Studying English in Ireland: how does your passport affect your plans?

Study and work requirements for EU and Latin American passport holders.

Studying English in Ireland can be a great way to improve your language skills while getting to know the country. Before choosing a school, though, one question shapes the steps you’ll need to take: which passport do you hold?

If you’re an EU citizen, you can study and work in Ireland without applying for a student visa. If you hold a Latin American passport and don’t have European citizenship, the requirements depend on your nationality and how long you want to stay.

Here’s how the routes differ, with examples to help you start planning.

The main differences at a glance

Latin American passport holders don’t all follow the same process. Start by checking your nationality and whether you also have EU citizenship.

If you hold an EU passport

If you’re a citizen of Spain or another EU country, you can travel to Ireland to study English without applying for a student visa. You can also work without an employment permit.

That gives you flexibility to choose a course around your goals, from a few weeks of English to a longer stay. For example, you could take a three-month course and look for work, or study for longer if that suits your plans.

You’ll still need to arrange accommodation and a budget. If you plan to work, look into the practical steps too, such as applying for a Personal Public Service Number, usually called a PPS Number.

If you hold a Latin American passport

If you aren’t an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) citizen, there are two things to check: whether you need a visa before travelling and which permission you’ll need for your planned stay.

Some nationalities must apply for a visa before leaving home; others can travel without one. In either case, immigration officers decide whether to admit you when you arrive in Ireland. Visa-free travel also doesn’t replace the permission required for a longer study stay.

For example, two people could book the same 25-week English course but need different paperwork before travelling because of their nationalities. Check the official information for your passport before booking flights.

Check whether you need a visa for Ireland

What if I want to study for less than 90 days?

With an EU passport, you can choose a short course without applying for a student visa.

If you aren’t an EU or EEA citizen, you can take a short course during an authorised visit, provided you meet the entry conditions. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a short-stay visa before travelling.

This could suit you if you want a few weeks to improve your English. Bear in mind that visitor permission doesn’t let you work, and you shouldn’t rely on switching to long-term student permission later. If you want a longer stay combining study and work, plan for the appropriate permission from the outset.

If you want to study English for more than 90 days

For most non-EU and non-EEA students planning a longer English-language stay, the course must be approved by the immigration authorities. It may appear on the ILEP list or the list of eligible TrustEd Ireland programmes.

To apply for student permission for an English course, the programme must meet requirements including:

• At least 25 weeks of study.
• A minimum of 15 classroom hours per week.
• An eligible, full-time course.

If you meet the requirements, you may receive student permission called Stamp 2 for up to eight months. The 25 weeks cover the course itself; your permission may include additional time. The school sets the class and holiday calendar within the applicable rules.

You’ll need to attend at least 85% of classes and sit the final exam. If you want to keep studying English afterwards, you may be able to renew your permission by meeting the requirements. You can receive up to three eight-month English-language permissions, giving a maximum of two years in total.

Check eligible courses in Ireland

Can I work while studying English in Ireland?

EU citizens can work without applying for an employment permit. Your hours will depend on the job and how you want to fit work around your classes.

With valid Stamp 2 permission, you can work up to 20 hours per week for most of the year. The limit rises to 40 hours per week in June, July, August and September, and from 15 December to 15 January.

For example, if you study between February and May on Stamp 2, the usual limit is 20 hours per week. In June, you can work up to 40 hours, provided your permission remains valid and you meet the applicable conditions.

Check your permission’s conditions before starting work. Even if you can work, bring enough money for your first few months: finding a job can take time.

How much money will I need for my stay?

Whether you hold a European or Latin American passport, budget for your course, flight, accommodation, food, transport and any insurance you need.

If you’re a non-EEA citizen applying for long-term student permission, you’ll also need to show that you can support yourself during your stay. The documents and when you provide them depend on whether you need a visa before travelling.

For stays of up to eight months, the immigration authorities specify €833 per month or €6,665 in total, whichever is lower. If you need a visa before travelling, your finances are assessed as part of that application. If you don’t, you’ll need to provide evidence when registering your permission after arrival. Check which documents are accepted for your circumstances.

For example, the figure for a planned eight-month stay is €6,665. You don’t pay this amount to the government; it shows that you have access to money to support yourself. Work out your actual course, accommodation and other costs separately for your situation.

Student financial requirements

What do I need to do when I arrive in Ireland?

As an EU citizen, you can start your course and arrange the practical steps for your stay and work. You don’t need to apply for Stamp 2.

If you’re a non-EEA student staying for more than 90 days, you’ll normally need to register your student permission after arrival. Documents you may need include your passport, school confirmation, proof of course fee payment and private medical insurance, alongside anything else required for your circumstances.

There may be a registration fee of €300. We’ll help you with the process and your immigration appointment, as requirements and available dates can change.

Which city should I choose for studying English?

Dublin is the best-known option, with plenty of schools and activities, although it’s worth checking accommodation costs and availability carefully. If you prefer a smaller city, you can also explore Cork, Galway or Limerick.

Before choosing, compare course fees, timetables and accommodation options. A city you’d enjoy visiting also needs to work for your budget and the way you want to live while studying.

Frequently asked questions

Start planning your stay in Ireland

If you’d like to study English in Ireland, tell us which passport you hold, how long you want to stay and whether you’d like to work too. At Australian Way, we’ll help you compare schools, courses and budgets to find an option that suits you.

Official sources

Irish immigration: English study and work conditions

Irish immigration: eligible ILEP and TrustEd courses

Irish immigration: registration documents

Residence rights for EU citizens