Europe has nearly 5,000 higher education institutions across 33 countries, many of which consistently rank among the best in the world. Nannette Ripmeester, Director – Performance Benchmarking Europe and North America at Etio, argues, 鈥淲hat sets Europe apart from other study destinations is their student-centred approach to learning, and on the student learning to achieve success on their own.鈥�

Ireland and France exemplify the best of what Europe has to offer – a learning experience that extends beyond the classroom, diverse, inclusive societies and high-quality education that sets students up for success. By understanding the strengths and opportunities that these increasingly popular destinations present, education agents like you can guide students in making informed decisions aligned with their academic and personal goals.

Ireland as a study destination 

Society and culture

From vibrant festivals that celebrate everything from food and literature to the enchanting melodies of traditional Irish music, Ireland鈥檚 culture is deeply rooted in its rich history. The Irish are known for their hospitality, love of storytelling, and quick wit (often referred to as the 鈥渃raic鈥�), creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere that makes international students feel welcome. 

Ireland has consistently ranked among the most peaceful countries in the world in the Global Peace Index and is ranked second as of 2024, indicating its high safety. Ireland is, therefore, an attractive study destination for international students who wish to immerse themselves in an enriching culture that balances tradition with modernity. 

Education system

Innovation, research and quality assurance are the cornerstones of Ireland鈥檚 education system. Like other European countries, its education system is structured into four levels: pre-primary, primary, post-primary, and tertiary or higher education (universities, Institutes of Technology (IoTs), colleges of education, and the developing Technological Universities sector). 

Ireland鈥檚 National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) categorises all qualifications in the country into 10 levels based on standards of knowledge, competence, and skill, ensuring quality assurance. Its structure is mapped to the European Quality Framework (EQF), which also allows for easy comparison, ensuring that the qualifications of international students are recognised, understood, and valued, both domestically and internationally.

Since Brexit, applications from European Union (EU) students to Irish universities have more than tripled since 2017, reaching 6,383 in 2022. This surge is largely because post-Brexit, EU students no longer enjoy the same tuition fees in the UK as domestic students. Ireland鈥檚 status as the only predominantly English-speaking country in the EU, lower tuition fees compared to the UK, and graduate employability rate of 80 -95%, have also positioned Ireland as a favourable option for non-EU students.

Living conditions and cost of living

While all Irish universities and some IoTs offer on-campus accommodation, students can also choose from several off-campus housing options. These include homestays or 鈥渄igs鈥� where they can stay with a vetted local family, rented apartments, or houses. 

Ireland is well-connected by rail and bus networks, with buses often being the more economical choice. Dublin City Council also operates a self-service bike rental system called DublinBikes, with public bike stations across the capital. 

Like in most countries, the is higher in larger cities like Dublin. Non-academic expenses such as groceries, transportation, rent and entertainment range between 鈧�10,000 and 鈧�20,000 per year, with accommodation being the major variable determining whether the cost of living will be on the lower or higher end of the spectrum.聽

France as a study destination 

Society and culture

The French are celebrated for their love of art, haute couture, and intellectual pursuits, providing a stimulating environment for international students. French cuisine, recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2010, offers everything from artisanal cheeses to classic pastries. All this offers international students a unique, well-rounded cultural experience.

French values emphasise the importance of quality of life, viewing work, home, and education as essential rights which translates into a supportive and balanced atmosphere where the pursuit of personal and academic goals is equally valued.

Students are encouraged to participate in cultural evenings and orientation programmes organised by their institution, helping them foster meaningful connections with peers who share similar interests.  

France has a diverse, multicultural society where a subtle but significant emphasis on politeness and respect characterises social interactions. Its emphasis on cultural diversity and openness to other cultures makes international students from all backgrounds feel welcome and helps them better acclimatise to their new surroundings.

Education system

International students in France can choose from an array of programmes across various disciplines, whether at the primary, secondary, or tertiary level, as well as short-term summer and language courses. 

There are over 400 institutions of higher education and research, categorised into four main types: universitaires, grandes 茅coles, 茅coles sp茅cialis茅es, and sections de techniciens sup茅rieurs. Grandes 茅coles are elite institutions unique to France and are held in high esteem due to their high-quality learning environments and professional opportunities for graduates. These institutions have an intensely selective and competitive admissions process through national written and oral exams used to rank candidates.

Like Ireland, French qualifications are aligned with the EQF, facilitating cross-border learner mobility and easy recognition of foreign qualifications. While over 1,100 higher education courses are taught in English, international students can also learn French at language centres across the country, to immerse themselves in the culture and beauty of France as they study.

Living conditions and cost of living

Just like in Ireland, accommodation is typically the biggest expense for international students, with the cost of rent varying according to location and the type of accommodation. Publicly-owned CROUS (centres r茅gionaux des 艙uvres universitaires et scolaires) residences are a popular, low-cost housing option, close to campus. For international students unable to secure CROUS housing or who prefer to live off-campus, private rentals, shared accommodation, and homestays are available. 

France’s efficient and well-connected public transportation system, including subways (m茅tros), tramways, trains and buses and public bike-sharing schemes make it easy to navigate without a car, especially given the heavy traffic and limited parking in major cities. 

Living costs in France range between 鈧�14,000 and 鈧�28,000 per year, with accommodation being the biggest expense for most international students. Living costs are higher in Paris, as compared to other cities.

Ireland and France each present unique advantages and highlight the diverse opportunities available for international students within Europe.聽 By further understanding the distinct benefits of these countries through specialised courses like the Advising for Study in France course and the Ireland Education Agent Course, you can better support students in making informed decisions about their study abroad journey.聽

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