# Third-level education | Schooling | Moving to Ireland > Third level education in Ireland is highly regarded and recognized worldwide, with a range of courses available across universities, institutes of… Source: https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/third-level-education/ Schooling · Step 5 of 6 # Third-level education 2 min read · Updated 13 September 2026 Third level education in Ireland is highly regarded and recognized worldwide, with a range of courses available across universities, institutes of technology, and colleges of education. There are over 30 higher education institutions in the country, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. **Undergraduate courses** typically last three to four years, and students can choose from a range of disciplines, including arts, science, engineering, medicine, law, and more. To gain entry to these courses, students need to have completed their secondary school education and obtained a Leaving Certificate. The Leaving Certificate is a state examination taken by students at the end of their secondary education, usually when they are 18 years old. It is the main route of entry to higher education in Ireland and is accepted by universities and colleges both in Ireland and abroad. The Leaving Certificate results are measured on a points system, with students being awarded points based on their performance in six subjects. For those who do not have the Leaving Certificate or who did not achieve the necessary results, there are other ways to gain entry to third level education in Ireland. One option is to undertake a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course, which can provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to a third level course. **Postgraduate courses** are also available in Ireland, with options ranging from taught Masters programs to research-based PhDs. To gain entry to these courses, students usually need to have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field. Higher education in Ireland is funded by the government, with tuition fees being lower for Irish and EU students than for those from outside the EU. Students may also be eligible for financial assistance in the form of grants or scholarships, depending on their circumstances. Overall, Ireland offers a high-quality education system, with a range of options available to suit the needs and interests of students at all levels. With its strong reputation and international recognition, a qualification from an Irish higher education institution can open up a range of exciting career opportunities for graduates. ![](https://www.movingtoireland.co/apple-touch-icon.png) You have read 25% of this guide ## Keep reading in the Moving to Ireland app The rest of **Third-level education** — about 1 minute more — is in the app, free to download, alongside 98 other guides and a checklist built around your own move. [Download free on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) iPhone and iPad · no account needed ## More on schooling [All 6 guides in this section](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/) - ### [An overview of Irish Education System](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/an-overview-of-irish-education-system/) Education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a healthy society, and Ireland has a strong education system that is highly regarded around the… 2 min read - ### [Pre-school education and childcare](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/pre-school-education-and-childcare/) Preschool education and childcare are crucial in a child's early development. In Ireland, the government has numerous initiatives to support families in… 2 min read - ### [Primary and post-primary education](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/primary-and-post-primary-education/) Education is an important aspect of Irish society, with a strong emphasis placed on providing quality education to all students. Ireland's education… 2 min read - ### [State examinations](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/state-examinations/) In Ireland, the State Examinations are a vital part of the education system. These exams are taken by students at the end of their secondary school… 1 min read Keep going ## Get the full schooling roadmap in the app Moving to Ireland turns 99 guides into a personal checklist. 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