Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in the UK and Ireland

How this FAQ works

This page gathers the questions international students most often ask about the UK and Ireland and answers them in plain terms. It is a starting point, not a substitute for each university's official pages or the government immigration sites.

Throughout, specific figures — fees, scores, deadlines, work-hour limits, and durations — are deferred to the official source, because they change every year and differ by university and course. Always verify the current details before you rely on them.

Applying to university

For most undergraduate courses, the UK uses UCAS and the Republic of Ireland uses the Central Applications Office (CAO); these are separate systems with their own deadlines and rules. Postgraduate applications are often made directly to each university in both countries.

Entry requirements vary by course and university, so check each official course page for the exact grades, subjects, and documents needed, and note the application deadlines, which differ between UCAS, the CAO, and individual universities.

• UK undergraduate: usually via UCAS (ucas.com)
• Ireland undergraduate: usually via the CAO (cao.ie)
• Postgraduate: often direct to the university; check each course page

Visas and permissions

The UK and Ireland have separate immigration systems. To study in the UK, most international students need a Student visa, which involves a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, an application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge — the exact amounts and steps are on gov.uk. In Ireland, non-EEA students apply for study permission and are typically registered on a Stamp 2.

These are official immigration rules, not advice, and they change. Confirm the current requirements on gov.uk for the UK and on the Irish immigration service (irishimmigration.ie) for Ireland before you apply.

• UK: Student visa, CAS from a licensed sponsor, fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (gov.uk)
• Ireland: study permission, typically Stamp 2 (irishimmigration.ie)
• Amounts and steps change — verify on the official government source

Cost and English requirements

International tuition and living costs vary widely by university, course, and city in both countries, and some cities are more expensive than others. The only reliable figures are the current ones on each university's official tuition page and, for visa-related funds, the government site.

Most international applicants must show English proficiency, commonly through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, but acceptance and minimum scores vary by university and course, and a prior English-medium degree may exempt you. Confirm the accepted tests and scores on each university's official page and on gov.uk for any visa use.

Working while you study

Students in both countries can usually work a limited number of hours during term time and more during holidays, but the exact limits and conditions are set by each government and printed on, or tied to, your visa or permission. In the UK these conditions are on gov.uk; in Ireland they are set out by the immigration service and Citizens Information.

Because work-hour rules change, do not rely on a figure from an older source. Check the current rule on the official site, and remember this is general information, not immigration advice.

A note on guarantees and scams

No university, agent, or service can guarantee admission, a visa, a scholarship, or a job, and you should never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" place or outcome. Use official application services and the universities' own pages.

If any claim sounds too good to be true, check it against the official source. Keeping decisions grounded in verified, official information is the best protection.