Ireland is a lively and culturally vibrant country featuring scenic landscapes, welcoming people, and high-quality education. With well-ranked universities and research institutes, the country is one of the most preferred study destinations for international students like you. Take a look at a few key insights about Ireland.
Get a complete guide to studying in Ireland.
Moving to a new country can bring about quite a lot of changes: geographically, culturally, and psychologically. So, if you're concerned about student life in Ireland, it’s likely that you'll have concerns about various other aspects of life in the country. No worries. Our experts have sorted it out for you in the table below. Click on the topics you’re interested in and get the must-need information you’re looking for.
| Employment opportunities in Ireland | Student visa Ireland |
| Education system in Ireland | Cost of living in Ireland |
| Best universities in Ireland | Best courses in Ireland |
Student life in Ireland will be both enriching and friendly for you as it provides opportunities to perform well not only in academics but also socially. In fact, student organisations in Irish universities conduct cultural events and networking activities to help you adapt better to the local culture.
The friendly and inclusive nature of Irish society makes you feel welcomed, while the innovation and entrepreneurial focus in the country promotes personal and professional development. Overall, the country’s strong commitment to the well-being of international students is very evident. Read on to gain more insights.
Discover the culture of Ireland
Ireland is often referred to as the Emerald Isle because of the treasure of history, culture, and beautiful natural landscapes the country has. Geographically, Ireland lies in northwest Europe, sharing borders with Northern Ireland, part of the UK, and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea, and the Celtic Sea.
The nation is known for its greenery, its warm-hearted people, and their traditional understanding. Though official languages include English and Irish (Gaeilge), the Irish people mostly speak English. You’ll always see a celebration of multiculturalism in Ireland, and they don’t shy away from accommodating people of other cultures. Let’s learn more about the culture and traditions of Ireland, like food and festivals, social customs, and sports.
Food and traditions
Ireland is known for its hearty, comforting traditional foods, which reflect the agricultural history of the place. Some of the most cherished Irish dishes are Irish stew with lamb, potatoes, and carrots, boxty – a potato pancake prepared traditionally, and soda bread. Seafood chowder in the coastal areas is another delight you should not miss.
Besides traditional meals, Ireland offers a diversity in food for international students like you. Various restaurants serve Indian, Chinese, Italian, Middle Eastern, and African food in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Also, you’ll easily find ingredients for your kind of homely food in supermarkets. Additionally, vegetarian, vegan, and even halal food items are readily available in the country.
Important festivals
Ireland is a nation with quite a lot of festivals. The Irish have a rich history of traditions and a great community spirit. St. Patrick's Day on March 17th is one of their most famous festivals. The country celebrates its patron saint nationwide on this day. The festival is filled with parades, music, dancing, and the tradition of wearing green clothes.
Yet another important festival is Halloween on the 31st of October. It’s an exciting event with costume parties, trick-or-treating, and bonfires. During this time, plenty of thrilling spooky events happen in the cities of Derry and Dublin.
The Galway International Arts Festival in July is another significant cultural event across Europe. This includes theatre, music, visual arts and performances. Bloomsday on June 16th is a festival where literature enthusiasts show appreciation by recreating and reading James Joyce's novel, Ulysses.
For those who love traditional Irish music, Fleadh Cheoil is a beautiful celebration held in August. The event gathers musicians and dancers from all corners of the globe. As a student, these fabulous festivals will keep your life exciting in Ireland.
Etiquette
As a student, you can easily build meaningful connections in Ireland by embracing Irish hospitality and social customs. Politeness and friendliness are much valued in Ireland. Simple phrases such as "please," "thank you" and "sorry" can make all the difference there. A firm handshake is most commonly used when greeting someone and maintaining eye contact is a mark of respect and attentiveness.
Be punctual. Irish people deeply appreciated it, although being late by a few minutes is normally tolerated in social engagements. The Irish have a great sense of humour and are fond of playing around with words! But, be careful, the line between playfulness and offence-taking can often be very thin.
When you go to someone's house, try to carry small gifts, like chocolates or flowers, as a gesture of appreciation. Also, as topics connected to politics, religion, and Irish history can be sensitive, approach them with care and respect.
Travel
Ireland is home to some of the world's most beautiful landscapes, historical sights, and vibrant cities. Cliffs of Moher, which present breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean is a must-see spot. In Dublin, some of the attractions include the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College Library, and Dublin Castle. Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Ireland, is also famous.
If you're interested in Irish heritage, visit Blarney Castle! They say that when you kiss the Blarney Stone, a little bit of good luck could be granted to you. If you're into nature, try the Wicklow Mountains, Connemara National Park, or Killarney National Park.
Travelling around Ireland won't be a problem for you since the country has a well-organised public transport system. Check out the table for a few travel options.
| Transport | Details |
| DART | Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) is Dublin’s electric train service, ideal for coastal travel. |
| LUAS | Light Rail Transit system (LUAS) is Dublin’s tram system, connecting key areas within the city. |
| Bus Éireann | National bus service covering cities and rural areas. |
| Irish Rail | Train service connecting major cities and towns. |
| Taxis & Ride-Sharing | Available in major cities, with apps like Free Now and Uber. |
Healthcare
Ireland’s healthcare system ensures that international students can access all the medical services they need during their stay in the country. Public health care is also available, but you have to acquire private health insurance to meet the requirements of the visa. The health care system includes general practitioners, hospitals, and student health services provided by universities. Most institutions have on-campus medical facilities, making it easy for you to get basic care.
| Healthcare service | Details |
| Public healthcare | Non-EU/EEA students only have limited access. Private insurance is usually required. |
| Private health insurance | It’s mandatory for non-EU/EEA students and covers hospital visits, consultations, and emergencies. |
| Student health services | Many universities offer on-campus clinics with basic medical care. |
| General Practitioners (GPs) | GPs will be your first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues and consultations will usually cost EUR 40-60. |
| Hospitals | Public and private hospitals are available for you, but emergency visits may require upfront payment. |
| Pharmacies | Easily accessible for prescription and over-the-counter medications. |
Make the most out of your student life
High-quality education along with an interesting social life is what Ireland offers you. With student clubs and societies around, you’ll have lots of opportunities to develop yourself professionally. For sure, you’ll love to settle in Ireland because of the diversified food culture, spectacular festivals, and friendly neighbourhood. Let’s delve a bit deeper into student life.
Part-time jobs in Ireland
International students in Ireland get to experience part-time work. You’ll be allowed to work 20 hours a week during the term and 40 hours per week during a holiday break. In most cases, you wouldn’t need a work permit for part-time jobs. However, you will have to get a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, open a bank account, and obtain a valid immigration stamp to get a job.
| Aspect | Details |
| Work eligibility | Students with a Stamp 2 visa can work part-time. |
| Working hours | 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours/week during holidays. |
| Work permit | Not required for casual part-time jobs. |
| Documentation | PPS number, Irish bank account, and valid immigration status are needed to work part-time. |
Student accommodation in Ireland
You can find various types of accommodation in Ireland including on-campus housing, private rentals, and homestays. Many universities offer specialised student accommodation that simplifies the settling-in process for newcomers. Additionally, student housing services and online platforms help locate affordable and suitable living options.
| Accommodation type | Description | Avg. monthly cost |
| On-campus housing | These are university-managed student dorms, usually close to classes. | EUR 600 – 1,200 |
| Private rentals | Apartments or shared houses. It might require you to sign a lease agreement. | EUR 500 – 1,500 |
| Homestay | Living with local Irish families where they’ll provide you with meals and utilities. | EUR 700 – 1,000 |
| Student hostels | Budget-friendly, temporary stay option which is ideal while searching for long-term housing. | EUR 400 – 800 |
Tips to settle down faster
It’s not easy to start a new life in a new country, but with the right mindset, you can easily adapt to your new life in Ireland. Familiarising yourself with Ireland’s culture, transportation systems, accommodation, finance, and networking will eventually make you feel at home.
Final thoughts
In Ireland, you’re sure to make precious memories while preparing for your fabulous future. It is a great place for your academics, personal development, and career. With world-class universities, bubbly student communities, and ample opportunities for work and socialising, the Irish atmosphere is very welcoming. From visiting historic sites to participating in traditional Irish festivals, you can easily build a great social life.
If you're seriously considering Ireland for your higher studies, we have a good number of partner universities where you can apply for your preferred courses.
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Frequently asked questions
How to get PR in Ireland after my studies?
To apply for permanent residency in Ireland, firstly you must have a valid student visa. Secondly, you'll have to find suitable employment and secure a work visa. And, finally, you must reside in Ireland for at least five years to be eligible for permanent residency. Yeah, it's a long process, but no worries quite of lot of international students get PR in Ireland.
Is healthcare free in Ireland for international students
No, healthcare is not free in Ireland for international students. All non-EU/EEA students must take private health insurance to access healthcare during their stay in the country. While Ireland has a public healthcare system, it's primarily for residents and does not fully cover international students.
Can I bring my parents to Ireland permanently?
Yes, there are several options for you to bring your parents to Ireland permanently, but you must meet certain other requirements, and most importantly, you should be able to financially support them. As per the financial requirements, you must have earned more than EUR 60,000 after tax and deductions in each of the 3 years before your parents' application. Additionally, you must sign a legal undertaking to confirm that you will look after them financially.
