Where to Study Abroad: England vs Ireland

For US and other English-speaking students looking to study abroad without language barriers, England and Ireland stand out as top choices. Each offers world-renowned universities, academic excellence, unique cities and landscapes. But, how do you decide between two similar and yet completely different countries? 

Read on to find out the key distinctions between England and Ireland, where you should study abroad as an international student!

Whether you’re after academic prestige or a thriving social life, there are many reasons to consider studying abroad in England and Ireland as an international student. 

• Prestigious universities: England and Ireland are home to fantastic universities, whether you choose to study in London or Manchester, Dublin or Galway, or elsewhere. Both countries have a wide selection of fantastic universities to consider, whether you’re an undergrad, postgrad, science or art major, and so on.
• Unique cultures: Studying in England and Ireland offers insight into unique cultures for international students from the US and beyond. Whether you want to learn the Irish language, gaze upon Big Ben from a London cab, or frequent Irish pubs, both countries can offer students an immersive experience. 
• Iconic landscapes: From Stonehenge and the White Cliffs of Dover in England to Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, both countries offer an abundance of sightseeing trips, outdoor activities, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Source: Numbeo

Studying in England offers a fantastic experience for international students. Whether you’re an extrovert, sports enthusiast, bookworm, history buff, or other, there’s plenty to do and see in addition to studying at some of the world’s best universities. 

Geography & climate

England’s terrain is more varied than Ireland, offering a wider range of landscapes from mountainous terrain in the north, flat plains in the east, downlands in the south, and more. International students can embrace England’s topography by hiking in the Yorkshire dales, trekking up Scafell Pike, sunbathing on beaches of Brighton, or even venturing further afield to bordering countries like Wales and Scotland. 

Culture & lifestyle

University cities in England have a reputation for offering an engaging and vibrant lifestyle for students. Studying abroad in England is as much about the social life as it is the education, and “work hard, play hard” is an apt description. 

International students have ample opportunities to mingle and make friends on-campus and beyond in their new home. Specific majors host social events and nights out, and students can also join campus societies from football, movie, or even a Harry Potter society and more. Off-campus, cities cater to university students by offering student discounts, themed events, pub quizzes, and more. 

Academia & top majors 

England is home to some of the world’s top universities - including Oxford and Cambridge - that tend to emphasize academic rigor, research opportunities, and professional outcomes. While London alone is home to around 40 universities, keep an open mind as cities like Manchester, Brighton, Liverpool, and Newcastle, and more are thriving student hubs and excellent academics. 

Students typically complete assignments throughout the course, with exams at the end of the semester making a significant percentage of the final grade. The grading system classes degrees into honours from a 1st class (70%+) to a pass (40-49%). If you’re studying your entire degree in England, your first year grade typically doesn’t count (but you still need to pass!). If you enjoyed your time in England, you can stay in the form of a Graduate Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa! 

Some of the top majors in England include: 

• Business, finance and economics: As a global financial center, England - and London in particular - is home to some of the world’s best financial and business schools, with notable examples such as the London School of Economics, King’s College London, and more.
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): England is a leader in biotech, engineering, and computer science, with many of its universities boasting cutting-edge research and innovation.
• Medicine & health Sciences: From Nursing, Medicine, and Veterinary science and more, English universities excel when it comes to health sciences, and students have opportunities for hands-on experience with NHS services.
• Law & international relations: English law has significantly influenced international framework whether on a corporate, environmental, or civil capacity, and England is home to fantastic law schools. 
• Art, fashion & design: London is a global fashion hub, and creative students will flourish at reputable art and fashion schools in England. 

Cost of living 

The average monthly cost of living in England averages at around $1,100 USD, and rent averages at around $1,200 USD. The cost of living varies significantly across England, with areas such as London being much more expensive than other areas. 

Northern cities such as Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Durham are typically much cheaper than in the south, with the cost of living of cities such as London, Bath, and Brighton being significantly higher. 

Sharing student accommodation with other students is a great way to minimize your budget and also maximize your social life! If you’re studying through direct enrollment, you’ll likely need to organize your own housing, while third-party provider students often have their accommodation provided for them. 

Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in England?

Studying in Ireland as an international student offers similar benefits to studying in England, from the reputable universities to the vibrant social life. However, it also has very distinct characteristics that may persuade you. 

Geography & climate

With rolling hills and dramatic coastal cliffs, Ireland has a landscape that offers plenty of sights and attractions to behold when you’re not studying. However, despite the stereotype that it rains a lot in England, it actually rains more in Ireland - on average. When you’re not studying, you can embark on road trips like the Wild Atlantic Way or the Ring of Kerry. Wherever you choose to spend your time, you’re never far away from the scenic coast or the rolling hills. 

Read more: Where in Ireland Should You Study Abroad?

Culture & lifestyle

Irish culture is the jack of all trades, boasting a thriving literary scene, a varied history, and a highly extroverted lifestyle. Although a stereotype, there’s plenty of truth to the idea that people in Ireland like to congregate in the pub. Like England, Irish society is very sporty which ties in with its sociable nature. 

Although similar, England and Ireland are also very different. Irish people are generally more community-oriented, displaying great pride in their national identity. Their cultural roots are firmly rooted, and they stay in touch with their heritage by singing folk songs, speaking Irish Gaelic, playing Gaelic football, and celebrating St. Paddy’s Day to its fullest extent. However, they’re incredibly welcoming, and you’re sure to develop Irish phrases and colloquialisms while studying there.

Read more: 8 Cultural Experiences to Have While Studying Abroad in Ireland

Academia & top majors 

Ireland is also home to reputable universities, from Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, the National University of Ireland, University of Galway, and more. 

Similar to the grading system in England, the grades in Ireland are divided into scores from a 1st class (70%+), 2.1 (60-69%), 2.2 (50-59%), and a pass (40-49%). Students are evaluated through a combination of assessments and end of semester exams. As a postgraduate, you can work in Ireland for up to two years on the Third Level Graduate Programme.

Ireland is known for its excellence in majors such as: 

• Technology & computer science: Dublin - or Ireland’s “Silicon Docks” - is home to excellent schools and European headquarters of major companies such as Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Studying here offers not only academic but also professional development through networking and internships. 
• Literature & history: Some of the most influential authors hail from Ireland, and their work is often rooted in historical issues. From W.B. Yeats’ allegorical poems to James Joyce’s modernist novels, Ireland’s literary foundation hosts a thriving scene for book enthusiasts, and history buffs will have plenty to analyse.
• Healthcare & pharmaceuticals: With a healthcare system that ranks among the world’s best and hosting major companies like Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson, Ireland offers practical as well as academic opportunities for international students.
• Environmental science & sustainability: Heavily invested in renewable energy, Ireland is an excellent place for environmental science and ecology  students. 

Read more: Top 7 Universities in Ireland for International Students

Cost of living 

The cost of living in Ireland is higher than in England, depending on which cities you’re comparing. The average monthly cost of living in Ireland averages around $1,100 USD per month, with rent averaging at around $1,650 USD. However, it’s important to consider where in Ireland you’ll be studying. While Dublin is Ireland’s most expensive city, other student cities such as Limerick or Cork are noticeably cheaper. 

Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Ireland

Both England and Ireland offer international students high-quality education, networking opportunities, a vibrant student lifestyle, and an abundance of activities and sights beyond the classroom. So, how should you decide between these popular study abroad destinations? 

• You should study abroad in England if… you want to experience busier city life, variety between regions, and pursue business or STEM studies. 
• You should study abroad in Ireland if… you are pursuing academics focused on literature, environmental studies, or computer sciences and want to embrace a distinct cultural heritage in smaller, close-knit communities. 

Ultimately, both England and Ireland are popular study abroad destinations that offer a varied and social student lifestyle regardless of your personality and interests. Wherever you decide to study, you’re sure to come away with new friends, enhanced intellect, and a more developed global perspective. If you’re still in two minds, just remember that a round-trip flight between Ireland and England costs only around $30-$40 USD!

Read more about studying abroad in Europe:

• How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
• The Top 10 American Universities in Europe
• How to Study Abroad in England on a Budget