Student guide to Ireland

Stamp 2 student visa via INIS, requires acceptance from ILEP-approved institution. Financial requirement: €10,000 in named bank account before visa application + tuition paid. Third Level Graduate Programme (post-study) gives 2 years to find graduate-level job. Convert to Stamp 1 work permit after that.

PPSN (Personal Public Service Number) required for any work or banking. Standard rate 20% to €40k, 40% above. Tax credits reduce effective rate substantially for students. Universal Social Charge applies. Ireland-India DTAA prevents double taxation.

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships. Walsh Scholarship (PhD agriculture/food). Various university awards: Trinity Postgraduate Award, UCD Global Excellence, NUIG Hardiman.

AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, Revolut. Revolut and N26 (digital) are simpler for students; AIB and Bank of Ireland require proof of address (utility bill or signed rental agreement). Open digital account first, transition to traditional if needed.

Dublin housing crisis is acute — Trinity, UCD, DCU on-campus housing limited. Daft.ie is the dominant rental marketplace. Student accommodation providers: Aparto, IKON Living, The Tannery. Budget €700-€1,500/month room in Dublin; €450-€800 in Cork, Galway, Limerick.

Private health insurance mandatory for student visa — VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health are main providers. Public GP visits aren't free for non-Irish residents but EHIC works for short stays. Hospital emergency: dial 999 or 112.

IELTS Academic 6.5+ standard. TOEFL iBT 90+. Cambridge English advanced/proficiency widely accepted. Some Irish-language teacher-education courses require Gaeilge.

Indian groceries widely available in Dublin (Asia Market, Liberty Market, Fallon & Byrne ethnic aisle). Halal certified outlets in Dublin. Cooking is essential for budget control: groceries €40-€70/week.

Ireland ranks 3rd globally on Global Peace Index 2025. Dublin has typical city-centre considerations late at night; campus areas safe. Cycle lanes patchy; consider risk before bike commuting in heavy traffic.

Indian community concentrated in Dublin (40K+). Indian Embassy in Dublin. Cricket Ireland increasingly competitive — strong club leagues. Diwali celebrations on College Green annually.