France vs Ireland: Which is Better to Study Abroad

Choosing between France or Ireland for your higher education abroad can seem tricky. With around 36 universities from France and 8 from Ireland in QS World University Rankings 2024, both countries offer cutting-edge infrastructure and curriculum. But, the student experience they provide can differ. To decide the best country for your studies abroad, explore the comparison of France vs Ireland for international students here.

Top Universities: France vs Ireland

Choosing the right university for your higher education is essential to have a fulfilling career ahead. Both France and Ireland are home to some of the top institutions in the world. 

Explore the top universities in France and Ireland here:  

Top Universities in France

Source: Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2024

Top Universities in Ireland

Source: Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2024

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for various courses differ based on the university and country.
Let’s compare the eligibility criteria and admission requirements in France and Ireland. 

Eligibility Criteria in France

The French higher education system follows the LMD or “Licence-Masters-Doctorate” structure accepted in several European universities. Students can pursue different levels of study like bachelor's, master's, and doctorate at French universities. The general eligibility criteria for getting admission into the top universities in France are mentioned below.

• Bachelor’s program: You must hold a high school diploma, Baccalaureate, or A-level if you want to enroll for a bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s program: You must complete your undergraduate degree (3-year course) or have 180 ECTS credits to gain admission to a master’s course. 
• Doctorate: You must have a master’s degree (five years of higher education) or a score of 300 ECTS to get accepted in any PhD program.

Documents Required for Admissions in France

• Academic transcripts 
• ID proofs
• English language proficiency scores
• Proof of funds
• Resume
• Photograph
• Statement of Purpose(SOP)

Admission Process in France

Indian students are required to follow the “Etudes en France” procedure for applying to higher education institutions in France. This is an online platform that streamlines higher education enrollment, handling procedures digitally up to visa requests. You can use this platform to apply to French universities of your choice.  Simply set up a private electronic file and submit the requested documents, including your transcripts and language scores. Then, select the courses you wish to study. After submitting your details, the nearest Campus France office will get in touch with you and schedule an academic interview to understand your motivation for pursuing the course at your chosen university. Once Campus France validates your profile, you will get responses from universities. Upon receiving the acceptance letter, you can apply for a student visa. 

Eligibility Criteria in Ireland

Entry to the top universities in Ireland is highly competitive. It is usually based on your academic merit. Although the admission process will differ depending on the university and course, the general eligibility criteria are given below: 

• Undergraduate program:  You must have completed your class 12th examination(ICSE/HSC/CISCE) with an overall average score of 80–85%. In case you have not completed your 12th examination, you can take an international test recognized by the selected university to get direct admission, such as GCE A Levels or International Baccalaureate. Besides Maths and English, you must have studied one more language till class 10th.  Additionally, you are required to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and a TOEFL iBT score of 90.
• Postgraduate program: You must acquire 60% marks or a 2.1 honors degree for admission to postgraduate programs. For master’s courses, you should have acquired a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and a TOEFL iBT score of 88.

Documents Required for Admissions in Ireland 

• Certified academic transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Two academic reference letters
• IELTS/TOEFL scores as proof of English language proficiency
• A copy of the passport

Admissions Process in Ireland

The general application process for Ireland is given below:

• You will need to apply directly on the website for admission to most universities.
• During the application process, you will be required to submit personal information and academic and professional details. 
• After paying the application fee, your application will be evaluated for admission. 

It is important to understand that these eligibility criteria and admission requirements may differ from one institution to another. So, while comparing Ireland vs France, you must visit the official website of your preferred university for a more in-depth understanding. 

Tuition Fees

The cost of education plays an important role in determining the best location for your studies. Here is a comparison of tuition fees in France vs Ireland: 

Tuition Fees in France

Source: Campus France 

The French government subsidizes higher education in the country. Thus, the cost of education is lower as compared to other countries. 

Tuition Fees in Ireland

Source: Official University Websites

The fee structure will vary depending on your course. Thus, it is recommended to check the official website of your preferred institution for a more accurate idea. Moreover, there are several scholarship options available in both Ireland and France. Make sure to do complete research before confirming your admission. 

Living Expenses

As an international student abroad, the cost of living is also an important factor that determines the country you should choose for your higher education. Here is a comparison of living expenses in France and Ireland:

Living Expenses in France

If you have decided to study in France, you must chalk out a budget beforehand to avoid any surprises. Here’s a brief idea of the average monthly living costs in the country:

• Accommodation charges: €400–€700
• Shopping expenses for food items: €200
• Meals at cafes and restaurants: €2– €20 per meal 
• Health insurance: €25
• Phone subscription: €10
• Internet subscription: €30
• Daily transportation pass: €138

Living Expenses in Ireland

Living expenses in Ireland are considered 95% higher than in any other country in the world. As per Numbeo, some of the major monthly expenses that you will have to bear include: 

• Accommodation rent: €1,493–€1,725
• Shopping expenses for food items: €320
• Meals at cafes and restaurants: €2.25–€16 per meal.
• Phone subscription:  €20.55
• Internet cost: €47.77
• Transportation cost: €100

Work Permit and PR

Both France and Ireland provide opportunities for students to look for employment after completing their studies. Let’s compare work permits and PR in France and Ireland:

France

Non-European students can stay in France after graduation, provided they have obtained a work contract or promise of employment. Moreover, the employer must pay them at least one and a half times the mandated minimum wage. In case you have not received an employment offer, you can still stay in the country after requesting an Authorization Provisoire de Séjour (APS). This temporary residence permit is non-renewable and valid for only twelve months. You can utilize this period to search for job opportunities, but this is only granted if you are a bachelor’s or master’s degree holder or are starting a company. After staying in France for five years, students can apply for a permanent residence card. This is valid for ten years and is renewable. 

Ireland

International students who have completed their master’s or PhD degrees from institutes in Ireland can remain in the country for 24 months to seek employment under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. Those who have completed bachelor’s degrees will be allowed to remain for 12 months. Under this scheme, you can work for 40 hours per week. Once you have stayed in the country for five years, you can apply for a permanent residency card. However, you must hold a relevant work permit, such as a general employment or critical skills employment permit. 

Average Salaries: France vs Ireland

France and Ireland are bustling metropolitan cities in Europe. Both provide ample opportunities to skilled graduates across sectors like healthcare, IT, digital industries, finance, and business. Let’s compare the compensation in both countries. 

The average monthly salaries for various professions in France are:

  Source: Glassdoor(as of February 2024)

The average salaries for various professions in Ireland are:

  Source: Glassdoor(as of February 2024)

Conclusion

Choosing between France or Ireland for your higher studies can be difficult because of the plethora of opportunities they provide. By keeping in mind all the important factors discussed, you can reach a conclusion and decide the best country for your academic endeavors. To help you get started, get in touch with us. 

Discover additional related reads:

• Intakes in France
• Cost of Living in France
• Reasons to study in France
• Study in France from India
• Why study in Ireland
• Intakes in Ireland
• Scholarships to study in Ireland
• Cost of study in Ireland for Indian students