Everyone arriving in Ireland has to pass through Immigration control. If you have obtained all the necessary documents in your home country before leaving, you should not have any problems on arrival.

Meet NCI Students

Check your visa status before travelling to Ireland. 

Applying for a study visa to enter Ireland

Students from certain countries will need an entry visa before arriving in Ireland. Check the Irish Immigration Service website to see if your country is exempt or requires one. You must complete the online visa application using AVATS - the online facility at www.visas.inis.gov.ie.

We strongly advise students to work with one of our trusted agents for their visa application. Please note that NCI cannot advise on individual visa applications.

You should read the visa application details very carefully and understand what documents you are required to submit.

Checking your visa status

You should apply as early as possible for your visa for it to be processed. Each country will have a different processing time, which can range from one week to four months.

You can track your visa on the Irish Immigration Service website. This shows current processing time and visa decisions, and is updated weekly.

If you are refused a visa you may appeal the decision within 2 months. However, as this would affect your date of arrival in NCI you may need to seek advice on latest possible arrival date from our International Office or potentially defer to the next available intake.

Our advice on your visa application

  1. Ensure your passport is valid for 12 months.
  2. Make sure you have your medical insurance before you submit your application.
  3. Show that you have enough money to support yourself while in Ireland. All students are required to show evidence that they have access to at least €10,000 per year of their studies. If the duration of the course is less than 6 months, they must have access to €700 per month of their stay or €4,200, whichever is the lesser.   
  4. Make sure you explain any gaps in your CV.
  5. Explain why you want to be a student at NCI and what you plan to do after you graduate.
  6. Make sure you understand your chosen course and its modules.

Registering with immigration in Dublin

All students, whether you need an entry visa for Ireland or not, are required to register with the immigration authorities in Dublin. Once registered, you will receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card which will give you permission to remain in Ireland for the duration stated on the IRP card. Students on an academic course lasting more than one year in duration will be required to re-register with the immigration authorities in each year of study and receive an updated IRP card each time.

This process is fully explained to Students during the Welcome programme.  We also have a number of visa articles on the NCI website.

Defer Your Place

We understand that applicants circumstances can change, which can lead to a change in their study plans.  Please read the below information carefully to understand the NCI deferral process.

Offer Holders

Offer holders have made an application to NCI and not confirmed / secured a place yet. They may have a conditional or unconditional offer. They may have made partial payments but have not met the tuition fee threshold required to secure a place.

In this instance applicants are permitted to defer their place to the next available intake. Please note that once deferred your place is still not secured until you meet the tuition fee threshold required to secure a place.

Confirmed Place Holders

Confirmed Place Holders have an NCI fees receipt to confirm they have made sufficient payment to secure a place. They may have a conditional or unconditional offer. They have not travelled to Ireland or completed Registration to start at NCI.

Deferral Process for Offer Holders and Confirmed Place Holders

  • Deferrals can only be processed if the applicants preferred intake is open for applications.
  • Deferrals can only be processed if there is available capacity in the preferred deferred intake.
  • Applicants who defer their place, will have the standard academic scholarship for the new intake, listed on their offer letter.
  • Prestige scholarships (e.g. 50% Masters programme scholarships) will not be deferred. Applicants will need to re-apply for any additional scholarships and may not be successful in securing the scholarship for a second time.
  • If an applicant defers their place and subsequently withdraws they can apply for a refund. However, applicants should be familiar with the refund policy as an administration charge will apply.
  • If the application was submitted via an agent the applicant must complete the deferral form and return to their agent, along with a copy of the offer letter and their fee receipt(s). The agent must submit an application for the deferred intake online using the Student ID listed on the original offer letter. If there is available capacity in the preferred deferred intake a new offer letter and updated fee receipt will be issued. 
  • For applicants who applied directly please complete the deferral form and email it to  internationaladmissions@ncirl.ie . If there is available capacity in the preferred deferred intake a new offer letter and updated fee receipt will be issued.

Further Information

If you require further information regarding deferrals, please contact your international education counsellor, or get in touch with our International Office who will be able to assist.