Language School

Do I need a visa?

Depending on your nationality, you may be required to apply for a Long Stay (Type D) Student Visa before travelling to Ireland.

Before booking your travel, please check the latest visa requirements on the official Irish Immigration Service website.

You should not travel to Ireland until your visa has been approved (where applicable).

Typical documents required include:

• Valid passport
• Letter of Acceptance from City College Dublin
• Evidence of tuition fee payment
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• Private medical insurance

Any additional documentation requested by Immigration

Students remaining in Ireland for longer than 90 days must register their immigration permission with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).

Once your registration has been completed, you will receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) confirming your immigration permission.

You should ensure your immigration permission remains valid throughout your studies.

As a Stamp 2 student you are expected to:

• Attend your classes regularly.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Hold valid private medical insurance.
• Keep your passport and immigration permission valid.
• Sit the required end-of-course examination where applicable.
• Follow all City College Dublin policies and procedures.
• Comply with the conditions attached to your immigration permission.

Failure to comply with these requirements may affect your ability to renew your immigration permission.

Attendance is one of the most important conditions of your student permission.

City College Dublin requires all non-EEA students to maintain a minimum attendance of 85%, in accordance with Irish immigration requirements and the College Attendance Policy.

Students are expected to:

• Attend all scheduled classes.
• Arrive on time.
• Remain in class for the full lesson.
• Notify the College if they cannot attend.

Persistent lateness, leaving class early, or repeated unauthorised absences may affect your attendance record and could impact future immigration applications.

For full details, please refer to the Attendance Policy for Non-EEA Visa Students in the Student Handbook.

Students should arrive before the start of each lesson.

Students arriving more than 15 minutes late may not be admitted to class. In exceptional circumstances, entry may be permitted at the teacher’s discretion; however, attendance for that session may not be recorded.

Repeated lateness may result in formal intervention under the College Attendance Policy.

If you become ill and cannot attend class:

• Inform the College as soon as possible.
• Keep in contact with Student Support.
• Submit a medical certificate where required.

Please note:

• Medical certificates must be issued by a registered medical practitioner.
• Medical certificates from online doctors are not accepted by City College Dublin.

Medical certificates support your attendance record but do not automatically remove absences from your overall attendance calculation.

Holiday periods are regulated for students studying under a Stamp 2 permission.

Students must:

• Submit holiday requests in writing.
• Apply at least four weeks in advance.
• Take holidays only with College approval.

Please note:

• Holidays are not permitted during the first eight weeks of your programme.
• Holidays are not permitted during the final four weeks of your programme.
• Holiday entitlement may not exceed one-third of the period already studied.
• Emergency leave will only be considered where appropriate supporting documentation is provided.

Students should never book travel before receiving approval from the College.

Students enrolled on eligible English language programmes are required to complete an approved end-of-course examination.

City College Dublin prepares students for recognised examinations including:

• Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
• Test of Interactive English (TIE)
• IELTS Academic
• Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)

The College will assist students with examination registration; however, students remain responsible for ensuring that:

• their personal details are correct;
• they attend the examination;
• they meet all examination requirements.

Evidence of completing the required examination may be requested by Immigration when renewing your student permission.

Students holding a valid Stamp 2 permission may work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during academic term
• Up to 40 hours per week during official holiday periods, as defined by the Irish Government

Your primary purpose in Ireland must always be full-time study.

Students are responsible for complying with Irish employment legislation and should obtain a PPS Number before commencing employment where required.

Private medical insurance is compulsory for all non-EEA students.

Students must maintain valid medical insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Ireland.

Proof of insurance may be requested when registering or renewing your immigration permission.

Students wishing to continue studying in Ireland must renew their immigration permission before it expires.

Renewal applications generally require:

• Valid passport
• Current Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
• Confirmation of enrolment
• Evidence of satisfactory attendance
• Confirmation of end-of-course examination
• Proof of medical insurance
• Any additional documentation requested by ISD

Students enrolling on another English language programme at City College Dublin must satisfy the College’s attendance requirements before being eligible for renewal

If you decide to withdraw before completing your programme, you must contact the College immediately.

Students should never simply stop attending classes.

Before withdrawing, you should discuss your circumstances with Student Support, as leaving your course early may affect:

• your immigration permission;
• future visa applications;
• future study plans in Ireland.

The College will explain the withdrawal procedure and any implications for your immigration status.

Students are responsible for ensuring the College has their current:

• Residential address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Emergency contact details

This information is important for both College administration and immigration compliance.

Can I work while studying?

Yes. Students holding a valid Stamp 2 permission may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours during official holiday periods.

What attendance do I need?

You are expected to maintain at least 85% attendance throughout your programme.

What happens if I become ill?

Notify the College immediately and submit a medical certificate where required.

Can I travel during my course?

Travel should only be arranged during approved holiday periods and must comply with the College Holiday Policy.

Do I need medical insurance?

Yes. All non-EEA students must hold valid private medical insurance throughout their stay in Ireland.

Do I have to sit an end-of-course examination?

Yes. Students enrolled on eligible English language programmes are required to complete an approved end-of-course examination.

Can I leave my course early?

Students should always speak to the College before withdrawing, as leaving a programme early may affect their immigration permission.

Where can I find official immigration information?

Students should always refer to the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website for the most up-to-date immigration information.

If you have any questions regarding your studies or your immigration responsibilities, please contact: [email protected]

Our staff are available to support you throughout your studies and can provide guidance on attendance, documentation, examinations, and general student services. Please note that only the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) can make decisions regarding immigration permissions.

Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/

Student Permission (Stamp 2)

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/student-permission/

Coming to Study in Ireland

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-study-in-ireland/

Visa Information

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-study-in-ireland/

Once you know your travel details, it’s time to decide how you will travel to Ireland and Dublin. Most of our students arrive at Dublin airport, book an airport transfer or travel by bus or taxi. If you arrive in Ireland after 9pm and are staying in Host Family Accommodation, you must book a transfer.

This is a personalised service that will take you and your luggage, from the airport to your accommodation. Our drivers will carry a sign with your name on it. Do not go with a driver from another company or without your name, as some unlicensed companies charge large amounts of money to newly arrived foreigners at airports.

Our Drivers will meet you at the MEETING POINT and will wait for 2 hours after the arrival of your flight. You will be given a number to call if you are unable to make this meeting. Please call this immediately if you are unable to make your transfer.

Taxis: If you have not booked transport with City College Dublin please make sure that you go in a licensed taxi or mini-cab.

City College Dublin works with carefully selected accommodation partners to offer learners a range of high-quality housing options. Host family accommodation is arranged through our trusted partner, FamWorld, while student residence accommodation can be booked through partner residences such as Brickworks (Mezzino), conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the College.

We can give students general advice about applying for a visa. For more detailed information speak to your travel agency, contact the Irish Embassy in your country or read information on www.inis.gov.ie.

If you are an EU citizen you do not need a visa to study in Ireland. Non EU students may apply for a Short term Student Visitor Visa, or an Extended Student Visitor Visa. Reception and Administration staff can provide information and advice on visa issues, GNIB rules and any school documentation required. Non-EU students who wish to renew their visa with City Language School may do so by enrolling on one of our Full-time courses. As a general rule, students may study on English language courses for a maximum of 3 visas (24 months) before they must progress to a Degree level course in order to remain in the country.
For more detailed advice, you can contact a member of the Operations Team.

• Host family (homestay): approx. €200–€300 per week (includes some meals)  

• Student residence/shared accommodation: approx. €250–€450 per week  

• Private rental (room): approx. €700–€1,200+ per month depending on location
  (Note: prices in Dublin are higher than in other Irish cities.)  

Groceries: approx. €50–€90 per week 

(Students commonly shop at supermarkets such as (Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, and Aldi, which are widely available across the city and offer budget-friendly options.) 

Eating out: €10–€20 (casual meal), €3–€5 coffee 

Getting around Dublin  

The main transport options in Dublin are bus, LUAS (tram), DART (train), and cycling/ walking.  

Transport maps  

Useful websites for getting around Dublin are www.dublinbus.ie and www.dublin.ie/transport. Both of these include journey planners, route maps and bus/tram schedules as well as approximate times for various journeys across the city  

Street maps  

www.dublinmapped.com is an extremely useful interactive map of the city centre and county which includes transport links and shopping districts http://www.visitdublin.com/Downloads/Visit_Dublin_App.  

www.dublintourist.com provides maps which show the principal streets in Dublin city centre, as well as bars, restaurants and entertainment venues  

http://maps.google.ie also provides very detailed maps for the entire country. 

Travelling out of Dublin Ireland is a beautiful country, with many historical and cultural gems to be discovered. The cheapest way to travel is by bus or by train. Travelling by train is usually faster but more expensive than by bus, 39 and definitely more expensive if you buy your ticket at the train station. Booking your train ticket online can save you a lot of money. The national bus company is Bus Eireann: www.buseireann.ie The national train company is Irish Rail: www.irishrail.ie

A Leap Card is a reusable plastic smart card that can be used instead of paper tickets to pay- as-you go for transport in Dublin. Time based tickets (e.g. a weekly or monthly ticket) are also available if you are a regular traveller. It saves you money vs cash fares. You pay less with a Leap Card than when you pay for single fares with cash on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and Commuter Rail services. It’s flexible. You can jump on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and commuter rail services around Dublin when it suits you, without having to plan your journey or buy a specific ticket in advance.  

It’s safe. You can register your Leap Card online, so if it’s lost or stolen, no one else can use it. Once  

you register; you can also see your card history and buy Travel Credit online.  

Leap cards can be bought at over 400 locations around Dublin or online at www.leapcard.ie. 

• Student Leap Card recommended  

• Average cost: €80–€120 per month depending on travel distance  

• Bus/Luas/rail services operate across Dublin  

• Some GP visits: approx. €50–€70 per visit  

• Prescription medication costs vary  

• Mandatory for non-EEA students  

• Approx. €120–€200 per year (basic cover)  

• Higher cover plans may cost more depending on provider  

Useful links  

The Irish Naturalization & Immigration Service (INIS) administers the functions of the Department of  Justice and offers guidelines to students on their visa rights and status. Website: www.inis.gov.ie  

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) is an independent organization advocating for the rights of international students in Ireland and promoting best practice in International Education. Website: www.icosirl.ie  

Registering for your Visa   

If you are from a country outside the European Union, UK or Switzerland, and come to Ireland to work, study, live or join family for more than 90 days, you must register with Immigration Service Delivery.  

First time visa Applications Link: How to register your immigration permission for the first time – Immigration Service  

Delivery Renewal visa link: How to renew your current permission – Immigration Service Delivery

• Visa application fee: approx. €60–€100 (if applicable)  

• Registration (IRP card): approx. €300 per renewal/registration  

• Optional social and cultural activities: approx. €5–€50 per activity  

• Some full-day excursions may cost €20–€80 depending on entry fees/transport 

• Course materials/books: €50–€150 per term  

• SIM card/mobile plan: €10–€30 per month  

• Personal expenses (clothing, leisure, etc.): varies by student  

All costs are indicative and may change depending on market conditions, provider pricing, and student lifestyle. Students are advised to budget carefully and allow additional funds for unexpected expenses. 

The main transport options in Dublin are bus, tram (Luas), overground train (Dart) and cycling/walking.

Transport maps
Useful websites for getting around Dublin are www.dublinbus.ie and www.dublin.ie. Both of these include journey planners, route maps and bus/tram schedules as well as approximate times for various journeys across the city

Street maps
www.dublinmapped.com is an extremely useful interactive map of the city centre and county which includes transport links and shopping districts

Art Galleries, Museums and Famous Landmarks The National Museums of Ireland are based in Dublin and are unique for a capital city in that admission is free!

Below is a list of some of the best museums in the city:

• Museum of Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
• Museum of Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
• Museum of Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2
• Chester Beatty Museum, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2

Dublin is world famous for its night-life. With over 1000 pubs and a huge collection of international restaurants and cafes, there really is something for everyone in this city.
Some areas of Dublin to check out:

• Dame Street/George Street: On the doorstep of Malvern House Dublin, you’ll find traditional pubs, cafes and theatres.
• Temple Bar: A huge collection of pubs, many with Iive music; restaurants and theatres all in the world famous Temple Bar area
• Camden Street: Many nightclubs and music venues for those looking to discover the next U2
• Baggot Street area: Up-market restaurants alongside old fashioned pubs
• The Italian Quarter: Crepes, coffee, Thai food and shisha cafes; a wonderfully eclectic part of the city

From clothes to music; from fresh fruit and vegetables to hand-craft, Dublin markets are a great way to spend a Saturday. Weave in and out of the stalls and relax afterward with a well-earned pint of Guinness in a famous Dublin pub.

The most popular markets are:

• Temple Bar Food Market – Exquisite farm produced products and artisan foods in the cultural heart of Dublin
• George Street Arcade – Open all week, this market comes to life at the weekend; books, classic clothing and retro-candy are just some of the highlights.
• CoCo Market – Every Saturday in Marley Park, this is a must for lovers of organic food.

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