The Irish Welcome:
What is it like to live and study in Ireland?
Studying in Ireland means entering one of the most hospitable, safe, and dynamic countries on the planet. Known for its vibrant pub culture with live music, stunning green landscapes, and the legendary friendliness of its people (the famous craic), the “Emerald Isle” has also transformed into the largest corporate hub in Europe. Living here means attending classes on historic campuses of world prestige whilst, at the same time, being just a few minutes away from the European headquarters of giants like Google, Apple, Meta, and TikTok. It is the perfect balance between the authenticity of a rich culture and open doors to a successful international career.
What are the advantages of studying in Ireland?
Europe’s Technological and Financial Hub:
Dublin is affectionately called Silicon Docks. The strong presence of technology, pharmaceutical, and financial multinationals translates into an unparalleled networking and internship network.
Study and Work:
Ireland is one of the few English-speaking countries in Europe that explicitly allows international students to work part-time during their studies, both on long-term language courses and in higher education.
Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Scheme):
If you study for your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at an Irish university, you are entitled to a residency visa (Stamp 1G) for 1 to 2 years to enter the local job market directly.
Most Popular Study Areas and Courses
Technology, Engineering and Data Science:
Being home to the largest technology companies in the world, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence courses in Ireland have employability rates of around 100%.
Business, Finance and Accounting:
Dublin is a global financial hub. Programs in Management and Finance benefit from direct partnerships with international consultancies and banks.
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences:
Ireland is a world leader in the production of medicines. Courses in this area offer access to state-of-the-art laboratories and highly funded research.
“Work and Study” Programmes (English Courses):
The “Work and Study” Programmes (English Courses) are one of the most sought-after paths for those who want to learn or improve their English while working to support their stay.
Programmes You Can Study in Ireland
Bachelor’s Degrees
Give wings to your future. Find bachelor’s degrees abroad tailored to you, adapted to your interests, budget and dreams. Your international experience starts here.
Master’s Degrees
Specialize without borders. Invest in a master’s degree abroad and stand out in a global job market.
High School Abroad
The greatest adventure of your youth. Attend high school abroad, learn about a new culture and gain independence.
Language Courses
Master a new language. Take language courses abroad with full immersion, tailored to your level and goals.
Summer Courses
Life-changing holidays. Combine fun and learning in the best summer courses abroad.
Volunteering and Internships
Real impact, global future. Gain experience with international volunteering and internships abroad.
Where do you want to study? You decide.
At StudyWing, your map of choices has no limits or predefined catalogues. As we work with all institutions and universities in Ireland, you have total freedom to choose the city that best suits your goals.
Do you want the rhythm of a major European capital?
Dublin offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere, constant events, and the highest concentration of multinational companies.
Do you prefer the country’s cultural capital and artistic soul?
Galway is famous for its purely university environment, art festivals, and proximity to nature.
Are you looking for a strong industrial hub with a more affordable cost of living?
Cities like Cork (a large student and technological centre) or Limerick are excellent alternatives.
Entry Pathways and Academic Requirements
The Irish education system is inclusive and offers clear paths for any student profile. Requirements vary depending on the intended programme.
Language Courses and Study and Work Programmes
Requirements: Very flexible. You do not need prior knowledge of English.
What is required: For the official 25-week programme (which allows you to work), you just need to take a level test upon arrival to be placed in the correct class and meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years.
High School (Secondary Education in Ireland)
Requirements: Ideal for young people who want to complete a term, an academic year, or their entire secondary education at an Irish school.
What is required: School transcripts from previous years in Portugal and an intermediate level of English (proven by a test or interview).
Higher Education (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees)
Na Irlanda, as vias de candidatura dividem-se de forma muito clara consoante a tua nacionalidade (União Europeia In Ireland, application routes are very clearly divided according to your nationality (European Union vs. International) and the intended level of study:
Students with European Citizenship (EU) — Bachelor’s Degrees (Undergraduate)
The process is centralised through the CAO (Central Applications Office). Selection is based on a points system (conversion of Secondary school grades and national exams into the Irish scale). For these candidates, the process is direct and objective, requiring only:
Certificate of Qualifications and Grades: Your translated school transcript, which will be converted into CAO points.
Proficiency Exam: Proof of English (IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL). (Consultant’s Note: Except for rare cases in artistic or highly specific courses, the CAO does not require motivation letters, recommendations, or a portfolio for EU students.)
Non-European Students (International) and Master’s Candidates (Postgraduate)
Neste caso, a candiIn this case, the application is made directly to each university, and the institution evaluates the student holistically. The application dossier must contain:
Secondary/University Diploma and Grades: The school transcript translated into English.
Language Proficiency Exam: IELTS Academic, TOEFL, or Duolingo.
Personal Statement: A motivation letter detailing your background, goals, and why you are choosing that university and Ireland.
Letters of Recommendation: Academic or professional references that validate your potential.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Ireland?
Mapping out the budget is crucial. Below you will find the average reference values to plan your project in Ireland.
English Courses (Weekly):
From €180 / week.
Study and Work Programmes (25 weeks of course):
Between €3,000 and €5,500 (total package for the 6-month course).
Higher Education for EU Citizens:
Many European students qualify for the Free Fees Initiative for public undergraduate degrees, paying only the student contribution fee (about €3,000 / year). There is an entity (SUSI) that can also cover this amount, which will be assessed according to income. Master’s degrees range between €6,000 and €15,000 / year.
Higher Education for Non-European Citizens:
Between €10,000 and €25,000 / year, depending on the course and the institution.
StudyWing Tip:
The best way to mitigate the cost of living in Ireland is to take advantage of having a part-time job. The minimum wage in Ireland is one of the highest in Europe, allowing students to cover a large part of their daily expenses with a part-time job.
Monthly Cost of Living
The cost of living depends heavily on the location you choose to live:
Outside Dublin
(Cork, Galway, Limerick):
Calculate between €500 and €1,200 / month for accommodation, food, and transport.
In Dublin:
Due to the high property demand in the capital, the average cost of living rises to between €800 and €1,700 / month, depending on the type of room.
Do you want to know the exact price for your case? Don’t worry!
After our meeting, you will have access to a fully personalised quote.
Visa Information
Students with European Citizenship (EU):
Visas: You do not need a student visa for Ireland. You have total freedom of residence and work.
Bureaucracy: If you are going to stay for more than 3 months, you only need to open a local bank account (if you are going to work) and obtain a PPS Number (Personal Public Service Number) for tax purposes.
Non-European Students:
Process: Countries like Brazil do not need to apply for a visa before travelling if the course is long-term (longer than 90 days). The student visa for Ireland is issued directly at immigration upon arrival. The process may depend on nationality.
IRP Registration (Stamp 2): After you arrive, you must schedule your visit to immigration to issue the Irish Residence Permit. For this, you need: school acceptance letter, Irish government health insurance, and proof of financial funds required by the government.
Official Notice:
Immigration rules may be subject to updates. We always recommend consulting the official website of the Irish Immigration Service (ISD). StudyWing provides support in the visa process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are no restrictions for European students, but for international students, both language course students (Stamp 2) and university students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. During official Irish government holidays (the summer months and the Christmas period), it is permitted to work full-time, up to 40 hours per week.
European Students: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) guarantees access to public emergency medical care.
Non-European Students: It is mandatory to purchase private medical insurance valid in Ireland for the issuance of your visa/IRP.
Ireland faces strong demand for accommodation, so advance planning is vital. StudyWing provides students with practical guides, verified accommodation platforms, and direct contacts from trusted partners, so that you have the tools, the right channels, and the local knowledge to find your space in total safety.