Education & Student Visas

Yes. International protection applicants have the right to study in Ireland.

If you are coming to Ireland to study and you are from a country outside the EU/EEA, you generally need a student visa or permit (Stamp 2). 

Primary and secondary education:

Children who are in the international protection system can attend primary and secondary school on the same basis as all other children. This is an express right under Irish law. 

If a school place is refused or delayed, Doras can provide advice and advocate on your behalf..

Third-level (college/university) education

Adult international protection applicants do not have an automatic right to enter third-level education or to receive state funding like Irish/EU students do.

You can apply to universities and colleges and be accepted, but many institutions apply non-EU tuition fees by default, and international protection applicants are treated similarly to international students for fee purposes. 

You are eligible to apply for State funding once you are ordinarily resident in Ireland for 3 years. These 3 years start after you receive a positive decision on your IPA.

If you have labour market access permission, www.fetch.ie have loads of accessible and free courses for international protection applicants, and PLCs (Post Leaving Cert Courses) are available for the €200-300 fee. 

Some universities participate in University of Sanctuary programmes and offer Sanctuary Scholarships that can waive fees and help with costs for international protection applicants and refugees.

Applications are made online through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), more information here. You’ll need to provide:

  • Proof of course acceptance
  • Financial evidence
  • Proof of private medical insurance
  • Supporting documentation (e.g., passport, photos)

Doras offers a wide range of education-focused services to support international protection applicants, migrants and refugees, including: 

  • Referrals to English language classes
  • Free conversational English classes through Fáilte Isteach
  • Online courses through SaorEd (English, IT and career skills)
  • Information and advice on study options
  • Support with immigration, international protection and discrimination issues affecting education access
  • Information on accessing further and higher education 

Yes. Doras offers free weekly conversational English classes through the Fáilte Isteach project. No registration is needed - just come along. They happen every Thursday, from  10am – 12pm at the Christchurch Hall, V94 XF38, Limerick City centre.

We have limited availability for beginner classes, please email info@doras.org to enquire about waiting lists. These classes are seasonal and funding-dependent, and usually run from Spring to Winter months, subject to funding availability.

We can also refer you to other English courses in your area.

Our services are available to:

  • International protection applicants
  • Refugees
  • Undocumented migrants
  • Students and workers with permits
  • Migrants facing language, education, or status barriers

 

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