The course of study you are planning to take
The institution you are planning to attend.
Student Visa
Funding
Accommodation
How to apply to a higher education institution in Ireland depends on whether you are an EU or a non-EU candidate.
Once you are happy with your choices you will need time to gather the necessary paperwork, arrange accommodation, visa, funding etc.
It is advisable to begin the application process at least one year in advance of your proposed arrival in Ireland.
Postgraduate Application in Ireland
To apply for postgraduate courses in Ireland you should contact the admissions office or international office of the relevant institution directly.
Closing dates vary depending on course and institution.
For research opportunities, contact the relevant department for further information.
Overseas students wishing to study in Ireland have two options:
a) Attend secondary school in Ireland and complete the Leaving Certicate Examination with Irish students. This route is chosen by a number of students who commonly take the examination in conjunction with English langauge tuition.
b) Undertake recognised public examinations in their own countries. This is a more common route and it is essential that every applicant check that the educational qualifications she/he is presenting are adequate to satisfy entry requirements. To have a realistic prospect these results should be very good, e.g. for medicine 3 good 'A' Level passes (grades A/B) or the equivalent, in relevant subjects are required. The minimum requirement for most degree level programmes is 3 grade 'C's at A level or equivalent. If there is any doubt about the acceptability of an applicant's qualifications, clarification should be sought in good time from the particular third level institution.
As English is the language of instruction at all Irish Institutions of higher education, students must demonstrate a proficiency in English to be accepted for a third level programme. Generally, the required minimum score in TOEFL is 550. Many universities and colleges provide English Language training programmmes for intending students. Furthermore, there are over 110 private English language training schools throughout the country which run both short and long terms courses.
Applying for a visa for Ireland
All applications for an Irish Visa must be made by completing an Online Visa Application Form, which can be accessed through the link below.
A visa application needs to be completed for each person wishing to travel to Ireland. A visa processing fee is payable for each application.
Before completing your application you should read all information regarding visas contained on this site.
When you have done so and are ready to begin, the following link will direct you to a new secure site from which you can complete an online application
Note: Any applications made on old forms; original paper forms or downloaded/photocopied versions of the new form will be returned with all supporting documents to the applicant, which will delay the application process.
Once you have completed your online application you should check what relevant supporting documents are required and the location of your nearest VFS centre or Irish Consulate.
Under this scheme, applicants for a study visa from India, who have been accepted on to a HETAC (the Higher Education and Training Awards Council in Ireland) approved course, can apply for a study visa without having to pay the requisite college fees in advance.
Fees need only be paid when the visa application has been approved. Once evidence of the Electronic Fee Transfer has been submitted to the visa office New Delhi the visa will issue.
Check with your Irish Education provider as to whether or not your course is HETAC approved.
This is also detailed on the Internalisation Register of the Department of Education in Ireland.
Applicants under this scheme should apply at least 5 weeks in advance of their date of course commencement to allow time for the Electronic Fee Transfer to take place.
Electronic Fund Transfer is the only acceptable method of fee payment recognised by the Irish Visa Office, New Delhi.
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