I am happy to share. In UK and Ireland study gap is not much problem. If you go for level 9 study ( Masters) they will give you 2 years post graduate work permit. If your profession is within the high demand skills then there is high probability of getting stamp 4 visa equivalent of pr after 2 years. Cost is less than ca masters degree. For September semester you can apply now there is no application fees in many college. I obtained offer letter for MBA from Dublin business school. If I failed to achieve the positive result within April, I will apply for Irish student visa.