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A Global University

Maynooth University is a globally connected university. Ranked 106th in the world in THE Young Universities Rankings 2022

Interdisciplinary Research

Maynooth’s unique collegial culture fosters an interdisciplinary approach to research Research is very much central to its teaching, and the University prides itself on placing equal value on its research and teaching missions

Career Pathways

Over 91% of graduates are employed or in Further Study or Training

KNOW NO BOUNDS

Alessia Landi

MA in Applied Psychology, Trinity College Dublin

I have always wanted to attend Trinity College Dublin. I always saw it as a very prestigious and beautiful university. A lot of people during my time at Wits told me that I would never get in because it is so competitive. This motivated me more and I worked as hard as I could to get there.

Trinity is one of the ancient universities with a historical academia vibe and the beautiful campus is always buzzing with people. It is a very competitive space and everyone here knows what they want to achieve and works for it but my class has been so supportive and inclusive – we have all really bonded over the past year. We would go together to the Pav (pavilion bar) most Tuesdays, which is a nice way to get to know people outside of the classroom setting.

Homesickness is real. I stay in student accommodation which makes it very easy to meet people and make friends. I am naturally more of an introvert so I made a conscious effort to be a little bit more outgoing than I usually would have been back at home. I have made phenomenal and life-long friends.

Dublin itself is a cosmopolitan city with lots of different people from all walks of life. There are parks and even beaches close by, which are easily accessible and have provided me with a great sense of tranquillity. I was shocked at how friendly, warm and welcoming people were – and their sense of humour is similar to ours. People go out of their way to speak to you and include you.

I was hoping to get into either the Clinical doctorate or the Counselling doctorate, which did not happen. I was distressed but, after a lot of research and discussions with lecturers and my Irish friends, I found out that getting into the Doctorate on the first application is pretty much impossible. There is an unspoken rule that you need extensive experience to be considered. So, I have applied for an assistant psychologist position which I will hopefully get and will provide me with clinical experience.

To anyone studying psychology: know that it is a LONG, winding road. With potholes, detours, speed bumps, steep hills that you can’t quite see over and terrifying cliffs. Be prepared for fierce competition and for probably a good 10 years before you make it as a qualified clinical or counselling psychologist. But, I would say, the perseverance is worth it. Well, at least that’s what I’m telling myself as I wait to progress to the next experiential stage.

Linda Kallis

MSc Finance, Dublin City University

My research showed that DCU Business School is highly respected for its research and development, and the MSc in Finance balances out traditional finance with more relatable modules for modern finance.

The course is ranked number 1 in Ireland and number 49 in the world and gives a good balance between theory and practice, preparing you well for the corporate world. I think that this will definitely help me when finding a job.

The lecturers have really been incredible. Not only do they bring a lot of experience to the table, they are also very approachable and their doors are always open. And so far, I am very impressed with the resources at the university. We have access to everything that we need to be successful in our academic pursuits. The business school is also equipped with any databases you might need – and if not, they always have an alternative or they are willing to make a plan for you.

I feel DCU is very inclusive and you get a sense that you ‘fit in’. The best part is probably engaging with so many people from different walks of life, cultures and backgrounds. It really broadens your perspective and this experience will definitely play a large role in my life going forward.

I am also enjoying the cultural heritage of Ireland, the food, the people and of course the breathtaking nature! But I do think though that most would say they were surprised by how serious the housing crisis actually is. You definitely do not realise the depth of it until you are searching for a place to stay!

Noor Albarudi

BA Accounting and Finance, Maynooth University

Ireland is a beautiful country rich with culture and history. It is an English-speaking country so there are no language barriers when moving abroad to it. I have found Maynooth to be a vibrant university town. Even though it is small, it is always buzzing with students and has a lot going on. You have a perk of having everything you would need available while being in the countryside- it’s the best of both worlds.

My degree can be completed in 3 or 4 years depending on if you take a year for work placement. There is a brilliant Career service office at Maynooth University, and they really help you prepare your CV and do interview prep. The university also hosts career stands and events where you can talk to professionals.

I was pleasantly surprised to find how friendly and approachable the people are here. There are challenges that come with moving abroad, but everyone really tried to give assistance – from the student international office to the Garda.

I was homesick at first because it is hard moving away from everything that looks “familiar”, but it is a great opportunity for self-growth and independence. WhatsApp video calls and social media really help to keep in contact with friends and family. When I found a group of friends and settled in more - it also really helped! They feel like a second family to me. (There are many opportunities to make friends on campus – I have been involved with many university societies and the fencing club! The student union also hosts different events most nights of the week.)

Just bear in mind that accommodation, eating out and entertainment is more expensive than in South Africa.

Wiln Britz

BComm, University College Dublin

Ireland is currently the tech hub of Europe after Brexit and as such offers great work opportunities. As part of BComm in UCD, you get the opportunity to go on a year long internship in a company of your choosing to gain experience and get exposure in your preferred field. UCD has the best Business School in Ireland and ranks within the top 50 globally.

UCD has over 80 different clubs and societies that host events throughout the year. It only costs €2 to join a society and then you can go to all their events, which is a great way to make friends! I joined various societies and clubs – and I played netball.

I was homesick to begin with but the Irish are very friendly, and UCD is so multicultural. Students from all over the world come to study here as it is one of the top universities globally.

Group work is a core component of my studies as the School of Business places great emphasis on developing our teamwork skills in preparation for our future careers. As such, I also made friends through the groups that I was part of in my course.

I have done three summer internships over the last three years in Deloitte and the Central Bank of Ireland. As part of the BComm degree you also have the opportunity to go on a yearlong internship. There are numerous networking events with companies such as KPMG as part of our degree.

I am also part of the Ad Astra Academy where we have several workshops on topics, such as time management and leadership, with highly skilled professionals in order to prepare us for our future jobs and build our skills.

I managed to secure a three-and-a-half-year graduate programme role in PWC which I will start in October 2023. This is similar to what we call “Articles” in South Africa to become a Chartered Accountant.

Courtney Gehle

MA International Development, Maynooth University

I was awarded the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship to complete my Master’s in Ireland. I chose Ireland for their comprehensive scholarships, reputation for quality education, their one year Master’s programmes and because I would not have to learn another language.

I chose Maynooth because it offers the peace and sense of community of a close-knit town, with easy and quick access to the activities and opportunities of an international city such as Dublin.

My course is very practical and hands on, consistently making connections between what we are learning and how it is applied in real world circumstances, and so in that way, yes. I was selected as a Shwarzman Scholar and so will be completing another Master’s programme after I graduate from Maynooth as part of that fellowship.

I was homesick at times, but not as much as I thought I would be.

I live in on-campus accommodation, which made it really easy to make friends and I also said yes to everything in the first few weeks. The international office organised a lot of events for incoming students and I made friends through that. I also joined on campus societies. As an older student returning to uni for my graduate studies after years of working, I also used an app called MeetUp to make friends closer to my age across a variety of hobbies and interests.

I do miss how South Africans spice their food and I miss my dogs. I actually started a dog-walking business here because I missed my dogs so much. I do miss the warmth but it does not rain NEARLY as much here as South Africans seem to think. I think we had 20 days with rain over the whole winter.

The experience of studying abroad is one of the most enriching and life changing experiences you could ever have. If you have the opportunity, do not let fear hold you back.

Find out more about Courtney.

Watch Courtney describe her experience here