Everything Irish students need to know about studying in Europe — application deadlines, costs, Leaving Cert recognition, and more.
As an Irish citizen, you have the right to study anywhere in the EU under the same conditions as local students. Many countries offer free or low-cost tuition, world-class education, and the chance to learn a new language. Your Leaving Certificate is widely recognised, and EU qualifications are respected worldwide.
Tip: Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) have more structured programmes and earlier deadlines
The Irish Leaving Certificate is recognised in Austria. You may need to demonstrate specific subject requirements depending on the programme. Some universities require a "Studienberechtigungsprüfung" if qualifications don't fully match.
Requirements: Leaving Certificate with relevant subjects; German B2 for German-taught programmes
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~75-85% of Irish living costsNote: Flanders (Dutch) and Wallonia (French) have different application processes
You must apply for "equivalence" of your Leaving Certificate through regional authorities. This takes several weeks and costs approximately €200. Apply early as it's required before university enrolment.
Equivalence Required: Apply via equivalences.cfwb.be (French) or relevant Flemish authority
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~70-80% of Irish living costsImportant: Charles University Medicine requires entrance exams in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
The Irish Leaving Certificate requires "nostrification" — official recognition by Czech authorities. This takes 2-4 weeks and may require additional exams if subjects don't match. Cost is approximately €20.
Nostrification: Required for all international qualifications — start early
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~45-55% of Irish living costsBonus: Work 10-12 hours/week to qualify for SU (Danish student grant) of ~€800/month!
The Irish Leaving Certificate is directly recognised in Denmark. Your grades are converted to the Danish 7-point scale. Universities set specific requirements; competitive programmes may require high grades in relevant subjects.
Typical Requirements: 6 subjects including English and Maths; specific grade requirements vary
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~95-110% of Irish living costsDigital Leader: Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries — great for IT and tech
The Irish Leaving Certificate is recognised in Estonia. Universities assess applications individually. Most English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent).
Requirements: Leaving Certificate accepted; English B2 level required for English programmes
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~40-50% of Irish living costsNote: Most programmes require entrance exams — check specific requirements early
The Irish Leaving Certificate is recognised for university admission. However, most programmes also require entrance exams. Some universities accept SAT scores.
Requirements: Leaving Certificate + entrance exam or SAT scores for most programmes
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~70-80% of Irish living costsNote: For Grandes Écoles and business schools, apply directly — they're not on Parcoursup
The Irish Leaving Certificate is considered equivalent to the French Baccalauréat. French universities assess applications holistically.
Requirements: Leaving Certificate accepted; French B2 level often required for French-taught programmes
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~70% of Irish living costs (Paris higher)Tip: Use DAAD.de to search all German programmes in English
The Irish Leaving Certificate is fully recognised in Germany. You'll need 6 subjects including English, Maths, and a third language. Generally, 400+ CAO points equates to strong eligibility.
Requirements: 6 subjects including English, Maths, a language, and a lab science for STEM
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~70% of Irish living costsPopular for: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary — Semmelweis University is world-renowned
The Irish Leaving Certificate is recognised. For medical programmes, Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level typically required. Many universities require entrance exams.
Medicine Requirements: Biology + Chemistry at Higher Level; entrance exam required
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~35-45% of Irish living costsTip: Medicine in English offered at 14 Italian universities via the IMAT test
The Irish Leaving Certificate is recognised as equivalent to the Italian "Diploma di Maturità ". You may need a "Dichiarazione di Valore" from the Italian Embassy in Dublin.
Requirements: Leaving Certificate with at least 5 subjects; Declaration of Value often required
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~60-70% of Irish living costsPopular for: Medicine and Dentistry at Riga Stradins University — EU-recognised degrees at lower cost
The Irish Leaving Certificate is recognised in Latvia. For medical programmes, Biology and Chemistry are typically required. Universities may request document legalisation or apostille.
Medicine Requirements: Biology and Chemistry preferred; entrance exam or interview required
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~35-45% of Irish living costsPopular for: Medicine, Veterinary Medicine at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
The Irish Leaving Certificate is recognised in Lithuania. Documents typically need apostille authentication. For medical programmes, strong grades in science subjects are expected.
Requirements: Leaving Certificate with apostille; science subjects for medical programmes
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~30-40% of Irish living costsNote: "Numerus Fixus" programmes (Medicine, Psychology) — apply by 15 January!
The Irish Leaving Certificate is recognised as equivalent to Dutch VWO diploma. Most programmes require 6 subjects at H5 or above.
Typical Requirements: 6 subjects at Higher Level, including English and relevant subjects
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~85-95% of Irish living costsPopular for: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary — high quality, more accessible entry than Ireland
The Irish Leaving Certificate is fully recognised. For medical programmes, Biology, Chemistry, and often Physics/Maths required.
Medicine Requirements: Biology + Chemistry at Higher Level (H4+), some require entrance exams
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~40-50% of Irish living costsGrowing Destination: Portugal is increasingly popular for quality education and lifestyle
The Irish Leaving Certificate requires grade equivalence through DGES. Your grades are converted to the Portuguese 0-20 scale. The process can take several weeks.
Requirements: Grade equivalence via DGES; apostilled Leaving Certificate required
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~55-65% of Irish living costsImportant: The UNED credential is essential — start early (February)
The Irish Leaving Certificate is converted via UNED to a Spanish equivalent grade (0-14 scale). Medicine requires high grades (12+/14), which may require PCE exams.
Conversion: ~500 CAO points ≈ 10/14 | Medicine typically requires 12.5+/14
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~55-65% of Irish living costsTip: Sweden uses a merit rating system — ranking depends on grades
The Irish Leaving Certificate is recognised and converted to Swedish "merit points". Higher Level subjects carry more weight. English B (H4+ or IELTS 6.5+) required.
English Requirement: Leaving Cert English at H4 or above, OR IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL 90+
Cost of living comparison (Ireland = 100%)
~85-100% of Irish living costsBook a consultation with our guidance team to discuss your options and create a personalised study abroad plan.
Book a ConsultationInformation is for guidance only and subject to change. Always verify directly with universities.
Last updated: December 2024 | Suggest an update