Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s - Choose your field below

Medicine
- What types of students prove to be successful applicants?
  - All types. The Atlantic Bridge Program is designed to add well-qualified students from a variety of backgrounds to the universities’ student bodies. Students of all ages, college majors, financial resources, etc., are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to present high marks in science subjects as the application process is competitive.
- Is there a minimum age requirement?
  - Students must normally have attained the age of seventeen years by 15^th January following the year of entry to a University.
- Will I have to undergo a health screening?
  - Yes. In the interests of the safety of both patients and students, Irish health care regulations require that a student entering a health care-related program undergo a health screening at the university’s health center after registration with the school. This is required to ensure that students are free of any infectious disease that may cause harm to patients, other students, or faculty.
    
    Documents for such screenings are provided by the universities. Please note that there is an associated cost of approximately €225 – €300 (depending on the school) for health screening. The fees are paid directly to the university.
- What about health insurance?
  - The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service require that all non-EU students have private health insurance while studying in Ireland. Students should be prepared to present proof of insurance when arriving in Ireland.
    
    Students enrolled on a course of more than one academic year must buy a combined insurance policy that offers both (i) Health Insurance and (ii) student accident and repatriation. Such a (combined) policy meets the requirements for immigration.
    
    To secure such a policy you can visit the Study and Protect page from the Arachas Insurance Company.
    
    Study & Protect
    
    The Arachas policy will meet the requirements of the immigration authorities and they are endorsed by the Irish universities. Atlantic Bridge Tip, select the box titled “Medical Expenses (on a course of more than one academic year”).
- How long are the medical degree courses in Ireland?
  - Four Year Courses (a bachelor’s degree and the MCAT are required for admission):
    University College Cork
    University College Dublin
    University of Limerick
    Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    
    Five-Year Courses (the MCAT is not required for admission to these courses):
    University College Cork
    National University of Ireland, Galway
    Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain
    Trinity College Dublin
    
    Six-Year Courses:
    University College Dublin
    National University of Ireland, Galway
    The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain
    
    For information on eligibility requirements for each course, please click here.
- Will I receive a good education at these schools as I would in the US/Canada ?
  - Absolutely. The standard of education in Irish Medical schools is extremely high. Their degrees are highly regarded throughout the world. Their graduates routinely secure some of the most prestigious residency training positions in North America.
- What are the tuition fees ?
  - Annual tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are as follows:
    
    Four-year courses:
    University College Cork – 48,000 Euros
    University College Dublin – 56,790 Euros
    University of Limerick – 51,846 Euros
    Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – 58,500 Euros
    
    Five-year courses:
    University College Cork – 42,500 Euros
    University College Dublin – 54,630 Euros
    National University of Ireland, Galway – 42,500 Euros
    Trinity College Dublin – 45,500 Euros
    Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – 57,000 Euros
    Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain – 41,475 USD
    
    Six-year courses:
    University College Dublin – 54,630 Euros
    National University of Ireland, Galway – 42,500 Euros
    Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – 57,000 Euros
    Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain – 41,475 USD
    
    The above fees should be treated as a guideline only and are not official. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.
- I have a European Union (EU) passport but I do not ordinarily reside in the EU. Do I qualify for EU tuition fees?
  - Holders of EU passports who are not ordinarily residents* of the EU are subject to overseas (i.e. non-EU) tuition fees. A student who meets any of the following conditions may request to be assessed for EU Tuition Fees.
    
    *Ordinarily resident means being resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for a minimum of 183 days in any one calendar year for a minimum of 3 of the last 5 years.
    
    (a) For all applicants aged under 23 on September 1^st of the year of entry to a program:
    
    Parent(s) must have been resident as tax-payer(s) (i.e. principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU for three of the five years prior to commencing the program AND
    
    Applicant/student must have been ordinarily resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing a program
    
    (b) For all applicants aged 23 or over on September 1^st of the year of entry to a program:
    
    Applicants over 23 are considered independent, mature applicants. The applicant/student must have been resident as a tax-payer (that is – principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing the program
    
    (c) Students educated for 5 years in primary or secondary school in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation can be assessed for EU fees
    
    A student who is eligible for EU fees must apply via the Central Applications Office.
    
    Note: Any period of residence as a student or a holder of a student visa will not be included in the assessment of years of residence.
- If I am eligible for EU Fees, how should I apply to the Irish Medical Schools?
  - In order to receive an offer of an EU place, you must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
- What is a competitive GPA ?
  - Because GPA can be very subjective, the Irish Medical Schools, with the exception of Trinity College and University College Dublin, do not typically use specific guidelines around GPA for admissions purposes. For instance, Student A may have a slightly lower GPA than Student B, but Student A may have a much higher degree of difficulty in his / her degree or high school program. Also, many schools (especially in Canada) do not use a GPA system. So, there are many variables involved and therefore GPA is not always a useful system for assessing students for medical school as it can be misleading.
    
    Consequently, the Admissions Committees tend to consider every application individually and on its own merits, taking into account (among other things) the degree of difficulty involved in the undergraduate degree or high school curriculum, the competitiveness of the school, the course load carried by the student, how the student performed academically and a number of other factors.
    
    However, if applying to Trinity College Dublin, your GPA or equivalent should be a minimum of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. If you are applying to University College Dublin, your GPA or equivalent should be a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Are interviews required by the Irish Medical schools. When and where are these conducted ?
  - There are four medical schools that require an interview:
    1. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    2. The University of Limerick
    3. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain
    4. University College Dublin
    Interviews will be conducted online with the exception of University of Limerick and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain which will operate in-person interviews in North America
- Can I receive an offer of admissions from more than one school?
  - Yes, you can. Every year, a number of candidates receive more than one offer or multiple offers.
- What is a conditional offer?
  - Students who are currently enrolled in courses and who will not have final marks or earned their degree by the application deadline may be given a conditional offer by the schools. This is a common practice and allows students to (i) apply while they are still undertaking their current coursework and (ii) receive an offer of a place based on past coursework already completed and predicted marks.
    
    A conditional offer is an offer that is contingent on meeting certain condition(s), for instance, a) earning a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree by September of the year of entry, b) earning a certain grade point average, c) completion of the prerequisite science and math courses and/or d) obtaining a certain score on a standardized test (e.g. IB.)
- How many entering classes are there each year and when do classes commence?
  - There is one entering class each year. Classes commence annually in September.
- Are student accommodations available?
  - Yes, all the universities have excellent, modern, housing. Housing in the private sector, including housing for married couples, may also be located with guidance from the college’s Student Accommodation or International Offices. For more detail, please visit our Accommodations page.
- How much would I have to budget for living expenses year over year?
  - On average, students will spend approximately €18,000 (Euros) per year on living expenses (housing, food, supplies, transportation, books, etc.). Medical school students should also consider that there will be additional costs associated with board exams, clinical electives and interviews for residency positions.
- What kind of financial aid is available?
  - Financial aid US and Canada in the form of US student loans and Canadian lines of credit are available to cover education expenses such as tuition fees, books and supplies, travel, etc. Currently the schools themselves cannot make scholarships available to international students.
- May I obtain employment while I am studying in Ireland and do I need a visa before traveling?
  - For the answer to these questions, please view our Moving to Ireland page.
- Are there any special airfares available to students studying in Ireland?
  - Yes, the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) offers special student airfares to students who are studying overseas. CIEE has offices throughout the USA and Canada through which travel arrangements can be made to and from Europe, North America and the rest of the world. For details on their office nearest you call 1-800-781-4040 or visit www.statravel.com.
- Whom can my family and friends contact if they want to receive information on travelling to Ireland to visit me?
  - The Irish Tourist Board at 1-800-223-6470, or visit www.ireland.ie. Most of the major air carriers have daily scheduled flights to and from Ireland. You could also check with your preferred airline.a
Dentistry
- What types of students prove to be successful applicants?
  - All types. The Atlantic Bridge Program is designed to add well-qualified students from a variety of backgrounds to the universities; student bodies. Students of all ages, college majors, financial resources, etc., are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to present high marks in science subjects as the application process is competitive.
- Is there a minimum age requirement?
  - Students must normally have attained the age of seventeen years by 15^th January following the year of entry to a University.
- What application documents are required?
  - Please refer to the Application Instructions page of our website.
- Are there any exceptional costs involved with the dentistry course?
  - Yes. Students will be required to purchase books at an approximate cost of €300 (£250 UK Pounds if attending Queens University) per year. At the beginning of the clinical years students attending Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork are required to purchase a set of dental instruments. The estimated cost of instruments for Trinity College Dublin is €3,000 and University College Cork is €4,000.
- How many North American students are admitted each year?
  - Up to 30 North American students are admitted annually.
- Will I have to undergo a health screening?
  - Yes. In the interests of the safety of both patients and students, Irish health care regulations require that a student entering a health care-related program undergo a health screening at the university health center after registration with the school. This is required to ensure that students are free of any infectious disease that may cause harm to patients, other students or faculty.
    
    Documents for such screenings are provided by the universities. Please note that there is an associated cost of approximately €225 – €300 (depending on the school) for health screening. The fees are paid directly to the university.
- What about health insurance?
  - The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service require that all non-EU students have private health insurance while studying in Ireland. Students should be prepared to present proof of insurance when arriving in Ireland.
    
    Students enrolled on a course of more than one academic year must buy a combined insurance policy that offers both (i) Health Insurance and (ii) student accident and repatriation. Such a (combined) policy meets the requirements for immigration.
    
    To secure such a policy you can visit the Study and Protect page from the Arachas Insurance Company.
    
    Study & Protect
    
    The Arachas policy will meet the requirements of the immigration authorities and they are endorsed by the Irish universities. Atlantic Bridge Tip, select the box titled “Medical Expenses (on a course of more than one academic year”).
- What degrees are awarded by the Irish Dental Schools?
  - Successful completion of the dentistry degree courses leads to a Bachelor in Dental Science (B.Dent.Sc.) at Trinity College Dublin and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at University College Cork. Trinity College Dublin awards a Bachelor in Arts (B.A.) in addition to the B.Dent.Sc., at the end of the five years. Queen’s University awards the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS).
    
    Once applicable licensing procedures have been successfully met, holders of these degrees are eligible to practice dentistry in the United States, Canada and all of the European Union nations. The schools have graduates currently practicing and/or teaching dentistry in North America.
- Will I be able to practice dentistry in the United States/Canada following graduation from an Irish dental school?
  - The dental degrees awarded are recognized by the dental licensing authorities in the United States, Canada and the European Union. However, you should check with your national and state/provincial licensing authorities for specific details on applicable licensing procedures and additional training that may be required of foreign-trained dentists.
    
    Canada
    
    The Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and the Dental Council of Ireland was signed on December 5^th, 2012. Under this agreement, the CDAC and the Dental Council of Ireland agree that each party recognizes the accreditation standards and policies of the other party as being equivalent to its own. There are twelve dental programs covered under this agreement, ten in Canada and two in Ireland (University College Cork and Trinity College Dublin).
    
    Students who graduate from University College Cork (UCC) or Trinity College Dublin (TCD) after December 5^th, 2012 will be accepted for licensing in Canada as graduates of an accredited dental educational program and do not need to meet other educational requirements typically required of graduates of non-Canadian Dental schools.
- How long is the dental degree course?
  - The 4-Year Graduate Entry Program is offered at University College Cork. The 5-Year Program is offered at University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin and Queens University Belfast.
- Will I receive a good medical education at these schools as I would in the US/Canada ?
  - Absolutely. The standard of education in Irish Dentist schools is extremely high. Their degrees are highly regarded throughout the world. Their graduates routinely secure some of the most prestigious residency training positions in North America.
- What are the tuition fees?
  - The following is a guideline for Annual Tuition Fees for the 2022/23 academic year.
    
    Trinity College Dublin – €45,500
    University College Cork – 5 Year – €42,500
    Queen’s University Belfast – £34,100 UK Pounds
    
    The above fees should be treated as a guideline only and are not official. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.
- I have a European Union (EU) passport but I do not ordinarily reside in the EU. Do I qualify for EU tuition fees?
  - Holders of EU passports who are not ordinarily residents of the EU are subject to overseas (i.e. non-EU) tuition fees. A student who meets any of the following conditions may request to be assessed for EU Tuition Fees.
    
    *Ordinarily resident means being resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for a minimum of 183 days in any one calendar year for a minimum of 3 of the last 5 years.
    
    (a) For all applicants aged under 23 on September 1^st of the year of entry to a program:
    1. Parent(s) must have been resident as tax-payer(s) (i.e. principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU for three of the five years prior to commencing the program AND
    2. Applicant/student must have been ordinarily resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing a program
    (b) For all applicants aged 23 or over on September 1^st of the year of entry to a program:
    1. Applicants over 23 are considered independent, mature applicants. The applicant/student must have been resident as a tax-payer (that is – principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing the program
    (c) Students educated for 5 years in primary or secondary school in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation can be assessed for EU fees
    
    A student who is eligible for EU fees must apply via the Central Applications Office.
    
    Note: Any period of residence as a student or a holder of a student visa will not be included in the assessment of years of residence.
- If I am eligible for EU Fees, how should I apply to the Irish Dental Schools?
  - In order to receive an offer of an EU place, you must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
- What are the minimum application requirements?
  - University College Cork
    
    In order to apply to University College Cork (UCC) you must have your Bachelor’s Degree completed no later than September 1^st of the year of proposed entry. Your degree program should include a significant science component including courses in Chemistry and Biology.
    
    Candidates who are applying to the Graduate Entry 4-Year Program in Dentistry must have:
    1. completed an Honors Bachelor’s Degree by September 1st of the year of proposed entry
    2. completed courses in General Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry by September 1st of the year of proposed entry
    Students with Bachelor’s Degrees who have not completed these course requirements will be considered for the 5 Year Program only.
    
    When applying to UCC, all eligible candidates will initially be considered for the 4 Year Graduate Entry Dentistry (GED) Program. However, GED places are limited and consequently not all candidates can receive a GED offer. Therefore, although you may be qualified for GED, you may receive an offer to the 5 Year dentistry degree program.
- What is a competitive GPA?
  - Because GPA can be very subjective, the Irish Dentistry Schools do not typically use guidelines around GPA for admissions purposes. For instance, Student A may have a slightly lower GPA than Student B, but Student A may have a much higher degree of difficulty in his/her degree or high school program. Also, many schools (especially in Canada) do not even have a GPA system. So there are many variables involved, therefore, GPA is not always a useful system for assessing students for dentistry school and it can be misleading.
    
    Consequently the Admissions Committees tend to consider every application individually and on its own merits, taking into account (among other things) the degree of difficulty involved in the undergraduate degree or high school curriculum, the competitiveness of the school, the course load carried by the student and other factors.
    
    However, if applying to Trinity College Dublin, your GPA or equivalent should be a minimum of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
- Are interviews required by the Irish Dental Schools?
  - University College Cork and Queen’s University Belfast conduct a online interview as part of their selection process. Interviews are not required for those applying to Trinity College Dublin.
- What should happen if the Mutual Recognition Agreement ceases to be renewed or is terminated?
  - Under the terms of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), any student who is enrolled in an accredited program at the time of the MRA being terminated, and proceeds to successfully complete said program, shall be considered to have graduated from an accredited program and shall subsequently benefit from the provisions of the MRA.
- What is a conditional offer?
  - Students who are currently enrolled in courses and who will not have final marks or earned their degree by the application deadline may be given a conditional offer by the schools. This is a common practice and allows students to (i) apply while they are still undertaking their current coursework and (ii) receive an offer of a place based on past coursework already completed and predicted marks.
    
    A conditional offer is an offer that is contingent on meeting certain condition(s), for instance, a) earning a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree by September of the year of entry, b) earning a certain grade point average, c) completion of the prerequisite science and math courses and/or d) obtaining a certain score on a standardized test (e.g. IB/MCAT etc.).
- How many entering classes are there each year and when do classes commence?
  - There is one entering class each year. Classes commence annually in September.
- Are student accommodation available?
  - Yes, the universities have excellent, modern, on-campus housing. International students who have received letters of admission are guaranteed university housing (provided that their housing applications are received on time). Housing in the private sector, including housing for married couples, may also be located with assistance from the college’s student accommodation office. For more detail, please visit our Accommodations page.
- How much should I budget for living expenses?
  - The universities recommend that, on average, students should budget approximately €18,000 (Euros) per year (approximately £13,000 UK Pounds if attending Queen’s University) for living expenses (housing, food, books, toiletries, transportation, etc.). These expenses may be financed through financial aid.
- What kind of financial aid is available?
  - Financial aid US and Canada in the form of US and Canadian student loans are available to cover education expenses such as tuition fees, books and supplies, travel, etc. Currently, the Irish universities do not offer scholarships to international students.
- May I obtain employment while I am studying in Ireland and do I need a visa before traveling?
  - For the answer to these questions, please view our Moving to Ireland page, or click here for information on UK visas required to attend Queen’s University.
- Are there any special airfares available to students studying in Ireland?
  - Yes, the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) offers special student airfares to students who are studying overseas. CIEE has offices throughout the USA and Canada through which travel arrangements can be made to and from Europe, North America and the rest of the world. For details on their office nearest you call 1-800-781-4040 or visit www.statravel.com.
- Whom can my family contact if they want to receive information on traveling to Ireland to visit me ?
  - The Irish Tourist Board at 1-800-223-6470, or visit www.ireland.ie. Most of the major air carriers have daily scheduled flights to and from Ireland. You could also check with your preferred airline.
Pharmacy
- What types of students prove to be successful applicants?
  - All types. The Atlantic Bridge Program is designed to add well-qualified students from a variety of backgrounds to the universities’ student bodies. Students of all ages, college majors, financial resources, etc., are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to present high marks in science subjects as the application process is competitive.
- Is there a minimum age requirement?
  - Students must normally have attained the age of seventeen years by 15th January following the year of entry to a University.
- Will I have to undergo a health screening?
  - Yes. In the interests of the safety of both patients and students, Irish health care regulations require that a student entering a health care-related program undergo a health screening at the university health center after registration with the school. This is required to ensure that students are free of any infectious disease that may cause harm to patients, other students or faculty.
    
    Documents for such screenings are provided by the universities. Please note that there is an associated cost of approximately €225 – €300 (depending on the school) for health screening. The fees are paid directly to the university.
- What about health insurance?
  - The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service require that all non-EU students have private health insurance while studying in Ireland. Students should be prepared to present proof of insurance when arriving in Ireland.
    
    Students enrolled on a course of more than one academic year must buy a combined insurance policy that offers both (i) Health Insurance and (ii) student accident and repatriation. Such a (combined) policy meets the requirements for immigration.
    
    To secure such a policy you can visit the Study and Protect page from the Arachas Insurance Company.
    
    Study & Protect
    
    The Arachas policy will meet the requirements of the immigration authorities and they are endorsed by the Irish universities. Atlantic Bridge Tip, select the box titled “Medical Expenses (on a course of more than one academic year”).
- How long is the Pharmacy degree course in Ireland?
  - The 5-Year Master of Pharmacy degree (MPharm) is offered at The Royal College of Surgeons, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.
- What degrees are awarded by the Irish pharmacy schools?
  - Students who complete the 5 year Pharmacy program at RCSI, TCD or UCC will graduate with a Master of Pharmacy and are thereby eligible to apply to be registered as a pharmacist in Ireland and throughout the European Union (EU). Graduates can return home to North America and fulfill licensure requirements.
- Is the Pharmacy Degree awarded in Ireland recognized in the United States and Canada?
  - Absolutely. However you should read the Practicing in Canada and the USA page of our website for further details on licensing.
- What are the tuition fees?
  - Tuition fees for the 2022/2023 academic year are as follows:
    1. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) – 25,000 Euros*
    2. Trinity College Dublin – Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) – €19,369
    3. University College Cork – Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) – €20,500**
    *Privately funded students to RCSI receive a €7,000 scholarship, which brings the annual tuition to €18,000.
    
    **Privately funded international students will receive a €5,000 annual scholarship at UCC.
    
    The above fees should be treated as a guideline only and are not official. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.
- I have a European Union (EU) passport but I do not ordinarily reside in the EU. Do I qualify for EU tuition fees?
  - Holders of EU passports who are not ordinarily residents of the EU are subject to overseas (i.e. non-EU) tuition fees. A student who meets any of the following conditions may request to be assessed for EU Tuition Fees.
    
    *Ordinarily resident means being resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for a minimum of 183 days in any one calendar year for a minimum of 3 of the last 5 years.
    
    (a) For all applicants aged under 23 on September 1st of the year of entry to a program:
    1. Parent(s) must have been resident as tax-payer(s) (i.e. principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU for three of the five years prior to commencing the program AND
    2. Applicant/student must have been ordinarily resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing a program
    (b) For all applicants aged 23 or over on September 1st of the year of entry to a program:
    1. Applicants over 23 are considered independent, mature applicants. The applicant/student must have been resident as a tax-payer (that is – principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing the program
    (c) Students educated for 5 years in primary or secondary school in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation can be assessed for EU fees
    
    A student who is eligible for EU fees must apply via the Central Applications Office.
    
    Note: Any period of residence as a student or a holder of a student visa will not be included in the assessment of years of residence.
- If I am eligible for EU Fees, how should I apply to the Irish Pharmacy School?
  - In order to receive an offer of an EU place, you must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
- What is a competitive GPA?
  - Because GPA can be very subjective, the Irish pharmacy schools do not typically use guidelines around GPA for admissions purposes. For instance, Student A may have a slightly lower GPA than Student B, but Student A may have a much higher degree of difficulty in his / her degree or high school program. Also, many schools (especially in Canada) do not even have a GPA system. So there are many variables involved, therefore, GPA is not always a useful system for assessing students for pharmacy school and it can be misleading.
    
    Consequently the Admissions Committees tend to consider every application individually and on its own merits, taking into account (among other things) the degree of difficulty involved in the undergraduate degree or high school curriculum, the competitiveness of the school, the course load carried by the student and many other factors.
- Are interviews required by the Irish pharmacy schools. When and where are these conducted ?
  - RCSI is the only medical school that conducts interviews and they are done virtually.
- Can I receive an offer of admissions from more than one school ?
  - Yes, you can. Every year, a number of candidates receive more than one offer or multiple offers.
- What is a conditional offer?
  - Students who are currently enrolled in courses and who will not have final marks or earned their degree by the application deadline may be given a conditional offer by the schools. This is a common practice and allows students to (i) apply while they are still undertaking their current coursework and (ii) receive an offer of a place based on past coursework already completed and predicted marks.
    
    A conditional offer is an offer that is contingent on meeting certain condition(s), for instance, a) earning a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree by September of the year of entry, b) earning a certain grade point average, c) completion of the prerequisite science and math courses and/or d) obtaining a certain score on a standardized test (e.g. IB/MCAT etc.).
- How many entering classes are there each year and when do classes commence?
  - There is one entering class each year. Classes commence annually in September.
- Are student accommodations available?
  - Yes, the universities have excellent, modern, on-campus housing. International students who have received letters of admission are guaranteed university housing (provided that their housing applications are received on time). Housing in the private sector, including housing for married couples, may also be located with assistance from the college’s student accommodation office. For more details, please visit our Accommodations page
- How much would I have to budget for living expenses?
  - It has been our experience that, on average, students will spend approximately €18,000 (Euros) per year on living expenses (housing, food, supplies, transportation, books etc.). Most of these expenses can be funded through US student loans or Canadian lines of credit.
- What kind of financial aid is available?
  - Financial aid US and Canada in the form of US student loans and Canadian lines of credit are available to cover education expenses such as tuition fees, books and supplies, travel, etc. Currently the schools themselves cannot make scholarships available to international students.
- May I obtain employment while I am studying in Ireland and do I need a visa before traveling?
  - For the answer to these questions, please visit our Moving to Ireland page.
- Are there any special airfares available to students studying in Ireland?
  - Yes, the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) offers special student airfares to students who are studying overseas. CIEE has offices throughout the USA and Canada through which travel arrangements can be made to and from Europe, North America and the rest of the world. For details on their office nearest you call 1-800-781-4040 or visit www.statravel.com.
- Who can my family and friends contact if they want to receive information on traveling to Ireland to visit me?
  - The Irish Tourist Board at 1-800-223-6470, or visit www.ireland.ie. Most of the major air carriers have daily scheduled flights to and from Ireland. You could also check with your preferred airline.
Physiotherapy
- What types of students prove to be successful applicants?
  - All types. The Atlantic Bridge Program is designed to add well-qualified students from a variety of backgrounds to the universities’ student bodies. Students of all ages, college majors, financial resources, etc., are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to present high marks in science subjects as the application process is competitive.
- Is there a minimum age requirement ?
  - Students must normally have attained the age of seventeen years by 15th January following the year of entry to a University.
- Will I have to undergo a health screening?
  - Yes. In the interests of the safety of both patients and students, Irish health care regulations require that a student entering a health care-related program undergo a health screening at the university health center after registration with the school. This is required to ensure that students are free of any infectious disease that may cause harm to patients, other students or faculty.
    
    Documents for such screenings are provided by the universities. Please note that there is an associated cost of approximately €225 – €300 (depending on the school) for health screening. The fees are paid directly to the university.
- What about health insurance?
  - The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service require that all non-EU students have private health insurance while studying in Ireland. Students should be prepared to present proof of insurance when arriving in Ireland.
    
    Students enrolled on a course of more than one academic year must buy a combined insurance policy that offers both (i) Health Insurance and (ii) student accident and repatriation. Such a (combined) policy meets the requirements for immigration.
    
    To secure such a policy you can visit the Study and Protect page from the Arachas Insurance Company.
    
    Study & Protect
    
    The Arachas policy will meet the requirements of the immigration authorities and they are endorsed by the Irish universities. Atlantic Bridge Tip, select the box titled “Medical Expenses (on a course of more than one academic year”).
- How long are the Physiotherapy degree courses in Ireland?
  - University College Cork
    
    2 Year MSc Physiotherapy degree
    
    University College Dublin
    
    2 Year MSc Physiotherapy degree
    
    The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    
    3 Year BSc Physiotherapy degree
    
    4 Year BSc Physiotherapy degree
    
    University of Limerick
    
    2 Year MSc Physiotherapy degree
- Will I receive a good education at these schools as I would in the US/Canada ?
  - Absolutely. The standard of education in Irish Physiotherapy schools is extremely high. Their degrees are highly regarded throughout the world.
- What are the tuition fees?
  - Tuition fees for the 2022/2023 academic year are as follows:
    
    **Annual tuition fees shown are for the 2019/2020 academic year.
    
    University College Cork
    MSc Physiotherapy – €20,500
    
    University College Dublin
    MSc Physiotherapy – €24,200
    
    The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    BSc Physiotherapy – 25,000 Euros*
    
    University of Limerick
    MSc Physiotherapy – €23,300
    
    *all privately funded students to RCSI receive a €7,000 scholarship, which brings the annual tuition to €18,000
    
    The above fees should be treated as a guideline only and are not official. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.
- I have a European Union (EU) passport but I do not ordinarily reside in the EU. Do I qualify for EU tuition fees?
  - Holders of EU passports who are not ordinarily residents of the EU are subject to overseas (i.e. non-EU) tuition fees. A student who meets any of the following conditions may request to be assessed for EU Tuition Fees.
    
    *Ordinarily resident means being resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for a minimum of 183 days in any one calendar year for a minimum of 3 of the last 5 years.
    
    (a) For all applicants aged under 23 on September 1^st of the year of entry to a program:
    1. Parent(s) must have been resident as tax-payer(s) (i.e. principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU for three of the five years prior to commencing the program AND
    2. Applicant/student must have been ordinarily resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing a program
    (b) For all applicants aged 23 or over on September 1^st of the year of entry to a program:
    1. Applicants over 23 are considered independent, mature applicants. The applicant/student must have been resident as a tax-payer (that is – principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing the program
    (c) Students educated for 5 years in primary or secondary school in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation can be assessed for EU fees
    
    A student who is eligible for EU fees must apply via the Central Applications Office.
    
    Note: Any period of residence as a student or a holder of a student visa will not be included in the assessment of years of residence.
- If I am eligible for EU Fees, how should I apply to the Irish Physiotherapy Schools?
  - In order to receive an offer of an EU place, you must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
- What is a competitive GPA?
  - Because GPA can be very subjective, the Irish physiotherapy schools do not typically use guidelines around GPA for admissions purposes. For instance, Student A may have a slightly lower GPA than Student B, but Student A may have a much higher degree of difficulty in his / her degree or high school program. Also, many schools (especially in Canada) do not even have a GPA system. So there are many variables involved, therefore, GPA is not always a useful system for assessing students for physiotherapy school and it can be misleading.
    
    Consequently the Admissions Committees tend to consider every application individually and on its own merits, taking into account (among other things) the degree of difficulty involved in the undergraduate degree or high school curriculum, the competitiveness of the school, the course load carried by the student and many other factors.
- Are interviews required by the Irish physiotherapy schools. When and where are these conducted ?
  - RCSI, UCC, and UL conduct online interviews.
- Can I receive an offer of admissions from more than one school ?
  - Yes, you can. Every year, a number of candidates receive more than one offer or multiple offers.
- What is a conditional offer?
  - Students who are currently enrolled in courses and who will not have final marks or earned their degree by the application deadline may be given a conditional offer by the schools. This is a common practice and allows students to (i) apply while they are still undertaking their current coursework and (ii) receive an offer of a place based on past coursework already completed and predicted marks.
    
    A conditional offer is an offer that is contingent on meeting certain condition(s), for instance, a) earning a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree by September of the year of entry, b) earning a certain grade point average, c) completion of the prerequisite science and math courses and/or d) obtaining a certain score on a standardized test (e.g. IB/MCAT etc.).
- How many entering classes are there each year and when do classes commence?
  - There is one entering class each year. Classes commence annually in September.
- Are student accommodations available?
  - Yes, Irish universities all have modern accommodations. Housing in the private sector, including housing for married couples, may also be located with guidance from the college’s Student Accommodation or International Offices. For more detail, please visit our Accommodations page.
- How much would I have to budget for living expenses?
  - It has been our experience that, on average, students will spend approximately €18,000 (Euros) per year on living expenses (housing, food, supplies, transportation, books etc.). Most of these expenses can be funded through US student loans or Canadian lines of credit.
- What kind of financial aid is available?
  - Financial aid US and Canada in the form of US student loans and Canadian lines of credit are available to cover education expenses such as tuition fees, books and supplies, travel, etc. Currently the schools themselves cannot make scholarships available to international students.
- May I obtain employment while I am studying in Ireland and do I need a visa before traveling?
  - For the answer to these questions, please visit our Moving to Ireland page.
- Are there any special airfares available to students studying in Ireland?
  - Yes, the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) offers special student airfares to students who are studying overseas. CIEE has offices throughout the USA and Canada through which travel arrangements can be made to and from Europe, North America and the rest of the world. For details on their office nearest you call 1-800-781-4040 or visit www.statravel.com.
- Who can my family and friends contact if they want to receive information on traveling to Ireland to visit me?
  - The Irish Tourist Board at 1-800-223-6470, or visit www.ireland.ie. Most of the major air carriers have daily scheduled flights to and from Ireland. You could also check with your preferred airline.
Law
- Who can apply?
  - Students of all ages, college majors, etc., are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to present high marks in their subjects as the application process is competitive.
- Is there a minimum age requirement?
  - Students must normally have attained the age of seventeen years by 15th January following the year of entry to a University.
- What about health insurance?
  - The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service require that all non-EU students have private health insurance while studying in Ireland. Students should be prepared to present proof of insurance when arriving in Ireland.
    
    Students enrolled on a course of more than one academic year must buy a combined insurance policy that offers both (i) Health Insurance and (ii) student accident and repatriation. Such a (combined) policy meets the requirements for immigration.
    
    To secure such a policy you can visit the Study and Protect page from the Arachas Insurance Company.
    
    Study & Protect
    
    The Arachas policy will meet the requirements of the immigration authorities and they are endorsed by the Irish universities. Atlantic Bridge Tip, select the box titled “Medical Expenses (on a course of more than one academic year”).
- What degree is awarded through the Irish Law program?
  - You will receive a Law LLB (Latin: Legum Baccalaureate) from University College Cork. This degree is based in English Common Law that is practiced across Ireland, Canada, and the United States.
- Will I be able to practice Law in the United States/Canada following graduation from the Irish Law School?
  - Upon degree completion, you will be able to eligible for the Canadian National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) or the United States’ American Bar Association evaluations in order to practice law in these respective countries. The schools have graduates currently practicing law in North America. Please click here for more information on law licensing in Canada and the US.
- How long is the Law degree course?
  - University College Cork offers the 2-Year LLB program for graduate entry (students who have completed an undergraduate degree before September of the year of entry).
- Will I receive a good law education at these schools as I would in the US/Canada?
  - Absolutely. The standard of education in Irish Law schools is extremely high. Their degrees are highly regarded throughout the world.
- What are the Tuition fees?
  - University College Cork 2022 Fees – €12,600*
    
    The above fees should be treated as a guideline only and are not official. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.
- I have a European Union (EU) passport but I do not ordinarily reside in the EU. Do I qualify for EU tuition fees?
  - Holders of EU passports who are not ordinarily residents of the EU are subject to overseas (i.e. non-EU) tuition fees. A student who meets any of the following conditions may request to be assessed for EU Tuition Fees.
    
    *Ordinarily resident means being resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for a minimum of 183 days in any one calendar year for a minimum of 3 of the last 5 years.
    
    (a) For all applicants aged under 23 on September 1st of the year of entry to a
    program:
    - Parent(s) must have been resident as tax-payer(s) (i.e. principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU for three of the five
      years prior to commencing the program AND
    - Applicant/student must have been ordinarily resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to
      commencing a program
    (b) For all applicants aged 23 or over on September 1st of the year of entry to a program:
    - Applicants over 23 are considered independent, mature applicants. The applicant/student must have been resident as a tax-payer (that is – principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing the program.
    (c) Students educated for 5 years in primary or secondary school in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation can be assessed for EU fees
    - A student who is eligible for EU fees must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
    Note: Any period of residence as a student or a holder of a student visa will not be included in the assessment of years of residence.
- If I am eligible for EU fees, how should I apply to the Irish Law school?
  - In order to receive an offer of an EU place, you must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
- What are the minimum application requirements to be eligible for the Irish Law School?
  - In order to apply to for the 2 Year Graduate Entry Law program you must haveyour Bachelor’s Degree completed no later than September 1 st of the year of proposed entry. For the full list of eligibility requirements for the program, please click here. If applying for the 4YR program you must have completed High School by September of the year of entry.
- Is there a minimum GPA?
  - The minimum cumulative GPA to apply to the Irish Law School is a 2.8 on a 4.0 scale, or approximately 65% and above. However the Admissions Committees tend to consider every application individually and on its own merits, taking into account (among other things) the degree of difficulty involved in the undergraduate, the competitiveness of the school, the course load carried by the student and other factors.
- What is a Conditional offer?
  - Students who are currently enrolled in courses and who will not have final marks or earned their degree by the application deadline may be given a conditional offer by the schools. This is a common practice and allows students to (i) apply while they are still undertaking their current coursework and (ii) receive an offer of a place based on past coursework already completed and predicted marks.
    
    A conditional offer is an offer that is contingent on meeting certain condition(s),for instance, earning a bachelor’s degree by September of the year of entry or earning a certain grade point average,
- How many entering classes are there each year and when do classes commence?
  - There is one entering class each year. Classes commence annually in September.
- Are student accommodations available?
  - Yes, the universities have excellent, modern, on-campus housing. International students who have received letters of admission are guaranteed university housing (provided that their housing applications are received on time). Housing in the private sector, including housing for married couples, may also be located with assistance from the college’s student accommodation office. For more detail, please visit our Accommodations page.
- How much should I budget for living expenses?
  - The universities recommend that, on average, students should budget approximately €18,000 (Euros) per year for living expenses (housing, food, books, toiletries, transportation, etc.). These expenses may be financed through financial aid.
- What kind of financial aid is available?
  - Financial aid US and Canada in the form of US and Canadian student loans are available to cover education expenses such as tuition fees, books and supplies, travel, etc. Currently, the Irish universities do not offer scholarships to international students.
- May I obtain employment while I am studying in Ireland and do I need a Visa before traveling?
  - For the answer to these questions, please view our Moving To Ireland page, or Click Here for information on UK visas required to attend Queen’s University.
- Are there any special airfares available to students studying in Ireland?
  - Yes, the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) offers special student airfares to students who are studying overseas. CIEE has offices throughout the USA and Canada through which travel arrangements can be made to and from Europe, North America and the rest of the world. For details on their office nearest you call 1-800-781-4040 or www.statravel.com
- Whom can my family contact if they want to receive information on traveling to Ireland to visit me?
  - The Irish Tourist Board at 1-800-223-6470, or visit www.ireland.ie. Most of the major air carriers have daily scheduled flights to and from Ireland. You could also check with your preferred airline.

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