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Are you thinking about studying in Ireland? In the 2023/24 academic year, Ireland welcomed over 40,000 international students. And it’s no wonder why, as all of Ireland’s universities . Keep reading to learn how studying at one of these academic institutions can set you up for a successful career in Ireland.

Build your Irish study journey from application to arrival on the ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓplatform.

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What is Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List?

If you’re curious about working in Ireland after graduation, the Irish Government’s could be your roadmap to success! This important list is updated regularly to outline which skills-based jobs are in high demand.

The Irish economy at a robust pace, though there are shortages of skilled workers in specific fields. That creates an opportunity for you as a potential international student. If you come to Ireland to study a field that prepares you for one of the careers on the Critical Skills Occupations List, you’ll be in a strong position after graduating to build your career in Ireland!

Jobs featured on the most recent Critical Skills Occupations List include:

• 2D and 3D animators
• Architects
• Chartered accountants
• Construction project managers
• Physiotherapists
• Public health managers
• Social workers
• University professors

Below, we’ll look at some courses that can prepare you to work in four of the list’s categories: information technology and telecommunications, health, natural sciences, and engineering.

Did you know that students from these 70+ nationalities don’t need to apply for an Irish student visa to enter Ireland?

Top Employers in Ireland

While Dublin has become a global hub for tech and innovation, the vibrant cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford are also home to many different industries. Plus, with a lower cost of living than Dublin, these locales can be a great place to start your career while saving for the future.

World-leading companies like Apple, Pfizer, Dell EMC, VMware, and Johnson & Johnson have regional headquarters in cities across Ireland. Plus, Irish companies like Ryanair, Smurfit Kappa, and Cement Roadstone Holdings (or CRH plc—the biggest supplier of building materials to the American construction industry) offer a variety of career paths. CRH, along with Accenture, Medtronic, Adient, and ING Bank are some of the by employee count.

In-Demand Information Technology (IT) Careers

Information Technology (IT) and telecommunications professionals are some of the most sought-after workers in Ireland. Career opportunities range from software developers to business analysts and project managers.

Learn field-ready skills with these IT courses:

University College Cork – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Digital Humanities and Information Technology
With this course, your classes will cover topics ranging from the principles of information technology to the impact of digital media. You’ll learn how digital technologies can spark innovation in fields like literature, philosophy, and politics. You’ll also analyze how technology shapes our current understanding of culture and society.

University of Limerick – Bachelor of Science – Product Design and Technology
This course covers human-centred design, digital technologies, healthcare and wellbeing, consumer electronics, and more. The course has a strong industry focus, and you’ll complete an eight-month work placement in the third year of your studies. Plus, it’s an internationally recognized degree accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers, UK.

Learn more about why STEM students should choose Ireland!

In-Demand Health Care Careers

If you’re looking for a career where your skills are needed around the world, consider health care. Healthcare professionals make a difference in people’s lives. Moreover, workers in fields like nursing, psychology, and physiotherapy earn competitive salaries with access to comprehensive employee benefits.

Build the skills you’ll need for a health care career with these courses:

Maynooth University – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Psychology
This degree is the first stage of professional psychology training in Ireland, and is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). You’ll study the human mind through the lenses of cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. Instructors also coach students through the use of different psychological research methods.

University of Limerick – Bachelor of Science – Nursing Studies
This one year degree will help students with existing nursing credentials bridge their studies from a diploma to a degree level (level 8). It ensures that graduates in nursing studies have the skills they need to practice in a clinical setting in Ireland. Classes teach about the philosophy of nursing, responding to patient and service needs, and current issues in the nursing world.

Did you know Irish universities have the happiest students in all of Europe? Here are some more reasons why you should study in Ireland.

In-Demand Natural Science Careers

Want to understand why things work? A science degree is a great way to dive into these questions. Plus, you’ll learn highly transferable skills like critical thinking and project management! Graduates with biochemistry, medical lab science, biotechnology, and chemical science credentials are currently in high demand in Ireland.

Prepare for a career in science with these courses:

Trinity College Dublin – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Chemistry with Molecular Modelling: Chemical Sciences
This creative science course will teach you skills you can use in the fields of material science, environmental science, molecular biology, and more. By using computer modelling techniques to explore chemical reactions, you’ll learn how to model organic molecules like DNA. Whether you want to build semiconductors or develop the next life-changing drug, this course is a great step toward your career goals.

Dublin City University – Bachelor of Science – Biotechnology
Build your knowledge of genetics, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, and bioprocess engineering. Plus, in the course’s third year, you’ll complete a nine-month work placement, which can look great when you start applying for jobs! Then, in your fourth year, you can focus on individual research or take classes preparing you to work in the biopharmaceutical industry.

To help you prepare for moving abroad, we’ve looked at six common issues faced by international students and how to overcome them.

In-Demand Engineering Careers

Are you drawn to solving complex problems and working on projects that shape our future? Ireland’s reputation for engineering excellence continues to grow. Popular fields like civil, mechanical, and electrical/electronics engineers are still in demand. However, engineering grads with experience in microchip design, process automation, quality control, and power generation are also sought-after.

Get ready to work in engineering with one of these courses:

University of College Cork – Master of Engineering Science – Mechanical Engineering
Learn about the principles and theoretical bases of modern manufacturing techniques, automation, and production processes in this one-year master’s degree. You’ll also study the technology, quality tools, and manufacturing methodology used to design, re-design, and continuously improve manufacturing operations.

Dublin City University – Bachelor of Engineering – Electronic and Computer Engineering
Because this course is recognized internationally, graduates can practice as professional engineers in different countries. In class, you’ll build your skills with augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) technology, learn to build electronic devices, and troubleshoot industry challenges using cutting-edge technology.

Want to take a master’s or doctoral degree in Ireland? Check out our guide to the Irish postgraduate application process.

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Strengthening skills which are in high demand can help you make the most of your study experience in Ireland. After graduation, pursuing a career in science, engineering, health care, or IT can lead to diverse career opportunities, and benefits like flexible hours and a competitive salary.

Preparing to study in Ireland? From course information to an international student guide, we’ve got the tools you need.