Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
Ireland
Why This University?
- • Internationally recognized institution
- • Degrees recognized by HEC Pakistan
- • Part of European Higher Education Area
- • Growing Pakistani student community
- • Pakistani student associations available
- • Cultural and religious facilities nearby
- • 3 opportunities available
- • Need-based financial aid
- • Industry partnerships
- • Career counseling services
Financials & Costs
Available Scholarships
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) - Full fee waiver + €10,000 stipend
- TUS International Merit Scholarship (Reduction of €1,000 to €3,000 off tuition fees)
- Claddagh Scholarship Programme (China-specific, but occasionally regional variations exist)
Requirements
Academic Requirements
Note: Requirements may vary by program. Always check the specific program page for exact requirements.
Required Documents
- CV / Resume
- Motivation Letter
- Transcripts
Personalized Match Analysis
Your Strengths for This University
- Your IELTS 7.0 exceeds the 6.0 minimum requirement by a full band
- Your 3.66 CGPA from a HEC-recognized university meets TUS's academic standards
- Your Computer Science background aligns well with TUS's tech-focused Master's programs
- TUS values practical capability over university prestige, benefiting graduates from all HEC institutions
- Your work experience can strengthen your application and explain any academic gaps
Areas to Improve
- No GRE/GMAT score may reduce competitiveness for some Master's programs
- Your IELTS score is sufficient but not exceptional for scholarship consideration
- Field switch from CS to non-tech Master's requires strong SOP justification
- TUS emphasizes degree relevance - ensure your undergraduate aligns with chosen Master's
Recommended Actions
- Confirm HEC attestation of all transcripts and degrees for Irish visa requirements
- Prepare detailed 'Source of Funds' documentation showing unencumbered €10,000+
- Research campus locations (Athlone vs Limerick) for accommodation and cost planning
- Submit CV highlighting work experience if graduated more than 2 years ago
Your Roadmap to Europe
Step-by-step guide to securing your visa for Ireland
Critical Warning / Action Required
CRITICAL LOGISTICS ALERT: Ireland requires proof of tuition payment (at least €6,000) BEFORE you apply for the visa. Financial scrutiny is extremely high; you must demonstrate access to at least €10,000 for living expenses plus the remaining tuition fees for every year of your course. Ireland does have an Embassy in Islamabad, but visa processing is often handled via the Dublin Visa Office or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, leading to longer processing times (4-8 weeks).
1. Research & English Proficiency
Month 1-3 (Oct - Dec)- Check the 'Interim List of Eligible Programmes' (ILEP) to ensure your course is visa-eligible.
- Book and appear for IELTS Academic (Standard requirement is 6.0 - 6.5).
- Ireland also accepts Duolingo English Test (DET) for many programs (minimum 105-120).
- Identify sponsors; Ireland allows multiple sponsors, but they must be immediate family and provide 6 months of bank history.
- ielts requirement: 6.0 (Undergraduate) / 6.5 (Postgraduate) typically.
- ilep status: Mandatory. If the course is not on the ILEP, the visa will be rejected automatically.
2. University Application Submission
Month 4-5 (Jan - Feb)- Apply to Irish universities/colleges (Trinity, UCD, UCC, TUD, etc.) via their portals.
- Submit academic transcripts, SOP, and reference letters.
- Receive a 'Letter of Offer' (Conditional or Unconditional).
- application deadlines: Rolling, but early application (by Feb) is advised for scholarship consideration.
- visa lead time: Ireland recommends applying for the visa at least 3 months before the course start date.
3. Tuition Fee Payment & Medical Insurance
Month 6 (March - April)- Pay the full tuition fee (or a minimum of €6,000 as per immigration rules) to receive the 'Visa Support Letter'.
- Purchase Private Medical Insurance (Mandatory for visa). Popular options: Studyandprotect or VHI.
- The policy must cover a minimum of €25,000 for accident and €25,000 for disease.
- fee payment: Must be shown via a receipt from the Irish college or a SWIFT transfer copy.
- insurance cost: Approx. €160 - €600 per year depending on the plan.
4. Financial Documentation Preparation
Month 7 (May)- Consolidate 6 months of bank statements for yourself and/or sponsors.
- Ensure any large or irregular deposits are fully explained with documentary evidence.
- Prepare 'Sponsor Letters' detailing the financial support and relationship to you.
- Financial Requirement: Show €10,000 (living expenses) + the balance of your first year's tuition.
- bank history: 6 months of consistent history is non-negotiable.
- education bond: Degree students can alternativey use an 'Education Bond' of €10,000 as proof of funds.
5. Online Visa Application (AVATS)
Month 8 (June)- Complete the online application via the AVATS portal.
- Print the signed 'Summary Application Form'.
- Write a detailed 'Letter of Application' (SOP) explaining your intent to study and your commitment to return to Pakistan.
6. Biometrics & Document Submission (VFS)
Month 8 (June - July)- Book an appointment at VFS Global (Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi).
- Submit the physical file: Passport, SOP, Academic docs, Fee receipt, Insurance, Financials, and AVATS form.
- Pay the Visa Fee (€60 for single entry) and VFS Service Fee.
- passport validity: Must be valid for at least 12 months after your intended arrival in Ireland.
- vfs locations: Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi.
7. Visa Decision & IRP Registration
Month 9 (July - August)- Track application status. Decisions are published weekly by the Dublin/Embassy offices.
- Once granted, travel to Ireland (Stamp 2 Visa).
- Register with the local immigration office (ISD/GNIB) within 90 days to get your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
- irp fee: €300 (payable in Ireland during registration).
- work rights: 20 hours/week during term; 40 hours/week during holidays.