Why Study in Ireland?

English-Speaking EU Country: Study in English within the European Union

High-Quality Education: Trinity College Dublin and other world-ranked universities

Friendly & Safe: Known for friendly people and safe environment

Tech Hub: European headquarters for Google, Facebook, Microsoft and more

Post-Study Work: 1-2 years work permission after graduation

Rich Culture: Literary heritage, music, and vibrant student cities

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Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements
  • Undergraduate: Leaving Certificate equivalent with specific subject requirements
  • Postgraduate: Honours bachelor's degree (2:1 or higher)
  • Medicine/Dentistry: HPAT test required
English Proficiency
  • IELTS: 6.0-6.5 overall (no band less than 5.5-6.0)
  • TOEFL iBT: 80-90
  • PTE Academic: 59-63
  • Cambridge: 169-176
  • Duolingo: 105-110 (accepted by some institutions)
Age Requirement
Minimum 17 years for higher education
Foundation Programs
Available for students not meeting direct entry requirements
Specific Requirements
Portfolio for arts, audition for music, interview for some programs

Financial Requirements

Tuition Fees

€9,850 - €25,000 per year undergraduate, €9,950 - €35,000 postgraduate

Living Costs

€7,000 - €12,000 per year outside Dublin, €12,000 - €15,000 in Dublin

Proof of Funds

€7,000 for first year of study

Accepted Evidence

Bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor letters

Student Levy

€3,000 payable to institution with tuition

Required Documents

Mandatory Documents
  • Letter of Acceptance from Irish institution
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of financial capacity
  • English proficiency test results
  • Private medical insurance
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Passport photos
  • GNIB registration after arrival
Additional Documents
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Portfolio (creative courses)
  • Research proposal (postgraduate research)

Fees & Processing Time

Visa Fee

€60 single entry, €100 multiple entry

Registration Fee

€300 for GNIB registration card

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Online Application

Through AVATS website

Biometrics

Required at application center

Visa & Study Permit Information

Visa Requirements

Student Visa requires a Letter of Acceptance, proof of funds (€7,000), medical insurance, and genuine student intent.

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Work During Study

20 hours/week during term, 40 hours/week during holidays

Post-Study Work

Third Level Graduate Scheme: 1-2 years

Dependents

Spouse and children under 18

Cost Information
Cost of Living

€7,000 - €15,000+ per year depending on location (Dublin is higher).


Post-Study Work Rights

Third Level Graduate Scheme for 1-2 years (2 years for Masters/PhD).

Rejections & Refunds

Common Reasons for Rejection

  • Insufficient financial resources
  • Unclear study intentions
  • Previous visa refusals
  • Incomplete documentation
  • Suspicion of immigration intent
  • Poor academic record

Refund Policy

Visa Fee Refund

Non-refundable

Tuition Refund

According to institution refund policy

Insurance Refund

May be possible if visa refused

Appeal

No formal appeal, can reapply with additional documents

Dependent Visa Information

Eligible Dependents

Spouse/civil partner and children under 18

Work Rights

Spouse can apply for work permit after arrival

Study Rights

Children can attend Irish schools

Financial Requirements

Additional €3,000 for spouse, €1,500 per child

Application

Dependents apply for join family visa

Stamp Conditions

Dependents get Stamp 3 (no work rights initially)

Student Life & Regulations

Work Regulations

20 hours/week during term, 40 hours/week during holidays

GNIB Registration

Required within 90 days of arrival

Academic Progress

Must pass exams and progress to next year

Change of Status

Can switch to work permit after graduation

Re-entry Visa

Required if leaving and returning to Ireland

Attendance

Must maintain at least 85% attendance

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Third Level Graduate Scheme

  • 12 months (24 months for Level 9/10 qualifications)
  • Full-time work permitted
  • Graduation from Irish degree program
  • Apply within 6 months of exam results

Critical Skills Employment Permit

  • ICT, engineering, finance, healthcare professionals
  • €32,000+ for most roles, €64,000 for ineligible occupations
  • After 2 years can apply for Stamp 4

General Employment Permit

For occupations not on critical skills list

Application Timeline

Undergraduate (CAO)

February 1 (standard application), May 1 (late application)

1
Postgraduate

Rolling admissions, typically apply by April-June for September intake

2
Medicine/Dentistry

Early October for following year (separate from CAO)

3
Visa Application

Apply 2-3 months before course start (processing takes 4-8 weeks)

4
Scholarship Deadlines

Usually January-April for following academic year

5
Accommodation Booking

Apply January-April for on-campus housing

6

Scholarships for Ireland

View All Scholarships
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Award: $80,000

Comprehensive scholarship program for African students worldwide

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Apply Now
Erasmus+ Programme

Award: $30,000

EU programme for education, training, youth and sport

Deadline: February 15, 2025

Apply Now

Key Benefits for Students

English-Speaking EU Advantage: Study in English while enjoying EU benefits and travel

Global Tech Hub: European headquarters for Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, and Intel

Friendly Welcoming Culture: Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Welcomes' (Céad Míle Fáilte)

Quality Education: Trinity College Dublin ranks in world's top 100, strong research institutions

Post-Study Opportunities: Third Level Graduate Scheme for 1-2 years work permission

PR Pathways: Critical Skills Employment Permit leads to Stamp 4 permanent residency

Frequently Asked Questions

Tuition fees range from €9,850 to €25,000 per year for undergraduate programs and €9,950 to €35,000 for postgraduate programs. Living costs are approximately €7,000-€12,000 outside Dublin and €12,000-€15,000 in Dublin.

Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during scheduled holidays.

This scheme allows non-EEA graduates to remain in Ireland for 12 months (24 months for Level 9/10 qualifications) to seek employment after completing their studies.

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