Ireland

Study in Ireland

Study in an English-speaking European innovation hub.

Explore respected universities, technology-led industries and welcoming student cities in a compact, globally connected destination.

Ireland flagIEYOUR NEXT DESTINATION
StudyBuild expertise
ExploreGrow globally
TYPICAL INTAKESSeptember | January | selected spring
STUDY LEVELSFoundation to PhD
TEACHING LANGUAGEEnglish
APPLICATION ROUTEDirect to an approved provider
WHY IE

Why study in Ireland?

Start with the academic experience, then test the destination against your personal profile, budget and long-term direction.

01

Innovation economy

Connect your studies with technology, pharmaceuticals, finance and enterprise.

02

English-speaking Europe

Learn in English while experiencing an EU study environment.

03

Graduate opportunities

Eligible graduates may use the Third Level Graduate Programme to build experience.

04

Welcoming communities

Study in compact cities with active campuses and international support.

VISA & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Ireland Long-Stay Study Visa
requirements at a glance.

Plan your application with the latest core requirements in one place. Final eligibility, costs and evidence always depend on your personal circumstances and official instructions.

STUDENT ROUTEFrom approved course to Irish permission

Choose an eligible programme, secure an unconditional offer, pay the required tuition amount and prepare visa, finance and insurance evidence.

Visa typeLong Stay D study visa for visa-required students studying over 90 days
Eligible courseProgramme must meet immigration requirements and normally appear on the ILEP or TrustEd eligible list
Application timingApply up to 3 months before your intended travel date
Tuition paymentIf fees exceed €6,000, at least €6,000 is normally paid before the visa application
Living fundsShow immediate access to at least €10,000 for a one-year course, plus access for later years
Health insurancePrivate medical insurance is required
RegistrationRegister after arrival and obtain the appropriate Irish Residence Permit
Work during studyEligible Stamp 2 students may work 20 hours weekly in term and 40 in specified holiday periods
Graduate optionEligible Level 8 graduates may receive 12 months; Level 9 or above may receive up to 24 months
English evidenceMeet the provider and immigration evidence requirements
Visa decisionTimelines vary by office, season and application completeness
Important:Irish visa, finance, work and graduate-scheme rules can change. Confirm the current requirements with Irish Immigration and your education provider.
POPULAR STUDY AREAS

Find a field that moves your future forward.

Course availability and entry criteria vary by institution. SAG can help you compare options that fit your previous studies and career direction.

Get a personalised course shortlist →
Business & FinanceComputer Science & DataPharmaceutical SciencesEngineeringHealth SciencesCreative Media
STUDY PATHWAYS

Choose the right academic level.

Foundation or pathway

Build subject knowledge, academic skills or language readiness before progressing.

Undergraduate study

Choose a bachelor-level route aligned with your previous education and career direction.

Postgraduate study

Develop specialist knowledge through taught, professional or research-led programmes.

Doctoral research

Explore supervisor, proposal and research-fit requirements for advanced study.

LEADING IE UNIVERSITIES

Explore globally recognised institutions.

Discover a selection of respected institutions in Ireland. Your best-fit choice should be based on course content, entry requirements, budget and career direction.

University logos are shown for identification and exploration only; inclusion does not imply a formal partnership.

STUDY LOCATIONS

Explore different student environments.

Dublin

The capital combines major universities with technology, finance and creative industries.

Cork

A lively southern city with strong science, business and student communities.

Galway

A compact cultural city known for research, arts and coastal life.

Limerick

A student-focused city with engineering, business and sport strengths.

Maynooth

A smaller university town with easy access to Dublin.

Waterford

A south-east study hub with technology and applied programmes.

Athlone

A central location with a practical, close-knit student environment.

Sligo

A scenic north-west destination offering applied and creative study options.

FAMILY & DEPENDANTS

Bringing family to Ireland?

Most non-EEA students do not have an automatic right to bring family members. Limited exceptions may apply, including certain PhD students and students with sufficient private means.

YOUR ROUTE

Restricted family route

Family applications are assessed under Irish immigration policy and should not be assumed from student permission alone.

WHO MAY QUALIFY

Who may qualify

Eligibility depends on the sponsor’s immigration category and circumstances.

PHD STUDENTS

PhD students

Qualifying doctoral students may have a clearer route for immediate family.

SEPARATE APPLICATIONS

Separate applications

Family members normally make their own visa or permission applications.

FINANCIAL EVIDENCE

Financial evidence

The sponsor must show enough resources without relying on public funds.

WORK RIGHTS

Work rights

A family member’s work right depends on the permission granted, not the student’s status alone.

CHILDREN

Children

Schooling, custody, insurance and living arrangements should be planned early.

Before paying any feeGet written immigration guidance on family eligibility before paying tuition or making relocation commitments.Check My Family Eligibility →
IE FAQs

Questions before you start?

Your exact route depends on your qualification, chosen course, institution and intake.

Ask an SAG Counsellor →
What intakes are commonly available in Ireland?

Typical planning options include September | January | selected spring. Not every programme is offered in every intake, so check the exact course calendar.

How do I apply to institutions in Ireland?

The common route is Direct to an approved provider. SAG can help you follow the correct process for your study level and selected institution.

Which English or language test will I need?

Accepted tests and minimum scores vary by course and institution. Some programmes may also have local-language requirements, so confirm the programme page before applying.

Can I apply with a study gap?

A gap does not have one universal outcome. Your academic history, work or personal activities, course relevance and explanation should be reviewed together.

Can SAG help with the complete process?

Yes. SAG can support profile review, country and course shortlisting, applications, document preparation, interview guidance and pre-departure planning.

START YOUR IE JOURNEY

Your Ireland study plan.
Built around you.

Get a focused profile assessment, a realistic university shortlist and step-by-step support—from your first decision to your visa file.

Profile ReviewCourse ShortlistApplication Guidance
Plan My Ireland Journey →