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Countries · Student guide

Ireland: guide to moving and studying

Verified procedures for EU and non-EU students

Updated on 15 Aug 2026

Cost of living
High

Typical spending band for a student

Language
English / Irish

Main language to handle day to day

Currency
EUR

Local currency for banking and payments

Entry
EU: no visa

Non-EU: student visa or permit required. EU: local registration only

The 6 guides

Everything about Ireland, in 6 guides

One guide for each concrete need, from visas to housing: start with the one you need now.

Start here

What to do first for Ireland

Resolve the decisions that can block your move before comparing cities or reading every detail.

Check entry, visa, and document rules Start with eligibility, deadlines, and official procedures for your situation. Check the lease and upfront housing costs Understand deposits, guarantees, contracts, and student housing before paying. Arrange healthcare before arrival Confirm insurance, enrollment rules, and where to get help once you arrive.

Your checklist

Before departure and after arrival in Ireland

Use this as an order of work, then open the linked guide before acting on a legal or financial requirement.

  1. Confirm entry rights, deadlines, and required documents.
  2. Verify housing, contract terms, deposit, and first payment.
  3. Build a monthly budget including one-off arrival costs.
  4. Arrange valid health coverage from your first day.
  5. Plan phone, banking, transport, and the first local registrations.

Plan your money

Ireland: cost of living, rent, and monthly budget

Start with housing, food, transport, healthcare, and setup costs. Treat estimates as planning ranges and verify local prices before committing.

Open the cost and money guide Use the free cost-of-living calculator

Cities and neighborhoods

Where to live in Ireland: student cities and costs

Neighborhoods, rent, universities, transport and safety: everything you need to choose where to move.

Dublino
  • from 900 EURroom/month
  • 3universities

Capital, Ireland's largest university and technological centre. It offers the largest job market but also the most intense housing crisis: distance from campus and reliability of the contract matter more than just the name of the neighborhood.

Open city guideCork
  • from 750 EURroom/month
  • 2universities

Second urban hub in the Republic of Ireland, with UCC, MTU, pharmaceuticals and technology. More compact than Dublin but with a tense housing offer and hilly neighborhoods that change the perception of distances.

Open city guideGalway
  • from 700 EURroom/month
  • 2universities

Atlantic, cultural and compact university city, dominated by University of Galway and ATU. The small size helps student life, but housing availability, wind and rain require planning.

Open city guide

Local context

Ireland: what really changes

Use the destination-specific notes to understand trade-offs, common mistakes, and local differences.

Verification

Official sources and last update

Legal and administrative details are kept in the relevant guide so they are not copied out of context.

Where to verify the information

Each topic guide links to the competent official authorities. Always check the rule that applies to your citizenship, residence, purpose, and length of stay.

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