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International

Pre-Departure & Arrival

This is an exciting time as you prepare to travel to Dublin and we look forward to welcoming you.

The safety of students and staff is our key priority, so we are asking our new and returning international students to work with us to ensure we follow Irish public health guidelines to keep our campuses safe.

We hope this information is useful as you prepare to join TU Dublin.

 

Moving country is a big deal and takes a lot of planning. We love a list on our website so here's a quick checklist of what you might need to cross off before you head to the airport;

Documents

  • Ensure that you can access all important documents that you may need to show at immigration when you land; visa, receipt letter for your programme, medical insurance, proof of funds etc
  • Airline tickets
  • Print/write out your accommodation address in case your phone dies
  • Record all important phone numbers and addresses in case of an emergency
  • Local currency. Most transactions are still done through card but if you want to have money, we use Euro.

Packing

  • Check what weight allowance your airline is giving you prior to packing.
  • Ireland has definitive seasons. Ensure you have warm clothes packed for our winter. Remember, you can get a lot here in shops like Penneys and Dunnes Stores.
  • We walk a lot in Dublin, pack comfortable shoes to get your steps in. 
  • Adaptors and chargers for all your devices. 
  • Luggage lock.
  • Pack small toiletries and some spare clothing (if you can fit it) in your hand luggage, in the event that your suitcases are delayed. 

Miscellaneous 

  • Pack something small that reminds you of home and can make your new room really feel like yours.
  • Journal, so you can keep track of all the lovely memories you're about to make. 
  • Screenshots of all the information you need. Accommodation address, all your documents, just in case you can't access the airport Wi-Fi. 

Medical Health Insurance

All Non-EU students must have private health insurance. The insurance policy must cover you from the date you arrive in Ireland until the date you leave. This is an important document to have when you land and when you go to your immigration appointment. 

Your health insurance document must be written in English and have full medical cover for accidents and medical incidents, including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or for the duration of your stay.

The Academic Calendar outlines all the key dates and events for each academic year.  This includes start and end dates for each semester, examinations, reading weeks as well as holiday periods.

What documents should I prepare to show when I arrive at Dublin airport?

When you arrive in Ireland you must show your passport, permit, visa and any other required documentation to the immigration officer at the airport or other port of entry. 

How do I get from the airport to my accommodation?

There are taxis and buses that can bring you in to the city and to your accommodation. Dublin Airports website has a list of ways for you to plan your journey. 

How much will transport cost from the airport? 

As TU Dublin has five locations in Dublin. The journey will vary depending on the location of your accommodation. In a taxi to our locations it will be around €25 - €40. €25 being a city centre drop off and the higher amount being a Tallaght accommodation drop off. If you are sharing a taxi, this would be the better option for you as an Eircoach one way ticket to the city centre is €8 but won't leave you to your door. 

International Students who are due to commence their studies in September 2025 should refer to the following information:

Undergraduate First Year Orientation Dates 2025/26

 

Getting Online Registration Information Orientation Student  ID card Letter confirming registration
Your first communication from TU Dublin will be with  regard to getting online. You will receive an email at your personal account, which will include your student email address and a temporary password. You can register online when you receive your Invitation To Register to your personal email address.

Undergraduate Orientations 
are between 9-12th Sept

Postgraduate Orientations are on the first day of Class

 You can obtain your student ID card from the Student Hub.   You can obtain your letter confirming your registration with us from the from the Student Hub. 

Who to Contact if I do not receive this information?
The Undergraduate & Postgraduate International Admissions Office is here to help you with any queries you may have.

Postgraduate International Admissions Office:
Tel: +353 1 220 6100 Email: pginternational@tudublin.ie 

Undergraduate International Admissions Office: 
Tel: +353 1 220 6100 Email: ug.international@tudublin.ie 

 

Useful links

 

Within TU Dublin Outside TU Dublin
Complete Registration

You can get your Student Card at the events organised by the University. The times/dates when you can pick them up, depend on the campus you are based.

Letters you may require

Once you collect your Student Card you should request a letter from Student Services. You will need the following:

  • One letter to complete registration with Immigration
  • One to open a bank account
  • One to obtain a PPSN to allow you to work part-time
Register with Immigration

This is a very important process as you will require your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) for a range of services;

  • To get a PPSN (to work part-time)
  • To re-enter the country if you leave
  • To show a state official if requested
How to Register with Immigration
  • Make an appointment on this website only – it can take a long time to get an appointment so be prepared to try several times.
  • You will receive an email that tells you what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
  • Attend the appointment at the following address: 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
  • You must pay the registration fee of €300 with a bank/credit card. Cash will not be accepted.
Opening a Bank Account
  • To open a bank account you usually apply in a branch or online.
  • Before you open a bank account, you have to provide proof of your identity and verify your address.
  • If you apply online, you still need to provide your documents. Most banks need hard-copy forms of documentation to be submitted in-branch or by post after you have completed your online application.

Examples: 

  • Traditional Banks: Bank of Ireland, AIB & Permanent TSB
  • Online/Mobile Banks: N26 & Revolut

The University does not recommend or endorse any bank of financial institution. The examples shown are for reference and not endorsements. Students should consult the Competition & Consumer Protection Commission for independent advice.

Getting a PPSN

You can apply online for a PPSN 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 and your IRP Card.
  • Your Confirmation of Registration letter from TU Dublin as evidence of why you need a PPS number and proof of address.
Travelling outside Ireland
  • Once you have your IRP card you do not require a re-entry visa while it is still valid.

  • Ireland is NOT part of the Schengen zone so you may require a visa to travel to other EU member states. Similarly, you may require a visa to travel to the Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  • While there is no border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, it is part of the UK. You may require a visa to visit there, if you want to visit the Giant’s Causeway etc.