Education System in Ireland: Learn about National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Levels

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

Let us learn in detail about the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), its purpose, and how it benefits learners. Learning about NFQ levels will help you better understand the qualifications and training systems in Ireland. NFQ is of immense significance as it has helped make the education system in Ireland one of the best.

What is the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)?

The Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) was established in the year 2003. It is a 10-Level single national identity developed by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland to measure all learning achievements and to describe levels of educational qualifications in Ireland. The Irish NFQ system is compatible with the ENIC-NARIC (European Network of Information Centres/National Academic Recognition Information Centres) that facilitates academic qualifications recognition throughout Europe and in nations like the USA, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.

Why is NFQ Important for International Students?

International students are advised to assess their qualifications using the Irish NFQ (National Framework Qualifications) prior to applying for a course in Ireland. It helps them compare and contrast qualifications easily to plan their studies, training, and progress in their career. NFQ helps international students choose the right course. The information about the awards given after a course completion can help you ascertain if the course meets your need for education.

A quick glimpse of higher NFQ levels for degree programs:

NFQ LEVEL	AWARDED DEGREE	DURATION
LEVEL 7	Bachelor’s degree general	3 years (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and more)
LEVEL 8	Bachelor’s degree honours	3-4 years
LEVEL 9	Master’s degree   Postgraduate diploma	16-24 months   1 -year
LEVEL 10	Doctoral degree	3 years

Next, let’s check the glimpse of higher NFQ levels for degree programs:

NFQ LEVEL	AWARDED DEGREE	DURATION
LEVEL 6	Higher Certificate	2 years
LEVEL 7	Higher Diploma	1 year
LEVEL 8	Graduate Diploma	1 year
LEVEL 9	Post Graduate Diploma	1-2 years

The NFQ is also used to compare Irish qualifications with foreign qualifications. Thus, international students traveling to Ireland with qualifications gained abroad can use the NFQ to get these qualifications recognized.

NFQ Levels

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) has the responsibility to maintain and develop the framework. National Framework of Qualifications acts as a benchmark for graduate courses standard offered by the universities and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) in Ireland. There are 10 different levels in the framework ranging from Certificates at Level 1 to doctoral level degrees.

The following table provides an overview of all the 10 NFQ levels, the degrees or certifications awarded at each level, and how the NFQ level in Ireland compares to the European Qualification Framework (EQF).

EQF level	NFQ level	> Major award types
1	1	> Level 1 Certificate
	2	> Level 2 Certificate
2	3	> Level 3 Certificate Junior Certificate
3	4	> Level 4 Certificate Leaving Certificate
4	5	> Level 5 Certificate Leaving Certificate
5	6	> Advanced Certificate
		> Higher Certificate
6	7	> Ordinary bachelor's degree
	8	> Honours bachelor's degree Higher Diploma
7	9	> Master's Degree Post-Graduate Diploma
8	10	> Doctoral Degree Higher Doctorate

Thus, the NFQ level in Ireland sets the standards of Irish education qualifications. The NFQ measures and compares the learning standards and achievements of qualifications and helps students in moving ahead from one study level to another. Since the standard followed under NFQ is at par with that of the European Qualification Framework (EQF), the degree obtained by students gets accepted globally.

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Study Levels in Ireland

The Irish government focuses to impart quality education to all. Thus, it has made education obligatory for children from age 3 to 16 or till the time a student completes his/her 3 years of post-primary education. The Irish education system & structure is quite similar to that of the UK. Education in Ireland is broadly divided into four different levels, like primary, second, third-level, and further education.

Below are the four education levels in Ireland education system for international students.

1.  Primary Education (including pre-primary)

Children in Ireland don’t have to attend school until they are 6 years old, but they can start attending school following their fourth birthday. The entire Irish primary school curriculum is child-centred, and emphasis is laid on the overall development of children. Primary schools in Ireland are mostly owned by religious communities or groups but are funded by the State. It covers the initial 8 years of the education period.

2.  Post-primary Education

The level 2 education in the country includes a 3-year junior cycle at the age of 12 followed by a 2-year or 3-year senior cycle. During the final 2 years in the senior cycle, students take one of 3 programs - the established Leaving Certificate, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Program, or the Leaving Certificate Applied. Each of the programs has a specific objective where the established Leaving Certificate is used to allocate a seat in an educational institution in Ireland. Second-level education in Ireland is provided by different types of post-primary schools.

3.  Higher Education

This begins at NFQ level 6, and the Third-level includes many sectors focused on making quality learning accessible to all learners. Level 3 higher education comprises universities, institutes of technology, and colleges of education getting funds from the State. Also, there are numerous independent private colleges offering bachelor, master, and doctorate level courses to both national and international students. It includes degree and non-degree programs.

4.  Further Education and Training

Further education includes education and training taking place post-schooling. Programs like Post-Leaving Certificate courses, Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, etc. are included at this level. It also includes the study program for the unemployed, early school-leavers, and self-funded evening adult programs in level 2 schools.

5.  Third Level Education

Third level education is made of sectors that are funded by the state including:

• University Sector
• Technological Sector
• Colleges of Education

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Now you know the education levels Ireland. Next, let’s explore the top institutes to study from.

Educational Institutions in Ireland

Higher education in Ireland is imparted through universities, colleges, and institutes of technology. There are a total of 7 universities, 7 colleges, 15 private higher education institutions, and 14 Institutes of Technology (IoT) in Ireland. Also, there are some third-level private institutions located in Ireland offering specialised education in areas like business studies, art, and design, law, and medicine, to name a few. International students can choose to study in the best universities based in the country.

Types of Higher Education Institutions in Ireland:

• University
• College
• Institute of Technology
• School

Next, let’s check out the…

Some of the Best Universities in Ireland for International Students:

• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin
• National University of Ireland, Galway
• University College Cork
• Dublin City University

Thus, NFQ has helped advance the education system in Ireland to the next level making the country one of the top destinations for international students. Ireland gives international students many good reasons to study in the country.

We hope the information on levels of education Ireland and other topics in the article has helped you better understand the education system in Ireland. If you are considering to study in Ireland and are on the lookout for professional help, then connect with our expert counsellors by choosing Yocket Premium.

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