Can UK Students Study in Ireland

You’ve probably asked yourself: can UK students study in Ireland without endless red tape? You’re not alone. Interestingly enough, over 3,400 UK nationals enrolled in Irish universities for 2024–2025 (British Council Ireland). Here’s the truth: the process is simpler than you might think. You’ll learn step-by-step how to apply through the CAO, what fees to expect, visa and IRP rules, work rights—and even common pitfalls to avoid. Let’s dive in.

Can UK Students Study in Ireland? An Overview

It’s exciting to imagine life on the Emerald Isle—but what exactly does eligibility look like? You might be wondering if your A-Levels are enough, or if Brexit changed everything. The bottom line is that UK applicants are treated much like EU/EEA students when it comes to fees and entry requirements.

Under the current system, you can use your best three A-Level grades plus a fourth A-Level or an Extended Project Qualification. That can net you up to 625 points for CAO entry. Simply put, if you scored AAA, Ireland’s top universities are within reach.

“Students from the UK wishing to enter Irish universities should apply through the CAO and carefully review the CAO Handbook for detailed guidance.” – British Council Ireland

Actionable Takeaway: Check your qualification equivalence on the CAO website early—don’t wait until results day.

Eligibility and Application through CAO

Ready to hit ‘apply’? Here’s the process in a nutshell:

1. Register on the Central Applications Office (CAO).
2. Enter your personal details and exam results.
3. Select up to 10 courses, ranked by preference.
4. Pay the application fee (€45 online in 2025).
5. Submit before the February deadline.

Consider Emma, a London A-Level student who applied in early January 2025. By February she had an offer for Biomedical Science at Trinity College Dublin. Early bird catches the worm, right?

Actionable Takeaway: Download and clutch that CAO Handbook like a golden ticket—it’s full of course-specific requirements.

Tuition Fees and Financial Requirements

Let’s talk money. Up to €3,000 is the annual student contribution charge for 2025–2026, the same for UK and EU students[1]. But there’s more to budgeting than just fees.

• Average living costs in Dublin: €10,000–€12,000 per year.
• Accommodation: €500–€800 per month (shared housing).
• Textbooks and materials: around €600 per academic year.

For your Irish Residence Permit (IRP), you must prove access to €10,000 on arrival for courses longer than eight months, or €833 per month for shorter programmes. Keep bank statements handy.

Actionable Takeaway: Open an Irish bank account immediately after arrival—this speeds up IRP registration.

Irish Residence Permit: No Visa Needed?

You might breathe a sigh of relief here: UK students are exempt from a traditional student visa. But you do need to register for an Irish Residence Permit if you stay over 90 days.

To register (Stamp 2), you’ll need:

• Valid passport.
• Admission letter from your Irish institution.
• Proof of financial means (€10,000 or €833/month).
• Medical insurance document.

Case Study: James from Manchester arrived in Cork in September 2025. He registered for his IRP within three weeks at the local immigration office—no surprises, just a straightforward appointment system.

“Registration for the Irish Residence Permit is mandatory for all students staying longer than 90 days.” – Irish Immigration Service

Actionable Takeaway: Book your IRP appointment online on day one—slots fill fast.

Work Rights While Studying

Need some pocket money? Stamp 2 allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time in holidays. How does that sound?

Keep in mind:

• You need a PPS number to work legally.
• Jobs range from hospitality to on-campus roles.
• Wages average €12–€15 per hour.

Example: Sarah from Brighton balanced her Marketing degree at UCD with a part-time café job. She built her network and cut living costs by 20%.

Actionable Takeaway: Apply for a PPS number within your first two weeks—it unlocks work and banking facilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the CAO deadline—there’s no do-over.
• Underestimating living expenses in Dublin vs. smaller cities.
• Delaying IRP registration and risking a fine.
• Overworking and falling behind on studies.

Future Trends Post-Brexit

Here’s the thing: Ireland is doubling down on attracting UK talent. With the UK raising maintenance requirements in January 2025, more students are eyeing Ireland’s EU-sized pie.

New developments include:

• Streamlined UK qualification recognition introduced in 2023.
• Expanded scholarships for UK undergraduates starting 2026.
• Enhanced UK–Ireland research partnerships at postgraduate level.

Future students can expect even smoother transitions and potential fee waivers as both governments deepen educational ties.

Actionable Takeaway: Watch for scholarship deadlines in late spring—applications often open in March.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to study in Ireland as a UK student?

No visa is required, but you must register for the Irish Residence Permit if your stay exceeds 90 days.

How do I convert A-Level grades to Irish CAO points?

Use your best three A-Levels plus a fourth (Extended Project or AS subject) to reach a maximum of 625 points.

Can I work more than 20 hours per week?

During term time, you’re limited to 20 hours weekly. Full-time work is allowed during scheduled holidays.

What’s the student contribution charge?

For 2025–2026, it’s capped at €3,000 for all undergraduates, including UK nationals.

When should I start my CAO application?

Ideally in January—applications close in early February, and late fees apply after that.

Conclusion

Summing up, you’ve seen that UK students can smoothly navigate the Irish education system—from CAO application to IRP registration and part-time work. Ireland treats UK applicants like EU citizens for fee and entry purposes, making it an attractive, budget-friendly option for 2026.

Next steps:

1. Register on the CAO portal and explore course requirements.
2. Budget for fees and proof of funds—open that Irish bank account.
3. Book your IRP appointment and secure your PPS number.

You’re now ready to turn that application into an acceptance letter. Good luck with your journey, and remember, can UK students study in Ireland? Yes—and you’re proof that it’s entirely doable!