National College of Ireland (NCI): A Dublin Institute for International Students with a Focus on Career Development
The decision you will make about where you want to study will be driven by more than just wanting to earn a qualification. Today's students have expectations of strong career outcomes, exposure to the industry, real-world experience, and a tangible return on their investment. National College of Ireland (NCI) offers exactly those kinds of experiences.
Located in Dublin's city centre, NCI is a higher education institution that is majority owned and funded by the Government and provides career-focused educational programs that reflect the realities of today's economy and labour market; therefore, NCI will give you a very high level of employability.
Because each year thousands of international students apply to NCI, the Institute also guarantees all international students who are admitted to NCI will receive some level of scholarship assistance; therefore, NCI provides students who are planning on working in the rapidly growing technology and finance sectors with direct access to the thriving technology and finance industries in Ireland.
Reasons why NCI is a popular option among International students
Most colleges or universities are focused primarily on teaching theory, but NCI focuses more on preparing students for employment or a career after graduation based on hands-on experience in their desired field.
Along with providing students with an education through academics, NCI combines that education with real-life experience in industry, networking opportunities with other students (and future employers), providing career development and mentoring to help students move toward successful employment after graduation.
NCI also has a strong reputation within the Irish multinational business community for technology, business, finance, statistics/analytics, and computing industries which is beneficial to any student in those areas of study.
Benefits of being located in Dublin’s financial district
NCI is situated in one of the well-located educational facilities in Ireland.
The NCI campus is in Dublin’s IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) and very close to the Silicon Docks, where large global corporations such as Google and Facebook have offices. As a result, students will be immediately immersed in Ireland’s corporate and technology environments.
The fact that Dublin is home to so many businesses provides students with numerous benefits while studying at NCI, including:
- Opportunities for networking
- Access to internships
- Exposure to multinational companies
- Access to a strong job market
- Networking with professionals in their field
International students who wish to pursue global career options in their respective areas of expertise can derive long-term benefits from studying in Dublin.
NCI’s career support services
At NCI, one of the major benefits of the structured career ecosystem is the use of a 4 pillar employability model
| Qualification | Work Experience | Skills Development | Professional Networking |
Students can access continuous career support through various different sources including, but not limited to, 100+ employer led career events per year, employer CV clinics, mock interviews, networking events, dedicated career advisors, job portals, and specific career fairs.
This continuous support helps foster confidence within students as well as provides them with industry knowledge and professional connections prior to graduation.
Student support and campus experience
NCI offers extensive support services for international students beginning with pre-arrival preparation and ending with post-graduation transition.
The student support services offered by NCI include a 12-week pre-arrival preparation programme (students will have access to an online pre-arrival preparation resource prior to arriving in Ireland), free airport pickup, a structured on boarding process, an academic support centre, assignment/research assistance, mental health counselling services, medical support partnerships, and a dedicated international student support team.
These support services will help students transition smoothly into their new academic environment and provide assistance with both their academic and personal/social transition to life in Ireland.
Life as a multicultural student at NCI
NCI is a global education community with
- Students from 94+ different countries
- More than 50 clubs and organisations
- Over 200 events every year
The campus is designed to provide students’ opportunities to engage with one another in a constructive and interactive manner through various forms of intercultural communication, which helps students from abroad find their new home in Ireland.
Employment opportunities available to International Students in Ireland
International students are provided with fantastic opportunities for seeking employment options in Ireland, and that’s why the country is so appealing for students who want to pursue a career-oriented education in Ireland.
International students are permitted to work
| 20 hours per week during classes | 40 hours per week during holiday periods |
Students completing an undergraduate degree will receive 1-year of post-study work authorisation and students completing a postgraduate degree will receive 2-years of post-study work authorisation.
The National College of Ireland is an excellent choice for students interested in obtaining a higher education in Europe that emphasizes employability and practical skills.
Students looking for a school that has a location in Dublin, offers programs aligned with industry standards, a structured career-development ecosystem, guaranteed scholarships, and outstanding student support services will find that the NCI is an especially appealing option for those who wish to pursue careers in technology, finance, analytics, or business.
Instead of focusing solely on academic learning as many traditional colleges do, the National College of Ireland seeks to assist its students in developing real-world skills, establishing direct contacts with employers and creating long-term career opportunities in the fast-growing economy of Ireland.
FAQS
1. How good is the National College of Ireland (NCI) when it comes to offering education to students from outside of Ireland?
Yes, NCI is recognised as a reputable provider of workforce-ready education and has high rates of placement after graduation due to its close connections with employers; therefore, those studying here can expect to find successful employment after completing their studies at NCI.
2. What are some of the more popular courses offered by NCI?
Some of the programmes that students have chosen to study at NCI include those related to: artificial intelligence; cybersecurity; data analytics, accounting, business analytics; finance and; marketing.
3. Are there any scholarships available to international students at NCI?
Yes, international students are automatically considered for any scholarship that might be available.
4. How many students who graduate from NCI are able to find jobs?
NCI has indicated that the employment or placement rate for graduates of its programmes is currently approximately 96%.
5. Am I allowed to work while attending college in Ireland as an international student?
Yes, international students are able to work while in school for up to 20 hours per week during semester time and for up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods.
6. What is the required IELTS score for admission to NCI?
Normally, the requirements are: IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate and computing programmes; IELTS 6.5 for business programmes.
7. Is Dublin a good city for international students?
Yes, Dublin has many employment and networking opportunities within the financial services; high-technology and; business sectors, including access to attractive multinational companies.
8. What is the biggest advantage to studying at NCI?
The biggest advantages afforded to students who study at NCI are: employability; exposure to industry; scholarships; location: Dublin.
