Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions Malaysian students and parents ask about studying abroad through Mystudy.

Studying in Ireland
Ireland guide →
How much does it cost to study in Ireland as a Malaysian?
Tuition fees for international students in Ireland range from around €10,365 per year at TU-sector institutions up to €29,570 per year at research universities like TCD and UCD. Living costs in Dublin are typically €800 to €1,500 per month. The TU sector (TUS, ATU, SETU, TU Dublin, MTU) offers the best value for Malaysian students. See full Ireland guide →
Do I need IELTS to study in Ireland?
Most Irish universities require IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or equivalent (TOEFL 79-90, PTE 55, or Duolingo). SPM students who have passed CEFR B2 can use that to meet the English requirement. IGCSE students can use First Language English or O-Level English. If none of these are available, the standardised tests are the alternative route.
Can I work while studying in Ireland?
Yes. International students in Ireland can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays. This helps offset living costs while gaining valuable work experience.
What post-study work visa does Ireland offer?
Ireland's Third Level Graduate Programme (Stay Back Visa) allows you to remain and work in Ireland for 1 year after a Bachelor's degree or 2 years after a Master's degree, with no job offer required. This gives you time to secure employment after graduation.
What visa do I need to study in Ireland from Malaysia?
Malaysian passport holders do not need a pre-entry visa for Ireland. You register with immigration (GNIB/IRP) after arrival to receive your student residence permit. You will need proof of enrolment, health insurance, and evidence of funds (typically €10,000 in your bank account). Book a free consultation for visa guidance →
Is it better to study in Ireland or the UK for Malaysian students?
Ireland offers comparable prestige at significantly lower cost, with tuition starting from €10,365 per year compared to £15,000+ in the UK. Ireland also offers a 2-year post-study work visa for Master's graduates, and as the only English-speaking EU nation, an Irish degree opens doors across all 27 EU countries. Read the full comparison →
TAR UMT Pathway to Ireland
View all 19 routes →
Can TAR UMT diploma holders study in Ireland?
Yes. TAR UMT diploma holders can apply for direct entry to Year 2 or Year 3 of an Irish Honours degree through formal articulation agreements with TUS, Griffith College, SETU, ATU and TU Dublin. The entry level depends on the diploma field and CGPA. There are 19 progression routes across 7 faculties. See all pathways →
How long does the TAR UMT to Ireland pathway take?
TAR UMT diploma (3 years in Malaysia) plus 1 to 2 years in Ireland to complete the degree. The total is the same or faster than a standalone Irish degree (3-4 years), at lower total cost because the first 3 years are completed in Malaysia.
What CGPA do I need for the TAR UMT to Ireland pathway?
Most Irish universities require a minimum CGPA of 2.5 to 3.0 for diploma articulation. A higher CGPA (3.0+) gives you a better chance at more selective programmes and may qualify you for merit scholarships of up to €7,500.
Which Irish universities accept TAR UMT diploma?
Five Irish partner universities have formal progression agreements with TAR UMT: TUS (Athlone and Limerick campuses), Griffith College Dublin, SETU Waterford, ATU Donegal, and TU Dublin. The specific entry level depends on your diploma field and CGPA.
Foundation & Language Programmes
All pathways →
What is the OSSD and can I complete it from Malaysia?
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is a Canadian high school qualification accepted by universities in Canada, Ireland, UK, Australia and 20+ countries. You can complete it from Malaysia in 7 to 10 months through a hybrid online programme, without travelling to Canada. OSSD programme details →
What is the Sfere French EduCare foundation programme?
The Sfere programme is a 1-year foundation in France that combines French language study with academic preparation. After completing it, you can progress to a Bachelor's degree at one of France's public universities. It is designed for Malaysian SPM, IGCSE and IB MYP graduates. Sfere programme details →
Do I need to speak French before joining the Sfere programme?
No. The Sfere programme starts from zero French. You learn French intensively during the foundation year and reach the level required for university entry by the end of the programme.
What levels of Spanish does Hispania Valencia offer?
Hispania Valencia offers courses from complete beginner (A1) to advanced (C1/C2), following the Common European Framework of Reference. You can start at any level and progress at your own pace. Hispania programme details →
What is the LCA programme at Campus Spain?
The LCA programme (Living Campus Abroad) at Campus Spain in Vigo combines Spanish language learning with cultural immersion and academic preparation. It is designed for students who want to study in Spain and need language preparation before entering a Spanish university. LCA programme details →
Careers & Work After Graduation
Career pathways →
What careers can I get after studying in Ireland?
Irish graduates work across tech (software engineering, data science, cybersecurity), pharma and medtech (research, quality assurance, regulatory affairs), finance (accounting, fintech, investment banking), healthcare (nursing, medicine, physiotherapy), and business (marketing, HR, management consulting). Ireland hosts European HQs for Google, Meta, Apple, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Accenture, and more. Explore career pathways →
How much do graduates earn in Ireland?
Entry-level graduate salaries in Ireland typically range from €35,000 to €45,000 per year in Dublin. Tech roles (software engineering, data analysis) start at €40,000 to €60,000. Nursing graduates typically start at €35,000 to €40,000 with the HSE. Finance and accounting graduates earn €30,000 to €45,000 at entry level.
Which companies hire graduates in Ireland?
Ireland hosts European headquarters for many global companies that actively recruit graduates: Google, Meta, Apple, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Salesforce, Stripe, and HubSpot in tech; Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Abbott in pharma; Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC in professional services; and AIB and Bank of Ireland in finance.
Working with Mystudy
Book a session →
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. Mystudy's consultation service has been free since 2004 and remains so. We are paid a referral fee by partner institutions when a student enrols. You pay nothing for our advice, at any point in the process.
Do I need to prepare anything before the session?
No formal preparation is needed. Just know roughly what you have been thinking about: destination, subject area, or timeline. If you have documents like results transcripts, having them nearby is helpful but not required for the first session.
Can my parents or guardian join the call?
Absolutely. Many students prefer to have a parent or guardian on the call, especially for discussions about costs and financial planning. Just let us know when you book so we can accommodate everyone.
What if I'm not ready to apply yet?
That is fine. A large portion of our consultations are with students who are 12 to 24 months away from applying. Early conversations help you understand what to prepare, which improves your chances significantly when you are ready. Book a free consultation →