International students are warmly welcomed at IADT. Currently home to over 2500 students and staff, the Dún Laoghaire campus is vibrant and engaging, with outstanding facilities and a warm and energetic atmosphere.
IADT partners on international mobility programmes and academic exchanges globally in 20+ countries in Europe, Canada, USA, Asia and Africa. IADT welcomes students to engage through our Undergraduate courses and Postgraduate courses.
Undergraduate Programmes for International Students
IADT is now accepting applications from non-EU students for the following undergraduate courses. Click on the programme title for details.
*Portfolio Required. Click here for guidelines
Click here to apply for your chosen course
Postgraduate Programmes for International Students
Applications for our Postgraduate Programmes starting in September 2025 are now open.
Apply now using the Postgraduate Application Form
Click here for further information*
| Fulltime Postgraduate Programmes |
| MA in Animation (full-time) |
| MA Design for Change (full-time) |
| MA in Screenwriting for Film + Television (full-time) |
We also welcome applications from international students for the following 2 online programmes. Please be aware that as they are delivered completely online students will not be issued with a study visa.
| Online Programmes |
| MSc in Cyberpsychology (part-time / online) |
| MSc in User Experience Design (part-time / online) |
Apply here for our online postgraduate programmes.
Links to Applications for 2025/2026
- All admissions related enquiries should be sent to admissions@iadt.ie
- Further information on How To Apply as an EU or non-EU student can be found here
Fees + Refunds
Full information regarding your fees for this academic year can be found here: Fees + Grants – IADT
Students have the right to a refund of their course fees if they are unsuccessful in applying for a visa to come to Ireland to study.
The ICOS website is also a super resource for information on refunds should your visa be declined.
The IADT refund policy for all students can be found in the Policy for Student Contribution, Tuition Fee and Charges Collection on the IADT website.
Visas and Immigration
International Student Scholarship and Funding Opportunities
Postgraduate scholarship opportunities are available:
- http://eurireland.ie/programmes/related-international-co-operation/international-scholarship-opportunities/
- http://research.ie/funding-category/postgraduate/
- http://www.iua.ie/irish-marie-curie-office/introduction/
- http://eurireland.ie/programmes/related-international-co-operation/us-ireland-rd-programme/
- https://www.campusfrance.org/en
- http://heranet.info/
Planning Your Budget
There are lots of things you already know that you will need to pay for; tuition fees, your accommodation, transport in Dublin, food, utility bills etc but there will be other costs that you don’t think about.
- Course related fees
- Annual visa and immigration charges
- Annual Medical Insurance Charges
- Annual Flights if you want to return home
- Accommodation and utility bills (heat, electricity, bins etc)
- Food and groceries
- Clothes
- Toiletries
- Transport/Leap Card
- Mobile phone and internet
- Socialising / entertainment / sports /hobbies
- Costs associated with your course (books, equipment, etc)
Costs associated with your course (other than fees etc) will vary. For example in the BA (Hons) Art normally not more than €300 per year will be required (years 1, 2 and 3) for materials and tools. You may have an opportunity to take part in extended field trips or international visits (not compulsory). However for the BA (Hons) Animation the cost for materials and/or field trips are estimated at €750–€1000 per year.
Also, your final year exhibition is your professional showcase, so we advise you to budget for costs associated with the Graduate Exhibition.
Check the course information pages on the IADT website for further information and if you need further clarification on this please contact the programme chair.
The biggest cost outside of your course fees will be accommodation. Accommodation can vary greatly depending on location, accommodation type etc. The following are some resources that can help you plan your budget for the year.
- ICOS: https://www.internationalstudents.ie/info-and-advice/practical-information/cost-of-living
- www.numbeo.com: a cost of living database for the world
- My Budget (mabs.ie)
It’s not all bad news! Having a student card will get you all sorts of discounts in shops, grocery stores, clothes airlines etc so do make sure you check them out. Here are just a couple that you can avail of:
And of course there are plenty of things to do in Dublin and Dun Laoghaire without spending any money:
31 Best Free Things to do in Dublin (2024) (theirishroadtrip.com)
Before You Travel
Passport & Visa
Make sure your passport and student visa is in order if you need one. Details on study visa requirements for non-EEA/EU citizens can be found here: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-study-in-ireland/what-are-my-study-visa-options/how-to-apply-for-long-term-study-visa/
Purchase Private Medical Insurance
It is a legal requirement for visa requiring students to have private medical insurance for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months for the duration of your stay. This needs to be purchased before you leave your home country. Students are responsible for purchasing and renewing their own health insurance. Some of the companies in Ireland that offer health insurance include:
Students from the EU who have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public health services in Ireland. Please be aware that the EHIC does not provide access to private health services in Ireland. Students should apply for their EHIC card before travelling to Ireland. You can find out how to apply here: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559
Further information about using the EIHC is available here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/unplanned-healthcare/going-to-doctor-hospital-abroad/index_en.html
Book Your Flights
Dublin has direct flights between most international major airports. In the event that you do have to make a connection through another country please check to see if you will need a transit visa for any country you will be travelling through. When booking your flights make sure that you purchase sufficient baggage allowance and do check with your airline to see if they have any additional student luggage allowances or benefits. Also make sure to check out the Important Dates section of the website if you are considering booking return flights: 2024/2025 Academic Calendar
Airport Transfers
Plan your onward travel. IADT does not offer airport transfers so depending on where you are staying you might want to book ahead or simply use one of the many public transport options available at Dublin Airport. If you are using a regular bus you may need coins so make sure you have Euro in cash and coins available
- All Transport Options: https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport
- Buses: https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus/dublin-buses
- Taxis: https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-taxi
Accommodation
Book temporary accommodation to get you through the first week or so and register on IADT’s official accommodation platform to see what long term accommodation options are: https://www.iadtstudentpad.ie/Accommodation
Don’t pay any deposits for long term rentals without viewing the accommodation in person. There are a lot of scams relating to around at the moment.
Update IADT with your Term Address
Let IADT know your Irish accommodation as soon as you know what it is, even if it is just temporary to get you through the first few weeks. You will need to update IADT each time your accommodation changes. It’s important for IADT to be kept up-to-date so that we can issue confirmation of address letters for bank accounts and other essentials. You can email admissions@iadt.ie with any updates and changes to your address.
Banking & Finance
Tell your bank you are travelling so that they know not to freeze your cards. Find out the fees your bank charges for getting euros from atms/cash machines in Ireland. Many Irish people use Revolut but it is just one of multiple options for digital banking so do your research before you decide what’s best for you. Arrange to have some Euro in cash to get you through the first few days – smaller denominations work best.
Mobile Phones
Make sure that your phone is set up for roaming in Ireland and more importantly find out how much it’s going to cost you for your calls, data and texts. Talk to your provider and try to get the best deal, consider purchasing an e-sim, getting your phone unlocked before you go so you can buy a sim on arrival. Most Irish people use WhatsApp for communication. If you don’t already have the app we recommend you get it set up on your phone before you travel. Let us know your Irish mobile number when you have it by emailing registration@iadt.ie
Get Packing!
It’s impossible to describe the weather here in Ireland. You really need to be here to understand that ‘4 Seasons in One Day’ is 100% real! With that in mind pack a good rain jacket, beany, scarf and waterproof shoes to get you covered. Bring warm clothes, particularly if you are used to warmer climates and get used to wearing loads of layers!
Hand Luggage
Pack all important documents in your hand luggage including your Passport, Visa, IADT, Offer Letter, Tuition Fee Payment Receipt, Medical Insurance and Proof of Accommodation. Have any prescription medicines that you need to take available in your hand luggage. Make sure your phone is fully charged and you have your roaming set up. Have some cash with you for unexpected costs and make sure you have a credit card in case you need immediate access to larger amounts of money.
Medical Insurance Requirements
Private Medical Insurance
It is a legal requirement for visa requiring students to have private medical insurance for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months for the duration of your stay.
For newly arrived first year students in Ireland Travel insurance may suffice where:
- The insurance covers the student for one full year or where the student is staying in Ireland for less than one year for the entirety of their stay
- The insurance coverage covers the student at a minimum of €25,000 for accident and €25,000 for disease
- The insurance coverage covers the student for any period of hospitalisation.
This must be purchased before you leave your home country.
Where a non-EEA student intends staying in Ireland for more than one year, and where they were covered by travel insurance for the first year, that student is required to source private medical insurance in Ireland for their second and any subsequent years. Students are responsible for purchasing and renewing their own health insurance. Some of the companies in Ireland that offer health insurance include:
Please refer to the medical insurance section of the Irish Immigration website for the most uptodate information
Students from the EU who have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public health services in Ireland. Please be aware that the EHIC does not provide access to private health services in Ireland. Students should apply for their EHIC card before travelling to Ireland. You can find out how to apply here: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559
Further information about using the EIHC is available here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/unplanned-healthcare/going-to-doctor-hospital-abroad/index_en.html
Accommodation/Housing
Register here on IADT’s Official Accommodation Platform:
iadtstudentpad.ie/Accommodation
IADT Student Pad Account Set-Up Guide
Important tips about finding accommodation:
- 5 day accommodation is not usually suitable for international students
- View the accommodation in person before you pay any money
- If you can’t get anywhere in the locality of IADT try to find somewhere on the DART line or on the 46A bus route (dublinbus.ie)
The following websites can also be super helpful when looking for accommodation:
- collegecribs.ie
- isaccommodation.com
- homestay.com ( living with families)
- rent.ie
- daft.ie
- Accommodation Guide | ICOS (internationalstudents.ie)
Once You Have Arrived in Ireland
Visa and Immigration
On arrival to Ireland, you will pass through border control. If you are non-EU/EEA an immigration officer will check your documents and place a stamp in your passport. You should pack all important documents in your hand luggage including your Passport, Visa, IADT Offer Letter, Tuition Fee Payment Receipt, Medical Insurance and Proof of Accommodation in case they need to check any details.
Register with your local Immigration Office
All students from outside of the EU/EEA must register with immigration after arriving to Ireland. To register, you will need to make an appointment at your local registration office and the provide the required supporting documentation and fee. The fee to register is €300 and you will receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) by post within about 10 days. Click on the link below for further details and to find out where your local immigration office is:
Accommodation/Housing
By now you have registered on iadtstudentpad.ie/Accommodation so it’s time to start viewing properties.
Important tips about finding accommodation:
- 5 day accommodation is not usually suitable for international students
- View the accommodation before you pay any money
- If you can’t get anywhere in the locality of IADT try to find somewhere on the DART line or on the 46A bus route (dublinbus.ie)
The following websites can also be super helpful when looking for accommodation:
- collegecribs.ie
- isaccommodation.com
- homestay.com ( living with families)
- rent.ie
- daft.ie
The IADT Information Point
This is the first point of contact in the atrium building at IADT Dún Laoghaire. It is a reception point for our students, visitors and families and it’s where you can request your support letters for landlords, bank accounts, leap cards, PPS numbers etc. You can drop in or email info@iadt.ie Further information is available on our website: https://iadt.ie/services/institute-student-services/information-point/
Public Transport – Order Your Leap Card Online
You’ll need a Leap card to be able to avail of cheaper public transport while in Ireland. You can if you wish order your Student Leap Card online before you travel to Ireland and then validate it once you have got your IADT student card. Click here for full information: https://www.leapcard.ie/en/NavigationPages/CardPurchase.aspx
Open a Bank Account
In order to get paid you will need to open a bank account in Ireland. IADT will issue you a letter to help with is process. You can simply email info@iadt.ie to request this when you have fully enrolled.
Useful Articles:
https://switcher.ie/current-accounts/
https://neobanks.app/neobanks/ireland
https://www.monito.com/en/wiki/best-online-banks-ireland
The traditional banks in Ireland include:
-
- Allied Irish Bank (AIB)
- Bank of Ireland (BOI)
- Permanent TSB
You will likely need the following documents to open a bank account:
-
- Passport
- IADT Student Card
- IADT Bank Letter
- Proof of permanent address in Ireland. The following are usually accepted as proof and must be dated within 6 months.
- A utility bill e.g. a gas/electricity/mobile phone
- A document issued by a government department that shows your address.
- Your IADT Bank letter confirming your address will be helpful here if you have no other proof of address
- A letter from your landlord/rental contract can also be used
Part-time Jobs
International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods. A PPSN (Personal Public Services Number) is required if you want to work in Ireland even on a part-time basis. You can apply for a PPSN online once you have fully registered and secured your long-term accommodation. To apply online you should follow these steps:
Set up a basic at MyGovID Account at https://www.mygovid.ie
- Go to MyWelfare.ie and apply online for a PPSN.
You will need:
- Your Passport
- IADT PPSN Letter which you can order from the Information point by emailing info@iadt.ie
The Info Point - order visa + other letters here!
Order your letters here for visa and immigration purposes, to open your bank account, to provide accommodation related letters, etc
Get your forms stamped here e.g your Student Leap Card
Get directions when you can’t find your class!
email: info@iadt.ie
Important Dates
Academic Supports for International Learners
Rules around working while studying + Placements
An International Student is permitted to take up casual employment of up to 20 hours part-time work per week in term time or up to 40 hours per week during college vacation periods, that is, from June to September inclusive and from 15 December to 15 January. Your entitlement to take up employment ceases when your permission to remain expires.
Internships + Placements
- The internship or work placement part of the programme cannot exceed 50% of the duration of the programme e.g. a 4 year programme would permit 2 years of work placement. In addition, the employment cannot be in a self employed capacity.
- Work placements as part of an academic programme must form an integral part of the programme which contributes to the final award.
- Educational facilities must also ensure that the placements are suited to the programme being pursued.
Further information on placements can be found here: https://www.educationinireland.com/en/living-in-ireland/while-you-re-in-ireland/working-in-ireland/
As an EU citizen you can take up employment or self-employment without needing an employment permit. This also applies to citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), and Switzerland.
UK citizens can live and work in Ireland as part of the Common Travel Area
You will need to get a Personal Public Service Number in order to get paid.
IADT Response to the Ukraine Crisis
Sectoral Response
IADT as part of the sectoral response to Ukrainian people seeking to access third-level education is committed to welcoming, supporting and meeting the needs of students and researchers who are displaced from Ukraine. This response is being led by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) in conjunction with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).
Updated Statement Gov.ie
13.08.2024
Ukrainian Student Fees and Financial Support Update
Financial support for further and higher education
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has confirmed that the following supports will be offered to Ukrainian students for the academic year 2024/25. This includes payment of tuition fees in respect of approved full-time higher education, a financial stipend for qualified persons undertaking a full-time course in a publicly funded higher education institution (HEI) and a bursary for eligible students pursuing an approved post-leaving certificate (PLC) course.
For students who commenced their studies in academic years 2022/23 and 2023/24, the supports in 2024/25 will be similar to previous years.
For new entrants to a course of study in academic year 2024/25, supports will be at revised rates.
Financial stipend for full-time higher education students (Erasmus National Grant)
Displaced Ukrainian students in receipt of Temporary Protection who are pursuing or progressing in a full-time approved course in a publicly funded higher education institution will be supported financially through a monthly stipend for academic year 2024/25. The stipend will be paid to the student through their higher education institution’s International Office.
The international officer at IADT is sonya.hogan@iadt.ie if you require further information.
International Programme Partnerships
We engage with education and industry partners globally to develop international opportunities for staff and students. We actively seek out new academic programmes through strategic international education partnerships and relationships. One such relationship is with George Brown College, Toronto (under the Ontario Agreement). IADT and George Brown College partner on the MA Design for Change and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design (pathway module).
Contact the International Office at international@iadt.ie to discuss opportunities.
Study Abroad
We are currently working on International engagement and studyabroad. If you are interested in spending a semester with us at IADT, please contact international@iadt.ie
Information for Prospective Agents
Thank you very much for your interest in becoming an International Education Agent for IADT.
We are not taking on any agents at this time however this is likely to change in the coming months.
In the meantime we are requesting that all prospective agents complete our IADT Agent Questionnaire in as much detail as possible.
Please be aware that any agent that IADT works with will be expected to adhere to the London Statement of Principles for Ethical Recruitment.
Thank you.