FAQCheck if you need a visa:
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/visit-ireland-travel-path/
Countries in the EU and EEA are part of a single market that allows free movement for their citizens. Switzerland has an agreement that extends the single market to include it, though it is not part of the EEA.
In general, citizens of countries in the single market do not need a visa or other special permission to come to or stay in Ireland.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/eu-eea-country-or-switzerland/If you wish to come to Ireland to study for more than 3 months, you need to apply for a long term study visa.
You should first read our Policy on Non-EEA Nationals studying in Ireland. You must make that you meet the policy requirements before you make your visa application.
You should apply for a long term study visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
To apply, follow these three steps:
The visa officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
If you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss national and will be staying in Ireland to study for more than 90 days, you will need to register with the Irish immigration services.
Immigration services in Ireland are managed by two government bodies of the Department of Justice – the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Dublin, Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow
If you are living in Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, you will register with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) at Burgh Quay. Appointments for first time registration can be booked using the Freephone number (1800 800 630) between 09:00am and 05:00pm Monday-Friday.
For general immigration registration queries contact [email protected].
It is recommended that you try to book your appointment in advance of your arrival in Ireland. On the day of your appointment, you will go to the Registration Office on Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
Other Counties
If you are living in other counties, you will register with your local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
From 8 July 2024, non-EEA students living in Cork and Limerick will need to register in Burgh Quay in Dublin.
Working in Ireland
Many students in Ireland work while studying to help cover some of the costs of their studies. Here you will find information on your entitlements to access work in Ireland, what a PPS number is, and your rights in the workplace.
Students from the EEA
All nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA) are free to take up full-time or part-time employment in Ireland while studying.
Students from outside the EEA
Students attending a full-time course and in possession of a Irish Residence Permit card are entitled to take up casual employment provided that their course of study is included on the government's list of visa-eligible courses, known as the ILEP.
Casual employment is defined as up to 20 hours part-time work per week, except for two standardised periods when it is permissible to work full-time (i.e. up to 40 hours per week). The periods are December 15 to January 15 and June 1 to September 30 only, corresponding to the traditional summer and winter college holidays. These dates are fixed for all non-EEA students, regardless of the actual college teaching calendar for their course.
The right to work lapses automatically on expiry of a student's immigration permission, except for an extension that may be available to graduates of third level courses under the Third Level Graduate Scheme.
A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique reference number that everyone who works in Ireland must have. It ensures that you are registered with the Irish taxation authorities, known as the Revenue Commissioners.
You cannot obtain a PPS number simply because you are looking for work; you will receive a PPS number only when you can show you have an offer to take up employment or need it to deal with a "specified body". If your course of study is accredited by QQI, you will likely already have a PPS number as a requirement of your course.
To get a PPS number, you will need to go to one of the allocation centres of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social protection. The paperwork you will need to bring with you depends on whether or not you are from an EEA country, and you can find more information here.
Every year, estimates are published which give an indication of how much it costs to live as a student for one academic year (nine months) in Ireland.
Recent figures have ranged between €10,000 and €20,000 per year, largely depending on where you are in Ireland and the type of accommodation chosen.
These estimates include rent, electricity, food, books, laundry and medicine, as well as travel passes and social expenses, but exclude tuition fees.
Rents and prices for goods and services are generally cheaper for students living outside of Dublin.
When moving to Ireland for study, you should make sure to budget for one-off start-up costs, such as buying kitchen items, bedding, mobile phone, etc. - and also for any international travel you plan during the year.
For further information on all these subjects and other useful information, check out Berlitz Student Guide or speak to Berlitz Dublin Admissions team.
