Studying in Ireland
Ireland is an English-speaking EU member state with internationally-ranked universities, a generous post-study work scheme, and one of Europe's strongest tech and pharma sectors. This is the complete guide: Stamp 2 study permission and the IRP card, the Third Level Graduate Programme, cities, costs, and how admissions work.
Explore Ireland
Visas
Stamp 2 study permission, the IRP card, entry 'C' and 'D' visas, and proof of funds.
Cities
Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.
Courses
The NFQ levels, honours bachelor's, master's and doctoral study, and how you apply.
Institutes
Trinity, UCD, University of Galway, UCC, and the Technological Universities.
Working
Term-time and holiday work limits, and the Third Level Graduate Programme.
Cost of living
Tuition, living costs, and the funds you must prove for a study visa.
Accommodation
Campus halls, digs, and renting in a tight Irish housing market.
Healthcare
Why private medical insurance is required for non-EEA students.
Culture
What life as an international student in Ireland is really like.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Stamp 2 and how much does IRP registration cost in Ireland?
Stamp 2 is the immigration permission that lets non-EEA students study full-time on an Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) course. After you arrive you register with immigration and are issued an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, with a registration fee of €300, renewed annually for the length of your course. See our Ireland student visa guide for the full requirements.
How much money do I need to study in Ireland?
For immigration purposes you must prove you can support yourself before you're granted permission to study. For a one-year course the requirement is €10,000, while courses shorter than eight months are calculated at €833 per month, capped at €6,665. These proof-of-funds figures were aligned across all nationalities from 30 June 2025. Read more in our cost of living in Ireland guide.
Can international students work in Ireland?
Yes — students on Stamp 2 permission can work part-time throughout their studies. You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, rising to up to 40 hours per week during the fixed holiday periods of 1 June to 30 September and 15 December to 15 January. See our working in Ireland guide for the full rules.
How long can I stay in Ireland after graduating?
Graduates can stay on through the Third Level Graduate Programme, which grants Stamp 1G permission to look for skilled work. Honours bachelor's (Level 8) graduates get 12 months, while master's and doctoral (Level 9 or 10) graduates get up to 24 months. Your qualification level depends on your course — see our courses and NFQ levels guide, and our post-study work guide for how to move onto an employment permit.
Do international students need health insurance in Ireland?
Yes — private medical insurance is not optional for non-EEA students; it is a condition of registering for your Irish Residence Permit. You will normally need a policy with a level of cover of around €25,000, arranged before you travel or as soon as you arrive. See our healthcare in Ireland guide for what this means in practice.
Which universities can I study at in Ireland?
Ireland has a strong mix of historic research universities and a growing network of Technological Universities focused on applied, career-ready programmes. Options include Trinity College Dublin, UCD, University of Galway, UCC, University of Limerick, DCU, and Maynooth. Compare them in our universities and institutes in Ireland guide.
Which city should I study in Ireland?
Most international students choose between Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick. Dublin has the biggest student population and job market but is also the most expensive place to live, while Cork, Galway and Limerick tend to be more affordable. See our Ireland student cities guide and our accommodation guide for finding somewhere to live.
Last reviewed . Rules and figures change — always confirm with the official source before applying.