Ireland is an English-speaking EU member state with a binary higher-education system of universities (for example Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Galway, University of Limerick, Dublin City University, Maynooth University) and technological universities such as TU Dublin. Teaching is in English. Students from outside the EU/EEA are charged non-EU fees set by each institution; the Government-backed Education in Ireland service gives 2025/26 ranges of EUR 10,300-29,000 for undergraduate business, EUR 14,500-28,500 for engineering and science, EUR 13,500-28,200 for arts and humanities, and EUR 11,000-40,000 across postgraduate fields, with medicine and health sciences higher.
Undergraduate applicants from outside the EU normally apply directly to the institution rather than through the CAO, which handles EU and Irish school-leaver applications. Entry requirements are set per course; most institutions published in this dataset ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band for degree-level study, while the immigration minimum for a visa is lower (IELTS 5.0 for non-preparatory courses). Application windows differ by university and programme, with some courses closing early when places fill, and the main intake is September.
Nationals of visa-required countries (the May 2025 official list places Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkey in that group) apply online for a long-stay D study visa through the Irish visa system, normally with a course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes, proof that fees have been paid (in full if under EUR 6,000, otherwise at least EUR 6,000), access to EUR 10,000 for the year, private medical insurance and a letter of acceptance. After arrival, students register for an Irish Residence Permit (EUR 300 registration fee). Students with Stamp 2 permission may work up to 20 hours per week in term and 40 hours in holiday periods.
Graduates of Irish level 8 programmes may apply for a 12-month Third Level Graduate permission (Stamp 1G) and level 9 or higher graduates for up to 24 months, subject to overall time limits. Ireland may suit students who can fund full international fees plus living costs and who plan their application, visa and accommodation early; costs, deadlines and rules differ by institution, so applicants should confirm details with the university and Immigration Service Delivery.
