Some advice for other Masm parents here wrt to the path we've gone with these applications.
Ireland caters for a percentage of foreign students, it looks like it's around 10%.
As the wife's Irish colleague at work says, they do this to supplement their income as the EU students get in cheaply, whereas foreigners pay the full price (+- 24,000.00 Euros, before accommodation and food)).
As a prospective foreigner, or EU student, there is the Central Applications Office that you can apply to, and they place you.
I don't like 3rd party's, so we applied direct to each Uni faculty, which redirected us to their International Admissions Office (IAO).
Most IAO's are very helpful, and it's so far been around 80 emails flying back and forth, plus a few phone calls.
Out of 7 applications:
- I didn't bother with Galway, as they wanted Ye Olde postal service - I think the internet avoided them, or visa versa.. so comms would be difficult.
- Limerick rejected outright on grounds that A had not done UK/Irish A-Levels, although his results were above min requirements.
- Trinity College came in first. Looked good but we were apprehensive about academic prices and cost of city living.
- Maynooth came in 2nd with a much lower price. I was dumbstruck with the prices and after inquiries all was confirmed. We now waited before confirmation.
- Cork came in next, but prices were the same as Trinity. We had already accepted Maynooth's deadline.
- UCD came in now, but the same as Cork and Trinity.
- DCU (Dublin City University) we had no response at all.
The first result in, Limerick rejection, was 'devastating' for A, but I encouraged him to hang on, and with the following positive results pouring in the boy was toi-toi'ing around the house.
After fighting with our local educational system, I can say Ireland's been a breeze.
Go the individual uni application route with your kids. Remember education is a 'business' and you're looking for the best bang for your buck (that you can afford), so don't be shy.
It's been 7 months on this particular journey, 2.5 years in total to bring the boy up to speed. I'm sure he's richer for the experience.
:t