Long established universities with distinguished history.
 

•Contemporary and cutting-edge centres for learning.
 

•Extensive range of degree programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
 

•Ireland's leading research institutes - over 90% of research is university based.
 

•Through their dominant position in higher education and research, Irish universities are key contributors to the Irish National Development Plan.
 

•Unprecedented levels of Government investment in Research.
 

•Greater investment in the arts, humanities and social sciences to complement scientific, technological and commerical advances.
 

•Novel, cutting-edge, graduate education and research programmes, with a high level of trans-institutional and international collaboration.
 

•Internationally competitive masters and PhD level programmes that will deliver the next generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders.
 

•Flexible and responsive lifelong learning and e-learning programmes and generic skills training to enhance the personal and career development of graduate students.
 

•Vibrant bi-directional links between the university sector and industry, policy makers and the not-for-profit organisations.
 

•Irish universities are full participants in many European and international academic projects and exchange programmes, with exciting opportunities for graduate students.
 

•Vibrant, cultural, artistic and sporting life.
 

•Famous Irish University graduate range from playwright Oscar Wilde to Mary Robinson, President of Ireland from 1990 to 1997.