Under 18 Students

Ireland Education Office can assist under 18 students to study in Ireland with comprehensive guidance and support throughout the application process.

Under 18 Justice Dept Rules

Key Points for Students Under 18

Ireland Education Office Requirements and Guidelines

1 Age Requirement

Students must normally have turned 17 by January 15 of the year after they will enter university in Ireland.

2 Legal Guardian in Ireland

  • If a student under 18 is registering with Irish Immigration, they must have a legal guardian residing in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).
  • The guardian must provide proof of residence (Irish passport or Irish Residence Permit card).
  • If the guardian is not a parent, parents must provide a letter appointing that person as legal guardian.

3 Extra Documentation for Unaccompanied Students

If the under-18 student is coming without a parent, several extra documents are required:
  • Birth Certificate of the student.
  • Consent from both parents or legal guardians:
    • Should be notarised.
    • Must state who will care for the student in Ireland (school, host family, agency).
  • Identification documents for parents/guardians: passport bio-page or national ID card.
  • If one parent has sole custody, a court order showing that must be provided.

4 Accommodation & Vetting

  • Must submit where the student will stay in Ireland.
  • If a parent joins the student during the stay: include the parent’s visa application details or a statement that they will be present.
  • If parent does not join:
    • The school must get a clearance from the Garda Síochána (Irish police) regarding the student’s living arrangements.

5 No Entitlement for Other Family Members

Getting a visa for a student under 18 for study does not automatically allow other family members to come or stay in Ireland.

HOW IEO HELPS UNDER 18 STUDENT

University Educational Guardianship Programme 2025–2026

Comprehensive Year-Round Support

  • Dedicated Guardianship Staff: Available Monday–Friday throughout the year to provide guidance on living and studying in Ireland, offering friendly, local knowledge and advice for both students and parents.
  • Student Welfare Coordinator:
    • Visits students on campus upon arrival.
    • Introduces students to the programme through an orientation presentation.
    • Maintains regular contact via email and phone, ensuring students can discuss any personal or academic concerns during their studies abroad.
  • 24/7 Emergency Phone Line: Provides round-the-clock support for unexpected events such as cancelled flights, disciplinary issues, or illness.

Immigration Registration Support

  • Scheduling of immigration appointments with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
  • Management and preparation of all necessary documentation for registration.
  • Accompaniment to the GNIB appointment and official appointment as the student’s educational guardian.

Homestay Management

  • Sourcing & Vetting: Arranging caring Irish homestays, including organisation of all police checks on behalf of the student.
  • Administration: Managing payments and all related paperwork for homestay fees.
  • Ongoing Liaison: Acting as a support service for homestay families throughout the year to ensure a positive student experience.
  • Re-Housing: Arranging alternative housing if the primary homestay becomes unavailable.
Note: Homestay services are only available in certain locations and upon request.

Pricing and Fees

Service Details Price
Guardianship Fees Month 1 (September or January) €700
Remaining months (or part thereof) until the student turns 18 €167
Homestay Weekly Rate Single room with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily. Laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and all utilities included €295 per week
Monthly Administration Charge For the remainder of the homestay programme after guardianship ceases €50
Refundable Deposit To cover potential damages or additional support costs. Refunded to the student’s family at the end of the programme €750
Christmas Surplus Fees Guardianship surplus (20 December–8 January) €395
Homestay surplus (dependent on availability) €100/week
Special Dietary Requirements Additional charge for vegan, coeliac, or vegetarian diets €30/week
Airport Transfers Transfers within Dublin €85 per transfer
Transfers outside Dublin Quoted on request
Additional Visits or Administration For services not included in the programme €60/hour

Additional Services (Not Included in Standard Programme)

  • Arrangement of airport transfers throughout the student’s stay with vetted and experienced drivers.
  • Assistance with setting up bank accounts.
  • Support with additional visa applications.
  • Consultancy or administrative tasks not otherwise listed in the programme.

Payment Terms

  • Initial Payment: 30% of the total fee is due at enrolment (non-refundable).
  • Remaining Balance: 70% of the total fee must be paid at least 8 weeks before the student’s arrival in Ireland.
  • Extra Services: Additional visits or administration requested will be invoiced separately in advance.

Key Points for Students Under 18

Ireland Education Office Requirements and Guidelines

1 Age Requirement

Students must normally have turned 17 by January 15 of the year after they will enter university in Ireland.

2 Legal Guardian in Ireland

  • If a student under 18 is registering with Irish Immigration, they must have a legal guardian residing in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).
  • The guardian must provide proof of residence (Irish passport or Irish Residence Permit card).
  • If the guardian is not a parent, parents must provide a letter appointing that person as legal guardian.

3 Extra Documentation for Unaccompanied Students

  • Birth Certificate of the student.
  • Consent from both parents or legal guardians:
    • Should be notarised.
    • Must state who will care for the student in Ireland (school, host family, agency).
  • Identification documents for parents/guardians: passport bio-page or national ID card.
  • If one parent has sole custody, a court order showing that must be provided.

4 Accommodation & Vetting

  • Must submit where the student will stay in Ireland.
  • If a parent joins the student during the stay: include the parent’s visa application details or a statement that they will be present.
  • If parent does not join:
    • The school must get a clearance from the Garda Síochána (Irish police) regarding the student’s living arrangements.

5 No Entitlement for Other Family Members

Getting a visa for a student under 18 for study does not automatically allow other family members to come or stay in Ireland.

HOW IEO HELPS UNDER 18 STUDENT

University Educational Guardianship Programme 2025–2026

Comprehensive Year-Round Support

  • Dedicated Guardianship Staff: Available Monday–Friday throughout the year to provide guidance on living and studying in Ireland, offering friendly, local knowledge and advice for both students and parents.
  • Student Welfare Coordinator:
    • Visits students on campus upon arrival.
    • Introduces students to the programme through an orientation presentation.
    • Maintains regular contact via email and phone, ensuring students can discuss any personal or academic concerns during their studies abroad.
  • 24/7 Emergency Phone Line: Provides round-the-clock support for unexpected events such as cancelled flights, disciplinary issues, or illness.

Immigration Registration Support

  • Scheduling of immigration appointments with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
  • Management and preparation of all necessary documentation for registration.
  • Accompaniment to the GNIB appointment and official appointment as the student's educational guardian.

Homestay Management

  • Sourcing & Vetting: Arranging caring Irish homestays, including organisation of all police checks on behalf of the student.
  • Administration: Managing payments and all related paperwork for homestay fees.
  • Ongoing Liaison: Acting as a support service for homestay families throughout the year to ensure a positive student experience.
  • Re-Housing: Arranging alternative housing if the primary homestay becomes unavailable.
Note: Homestay services are only available in certain locations and upon request.

Pricing and Fees

Service Details Price
Guardianship Fees Month 1 (September or January) €700
Remaining months (or part thereof) until the student turns 18 €167
Homestay Weekly Rate Single room with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily. Laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and all utilities included €295 per week
Monthly Administration Charge For the remainder of the homestay programme after guardianship ceases €50
Refundable Deposit To cover potential damages or additional support costs. Refunded to the student's family at the end of the programme €750
Christmas Surplus Fees Guardianship surplus (20 December–8 January) €395
Homestay surplus (dependent on availability) €100/week
Special Dietary Requirements Additional charge for vegan, coeliac, or vegetarian diets €30/week
Airport Transfers Transfers within Dublin €85 per transfer
Transfers outside Dublin Quoted on request
Additional Visits or Administration For services not included in the programme €60/hour

Additional Services (Not Included in Standard Programme)

  • Arrangement of airport transfers throughout the student's stay with vetted and experienced drivers.
  • Assistance with setting up bank accounts.
  • Support with additional visa applications.
  • Consultancy or administrative tasks not otherwise listed in the programme.

Payment Terms

  • Initial Payment: 30% of the total fee is due at enrolment (non-refundable).
  • Remaining Balance: 70% of the total fee must be paid at least 8 weeks before the student's arrival in Ireland.
  • Extra Services: Additional visits or administration requested will be invoiced separately in advance.
  • 77 Camden Street Lower, Dublin, D02 XE80, Ireland
  • +353 19072559
  • +353 899417647

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