Studying an MBA in Ireland

MBA courses in the Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is a great destination to study for an MBA. It has strong links to the neighbouring UK, well-established finance and banking sectors, as well as expertise in various other industries including IT and pharmaceuticals. Ireland provides high quality business education – one of its main universities, University College of Dublin, falls within the Top 30 business schools in Europe.

Your visa

Citizens of certain countries who wish to pursue a course of study in Ireland must apply for a visa to enter the country before they travel - this does not apply to students from the European Economic Area (EEA). Students from outside the EEA have a cap on the length of time they can stay in Ireland as students. This will vary depending on the length of time your course lasts for.

If you are from outside the EEA and want to study in Ireland for less than three months you should apply for a 'C study visa'. If your course lasts longer than three months, you should apply for a 'D study visa'. Generally speaking, the duration of a 'C study visa' cannot be extended once you have arrived in Ireland. Extensions will be granted in exceptional cases only. It's very important, therefore, to make sure you know the duration of your course before you apply for a visa in order to make sure you get the right one.

Under the terms of your visa, as an international student you are entitled to work up to 20 hours part-time per week during the academic term and to work full-time during the holidays. For more information of student visas in Ireland, visit Study in Ireland. (www.studyinbritain.com/ireland/info/visas.asp#RepIreland)

Where should I study?

University College Dublin – Michael Smurfit School of Business

There are currently 45 places available annually on UCD’s MBA course, with one in three applicants getting a place. The average GMAT score of those accepted is 606.

In terms of diversity, the MBA courses at UCD definitely have an international feel: 58% of students are from within Europe, 22% are from North America and 20% from Australia and Australasia.  

To get a place on the MBA course at UCD you must apply before July in the year of entry. The course will commence in August, and runs for eleven months. You will need an undergraduate degree, three years of work experience, a minimum GMAT score of 550, a TOEFL or IELTS qualification, two references and three essays to submit. You will also have an interview.

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin has over 400 years experience in educating leaders. Its MBA modules include leadership and teamwork, understanding the environment, managing functions and integrative management practice. Classes are kept small – around 30-40 students.

In order to successfully gain a place you’ll need a good degree (a 2.1 or above), or a professional qualification such as the ACCA, or a substantial amount of business experience. There is also a minimum of three years work experience if you have a degree, or five years if you have other professional qualifications. The minimum GMAT score for admission is 550, the minimum age is 25, and IELTS or TOEFL are required from non-native English speakers. You will also have an interview, as well as submitting three essays and two references.

Apply online during the first round of admissions (from September) if you are planning on applying for a scholarship. The second round of admissions is from January to March. Most places will be offered during the first round. 

Griffith College Dublin

The course offered at Griffith College is MBA International Business, and unsurprisingly it prepares its students for careers in the international market. The course is based on a solid foundation of at least two years work experience.

Courses can be taken full-time (one year) or part-time (two years), and you will need an undergraduate degree in a business-related subject, or a related postgraduate qualification, or evidence of business learning. Non-business graduates will need to interview.

Apply online at www.gcd.ie/apply

Dublin City University Business School

Dublin City University Business School calls itself ‘Dublin’s university of enterprise’ – a promising start, then, if you’re thinking of studying for your MBA here.

The courses offered are two years part-time, and are designed for future executives. The focus is on the demands of the twenty first century workplace and DCU also has strong links with institutions in the US.

You will need an Honours degree or a relevant professional qualification, as well as five years management experience. Mathematical and statistical ability is important, and international students must have IELTS with no score less than 6.5.

Apply online at www.pac.ie/dcu by 31st July on year of entry for EU applicants, or by 13^th July if you are not in the EU.

Related Articles

• MBA in South Korea
• The state of the art infrastructure, interesting and varied culture, climate, geography and good transport links to Asia and the rest of the world make South Korea an extremely desirable place to study an MBA program.
• MBA in Europe
• Studying an MBA in Europe.
• MBA in France
• In the vast majority of cases, MBA teaching in France takes the practical route. Courses are linked well to industry - universities are usually sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, meaning students will attend meetings with company managers. Company visits are also organised on a regular basis.
• MBA in Germany
• Germany has a long running history of strong economy and management, making it a great place to study an MBA program. If you want to study for an MBA in Europe, Germany might just be the right place for you.
• MBA in Spain
• Studying an MBA in Spain.

Related Courses

• Full-time MBA
• A global MBA with an Asia Pacific focus. Students can choose an Asia specific track such as China, Japan or Vietnam. Hawaii’s only AACSB accredited MBA program. The cohort format fosters teamwork and peer learning
• Full-time MBA
• The Full-time MBA is an intensive one year programme, which offers a rigorous and challenging process of personal and management development.
• Part-time MBA
• The Part-time MBA is a 3 year part-time programme, designed for those working in a wide variety of managerial, technical and professional roles.