Why students consider Ireland
- English-language education within the European Union.
- Universities and technological universities with strong technology, business and science programmes.
- One-year taught master's programmes are common.
- Official guidance from Irish Immigration Service Delivery.
Common study pathways
Undergraduate
Bachelor's degrees, usually three to four years.
Postgraduate
Taught master's (often one year), postgraduate diplomas and research degrees.
English language
English language courses on the ILEP list.
Types of institutions
Universities, technological universities and other higher education institutions. For immigration purposes, your course must be full-time and listed on ILEP.
General admissions considerations
Requirements are set by each institution and course. Most applications ask for:
- Transcripts and certificates matched to course requirements.
- Proof of English language ability.
- Personal statement and references for many postgraduate courses.
- An acceptance letter from the college once you are offered a place.
English language requirements
Colleges set their own English requirements, and evidence of English is also part of the visa application.
Tuition and living costs
Fees vary by institution and course. The visa application requires evidence that your course fees are paid and that you have access to funds for living costs; check the current amounts with Irish Immigration Service Delivery.
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered by individual institutions, and the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is available to some non-EU students. Each has its own criteria and deadlines. See our scholarship guidance service.
Student visa process — overview
- Your course must be full-time and on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Part-time and distance courses do not qualify.
- For stays of three months or more, visa-required nationals apply online for a long-stay "D" study visa.
- You will need an acceptance letter, proof of finances and paid fees, private medical insurance and proof of English.
- After arrival you must register with your local immigration registration office.
Who decides: universities make admission decisions, scholarship providers award scholarships, and governments decide student visas. We help you prepare; we never guarantee an outcome.
How Consult Cell helps
- Shortlisting courses and institutions that match your grades, goals and budget
- Explaining each university's requirements and deadlines
- Reviewing your personal statement and application documents
- Guiding you through the student visa steps and document checklist
- Interview preparation and pre-departure guidance
Frequently asked questions
What is ILEP?
The Interim List of Eligible Programmes is the official list of courses that non-EU students can take on an Irish study permission. Your course must be on it.
Do I need to register after arriving in Ireland?
Yes. Non-EU students must register with their local immigration registration office after arrival.
Can I study part-time in Ireland on a study visa?
No. Study visas are for full-time courses on the ILEP list.
Official sources
Rules change. Always confirm requirements on the official pages below before you pay any fee or submit an application.
- Irish Immigration Service Delivery — Study
- EU Immigration Portal — Student in Ireland
- Education in Ireland (official)
Information on this page was last checked against these sources on by the Consult Cell team.