Destination comparison · For Sri Lankan students
UK vs Ireland — which is right for you?
Two English-speaking neighbours with one-year Master's degrees — Sri Lankan students often weigh them side by side. Ireland is an EU degree with a 2-year Stay Back, while the UK has more universities, more scholarships, and the 2-year Graduate Route.
compare_arrows See them side by sideCompare destinations (pick 2–3)
Pick at least 2 destinations (max 3).
 United Kingdom |  Ireland | |
|---|---|---|
| Year-1 cost (LKR) | LKR 9.6M – LKR 21.8M | LKR 7.3M – LKR 16.3M |
| Funds to show for visa | LKR 3.7M+ living + tuition | LKR 3.5M+ living + tuition |
| Student visa | Student Route (formerly Tier 4) | Long-Stay (D) Study Visa + IRP Stamp 2 |
| Visa processing | 3 weeks from biometrics | 4–8 weeks (pre-clearance) |
| Post-study work | 2 years (Graduate Route; 3 for PhD) | Up to 2 years (Stay Back) |
| Part-time work (term) | 20 hrs/week | 20 hrs/week |
| Typical IELTS | 6.0 – 6.5 | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Bachelor's length | 3 years | 3–4 years |
| Master's length | 1 year | 1 year |
| Main intake | September (also January) | September |
Still torn between them?
A counsellor will weigh your profile, budget and goals against each — free.
Still can't decide?
A counsellor will weigh UK and Ireland against your academic profile, budget and goals — and tell you honestly which gives you the best odds. Free for students.
Ask which fits me