Higher education in Ireland, or the Third Level of Education, consists of several branches: universities, institutes of technology, colleges.

Universities in Ireland are state-funded, but usually autonomous. University students receive a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 7) or a bachelor's degree with honors (NFQ Level 8).

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What documents are required to enter Irish universities?

Certificate of completed secondary education. The university is interested in the average score of the certificate.

Proof of English language proficiency. An international IELTS certificate must be submitted to the admissions committee.

The package of documents for admission includes: motivational letter and characteristics from teachers.

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Students of the EU/EEA member states and Switzerland 

Students of the EU/EEA member states and Switzerland do not need a student’s visa, or a permit to stay in Ireland.

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Third level graduate program

Non-EEA students who have completed a Level 8 course may be allowed to stay in Ireland for 12 months. Those with a grade of 9 or higher may be allowed to stay for 24 months. The third-level graduate program allows them to find work and apply for a General Employment Permit or a Critical Skills Employment Permit. They must live in Ireland on legal grounds. According to the scheme, they must apply to their local migration authority, and if they are allowed to stay, they will receive a 1G stamp.

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Students from non-EEA / EU countries

Citizens of non-EEA / EU countries who come to study in Ireland must be enrolled in the relevant full-time course specified in the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). They need to apply for a study visa.

You can find out more in our document on migration rules for non-EEA students.

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All students who are citizens of non-EEA states must register with their local migration officer to obtain a residence permit in Ireland. The Migration Services Delivery (ISD) website has detailed information on what evidence is required. Non-EEA students coming to Ireland for the first time may not be allowed to stay in Ireland if they have children with them, or intend to join them later. More information about the children of non-EEA students is available on the ISD website.

Study visa

If you want to study in Ireland for less than 3 months, you must apply for a study visa. If your course lasts more than 3 months, you should apply for a D-visa to study.

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Where to apply?

Apply to the Central Application Office (CAO) using the CAO application form. Make sure you add the appropriate fee to your application.

For participating higher education institutions, the application can be submitted online through the CAO.

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What are the application deadlines for non-EU / EEA students?

If you are currently or have previously lived outside the EEA, you may need to apply directly to a higher education institution (HEI). You need to contact the university admissions committee to find out whether to apply through the SAP or directly to the university.

You must make your inquiries well before the closing date of February 1 and preferably no later than December 15. If you are applying to any other university, you must apply through the CAO.

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You will need to provide the following in your visa application:

(Remember that you need the original documents, which must be in English or accompanied by a notarized translation):

• A letter of acceptance from a recognized university in Ireland confirming that you have been accepted for the course. This course must be complete (academic year) and have a minimum of 15 hours per week;
• Evidence of your academic ability to study your chosen course in English (if it is not an English course);
• International IELTS certificate;
• Evidence that the course fee has been paid in full;
• Proof that you have enough funds (7,000 euros) to support yourself during your stay in the country;
• Proof that you or your sponsor have access to at least 7,000 Euros for each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fee for each of those years;
• Proof that you have private health insurance;
• Explaination of any gaps in your education history;
• Confirmation that you intend to return to your country of residence after leaving Ireland.

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Can I combine study and work in Ireland?

Yes, you can work part-time (20 hours) while studying in college and full-time while on vacation in college.

Vacation periods are:

- June, July and September;

- From December 15 to January 15.

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Is it possible to receive a scholarship to study?

Despite the fact that Ireland offers low tuition fees, each student has the opportunity to receive a scholarship. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Every year, talented international students receive scholarships from Irish universities and institutes of technology. There are several types of scholarships: government, university, scholarships from third-party organizations that cooperate with educational institutions and support research. Depending on who is awarding the scholarship, there are requirements that must be met to receive a scholarship.