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Visa Requirements

Some students might have to get a student visa in order to come and study in Ireland. Regardless, all non EU/EEA and non Swiss citizens have to register on arrival with the GNIB

Who needs a visa?

Please check on  INIS Website to see if you require a visa. 

Examples:

• If you are a citizen of China or Saudi Arabia you will need to apply for a student visa before arrival in Ireland.
• If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, or USA, you do not need to apply for a student visa before arrival in Ireland.

Regardless, you will need to register in person with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) once you arrive in Ireland. Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not need to register with the GNIB.

How to apply for a visa

Information on how to apply for your student visa can be found on www.inis.gov.ie (please ensure you read the ‘Student visa guidelines’ document on that same page before applying for your visa).

Other information on visa

Students who are nationals of visa-required countries should also note that Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Agreement. Therefore students who have obtained a visa for a Schengen country will need to apply for a separate visa for Ireland.

All students are advised to carry proof of acceptance to UCD in their hand luggage. Immigration authorities may ask to see it upon arrival in Ireland.

Contact

Your first point for visa information should be the Embassy with jurisdiction of your country or www.inis.gov.ie. However, should you encounter any problems with your visa application, please let the International Student Adviser, Carl Lusby (carl.lusby@ucd.ie), know as quickly as possible and she will advise you.