR 7,000 to EUR 12,000 | 5.86 Lakh to 10.05 Lakh |
| Travel Costs | EUR 65 – EUR 85 | 5K to 7K |
Career Prospects After Studying Nursing in Ireland
Nursing is one of the most rewarding and noble professions in the world. It is an evergreen field that offers a great career opportunity to those who are looking to make a difference in the world. For those looking to pursue a career in nursing, Ireland is an excellent option, with some of the best nursing courses in the world.
After completing a nursing degree in Ireland, there are numerous career opportunities available in various fields. Nurses in Ireland are in high demand, and the salary prospects are competitive. Below is a table of some common career paths in nursing, along with their average annual salary in Ireland.
| Career Path | Average Annual Salary |
| Registered Nurse | €32,000 – €45,000 |
| Pediatric Nurse | €35,000 – €50,000 |
| Mental Health Nurse | €34,000 – €48,000 |
| Midwife | €35,000 – €50,000 |
| Critical Care Nurse | €40,000 – €55,000 |
| Community Nurse | €30,000 – €42,000 |
| Cardiac Nurse | €38,000 – €50,000 |
| Public Health Nurse | €33,000 – €47,000 |
| Emergency Nurse | €35,000 – €50,000 |
| Nurse Educator | €40,000 – €55,000 |
| Surgical Nurse | €36,000 – €48,000 |
| Perioperative Nurse | €38,000 – €52,000 |
FAQs
Ans: You are required to have relevant educational qualifications from a recognized institution. Further, you are required to have a C3 in two exams and at least D3 in four papers.
Ans: There are many courses offered by universities in Ireland, however, the best courses are
-The Nursing program at NUI, Galway School of Nursing, and the Midwifery
-Nursing program offered by the Trinity College Dublin School of Nursing and Midwifery
Ans: The duration of the program depends upon different institutions however usually the duration for the nursing courses in Ireland is 4 years.
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Leave a Reply
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I am interested with Nursing and midwifery course by Trinity college Dublin
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Hey Maxwell, the Trinity College Dublin Nursing and Midwifery course is for a duration of 4 years. The course is also available part time for 6 years. Interested students can start their education from September or March each academic year. Moreover, research student bursaries are available to eligible students. Using the university course finder, you can apply to the specific course. To receive assistance regarding the application process, education loan/scholarship, visa and accommodation consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
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Needs to study nursing. From certificate level. Are there any scholarships available, for foreign students. I am from Zimbabwe
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Hey Tapfuma, there are scholarships you can apply for nursing. For example, Roma Bottomley Grant 2024, T. E. And E. R. Moran Bursary 2024, University Of New South Wales (UNSW) Pathways Scholarships 2024, International MVC Scholarship 2022, and Coimbra Group Short Stay Scholarship Programme – Aarhus University 2022. However, you would have to meet the eligibility requirements for the same. For further assistance, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
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8 comments
I am interested with Nursing and midwifery course by Trinity college Dublin
Hey Maxwell, the Trinity College Dublin Nursing and Midwifery course is for a duration of 4 years. The course is also available part time for 6 years. Interested students can start their education from September or March each academic year. Moreover, research student bursaries are available to eligible students. Using the university course finder, you can apply to the specific course. To receive assistance regarding the application process, education loan/scholarship, visa and accommodation consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
Needs to study nursing. From certificate level. Are there any scholarships available, for foreign students. I am from Zimbabwe
Hey Tapfuma, there are scholarships you can apply for nursing. For example, Roma Bottomley Grant 2024, T. E. And E. R. Moran Bursary 2024, University Of New South Wales (UNSW) Pathways Scholarships 2024, International MVC Scholarship 2022, and Coimbra Group Short Stay Scholarship Programme – Aarhus University 2022. However, you would have to meet the eligibility requirements for the same. For further assistance, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
Hi, am Viola from Kenya and i have a diploma in nutrition and dietetics is it possible to change the course and apply for nursing? Also is there an age limit for one to apply?
Hey Viola. You can apply for Bachelor’s in Nursing as long as you had English, Mathematics, and Chemistry as your core subjects in class 12th. If you are aiming for a Master’s program you will not be able to change the course. The reason is, to pursue Master’s in Ireland, completing Bachelor’s degree in nursing is mandatory. For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu. You can also call us at: 1800 57 2000.
Hello, I am from Nepal. I currently pass my bachelor’s in nursing from Nepal which is 3yrs course what is the best option for me to do to be a register nurse there.
Hey, Soshtika Sapkota
Depending on your interest you can take up any of the following courses.
1.Nursing (M.Sc.)
2.M.Sc. Critical Care Nursing
3.M.Sc. (Nursing) International
4.Advanced Practice (Nursing) MSc
5.Nursing (Dementia Care) MSc
Some of the top universities in Ireland offering these courses are the Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, and University College Cork. For detailed information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.