Studying in Ireland

There are eight universities in Ireland, all providing a wide variety of undergraduate or postgraduate courses to the 35,000 international students from 160 countries who currently study there. Located on the western coast of Europe, Ireland is a member of the European Union and, following Brexit, will soon be the only English speaking country in the Eurozone. Irish universities offer a fantastic higher education experience in a uniquely beautiful setting.

Irish qualifications are the same as the UK equivalents, so your undergraduate or postgraduate degree carries just as much value when you begin your career. The Free Fees Initiative for EU students (see below) enables those who meet the criteria to avoid paying tuition fees. 

Dublin, the Irish capital, has been voted by Lonely Planet as the world’s friendliest city on multiple occasion and many of the largest companies in the world such as Google, Medtronics and Microsoft have offices there.

Tuition fees in Ireland

– Free Fees Initiative

The Free Fees Initiative in Ireland will see your tuition fees paid to the university by Ireland’s Higher Education Authority. To qualify for the Free Fees scheme you must meet the following criteria:

• You have lived in the EU for at least three of the previous five years
• You are enrolling on your first undergraduate course
• Your course lasts at least two-years and is full-time

More information can be found on the Student Finance Ireland website.

Student visa requirements in Ireland

Bangladeshi students must apply for a visa to enter Ireland before they travel. Students will be required to have accepted an offer of a recognised programme of study in Ireland and to have a receipt of payment letter from their institution before they can begin the process of applying for their overseas visa to study in Ireland.

Study at an Irish university

If you are interested in studying at an Irish university, arrange your free consultation in Dhaka today.

Ireland’s Visa Requirement for Higher Education

Not sure if Ireland’s education system is for you? Take a look at the multiple study options you have as an international student

Before you get on the plane, there are some important documents you’ll need. If you are from a non-EU (non-European) country, you will most likely need a student visa for Ireland. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with all that boring paperwork!

Student visa Ireland – What you need to know

If you are thinking about moving to Ireland to study from Bangladesh, you may need a student visa. We recommend you check the document requirements for your country with the INIS (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service) and if you need a visa, ask your FFC Counsellor to help with the visa application process.

When should I apply?

You should apply for your Irish study visa as early as possible, as it normally takes eight weeks or longer to process. You can apply up to three months before you arrive.

What do I need to submit as part of my visa application?

You must submit the required documentation, passport photograph and appropriate fee for the correct visa type, to the correct offices. You may also be required to provide biometrics information.

We highly recommend that you ask your FFC counsellor to guide you through the process, to ensure everything is done correctly. If the documentation is not what’s required, you risk having your student visa refused.

How do I check on my visa status?

• You can check your Ireland visa application status online, using your Visa Application Number. to see if your visa has been processed. This list is updated weekly
• If your visa is approved, the Irish Embassy office will attach your visa to your passport
• If your visa is refused, you can appeal the decision if it’s within two months

Can I get a visa for my spouse?

No. Non-EU international students studying in Ireland are not allowed to bring their family with them. Spouses and children of international students can apply to live in Ireland separately.

What happens if my visa application is refused?

If your visa application is refused, the college will refund the fees, minus a small application fee.

Student visa checklist

• A recent passport-sized photo
• A passport that is valid for 12 months
• A signed letter of application which explains why you require the visa
• A Letter of Acceptance from the Irish university, college or school, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education
• Evidence that you have paid your tuition fees in full or, if they are more than €6,000, you must pay at least this amount to satisfy visa requirements
• Evidence that you have taken out private health insurance that meets the requirements of your visa
• Evidence of English language proficiency. Most Irish universities and colleges require IELTS of 6.5
• Evidence that you or your sponsor has sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and cost of living expenses
• Evidence of your scholarship, if you have been granted one
• If you are applying from China, India, Nigeria, Russia, United Arab Emirates or the United Kingdom, you may need further documentation

There’s a lot involved in the visa application process. Take off the pressure and get expert advice from an FFC counsellor. We’re here to help you with your visa application.

Can I get an internship?

Most Irish study program include an internship or work placement. This part of the program cannot be more than 50% of the duration of the program. For example a four-year program allows a maximum of two years of work placement. Work placements must form an essential part of the study program.

Can I work when I finish my study?

Possibly. The Irish Government’s Third Level Graduate Scheme offers graduates of Irish higher education institutions a one-year stay back visa so that they can stay in Ireland and seek employment. This is extended to two years for postgraduate students.

Legally resident non-EU third level graduates can also apply for a Green Card Permit, which is a way to stay in Ireland long term. This allows you to work for a particular employer in an occupation where there is a shortage of skills.

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