Major Aspects Why Indian Students Should Study in Northern Ireland

Every year more Indian students go abroad for their higher studies. Although, Covid 19 outbreak has changed the entire face of higher education, Northern Ireland, as an integral part of the United Kingdom, has come out to be an exclusive study destination for Indian students who want to study abroad.

Nowadays, where education is a primary determiner of any region or country, Northern Ireland owns top-class education at all levels that attract international talent and competes globally.

Northern Ireland is world-renowned for its world-class institutions, an extensive selection of courses, and abundant opportunities when it comes to the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

According to Swathi Sri, Head of Territory, India, Middle East, and Africa at Invest Northern Ireland, the region’s economic development agency, Northern Ireland is home to an internationally-focused education system being an English-speaking country in Europe, it is easily accessible from all parts of the world.

Students can look forward to world-renowned study programs in cybersecurity, humanities, social sciences, medicine, business, computing, health and life sciences, engineering, physical sciences, arts, film, and journalism. Additionally, Northern Irelands’ hospitality is inferior to none, and the region is enthusiastic to welcome students from India. A Northern Ireland education unlocks doors across the world, with our alumni making their mark in the UK, India, and beyond.

Northern Ireland has honored institutions with a wide range of world-class study opportunities, extensive resources, and top-quality staff, teaching, and research. You can gain esteemed and reputed UK qualifications and take advantage of growing relationships between education and business.

Northern Ireland is very rich in history and vibrant culture with easy access to beautiful countryside and scenery.

Northern Ireland is the home of thrones. The popular HBO Game of Thrones was also filmed in Belfast across Northern Ireland. Aside from this, Northern Irish people are family-oriented and are the brightest people in the UK.

Northern Ireland is home to two prestigious universities, the foremost of which is Ulster University and the second one is Queen’s University Belfast, which is sited in the Capital, consistently ranks as two of the top-tier more powerful education institutions in the world. In addition to world-class facilities, there are numerous reasons why Indian students should consider Northern Ireland as an education destination.

Unrestricted immigration policies

Northern Ireland’s new immigration policies are blended towards welcoming Indian students. The new post-study work visa allows international students to stay in the United Kingdom for two years to find work after graduation. Also, IIT JEE scores are accepted by Queen’s University Belfast.

The British Council’s Tier-5 Visa sponsorship service allows overseas students to stay in the UK after graduation to work in UK companies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). With this service, the British Council can grant Certificates of Sponsorship for international alumni who have been offered UK-based work opportunities, to finance their Tier 5 Visa applications. Tier 5 sponsorship is the primary immigration route for temporary workers. Also, UK has Tier 2 sponsorship for long-term skilled employment. Therefore, the students need to assess which type of sponsorship they will need to seek from a UK employer.

Quality Education System

The Northern Ireland education system is world-renowned for its schools, colleges, and universities and has produced Nobel laureates, brilliant scientists, writers, actors, government ministers, musicians, and politicians.

Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster are two prestigious universities in Northern Ireland, and both have campuses in the centre of Belfast, meaning there is a cliquish outlook among the country’s student community.

There are also two university colleges, six highly esteemed colleges for further education, outstanding English language centres, and many excellent schools, some with boarding departments for international students, and all of them are in easy reach.

These universities provide first-class teaching in state-of-the-art facilities supported by prominent pastoral care.

These universities are determined to cover arts, business, engineering, information technology, life, and health sciences, management, and social sciences. Courses have a strong vocational element, which is vital for building a successful career, and the majority include a period of industrial or professional placement.

The research-led technology industry

Northern Ireland is recognized as a booming technology industry, ranked as one of the top 10 Digital Economies of the Future by FT(Financial Times).

The region is a hub for students looking to build a career in technology and associated fields. The Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) at Ulster University and The Institute of Electronics, Communications, and Information Technology (ECIT) at Queen’s University Belfast are two of the world’s leading university-led research centres in North Ireland.

Queen’s University Belfast is a part of the elite Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities.

Queen’s is ranked first place in the Uk for commercializing research‘ (Octopus Ventures Entrepreneurial Impact Ranking Report 2019 & 2020) with 2,700 people employed in 90 active spinout companies. Queen’s kept its top spot for the second year running, being certified for its prominently effective approach to developing spinouts, with a principal focus on ‘customer discovery’. Queen’s is also ranked as number one in the United Kingdom for its participation in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP).

The universities are actively engaged in international research as Ulster University has been recently awarded further funding towards a new research project, related to water treatment as a result of the SAFE WATER network and collaborative activities.

Comfort and safety

Northern Ireland is among one of the most affordable regions in the UK to live and study. Ulster University grants highly competitive tutoring fees and an attractive support package for overseas students. Ulster University also offers neat, comfortable, and modern-style managed accommodation. It is very secure and home to a diverse community of international students. This accommodation is very affordable and includes almost every necessary amenities.

Founded in 1845, Queen’s University Belfast is the ninth oldest university in the UK. Queen’s is recognized as one of the most beautiful places to study in the country. With 24,000 students from 80 countries, it is a thriving and friendly campus.

The university has over 200 clubs and societies, an award-winning library, a computer science building with state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate over 1,000 students, and modern student housing.

Powerful allies to India

Over decades, Northern Ireland’s universities have partnered with Indian companies and institutions for numerous years. The country is committed to build and maintain strong relations with Indian students. Presently, there are significant numbers of Indian students studying at Queen’s University Belfast, primarily in programs with integrated placement opportunities and 96% of students are employed or proceeding further education after graduation.

Indian alums from Northern Ireland are also succeeding in their homeland, addressing global challenges such as water sustainability, energy, and environmental preservation. Many successful graduates are working in the field of civil engineering, software development, polymer processing, and public affairs.

This academic connection is further strengthened through influential industry ties with Northern Ireland companies such as CDE group, one of the leading manufacturers of wet-processing devices across 24 countries in the Indian subcontinent and South-East Asia.

This regional company has hired many employees in its Indian and southeast Asian markets.

Following the common interests, Indian companies are also seeing to Northern Ireland to establish a presence and expand their business in the region. Nearly 1,100 foreign companies have invested in Northern Ireland to date and over 70% of current inward investors reinvested. This start will certainly be alluring to local Indian students seeking internships and further opportunities within Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland is globally acclaimed for its education system and, safe and reliable infrastructure. The region’s two universities offer exceptional advantages to Indian students. By lifting immigration policies, Northern Ireland has emerged as a unique country to start a global career.