Studying and Living in Dublin / Ireland
Here you will find essential information about living and working in Dublin and Ireland as an international student. On this page, we provide guidance on essential steps for all international students at NCAD, including: opening a bank account, the cost of living in Ireland, and health insurance. Just click through the tabs below. If you require further information feel free to contact international@ncad.ie
NCAD and Dublin
NCAD is located in the historic Liberties area of Dublin. We are the oldest art and design institution in Ireland, and we offer the largest range of art and design degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level in the country.
Our unique and highly specialised art & design campus is the former home of the Power’s Whiskey Distillery; our central location makes it easily accessible from anywhere in Dublin and beyond.
We are within very close walking distance of famous tourist attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle.
We are very well serviced by bus, train and LUAS (tram), and there is an array of places to eat and drink in the area. The Liberties has great nightlife with an eclectic mix of venues and bars offering music and arts events, such as the famous Vicar St venue which is less than a 1-minute walk from NCAD. The rest of the city can also be accessed by foot due to NCAD’s central location.
Learn more about The Liberties here.
Learn more about Dublin here.
Working in Ireland as an International Student
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK students holding a valid Stamp 2 permission are permitted to take up casual employment. They can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods. The designated holiday periods are from June to September (inclusive) and from December 15 to January 15. Please note that students with Stamp 2A permission are not allowed to work. Information can be found here.
As a full-time non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK student, you are only permitted to work in Ireland if you possess a valid IRP card that indicates you have Stamp 2 permission, along with a Personal Public Services (PPS) Number.
Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the UK can move to Ireland freely and participate in various activities, including employment, self-employment, study, and residency. Although these individuals do not need to apply for immigration permission, they are still required to apply for a PPS number.
Working rights on valid Stamp 2 permission
- Part time (up to 20 hours) during term time
- Full time (up to 40 hours) during the following times:
a) From 1st June to 30 September
b) From 15th December to 15th January
Working rights on valid Stamp 1G Graduate permission (Third Level Graduate Programme)
Students availing of the Third Level Graduate Programme receive a Stamp 1G Graduate permission. This entitles them to work up to 40 hours per week for a period of 12 months following successful completion of their course, with the option of extending for a further 12 months subject to certain conditions. Information can be found here.
The application process can be fully completed online nationwide and processing times can be checked here.
How to Apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number
You can apply online for a PPS number using MyWelfare, if you are living in Ireland and you are at least 18 years of age. You also need a basic MyGovID account.
When you apply online, you need to upload:
- A copy of your passport ID page
- Your NCAD letter of attendance as evidence of why you need a PPS number and proof of address. You can request this letter by contacting information@ncad.ie
Q: Who can sign the Reg 1 form as a witness on the PPS application form?
A: Anyone who is known to you
Q: Question 15 asks: Please state the reason why you require a PPS number?
A: Students can insert "Education" in the box provided.
Q: What evidence can I provide with my application to show that I require a PPS number?
A: NCAD letter of attendance
Please note that applications for a PPS number are done online and processing times may vary greatly depending on volumes.
Find out further information about PPS numbers.
Job Opportunities
For information about part-time/casual job opportunities, check out the following websites:
You can also contact the NCAD Students Union to check if they have been notified of any casual job opportunities – ncadsu@gmail.com
Opening a Bank Account
In order to get paid for work you will need to open a bank account in Ireland. NCAD can provide you with a letter for this. Just email information@ncad.ie to request this after you have completed registration on your programme.
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
- NCAD Student Card
- NCAD attendance letter (email information@ncad.ie)
- 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. However, as you may not have these documents when you apply for a bank account your NCAD attendance letter may be accepted. The bank will advise. A letter from your landlord/rental contract could also be used.
Cost of Living
The cost of living for a student in Ireland can vary depending on what part of the country you live in, what type of accommodation you choose, your transport options for travelling to and from classes, as well as a range of other factors.
ICOS - Irish Council for International Students have good information on the costs of living and tips on how to keep costs down. Information on the cost of living can also be found on the website, Numbeo.
We recommend that students research the cost of living in Dublin and arrange their finances accordingly.
Health Insurance
Private health insurance is insurance that helps cover medical and hospital costs incurred while you are in Ireland. The Irish Immigration Service requires students from outside the EU/EEA to obtain private health insurance for visa application and immigration registration purposes. NCAD does not arrange health insurance for students.
Non-EEA Students
Non-EEA students must obtain private health insurance. You can purchase insurance in your home country for your first year, however you will need to ensure that it is valid in Ireland and in any other countries you plan to travel to. The requirements are below:
Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover 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.
There are different levels of private health insurance available. Students are advised to read their policy documents carefully and pay close attention to “waiting periods” particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. In addition, students should ensure that repatriation cover is included in their policy.
There are three main health insurance providers in Ireland - Vhi, Irish Life and Laya Healthcare.
Further information on health insurance in Ireland, including a health insurance comparison tool, is available through the Health Insurance Authority website.
EU Nationals
Students from EU Member States in possession of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to public health services in Ireland. The EHIC card is available from the health authorities in your home country. For further information and information on your entitlements to healthcare while in Ireland, please see the European Health Insurance Card website.
ISD Health Insurance Requirements for Continuing Students
Health insurance must be purchased from an Irish provider after the first year - this requirement is applicable to any student renewing their IRP card. In summary:
1. For Registration - Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover 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.
2. For renewals - Proof of your private medical insurance. Insurance must cover accidents & medical incidents including hospital stays for the duration of your residence. Travel insurance is not sufficient for Renewal.