Welcome to IADT!
Now that you’re here, you’ll need to settle in! Being an international student is challenging, so we’ve compiled a list of resources and tips on how to get started on your life as a student in Ireland.
PPSN (Personal Public Services Number)
A PPSN, or Personal Public Service Number, is a unique reference number used in Ireland to access public services, social welfare benefits, and information. It is essential for various interactions with government agencies and is used for taxation, social welfare, and other public services, and will benefit you largely in the long run.
A PPSN (Personal Public Service Number) is required if you want to work in Ireland even on a part-time basis. You can apply for a PPSN online after fully registering and securing your long-term accommodation. To apply online, you should follow these steps:
Set up a basic MyGovID Account at https://www.mygovid.ie
Go to MyWelfare.ie and apply online for a PPSN.
For your PPSN application, you will need:
Your Passport or EU/EEA National Identity Card
IADT PPSN Letter, which you can order from the Information point by emailing info@iadt.ie, or (if you're employed) an official letter from your employer confirming your employment, including start date or actual start date.
Proof of address (A document showing your current address, not older than 3 months, is needed. Acceptable documents include: a household utility bill (electricity, gas, etc.), a bank statement, a tenancy agreement or lease, or an official letter or document from a recognised authority.
Transportation
In order to benefit from cheaper transportation in Ireland, you’ll require a Leap Card. You can order your Student Leap Card online before you travel to Ireland and then validate it once you have received your IADT student card:
Standard Leap Cards (more expensive than the Student Leap Cards) can be purchased at Ticket Vending Machines in stations within the Short Hop Zone or online at www.leapcard.ie or in selected retail outlets. TFI Leap Cards are also available in many PostPoint outlets, as well as all post offices nationwide.
The most convenient way to get to IADT is by taking the 7D or E2 bus or the DART to Dun Laoghaire, then a ~30-minute walk or the E2.
You can also use the following website to plan your journey to IADT: https://www.transportforireland.ie/plan-a-journey/
Immigration
If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland:
As an EU citizen, you can take up employment or self-employment without needing an employment permit. This also applies to citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), and Switzerland. Please note you should apply for a PPSN if you intend to work while here in Ireland. The following concerns only students who are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
If you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland:
If you have a nationality that is not EU/EEA or Swiss, you are considered an International student. You will need to find out if you will need a visa to enter Ireland before you make any travel plans.
You can do so here: Visit Ireland - Travel Path - Immigration Service Delivery.
Visa requiring means you will need a visa to enter Ireland. You will not be given entry to Ireland at immigration if you have not been granted a visa. It is advised that applicants who need a visa to enter Ireland apply at least 8-12 weeks before they intend to travel to allow enough time to get their visa.
Examples of Visa requiring countries: India, Pakistan, Palestine, Nigeria
Non-Visa Requiring- You don’t need a visa to enter Ireland, but you must present yourself within 90 days for an extension on your stay. Applicants who do not need a visa to enter Ireland (Canada and the US, for example) do not need to apply for a visa before they arrive, but they must apply to extend their visitor permission within 90 days of arrival. More info here.
Examples of Non-Visa requiring countries: United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil
For more information and guidance, please visit the International Student Hub here: International Student Hub - IADT
Or you can find more information regarding the application process here: International Admissions - IADT
For further advice and support, please don’t hesitate to contact:
Admissions Office:
Please note that the admissions office deals with all international admissions queries. You can find them at admissions@iadt.ie or by phone on +3531 239 4612/ +3531 239 4621
International Office:
Any International queries relating to anything other than admissions (i.e, VISA and Immigration concerns) can be directed to international@iadt.ie
Working Part-time
International Students are permitted to take up casual employment of up to 20 hours part-time work per week in term time or up to 40 hours per week during college vacation periods, that being from June to September inclusive and from 15 December to 15 January. Your entitlement to take up employment ceases when your permission to remain expires.
A PPSN (Personal Public Services Number) is required if you want to work in Ireland even on a part-time basis.
Internships + Placements:
The internship or work placement part of the programme cannot exceed 50% of the duration of the programme, e.g. a 4-year programme would permit 2 years of work placement. In addition, the employment cannot be in a self-employed capacity.
Work placements must form an integral part of an academic programme, which contributes to the final award.
Educational facilities must also ensure that the placements are suited to the programme being pursued.
Further information on placements can be found here: https://www.educationinireland.com/en/living-in-ireland/while-you-re-in-ireland/working-in-ireland/
Open a Bank Account
In order to get paid, you will need to open a bank account in Ireland. IADT will issue you a letter to help with is process. You can simply email info@iadt.ie to request this when you have fully enrolled
The traditional banks in Ireland include:
Allied Irish Bank (AIB)
Bank of Ireland (BOI)
Permanent TSB
You will likely need the following documents to open a bank account:
Passport
IADT Student Card
IADT Bank Letter (From the Info Point)
Proof of permanent address in Ireland. The following are usually accepted as proof and must be dated within 6 months.
A utility bill, e.g., a gas/electricity/mobile phone
A document issued by a government department that shows your address.
Your IADT Bank letter confirming your address will be helpful here if you have no other proof of address
A letter from your landlord/rental contract can also be used