Bachelor’s in Ireland from Nepal: Study in Ireland after +2

Why study a bachelor’s in Ireland from Nepal

Ireland gives Nepali +2 graduates an English-taught, internationally recognised degree in an EU country where many global technology, pharmaceutical and finance companies have their European offices. Classes are small compared with many destinations, and most degrees include practical projects, labs and, on many courses, a paid or unpaid work placement.

Studying a full degree in Ireland also means you spend three to four years building local experience, a professional network and part-time work history before you graduate, which helps when you apply for graduate jobs.

• Internationally recognised degrees placed on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
• Work up to 20 hours a week in term and 40 hours a week in official holidays.
• Stamp 1G graduate permission after a Level 8 honours degree, currently up to 12 months.
• Option to continue straight into a one-year master’s in Ireland and gain a further stay-back period.

Popular bachelor’s degrees for Nepalese students

• Computer Science, Computing, Software Development and IT. See our IT in Ireland guide below.
• Business, Accounting and Finance, and International Business.
• Data Science and Business Analytics.
• Engineering: Mechanical, Electronic, Civil and Biomedical.
• Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Science and Biomedical Science.
• Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts.
• Nursing and healthcare courses (limited places and stricter entry for non-EU students).

Entry requirements after +2 (NEB)

Each Irish university and technological university sets its own entry rules for Nepali students. As a guide, many courses ask for a +2 result of roughly 60–70% or a GPA of about 2.8–3.2, with higher grades for competitive universities and courses such as Computer Science, Engineering and Pharmacy. Subject requirements matter too: Mathematics is usually required for computing, engineering, data and business courses, and Physics, Chemistry or Biology for science and engineering.

If your grades are below the direct-entry level, or you studied a stream that does not match the degree, an international foundation year can lead to progression into the first year of a degree at a partner university.

• SEE and +2 (NEB) transcripts, character certificates and migration certificate.
• IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0 is typical; PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and Duolingo are accepted by many universities.
• Personal statement explaining your course choice and career goals.
• One or two academic references from your +2 college.
• Valid passport.

Tuition fees and costs for a bachelor’s

Non-EU bachelor’s fees in Ireland vary by university and subject. Business and humanities are usually at the lower end; computing, engineering and science higher; and medicine and some health courses far higher. Remember you are budgeting for three or four years, not one, and the visa requires you to show at least €10,000 per year for living costs on top of tuition.

How to apply: CAO vs direct application

Irish and EU school leavers apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Nepalese students are non-EU applicants, so you usually apply directly to each university’s international office, either online or through a recognised education consultancy such as Hub International Education. You can apply to several universities at once, which lets you compare offers, fees and scholarships.

Apply from October to March for a September start. Popular courses and university accommodation fill early, and you need enough time for the offer, fee deposit, NOC, funds documentation and the Irish study visa.

After graduation

Graduates of a Level 8 honours bachelor’s can currently apply for Stamp 1G permission under the Third Level Graduate Programme for up to 12 months to live and work full time while looking for a job. Many students instead continue to a one-year Level 9 master’s, after which the Stamp 1G period is currently up to 24 months. A graduate job on the Critical Skills Occupations List that meets the salary threshold can lead to a Critical Skills Employment Permit. Check current rules before relying on them, as they change.

Step by step

1. 1

   Free counselling

   Share your SEE and +2 results with a Hub International counsellor to check direct entry vs foundation.

2. 2

   IELTS or PTE

   Prepare for and book your English test; most bachelor’s courses need IELTS 6.0–6.5.

3. 3

   Apply directly to universities

   Submit applications to 3–5 Irish universities between October and March.

4. 4

   Accept offer and pay deposit

   Accept your best offer, pay the required fees and arrange your NOC and funds.

5. 5

   Irish study visa

   Apply online through AVATS and submit your documents, then plan accommodation and travel.

Frequently asked questions