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IRELAND
EDUCATION
Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world and there are many reasons to study here. Schools and universities are globally connected and graduates of Irish education institutions have access to opportunities in many different careers all over the world.
Ireland is an island nation on the westernmost edge of Europe. It is the continent’s second largest island after Great Britain. And it is known for its beautiful green countryside, fascinating history and friendly people.
The standard of education in Ireland is among the world’s best, with seven top-level universities and a focus on research and global collaboration.
People and culture
The Irish are proud of their country and their culture and they are happy to share it with you. Although it’s a relatively small country, (with a population of around five million), more than 70 million people around the world claim to have Irish heritage. So once you’ve lived in Ireland, you’ll have friends all over the world.
Safety
Ireland is a safe and tolerant place to live and ranks consistently in the world’s Top 20 countries for quality of life, peace and human development. It’s also a young country, with a third of the population under 25 years old. Study in Ireland and you’ll join more than 35,000 international students from 161 countries who love where they live.
Career
Studying in Ireland can give you a great start to a successful career. Ireland ranks highly for quality of education – education that meets the needs of a competitive economy, plus knowledge transfer between universities and international companies. It’s also a lot of fun.
City life
Major cities here are smaller and easy to get around in than other large cities worldwide, yet they are vibrant and culturally sophisticated.
Why study in Ireland
Quality education
Ireland’s education system is among the best you’ll find. Universities in Ireland rank in the top 3% world-wide and graduates from Irish universities are attractive to employers the world over.
Research opportunities
Irish universities are in the top 1% of research institutions in the world. Some of the world’s biggest and best companies have key strategic research facilities here and international students can join research programs that are driving innovation and changing lives worldwide.
Career opportunities
Many leading global companies are located in Ireland and career opportunities are plentiful. It is especially good for careers in Software Development and IT, Engineering, Financial Services, Food and Agriculture, Medtech and Pharma.
Growing economy
The Irish economy is one of the fastest growing in the Eurozone and the 6th most competitive in the world. It is an entrepreneurial country with global connections.
English language
English is the main language spoken and the global language of business and technology. Knowing how to read and write in English increases your marketability and gives you a big advantage if you’re aiming for a job in a multinational company or an English-speaking country.
History and culture
Ireland is full of museums, cathedrals, parks and monuments and is famous for its contribution to arts, literature, film and music.
Close to Europe
Ireland is close to major European capitals and just a short flight away, so you can easily explore the rest of Europe while you’re here.
Stay back visas: The Irish government offers a one-year stay back visa for Bachelors graduates and up to two years for Masters graduates. Many international students stay in Ireland after finishing their studies and start their careers here.
Quick facts
- Capital: Dublin
- Currency: EURO
- Language: English
- Time Zone: GMT+1
- Dialling Code: +353
- Population: 4.818 million (based on latest United Nations estimates)
What’s it like to study in Ireland?
Irish study methods are similar to the UK. You may find you have more freedom to work independently than you are used to. This can seem attractive at first, but high standards are expected and you will quickly discover that you need to work hard to keep up with other students.
What you need to know before you start your study in Ireland:
- You are expected to work on your own quite often and you may not receive as much assistance as you were used to in your home country
- You are encouraged to speak up in class and voice your opinions
- You are asked to draw your own conclusions from what you are taught, rather than focus on gathering facts and data
- Academic staff want you to succeed and they are available to help and advise you
- Critical judgement is encouraged and this involves reading and researching topics independently, as well as prescribed course work
- You must take notes at lectures and use them as a basis for learning and exam revision
- Many students attend tutorials as part of their study. These are small teaching groups led by your lecturer where students debate ideas on study topics
- Teaching is in English. If you experience language difficulties, you can ask your tutor or international office on campus for assistance
Student visa requirements for Ireland
The Irish Government provides an opportunity to all Nigerian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you’d need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in Ireland. Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:
Duration of study
Visa type
Less than three months = C Study visa
More than three months = D Study visa
*For detailed information, please visit the Irish Government’s Naturalisation and Immigration Service website.
Documents required for an Irish study visa
To apply for your study visa, you will generally need:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation
- Letter of acceptance from a recognized Irish institution
- As a mandatory condition, your passport needs to be valid for 12 months i.e., after your proposed date of arrival in Ireland
- Passport-sized color photographs
- The score of an English language proficiency test such as IELTS
- Proof of fee payment (this can either be a valid receipt showing course fees has been lodged to an approved student fee payment service or of the copy of Electronic Transfer of Funds by the applicant to the Irish bank of the university or college
- Evidence of funds (€7,000) to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course
- Evidence that accounts for any gaps in your educational history (if any)
- Medical insurance details
- You might also be asked to provide with your biometric information as part of the application process
- A statement of your commitment that you’ll leave Ireland on the expiry of your visa
- For 'C' visa you need application summary sheets and proof of your return home as attested documents
- Evidence of academic ability to pursue your chosen course
You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the Ireland embassy or consulate.
If any of your document is not in English/Irish, then it must include a full translation. Also, each of the translated document must consist of:
- A translator confirmation as evidence of accurate translation of the original document submitted;
- The translation date;
- The full name and signature of the translator; and
- The contact details of your translator
English language requirements
To gain your study visa for Ireland, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognized by more than 10,000 organizations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.
A minimum score of 5.0 band is required in IELTS to apply for an Irish study visa.
When can you apply?
You can apply for a study visa up to three months before your travel date to Ireland. But, if you plan to visit another state before you travel to Ireland, then you must possess a relevant visa for that state in your passport before you apply for an Irish visa.
Applying for your visa online
You can apply for your student visa application online using the Irish Government’s official website or the Irish Embassy in Nigeria.
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Study You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to Ireland. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
Costs of studying and living in Ireland
Are the costs of studying in Ireland expensive? Compared to many other top-level universities around the world, not really. Dublin, Ireland’s capital city is the most expensive city to live in, but Irish cities are very cost-effective places to live compared with other popular study destinations, including the UK.
What are the living costs for students in Ireland?
The estimated cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year is €7,000 to €12,000 per year. This includes rent, electricity, food, books, laundry and medicine, as well as travel passes and social expenses, but excludes tuition fees.
Of course, your living expenses will vary, depending on the study location, type of accommodation and lifestyle you choose. Consider any international travel you plan on doing during the year.
You’ll also need to budget for once-only costs, like buying kitchen items, bedding, a mobile phone and so on.
What are the tuition fees in Ireland?
Undergraduate courses: €9,000 – €45,000 per year.
Postgraduate Master and PhD courses: €9,150 – €37,000 per year.
Fees vary depending on your chosen field of study, program and university.
You’ll also pay around €2,500 per year for student services, such as examination entries and support for clubs and societies.
External link below
TOURISM
You need a visa to come to Ireland if you travel using a passport issued by a country that is visa required or using a travel document issued by certain countries.
Each traveller must apply for a separate visa. There are no family visas.
A tourist visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian.
You should not purchase travel tickets before you receive a decision on your visa application.
How to apply
You must apply for a visa from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel.
Your application has 3 parts:
- Create a visa application online
- Pay the visa application fee
- Send your passport & other documents for processing
- Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information
You will be given information about where to send your documents after you create your visa application.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after we receive your documents.
Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. In some circumstances, you may not be allowed to appeal the visa decision and may be blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.
Create your visa application online
AVATS is the online visa application system. To apply for a visa, answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly.
Apply for an Irish visa online via AVATS
Short stay visit (tourist) visa
To visit Ireland for tourism or study for less than 90 days, select the following options in AVATS:
- Visa type: 'Short Stay (C)'
- Reason for travel: 'Visit Tourist'
- Journey type: 'Single' or 'Multiple' (as appropriate for you)
- Note: Multiple entry visas are approved in limited circumstances only
Application summary
When finished, you will be shown a web page with important summary information, including your:
- Visa Application Transaction Number: Keep a note of this number. You will need it to check progress on your application or when contacting us.
- Application summary sheets: Print, sign and date these sheets and send them to your application office (as below), along with your passport and other documents.
- Application office: Send your application to the office address shown on your summary sheet. Your application office may be the Dublin Visa Office, an international Visa Office or an Irish Embassy or Consulate worldwide, depending on where you apply from. (In some cases, your application office may send your application to a different office for a visa decision.)
Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
- € 60: Single entry - Short stay 'C' visa
- € 100: Multiple entry - Short stay 'C' visa
- Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
- € 60: Single entry - Short stay 'C' visa
- € 100: Multiple entry - Short stay 'C' visa
- Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
Note: There is no minimum amount of finance for approving or refusing a visa application. The visa officer will decide if you have enough based on your own circumstances.
If you are paying for your own visit
Include an up-to-date bank statement with your documents. The bank statement must:
- Be original and on headed bank paper
- Note: You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank. We will not accept uncertified internet statements
- Show your name and address
- Show the bank account number and account type, eg checking/current account, savings/deposit account
- Show money paid in and out of the account over the last 6 months
If you submit a bank statement from a savings/deposit account, you must include an original letter from your bank (on headed paper) that confirms you can withdraw money from it.
You must also include a written explanation of any large movements of money in or out of your account, if appropriate.
If a friend or family member in Ireland is helping to pay for your visit
Type or write an estimate of how much your friend/family member will spend (in Euro) and what they will pay for (if appropriate), eg cost of airline tickets in Euro.
Your friend/family member must also show that they can afford these costs. This applies to any friends/family members who will help to pay for your vacation, including Irish citizens.
To do so, you must ask them to send you the following original documents and include them with your application:
- An up-to-date bank statement, following the same rules as described above
- If they are employed, they must provide:
- Their 3 most recent payslips
- Their most recent tax return document, for example in Ireland, an employment detail summary from Revenue
- A letter from their employer that confirms they are employed
You must also include your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above.
If someone else (a third party) is helping to pay for your visit
Type or write a description that explains how and why your visit is being paid for by a third party. You must also include the third party's:
- Full name and address
- Telephone number
- Email address (if available)
- Website (if appropriate)
You must also include:
- Proof of the relationship between you and the third party, eg copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc.
- Your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above
Proof you will return home
You must include proof that you will leave Ireland when your visit ends.
To do so, you must show that you have a strong obligation to return home (ie to your country of residence) for economic, social or family reasons.
Work
If you have a job at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to it. To do so, you should provide:
- Your 3 most recent original payslips
- A letter from your employer that states:
- How long you have been employed there
- The dates you are on vacation
- The date you will be returning to work in that job
Education or study
If you are a student at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to continue your studies. To do so, you should provide:
- A letter from your school or college that states:
- The course you are studying
- How many years you have been a student there
- How many years/semesters you have left there
The letter should also state that your school/college expects you return to your studies after your vacation or study trip to Ireland.
Family
If you have a family at home, you must prove that you will return to them. To do so, type or write a description of your family including:
- Your family status, eg married, co-habiting, separated, divorced, bereaved, etc
- Any children or dependents, eg elderly parents
If you are married and your spouse is not coming to Ireland with you, you should include your original Marriage Certificate with your application.
If you have children aged under 18 and they are not coming to Ireland with you, you should include their original Birth Certificates with your application.
Property
If you own or rent property in your country of residence, type or write a description of it and include it with your application.
You should also include other documents as proof, eg your original tenancy/rental agreement or property title deed.
Visa refusals
If you were ever refused a visa by any country, type or write a description about it.
You must also include the original letter sent to you by the authorities that refused your application.
Note: Your application for an Irish visa will be refused if you do not include information about past visa refusals.
Applications for young people (aged under 18)
A visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian.
The process follows the same steps described above with some extra conditions (as below) to protect the young person's safety.
Submit your documents
When you are satisfied that you have prepared your application documents, put them into a strong padded envelope and send them to your application office.
If you are making a visa application for yourself and another person, you may send them together. To send together:
- Place each person's application documents into separate envelopes
- Write the name and Visa Application Transaction Number of each applicant on each envelope
- Place each envelope into a larger envelope send it to the application office
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
After you apply
When we receive your application, we will check that you have included:
- Signed and dated Application Summary Sheets
- Proof of payment of the visa application fee (if applicable)
- All other documents listed above
When reviewing your application we may contact you to ask for more information or documents. We may also:
- Send your passport/travel document for official authentication
- Contact An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for information about you
- Contact government departments or other agencies for information about you, eg INTERPOL
Biometric information
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.
Contact your application office (as listed on your application summary sheet) to find out if you need to provide biometric information and how to do so.
Visa decisions
Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times differ between application offices and application types and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
In general, you can expect a decision for a short stay visit (tourist) visa is about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Note: Your application may take longer if documents are missing, need to be verified or because of personal circumstances, eg if you have a criminal conviction, etc.
Check your visa decision
Dublin Visa Office
If your application was sent to the Dublin Visa Office, new visa decisions and waiting times are published every Tuesday.
All other offices
If you send your application to an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate, contact that office for an update on your application.
If your application is approved
An Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Visas for young people (aged under 18)
An Irish visa issued to a young person aged under 18 will show if they are travelling alone (unaccompanied) or with an adult (accompanied).
Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
IMMIGRATION
Immigration to Ireland
Whether you’re a recent graduate hoping to spend a year in Ireland gaining some valuable experience, a professional looking to take your career to the next level, or are even thinking about making Ireland home for you and your family, you’ll find Ireland’s welcoming reputation is backed up by an open and simple immigration process.
Where you’re coming from
If you’re coming from the European Economic Area (EEA -countries of the EU and Norway, Iceland & Liechtenstein) or Switzerland, you’re in luck. You don’t need a visa for Ireland or a work permit. Just book a flight, it’s that simple.
If you’re coming to Ireland for more than three months from outside the EEA or Switzerland, you’ll find the process of moving to Ireland much more simple than it can be for other countries. You may need a visa for Ireland, depending on where you are moving from, and you’ll definitely need an employment permit.
A visa allows you to enter a country, while an employment permit allows you to work during your stay. The application processes for visas and employment permits are separate, and are granted by two different government departments.
If your spouse/civil partner is an EU/EEA citizen, then you might be able to skip the visa/work permit process. In this case, contact the issuing member state of the residency card for further information.
Visas for Ireland
You can find out what you need to enter Ireland based on your nationality here. Simply select your nationality from the dropdown menu, select how long you’re planning on staying and type of visa required. You’ll then be given a list of what you need to do before you travel, when you travel, and after you’ve arrived in Ireland. If you’re intending to stay for less than 90 days, you should apply for a short-stay ‘C’ visa. For those who plan to work and live in Ireland for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for the long-stay ‘D’ visa.
Visas to Ireland are issued by the Department of Justice and Equality. You can make your online application from your home country and submit your hard copy application and supporting documentation to the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office. The visa fee is €60 and there may be other costs in gathering the documents needed for your application. You can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office.
Work Permits for Ireland
Employment permits are issued by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Once an employee holds an employment permit and is working, they have the same Irish Employment Rights as Irish citizens. There are numerous types of employment permits available, but for those looking to enter the tech industry, there are two main routes; the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit
This permit is only open to those in professions on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List. This makes it a prime opportunity for those working in the tech industry, as many skills are currently in high demand in the Irish labour market, including web design and development professionals, programming and other ICT professions.
There are a number of advantages when choosing the Critical Skills Employment Permit route:
Because the skills are identified as being in short supply, a Labour Market Needs Test is not required.
Permit holders can apply for immediate family reunification from the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service of the Department of Justice and Equality and once their dependents/partners/spouses are resident in the State they are eligible to seek any employment and apply to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit which is currently issued free of charge.
Permit holders may apply to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for permission to reside and work without the requirement for an employment permit upon completion of the Critical Skills Employment Permit’s duration.
Annual remuneration for the job offered must be at least €30,000 and the prospective employee concerned must have secured a 2-year job offer in respect of the eligible occupation from the prospective employer.
The fee for this permit is €1,000.
See the Critical Skills Occupations List here:
The General Employment Permit
This permit allows the holder to take up employment in a wider range of fields, excluding those on the list of Ineligible Categories of Employment for Employment Permits.
Annual remuneration for the job must be at least €30,000. In certain cases, the required annual remuneration may be lowered to €27,000. These exceptions are as follows:
A non-EEA student who has graduated within 12 months from an overseas third-level institution and has been offered a graduate position on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations list
A non-EEA student who has graduated within 12 months from a non-EEA institution and has been offered a graduate position from the ICT Category on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations list
In both of these cases, in order to renew the permit, you must be earning at least €30,000.
A General Employment Permit is issued first for 2 years and then may be renewed for a further 3 years. Permit holders may be able to bring their dependents to Ireland after 1 year, but must be able to support them financially. They can apply for residency after 5 years.
There is a €500 fee for a permit of 6 months or less, and a €1,000 fee for a permit of 6 months to 2 years.
Applying for an employment permit
You must receive a job offer before you can apply for an employment permit. You can apply for an employment permit yourself or your employer can apply for it on your behalf, but applications from recruiters or other agencies will not be accepted. Employers may cover the cost of the permit.
Applications are made online and the current processing time of both Critical Skills and General permits is about eight weeks.
Refusals of employment permits
There are a number of reasons your application for an employment permit or renewal may be refused.
You entered Ireland as a visitor, and not an employee
You are in Ireland illegally or no longer meet the conditions under which you first entered
You are being deported or have been asked to leave Ireland by the Department of Justice and Equality
You are seeking employment with a non-EEA/Swiss employer who does not have permission to be operating in Ireland
All refusals for an employment permit may be appealed within 28 days.
Permanent Residency in Ireland
Generally, you can apply for residency after legally living in Ireland for 5 years. This includes General Employment Permit holders. However, as a nice advantage for techies, Critical Skills Employment Permit holders can apply for residency after just 2 years. Once you’ve been granted residency, you won’t need any further employment permits.
Be aware that your time spent living legally in Ireland is not based on dates of your visa or employment permits, it’s based on when you register with Immigration. This means it’s very important that you do this as soon as possible after arriving as delays in registering can cause serious complications when applying for residency or further permits/visas. In Dublin, you can register at the Garda National Immigration Bureau, and outside of Dublin you can register at your local Garda District Headquarters. There’s a €300 fee for each certificate of registration issued.
*** Part or all of the above information is available on the Government of Ireland Naturalisation and Immigration service website, the copyright owner. ***
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