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Living in Dublin

Dublin is a lively city, and a great destination for international students. Discover why Dublin is the perfect place for graduates to pursue their studies.

Living in Dublin as an International Student

Dublin is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Ireland, famous for its lively atmosphere and with a reputation for being a safe city. Living in Dublin comes with so many benefits; friendly and diverse people, rich culture and fascinating history. It is also considered one of the friendliest in the world.

Whether students enjoy wandering the art galleries, dancing in the clubs or climbing to the top of the Dublin Mountains, one thing is certain: they can make Dublin their own.

One of the reasons why Dublin is such a great study-abroad destination is its people. The welcomeness and hospitality for which the Irish people are known lays the foundation for a student-friendly base and excellent overseas experience for any international student.

Well connected for travel, our students can explore Ireland and its beautiful green landscape during their studies at DCU. Furthermore, Ireland is conveniently located in Europe and offers easy access to the continent.

Ireland At a Glance

Ireland is now the only majority native English speaking country in the European Union with a highly globalized economy and a well-established multinational sector.

  • Name

    Republic of Ireland

  • Location

    Europe

  • Language

    English and Irish

  • Population

    5,123,536 (2022)

  • Capital

    Dublin

  • Currency

    Euro (€/EUR)

  • Weather

    Mild and humid

Dublin Explore Dublin's hidden secrets, chat with the locals and let Dublin get under your skin. There is so much to see and do in Dublin including The Book of Kells, St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, St Patrick's Church, Dublin Castle and more
Giant's Causeway - UNESCO World Heritage Site It’s an epic sight, with a whopping 40,000 or so of hexagonal-shaped stepping stones, which date back to a volcanic age almost 60 million years ago.
The Cliffs of Moher One of Ireland's top visitor attractions, The Cliffs of Moher,will leave you awestruck, creating memories that will stay with you forever.
The Ring of Kerry Dreamlike landscapes and dramatic coastlines, this is Ireland at its picturesque best. Explore what is arguably Ireland's most scenic route.
The Dingle Peninsula and the Wild Atlantic Way Be prepared for this majestic Wild Atlantic Way headland in County Kerry to steal your heart. The peninsula is bordered by some of Ireland's best beaches and ragged cliffs.
Newgrange Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in the Co. Meath. It was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Cork The second largest city in Ireland, Cork’s tourist attractions recall its long history, and you'll find it a vibrant, lively city with plenty of things to do.

Working in Ireland

Many of the world’s leading multinational companies – such as Google, Facebook, Dropbox, and LinkedIn – are based in Ireland providing an ideal hub for international students.
  • 1st

    globally for attracting
    and retaining
    international students

  • 8

    of the top 10 global
    software companies have
    their European HQ in Ireland

  • 2nd

    largest exporter of
    medtech products in
    Europe

  • 18

    top global medical
    devices companies

  • 250

    world’s leading
    financial services firms

In addition, DCU is aligned with leading multinational companies, and students of DCU may benefit from these relationships for their career prospects.

International students who progress to undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Ireland will be allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during school and 40 hours per week during holidays.

Our team will be glad to advise students considering working during their studies.

Location for world leading education

There are many advantages of studying in Ireland. Not only is it an English speaking country, Ireland rooted in a rich cultural heritage, is also renowned for being at the cutting edge of technological advancement.

DCU warmly welcomes international students from across the globe wishing to pursue their studies at our institution. Find out more about the programmes offered by us:

Learn more about studying at DCU >

Accommodation Options

The quality and suitability of an accommodation is one of the most important contributory factors to the comfort and enjoyment of any academic pursuits. There are a range of accommodation options for International students coming to study in Ireland.

Dublin City University provides more than 1,400 on-campus rooms for undergraduate, postgraduate and international students over three campus locations as well as Host Family accommodation option, where students will live as a member of an Irish family.

Find out more

Pre-Arrival Orientation for International Students

Find out all you need to know before coming to Ireland.

Nationality determines whether or not a student requires a visa to enter Ireland.

EU/EEA Citizen
Students do not require an entry visa for Ireland if they are an EU citizen. However, they should bring confirmation of their place at DCU and some proof that they have sufficient financial resources for their stay.

Non-EU Citizen
If students are non-EU citizens they can check whether they need a visa with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). Information is also available from their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate.

Information on how to apply for a VISA and supporting documentation can be found on the INIS website. Check here if you require a visa to study in Ireland

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