Compare study destinations
Costs, intakes and work rights side by side. Pick up to three countries.
| Ireland | UK | |
|---|---|---|
| Universities on Gradwalk | 4 | 36 |
| Programs | 366 | 13,873 |
| Main intakes | September, January | September, January (May at selected universities) |
| Tuition per year | Ask your guide | £11,400–£38,000 |
| Living costs per year | €10,000+ a year (funds to show) | £10,800–£14,100 |
| Working while you study | You can work up to 20 hours a week in term time, and 40 hours a week in June–September and 15 December–15 January. | Up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during official holidays for degree-level students (10 hours a week below degree level). The limit covers all jobs combined and is counted Monday to Sunday. |
| After you graduate | Up to 2 years (Stamp 1G) The Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) lets you work full-time for any employer with no job offer needed. Level 8 (Honours Bachelor's): 12 months Level 9 (Master's) and Level 10 (PhD): up to 24 months, granted as 12 + 12 | Graduate Route: 2 years after a Bachelor's or Master's (18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027), 3 years after a PhD. No job offer or sponsor needed: work in any job, change jobs or start a business. Apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires. Fee £880 plus the health surcharge (£1,035 a year). To stay longer, switch to a Skilled Worker visa with a sponsored job offer. |
| Settling long term | Critical Skills Employment Permit: for in-demand roles above the salary threshold. After 2 years on it you can get Stamp 4 (live and work without a permit). General Employment Permit: for other eligible jobs. It can lead to Stamp 4 after 5 years. Citizenship: possible after 5 years of reckonable residence. | The usual path is Student visa → Graduate visa → Skilled Worker visa → Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) → British citizenship. The UK is moving to an "earned settlement" system, which raises the standard wait for ILR from 5 years to a 10-year baseline for most migrants, including Skilled Workers. High earners and Global Talent visa holders may qualify sooner. Since January 2026, Skilled Worker applicants need English at B2 level. The settlement rules are still being finalised, so check GOV.UK before planning. |
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