Study in Ireland
With its outstanding educational opportunities and friendly locals, Ireland is a popular study destination for students from all over the world.
Whatever you want to study - from law and medicine to arts and engineering - there’s a course for you in Ireland. Let’s explore the endless opportunities, including institutions in Ireland, how to get a student visa and more.
Education providers in Ireland
Ireland has a range of education providers situated all over the country that offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, including universities, technological universities (TUs), institutes of technology (ITs), colleges and private colleges.
The key institutions for international students in Ireland include:
University of Galway (formerly known as National University of Ireland)
Getting a student visa in Ireland
If you are from a country in the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you will not need a student visa to study in Ireland.
However, if you are not from one of these countries, you will need a student visa.
You will need to provide certain information to obtain a student visa, including evidence that you:
have been offered a place on a full-time course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP);
have private medical insurance;
have paid your course feeds in full; and
have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
You will also need to demonstrate that you can complete your university course in English, and may need to take an English test. Each institution and course will have unique requirements, so be sure to check these online before lodging your application.
Accommodation in Ireland
International students in Ireland can choose between living in university housing, student accommodation or a private rental.
There are many different types of university housing options available, including residence halls. University housing is generally very close to the university campus, so you can easily get to your classes and access other university facilities. Most rooms are furnished, which means you don’t need to worry about buying furniture.
Private rental options include purpose-built student accommodation buildings, such as Yugo and Scape. Some of these purpose-built accommodation buildings even have facilities such as gyms, a cinema room and communal study areas. Living in student accommodation is also a fantastic way to meet fellow students – you’re guaranteed to make friends in no time!
If you enjoy your own space and want more freedom and independence, you could rent a place by yourself. You could also share your rental house or flat with other international students or Irish locals. This can be a great way to learn more about the local culture and share your living costs with other people.
Benefits of studying in Ireland
Irish education providers are some of the best in the world, known for providing students with high-quality education, exciting campus experiences and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. They are also well-connected with industry and ensure that students are ready to enter the workforce when they graduate.
When you’re not studying, there are plenty of things to see and do in Ireland. From sampling some of the country’s famous food - such as a classic Irish breakfast or curry chips - to exploring beautiful castles, coastline and countryside, there’s something for everyone!
Irish people are known for being warm, friendly and welcoming. Ireland was even named the 14th happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report for 2023.
It’s also a very safe country to live in and was voted the world’s third most peaceful country in 2022.
If you love living in Ireland, you’ll also have the opportunity to stay and work in the country after you graduate through the Third level graduate programme.
Learn more about studying in Ireland
Are you ready for your exciting education adventure in Ireland? You can find out more about studying in Ireland as an international student via the resources below:
Author: Sarah Pearce
