How to Study in Ireland: Complete Guide for International Students

Choose your course and institution

As in the UK, an Irish study plan begins with the course. Decide the subject and the level — an undergraduate degree, or a postgraduate (taught master's or research) programme — and shortlist Irish universities and institutes that teach it.

Use each institution's official course pages to compare content, duration, and entry requirements, and Education in Ireland (the official promotional body) for an overview of options. Where rankings help, treat them as one factor and attribute them to the issuer (for example QS or Times Higher Education).

• Pick the subject and level before the institution
• Check entry requirements on each official course page
• Use educationinireland.com for a neutral overview of programmes

How you apply: CAO for undergraduates, direct for postgraduates

Most full-time undergraduate courses in the Republic of Ireland are applied for through the Central Applications Office (CAO) at cao.ie, which processes applications to participating universities and colleges. Postgraduate courses are usually applied for directly on the institution's own website, and some use the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC).

The CAO runs an annual cycle with set deadlines and a "change of mind" facility. Exact dates change each year — confirm the current deadlines on cao.ie before you apply.

Entry requirements and English-language proof

Each course sets its own academic entry requirements, often expressed in Irish Leaving Certificate points but with recognised equivalents for international qualifications such as A-levels or the International Baccalaureate. International students normally also need to prove English with an accepted test such as IELTS, to the standard the course requires.

Some competitive courses use admissions tests — for example, undergraduate medicine at Irish universities generally uses the HPAT. Such tests and their formats change, so check the requirement on each course page and the official test website, and verify on the official source.

Student visa and permission to remain (Stamp 2)

Whether you need an entry visa before travelling to Ireland depends on your nationality. After arrival, non-EU/EEA students studying a full-time course usually register their immigration permission and receive Stamp 2, which is the permission associated with full-time study. You will generally need a letter of acceptance, proof of fees paid, and evidence of finances and private medical insurance.

Immigration rules, fees, and financial requirements change frequently. This is general information, not immigration advice — read the current rules on the official Irish Immigration Service (irishimmigration.ie) and Citizens Information, and verify on the official source before acting.

Funding your studies

Budget for both tuition fees and living costs, which vary by institution, course, and city. Some Irish institutions and external schemes offer scholarships to international students; eligibility, amounts, and deadlines are set by each scheme and change every year, so confirm them on the official scholarship or institution website.

Never pay anyone for a "guaranteed" scholarship, place, or visa — official awards are not sold. The figures here are general guidance, not financial advice; consider speaking to a qualified adviser about any loan.

After you arrive

Plan your arrival around the course start date, arrange accommodation, register with your institution, and complete your immigration registration if required for your nationality. Keep your acceptance letter, proof of fees, insurance, and finances ready for registration.

Follow your institution's official international-student guidance for enrolment, and verify any immigration or insurance condition on the official Irish government source.