Planning To Relocate Out Of Nigeria This Year? Read This Now

I found this link on Twitter and I decided to share it with our readers because it deals with different countries and is exceedingly lengthy, I will do it in parts. Today let's talk about Ireland and Norway.

Did you know that after BREXIT, Ireland becomes the only English-speaking country in the EU?

Did you know that as a student in Ireland, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week (minimum of EUR 800 per month), and 40 hours per week (minimum of EUR 1600 per month) during the holiday?

There are several ways to migrate to Ireland but the most common are through schooling and through employment (I’ll discuss the employment aspect in another post).

Studying in Ireland

The cost of an Irish degree solely depends on the location of the University. Some cities like Dublin are more expensive than others. Generally, international students (Nigerians inclusive) are estimated to spend around EUR 7,000 per year on accommodation, feeding, and other expenses.

Some universities and private organisations in Ireland offer fee waivers or scholarships to international students. Some universities like the University of Limerick offer international travel workshops as part of the Master’s course. Tuition in Ireland could start around EUR 9,650 on average per year. Most masters programs in Ireland last for a year. Although Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in Ireland, English remains predominantly used in universities.

Applying for a Master’s program in Ireland

The academic year in Ireland often commences every September but the application for Masters programs usually starts from November to February of March next year (some universities close application in May/June but that’s a risk because visa application usually takes a while). Although there are universities that admit students in January. On a general note, below are some entry requirements for Masters applicants:

An undergraduate degree (three years minimum)

Personal statement or Letter of intent

In some cases, a virtual interview by the university.

Proof of academic performance (transcript)

Language skill (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE)

Other specific requirements of the university or faculty.

Masters fees and funding in Ireland

• University of Limerick – Bachelors: EUR 12,270 to 14,592 per year. Masters: EUR 8,273 to 17, 914 per year
• University College Cork – Bachelors: EUR 12, 400 to 48,750 per year. Masters: EUR 6,500 to 20,000 per year
• University College Dublin – Bachelors: EUR 12,800 to 30,685 per year. Masters: EUR 3,318 to 19,900 per year
• Technological University Dublin – Bachelors: EUR 9,650 to 12,500 Masters: EUR 11,000 to 14,000 (Sciences and health are slightly higher)
• Dublin Business School – Bachelors: EUR 9,850 Masters: EUR 12,500 to 13,500. DBS as its popularly called offers courses in Business, Computing, Media, Law, and Psychology. Moreover, the school also offers part-time programs and professional diplomas in Digital Marketing, Project Management, Psychotherapy, and Fintech.
• Athlone Institute of Technology – Bachelors: EUR 10,000 per year. Masters: EUR 10,000 per year. They offer courses in Business and Management, Accounting and Business Computing, Civil Construction and Mineral Engineering, Nursing and Healthcare, and Social Science and Design.
• Letterkenny Institute of Technology – Bachelors: EUR 10,000 per year. Masters: EUR 10,000 per year.
• Institute of Technology Sligo – Bachelors: EUR 10,500 per year. Masters: EUR 11,500 per year
• Cork Institute of Technology – Bachelors: EUR 12,000 per year. Masters: EUR 12,000 per year

Student visa to Ireland

Owing to the fact that Ireland is part of the EU, visa requirements apply to Non EEA/EU wishing to study in Ireland. You can only apply for the student resident permit once you have your acceptance letter from any Irish university. It usually takes a while, so do not delay. You are required to apply by visiting the local Irish embassy usually through their third party agent VFS in person. In addition to the documents mentioned above, you are required to present:

• A valid passport

• A formal offer letter

• Proof of funds (about 7,000 euros)

• Health insurance

Post Study Option:

Upon successful completion of the program, you are eligible to receive a residence permit for job application. This permit can only be granted as a permit extension to a student residence permit. This is issued for a maximum of 24 months (2 years) after graduation to enable you job hunt. Once you find a full time job, you are eligible to apply for a work permit (Stamp 4) that grants you access to remain in Ireland.

Best of luck with your application, if you’re the one going for it. Be sure to share this with anyone you know who is looking to study abroad.

Tuition in Norway

There are several tuition-free Universities in Norway that offer English taught Master’s and PhD programmes to international students – Nigerians inclusive. Some of these include:

• Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• Nord University
• Oslo Metropolitan University
• University of Bergen
• Bergen University College (semester fee of 590 NOK)
• The Arctic University of Tromso
• University of Stavanger
• BI Norwegian Business School
• University of Oslo
• Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
• Norwegian School of Economics
• Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
• University of Adger
• University of South-Eastern Norway

Living cost

In order to be granted a student residence permit in Norway, you must provide proof of funds (bank statement) as evidence of your ability to finance your stay. You are required to have at least 123,519 NOK per year to cover housing, food, and other expenses. This implies that for a year, you will need to show proof of about 5,000,000 naira only.

Applying for a Master’s program in Norway

Most Universities require a semester fee of about 590 NOK to 625 NOK (25,000 naira) for you to get access to a range of welfare services such as reasonably priced housing, sport, cafeterias, health and child care services, career and counseling services. Generally, the application opens in October but ends in December for international students. This gives them ample time to await their offer letter and apply for Visa. 

Post Study Option:

You’re eligible to work part-time for about 20 hours while you study. During the holidays, you can work full-time.

Funding

For most universities, since tuition is free you are expected to have a minimum of NOK 123,519 (about 5,085,894 naira) in your bank account.

• The bank statement must not be more than 3 months
• It can be an account in any currency (as long as the money complete, LOL)
• All documents must be written in English
• If you are being sponsored, a signed letter and bank statement of your sponsor

After receiving admission, universities ask that international students who have been granted admission must transfer NOK 123,519 to the Universities deposit account before arrival in Norway. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration requires this to ensure that students who are admitted possess sufficient means to finance their stay and living costs. This fund will be transferred back to you at the beginning of the semester. If after admission has been issued you choose to defer or for some reason cannot commence the program, the money will be returned to your bank account.

Student visa Requirements to Norway

• An application fee of NOK 4900 (about 200,000 naira)
• You must have an admission letter from a Norwegian college or University
• You must study full time
• You must have funds to finance your stay, at least for a year (this can include student loans, grants, personal funds in a Norwegian account or deposit account of your university or a combination of both.
• You must have an accommodation
• You must prove that you will return to your home country after studies (either a business you own, your family ties, study leave showing you’ve been granted leave for study)

Source: WakaWaka Doctor