Offer Holder FAQs

Source: https://www.ucd.ie/global/offerholders/faqs/ Parent: https://www.ucd.ie/global/currentstudents/

We know moving to a new country and starting your academic journey can bring a lot of questions.

Below, you'll find answers to common queries about fees, funding, scholarships, visas, life in Ireland, and getting started with orientation and registration.

Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or getting ready to arrive, we’re here to help make the process smoother.

On this page...

• Tuition Fees
• Funding and Scholarships
• Visa and Immigration
• Living in Ireland
• Orientation and Registration

Tuition Fees

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What are the tuition fees for my course?

University fees are fixed for each academic year and are subject to an annual increase. For information on fees and official fees listings, please visit: www.ucd.ie/fees

In addition to the programme fees you pay UCD as a student, you will also need to budget for your living costs, including accommodation. Visit our guide on living costs to help you prepare.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

You will need to pay a deposit to secure your place on most courses. If a deposit is required, it will appear under the 'checklist' section of your application once you have been issued with an offer.

It’s important to keep in mind that typically deposits are non-refundable. For further information, please read UCD's information on refunds.

How can I pay my tuition fees?

There are several ways to pay fees to UCD, including online, bank transfer, or by using a bank giro.

If you need to apply for a visa, we recommend using our TransferMate facility. This will generate an automatic fee receipt, which you will need for your visa application. Read further information on how to pay your tuition fees.

Where can I get a receipt for my payment?

If you make an online payment, your receipt will be emailed to the email address you provided.

You can also print your receipt for the current year by logging into your SISWeb account.

If you pay by bank giro, the portion of the giro stamped by the bank is your receipt.

Funding and Scholarships

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What scholarships are available to international students?

UCD is delighted to offer a number of scholarships to international students each year to recognise their outstanding achievements.

These scholarships are competitively awarded based on academic merit and offered on a country basis and/or by discipline.

For information on scholarships and how to apply, please visit our scholarships page.

When should I apply for a scholarship?

You will first need to receive an offer to study at UCD (either a Conditional or Full Offer) before you apply for a scholarship. In your applicant portal, you will find a list of the scholarships for which you are eligible. All deadlines for scholarship applications can be found in our Scholarships' Terms and Conditions.

Visa and Immigration

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How can I check if I require a visa?

Many non-EU/EEA students need an entry visa to study in Ireland. You can check whether you need a visa by visiting the Irish Immigration website.\ For example, students from the US, Canada, and Malaysia do not require a visa, while students from India, China, Russia, and Venezuela do.

All non-EU/EEA students, whether they require a visa or not, must register with Irish Immigration upon arrival. For more details, please visit UCD Visas and Immigration.

What are the immigration requirements for incoming international students?

Under Irish immigration requirements, all non-EU/EEA students must be enrolled in a full-time programme to be eligible to apply for a Study Visa.

How do I apply for a visa?

You are responsible for making your visa application, which is submitted online using the AVATS facility. Completing the online application form is the first step. The application will only be processed when the online form is completed and the required documentation, passport photograph and appropriate fee are received by the relevant offices.

If you are applying from China, India, Nigeria, Russia, the United Arab Emirates or the United Kingdom, please also check the Irish Embassy website for details of further documentation which may be required.

Please read the visa application details very carefully. If you do not provide the documentation required, your visa will be refused.

When should I apply for a visa?

To avoid last-minute stress or delays, we strongly recommend applying for your visa as soon as you accept a Full Offer from UCD.\ Visa processing times can take up to eight weeks under normal circumstances, and even longer during peak periods, depending on the Embassy.

How do I register with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)?

All non-EU/EEA students must register with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) after they have registered with UCD - and before the expiry date stamped on their passport by immigration officials at the airport.

The following documents are required to register with the INIS:

• Valid passport (showing entry visa if applicable)
• Evidence of financial support; e.g., current Irish bank statement showing your name and balance of at least €3000*, or a letter from your sponsoring body confirming financial status.
• A Certificate of Attendance, available for download through your SISWeb account.
• Evidence of private medical insurance
• A credit/debit card for payment of €300 registration fee (or Bank Giro obtainable from INIS office)

* Single-trimester students must have €500 for each month of their stay in Ireland. They are not required to open an Irish bank account.

What is the Third Level Graduate Scheme?

The Third Level Graduate Scheme allows non -EU/EEA students who have graduated from Irish Higher Education Institutions to remain in Ireland for 12 to 24 months to seek employment.

Find further details about the Third Level Graduate Scheme.

Am I legally entitled to work in Ireland during my studies?

For detailed information about working in Ireland while studying, please visit our Working in Ireland page.

Living in Ireland

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Is on-campus accommodation available?

Yes, on-campus accommodation is available however, it is not guaranteed for all students.

You will find information about on-campus accommodation on the UCD Residence website and on our Accommodation pages.

Do I need health insurance?

Non-EU students must obtain private health insurance. You can purchase insurance in your home country; however, you will need to ensure that it is valid in Ireland and in any other countries you plan to travel to.

There are different levels of private health insurance available, and we recommend that you read the policy documents carefully. Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) requires that, if you have health insurance from your own country, it must cover you up to €25,000 for in-hospital treatment.

Check our dedicated Health Insurance page for more information.

How do I find off-campus accommodation?

If you have not been allocated on-campus accommodation or prefer to live off-campus, there are several support options available:

• UCD Residences Off-Campus Office – They can assist you in finding suitable housing options nearby.
• UCD Student Union Accommodation Services – Offers advice and support on off-campus living.
• UCD Global's UCD Off-Campus Accommodation Page

Orientation and Registration

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When does term start?

You can find the academic term dates at http://www.ucd.ie/students/keydates.htm

Each year, UCD hosts a New Student Orientation for first-year students, which usually takes place during the week prior to the start of term. More details will be listed on our Orientation page.

Do I need to get my documents verified by UCD?

Yes, you will need to have your documents verified. For most students, this happens after they arrive at UCD. You will be given further information regarding documentation verification after you receive an offer.

Does UCD run pre-departure briefing sessions?

Yes, these are usually offered through our Global Centres in-country and virtually from Dublin. Information about our pre-departure briefings will be communicated by email to students holding offers to study at UCD.

Can I visit the campus?

Prospective students, and their friends and family, who are interested in studying at UCD can avail of either an in-person or a Virtual Campus Tour. These tours are a great way to get a real insight into the layout of Belfield and to get a feel for campus life at UCD. Book a campus tour today.

If you are an EU applicant, UCD also runs general campus tours (not directed at International students). You can find more information at the following link; https://www.myucd.ie/visiting-ucd/

If you wish to discuss your options with a member of the admissions team, book a meeting with our team.

Contact UCD Global

UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4. T: +353 1 716 8500 | Location Map