The good news for students who have just left school and who have not been able to gain entry into tertiary institutions locally, is that they are able to study abroad where the entry criteria are achievable and affordable and multiple intake dates exist.
This means they can still start their studies next month if they act promptly.
Students from SA, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Malawi are able to study at college level in Ireland for R28 000 per annum and they do not require a visa.
When choosing to study at a college, a higher national diploma is awarded within one to two years, depending on the level of the student’s academic ability.
A student can then transfer into a university and attain an internationally accredited degree. Via this route it is possible for a student to attain a masters degree within four years.
There is a range of universities and colleges in Ireland, England, Scotland, Canada, Hungary and Switzerland that are welcoming applications. The programme choices are varied, including medicine. The institutions are all represented locally, making the application process user-friendly.
Students are able to work part time while studying and earn euros or pounds, gain valued work experience and meet friends from all over the world.
The valuable life skills learnt studying abroad are an added bonus.
Ireland is fast becoming a preferred study destination choice because of the subsidised fee structure and visa waiver.
Other advantages include:
l The Irish education system is one of the best in Europe. Education has been a key factor in making Ireland one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the past decade.
l Ireland is an English-speaking country and students studying there find it comfortable to settle in and cope with their study programmes.
l Irish people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality which contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life.
l The population is young and vibrant, with 40 percent under the age of 25. Ireland is one of the most exciting places in the world to be as a student.
l The country is also regarded as very safe to study and live in.
l Ireland boasts a highly developed democracy with a modern economy.
l Richness of culture, breathtaking scenery and friendly people make Ireland an ideal study destination for all international students.
It is always advisable for students to work through a locally based representative of a reputable international tertiary institution.
This way they are dealing with a company that has the international expertise and can provide full counselling, orientation, travel advice and discounts and visa assistance where necessary.
To sum this up, local representatives assist students from application stage to graduation and beyond, and make this process as pain-free as possible.
Randomly researching and choosing institutions on the internet is not advisable and should be avoided.
l For more information about studying at college or university level in Ireland and other study destinations, contact International Education Link at 011 442 9101 or e-mail@int-edulink.co.za Visit www.int-edulink.co.za for details.
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