Frequently Asked Questions?

Ireland offers a globally respected education system, is home to top-ranked universities, and provides access to major global companies (especially in tech, pharma, and finance). It is an English-speaking country within the EU, and international students are welcomed and supported.
You can pursue:
- Undergraduate degrees (NFQ Level 7 or 8)
- Postgraduate diplomas (Level 9)
- Master’s degrees (Level 9)
- Doctorates (Level 10)
English proficiency tests accepted include IELTS (usually 6.0–6.5), TOEFL (80+ IBT), or Duolingo (105+). Requirements vary by institution and course.
- Undergraduate programs: €6,000–13,000/year
- Postgraduate programs: €11,000–35,000/year
Estimated €10,000–12,000 per year ,depending on the city (Dublin is more expensive). Students need to show at least €10,000 for visa purposes.
Yes. Many institutions offer merit-based scholarships ranging from €1,000–5,000. Some government-backed programs (e.g., Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships) provide tuition waivers and stipends.
Students must show at least €10,000, ideally held for 6 months. If using a sponsor (e.g., parent), a sponsorship letter, their bank statements, and proof of relationship are required.
No interview Is required . Biometrics are mandatory.
No medical test is usually required unless specified.
- Single entry: €126
- Multiple entry: €166
This may vary slightly based on your location.
You’ll receive a refusal letter outlining reasons. You can appeal within 2 months with additional evidence or corrections or you can reapply for next intake.
Yes. Students on full-time courses lasting at least one year (Level 9 or above) can work:
- 20 hours/week during term time
- 40 hours/week during holidays (e.g., June–September, December 15–January 15)
Yes. You may be eligible for the Third Level Graduate Scheme, allowing you to stay:
- 12 months (undergraduate degree holders)
- 24 months (postgraduate degree holders)
During this period, you can seek employment and apply for work permits.
Yes, Ireland offers several ACCA-accredited institutes (e.g., Griffith College, Dublin Business School, ICD). These programs are eligible for student visas if they are full-time and listed on the ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programmes). ACCA is highly regarded in Ireland and globally, and many graduates secure employment in audit firms, financial services, and multinational corporations.
ACCA is a professional qualification, not an academic degree. Therefore, ACCA alone does not qualify for the Third Level Graduate Scheme. However, if ACCA is part of a degree-awarding program (e.g., BSc in Applied Accounting through Oxford Brookes University), it may make you eligible. Check if your specific course is listed on the ILEP and grants a Level 8 or 9 qualification for post-study stay rights.
Generally, international students cannot bring dependents initially. After securing post-study work or work permit, you may apply for family reunification.
Yes, students under 18 can study in Ireland, primarily at secondary schools or language institutes. However, they must have:
- A nominated guardian resident in Ireland
- Parental consent documents
- Proof of appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements
Some schools may assist with these procedures, and INIS will require thorough documentation as part of the visa process.
- On-campus dormitories (€400–800/month)
- Shared student apartments (€300–600/month)
- Host families or private rentals
Students are required to purchase private health insurance before entering Ireland. Some colleges offer this as part of the tuition package.
Ireland offers excellent job opportunities for international students, both during and after their studies. While studying, students enrolled in full-time courses listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays (typically June to September and December 15 to January 15). These part-time roles are commonly available in retail, hospitality, customer service, and on-campus jobs.
After graduation, students completing Level 9 (Master’s) or Level 10 (PhD) qualifications may stay in Ireland under the Third Level Graduate Scheme—12 months for Level 8 (bachelor’s degree) graduates and up to 24 months for Level 9 and 10 graduates. During this period, they can work full-time (up to 40 hours/week) and seek employment in their field of study. Many international graduates secure roles in Ireland’s thriving sectors like finance, information technology, pharmaceuticals, business analytics, and fintech.
Ireland’s close ties with multinational companies (such as Google, Meta, Apple, Pfizer, and Accenture) further enhance job prospects, especially in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Graduates who receive an offer of a relevant job with a minimum salary may also transition to a General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit, which can eventually lead to long-term residency.
- www.jobs.ie
- www.irishjobs.ie
- www.linkedin.com
- www.indeed.ie
- www.gradireland.com (for graduate jobs)
While studying in Ireland does not directly lead to permanent residency, students who transition to employment (especially via the Critical Skills Employment Permit) may eventually qualify. After 5 years of legal residence under work permits, you can apply for Stamp 4, and after 8 years, you may be eligible to apply for long-term residency or naturalization depending on your status and continuous legal stay.
You should:
– Pass through immigration control with your documents ready.
– Get an Irish SIM card at the airport.
– Register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) within 90 days.
– Open a local bank account.
– Arrange your long-term accommodation.
You must book an appointment online at: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/burgh-quay-appointments
Bring:
– Valid passport
– Student ID
– Proof of fee payment and financial support
– Private health insurance
– €300 fee (credit/debit card) and Visa Renewal / Extension
You need to renew if:
– You’re progressing to another academic year.
– You deferred/repeated courses.
– Your studies extend beyond your original visa.
Online renewal:
– Visit: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/
– Upload documents (passport, proof of study, finances)
– Pay the fee online.
– Your new IRP card will be posted to you.
Email: immigrationsupport@justice.ie
For special cases: unit1residencedivision@justice.ie
Banking in Ireland
You’ll need:
– Proof of identity (passport)
– Proof of address in Ireland
– Letter from your college confirming enrollment
You can open accounts in-person or through apps like MoneyJar.
Yes, private medical insurance is mandatory for visa purposes.
Common providers include: Laya Healthcare, VHI, Aviva, and Study and Protect (Arachas).
Present your insurance card or policy number at the clinic. Pay upfront if needed and claim later online with invoices and medical documentation.
Muslim Life in Ireland
Yes, there are over 50 mosques and halal butchers throughout Ireland. Many universities offer multi-faith prayer rooms.
Major Mosques in Ireland
Dublin
Islamic Foundation of Ireland (IFI)
📍 163 South Circular Road, Dublin 8
🔗 www.islamicfoundation.ie
Dublin Mosque / Clonskeagh Mosque
📍 Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI), Clonskeagh
🔗 www.icci.ie
Ballyhaunis Mosque
📍 Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo
Blackpitts Mosque
📍 22 Blackpitts, Dublin 8
Cork
Cork Mosque (ICCI Cork)
📍 15 Pope’s Quay, Cork City
🔗 www.iccicork.com
Blarney Street Mosque
📍 19 Blarney St, Cork
Galway
Galway Mosque / Galway Islamic Cultural Centre
📍 1 Old Seamus Quirke Road, Westside, Galway
🔗 www.gicc.ie
Popular Halal Food Points
Dublin
Kebabish Original – Camden Street
Namaste India – Talbot Street (Indian & Pakistani cuisine)
Al Madina Halal Takeaway – Clanbrassil Street
Dera Restaurant – South Circular Road (Pakistani restaurant)
Taza Takeaway – Ranelagh
Khyber Tandoori – Crumlin
Halal Grocery Stores in Dublin
EuroGiant – Various branches with halal sections
Spice World – Camden Street
Global Foods Store – Talbot Street
Madina Halal Meats – Clanbrassil Street
Cork
Curry House – McCurtain Street
Istanbul Kebab – Washington Street
Ali’s Kitchen – Grand Parade
Pak Asia Food Store – Barrack Street
Galway
Eastern Tandoori – Spanish Parade
Shalimar Restaurant – Westside
The Chili Shack – Abbeygate Street
Asia Market & Halal Butcher – Headford Road
Yes, Eid is celebrated with congregational prayers and social events in major cities.
- Popular platforms include:
- www.daft.ie
- www.rent.ie
- www.myhome.ie
- www.collegecribs.ie
- www.hostingpower.ie
- www.spotahome.com
- www.airbnb.ie (for short-term)
- Shared room (on-campus): €6,000/year
- Single ensuite: €11,800/year
- Apartment: €230/week
- Homestay: ~€700/4 weeks
Our experienced IEO counsellors will help you put together your application and certify the supporting documents. Your counsellor will then submit your application on your behalf to Irish university or institution of choice.
You can schedule an appointment with one of our counsellors by completing an online enquiry or calling Ireland Education office
- Valid passport
- School (or academic) transcripts
- Your CV