Study in Ireland For Vietnamese Students

So, you've been thinking about studying in Ireland. Good choice. Ireland is one of the most exciting study destinations for students from Southeast Asia right now, and for good reason. It's an English-speaking country right in the heart of the European Union, it's home to some seriously respected universities, and after you graduate, you get the chance to stay on and work. Not bad for a small island on the edge of the Atlantic. 

This guide walks you through everything you need to apply to study in Ireland, from how to pick the right course and city, to sorting your Ireland student visa and settling in when you arrive. 

Ireland uses the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) to organise its education levels. Here's what that means for you as an international student: 

• Level 6: Higher Certificate (two years, often a pathway to further study) 

• Levels 7 and 8: Ordinary and Honours Bachelor's degrees (three to four years) 

• Level 9: Master's degree (one to two years) 

• Level 10: Doctoral degree (PhD) 

Most international students aim for Level 8 or Level 9 programmes, depending on whether they're going for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. 

Ireland has two main types of institutions, and choosing between them matters more than you might think. 

Neither option is better than the other. It depends entirely on what you want to do after you

Dublin is the obvious first choice, but Ireland's regional cities are worth a serious look, especially if you want a lower cost of living and a tighter-knit student community. 

• Dublin: The capital, with the most universities, the biggest job market, and the highest living costs 

• Cork: Ireland's second city, home to University College Cork (UCC) and a growing tech and pharma sector 

• Galway: A lively, artistic city with University of Galway and a strong international student community 

• Limerick: More affordable, with the University of Limerick known for its cooperative education model 

Tuition fees 

Tuition fees for international students at Irish universities typically range from €10,000 to €25,000 per year, depending on the course and institution. The approximate conversion is around VND 280 million to VND 700 million per year (check current exchange rates before planning your budget). 

Cost of living 

Beyond tuition, your monthly living costs in Ireland will typically look like this: 

Homestays and can bring these costs down, so explore all your options before committing.

Ireland is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for international students thanks to its multicultural learning environment, high-quality education system, and abundant job opportunities after graduation. However, to optimize your chances of finding employment and staying long-term, choosing a field of study that aligns with the needs of the Irish job market is crucial. You can refer to some of the fields below:
1. Information Technology (IT): Ireland is the "Silicon Valley of Europe" with the presence of many large corporations such as Google, Meta, and Apple.

2. Big Data & Data Science: Data is the "backbone" of businesses. The demand for Data Analysts and Data Scientists in Ireland is very high.

3. Health & Healthcare: The medical sector is always on the list of labor shortages due to an aging population.

4. Finance – Accounting: Ireland is a major financial center in Europe, especially in Dublin.
5. Engineering: Engineering fields consistently face labor shortages, particularly in construction and energy.

Each Irish university sets its own entry requirements, but as a general guide: 

• Undergraduate: You'll typically need strong results from your local upper secondary qualification. 

• Postgraduate: A relevant Bachelor's degree, usually with at least an upper second-class honours (or equivalent). 

Irish universities also recognise Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathways for diploma holders, which means you may be eligible for credit exemptions or advanced entry into certain programmes. 

For Vietnamese students, entry requirements are assessed individually. An IDP counsellor can help you confirm whether your local qualifications meet the thresholds for your chosen course. 

The requirements 

To apply for an you need to be enrolled full-time in a recognised institution listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Short-term English language courses do not qualify for this visa category. 

Visa checklist 

• [ ] Confirmed letter of acceptance from your institution 

• [ ] Proof of tuition fee payment (at least one semester in advance) 

• [ ] Private medical insurance covering your stay 

• [ ] Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses 

• [ ] Valid passport (must cover the full duration of your course) 

• [ ] Completed visa application form 

When you arrive in Ireland, register with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) within 90 days to receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP). 

If you’re a student from Vietnam, you’ll need to apply for a Type D Study Visa through your nearest Irish embassy or consulate before you travel. Start this process at least three to four months before your intended departure date. Your IDP counsellor can advise on the current accepted payment methods and processing timelines for your country. 

  Timeline 

Ireland has two main intake periods: 

• September: Main intake, with the widest course availability 

• January or February: Secondary intake, available for select programmes 

Apply for your visa at least three months before your intended start date. Processing times vary, so the earlier you begin, the better. 

You don't have to fund your entire degree out of pocket. Several are open to international students coming to Ireland: 

• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships: Covers fees and a living stipend for one academic year. Highly competitive, but absolutely worth applying for. 

• Science Foundation Ireland-linked grants: For students pursuing STEM or research-based programmes. 

• University-specific bursaries: Many Irish universities offer their own merit and need-based awards. Check the financial aid page of your chosen institution directly. 

There are also local government scholarships that may support your studies abroad. The Vietnam International Education Development (VIED) programme and MOET scholarships are available for postgraduate applicants. 

For more information on scholarships, check out our . 

Start your search as early as possible, especially if you're heading to Dublin, where demand consistently outpaces supply. Your main options are: 

• On-campus residences: Convenient and great for meeting other students, but spots fill up fast 

• Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): Private, modern facilities with bills often included 

• Private rentals: More independence, but requires more legwork and a solid understanding of tenancy agreements 

Many universities offer an accommodation portal or waiting list for international students. Register as soon as your offer is confirmed.

As a full-time international student in Ireland on a Stamp 2 visa, you're permitted to : 

• 20 hours per week during term time (including Easter break, even if you have no classes) 

• 40 hours per week during summer (June, July, August, and September) and the winter holiday period (15 December to 15 January) 

This is a practical way for you to cover living expenses, gain local experience, and grow your professional network while you study. 

Ireland punches well above its weight as a global business hub. The European headquarters of companies like Google, Meta, Apple, Pfizer, and Goldman Sachs are all based in Dublin, making it one of the best places in the world to start an international career. 

High-demand sectors include technology, pharmaceutical and MedTech, and international financial services. IT, business, and STEM graduates from Irish universities are increasingly valued in Southeast Asian job markets, particularly as regional demand for internationally educated professionals continues to grow. 

The Irish reputation for friendliness is well-earned. Most universities have a dedicated international student office that runs orientation programmes and social events to help you settle in quickly. 

IDP also provides pre-departure support so you know what to expect before you land. You can access guidance on what to pack, cultural adjustments, and how to connect with other students from your home country who are already studying in Ireland. 

Make your move to Ireland with IDP 

Ireland is a genuine gateway, offering world-class education, a post-study work pathway, and access to a continent's worth of career opportunities. But navigating applications, visas, scholarships, and course choices on your own can get overwhelming fast. 

IDP's education counsellors know the Irish system inside and out. They can help you find the right course, plan your finances, and track your application in real time through the IDP Live app, all at no cost to you. 

Ready to start? Enquire with us to book your free counselling session with an IDP education expert today. 

You can also find out , learn more about what our free study abroad counselling covers, and explore from your first enquiry all the way to arrival.