An application form should be completed and returned to our International Office along with transcripts of High School results.

Where applicable, results should be submitted from any other College or University students have attended.

Download the application form in PDF format here.

• An English translation must be provided and all documents should be notarised.

• An application may be assessed using faxed copies or photocopies of any of the above.

• If an applicant is successful, an offer letter will be issued to him or her based on the information provided. Successful applicants may firstly be sent the offer letter by e-mail or fax to confirm that the student is satisfied with all information.

If the student is happy, the original offer letter will be sent by post. For a successful applicant, it will usually take approximately 15 days from the time the college receives the application until the successful applicant receives the original offer letter.This offer letter will also provide information about fees, refund policy and visa application.

• All fees must be paid in full and in advance by bank draft or by bank transfer. Bank account details are provided with the offer letter.

• An acceptance letter is issued when all fees have been paid in full by the successful applicant. Three originals of the acceptance letter are sent to the applicant's postal address. The student uses the acceptance letter to apply for an Irish Study Visa.

• Once the Irish Study Visa has been approved, the student should notify the International Office at Portobello College or The Institute of Education of arrival details. This should be sent at least two weeks prior to arrival in Ireland in order that accommodation and medical insurance can be arranged.

• Accommodation is arranged with a host family for the first four weeks. The students will be notified of the arrangements prior to departure for Ireland. Accommodation costs are paid in advance along with tuition fees

• Medical Insurance is arranged by the College for those travelling to Ireland for the first time. Cover will begin from arrival date in Ireland. It is the student's responsibility to renew medical insurance cover for each subsequent year of their studies in Ireland. Medical Insurance is a requirement for the Irish Study Visa, and must also be paid in advance.

Closing date for Applications

Applications may be accepted up to the start of the Academic Year - usually during September each year.

Entry Requirements:

English Language Students must demonstrate an English Language competency. Students may be required to take a 480- hour English Language Preparation Programme in one of our affiliated English Language Schools in Ireland.

Academic Requirements Applicants to The Institute of education are assessed on an individual case be case basis. Students applying to The Institute of Education must be 17 years of age in July of the year they are sitting their Leaving Certificate Examination.
Applicants to Portobello College are assessed on an individual case by case basis – provided they have completed their final High School Examination.

Time Delays For those applying outside Ireland, please allow sufficient time for Visa processing (check with the Irish Embassy in your home country for the latest visa processing times).

Application Forms Portobello College and The Institute of Education welcome applications from International Students. Students should apply directly to the college.

Download the application form in PDF format here.

Study Visa Application

In general, students from non-European Economic Area countries will need a Study Visa to enter Ireland and should apply to the Irish Embassy or Consolate in their own country.

How to apply for a study visa

Many non-EU students are required to apply for an Irish Study Visa before coming to Ireland.
To view a list of countries for which an Entry Visa is not required please refer to: http://www.justice.ie

If your country is not on this list, you will be required to apply for an Irish Study Visa in an Irish Embassy or Consulate in your own country, if the there is none in your own country then generally in the nearest country to you.

You can also obtain a Visa Application form directly from:

Visa Section
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
13/ 14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2

Telephone (within Ireland) Lo-call 1890 551 500
(Helpline available 10.00am – 12.30pm Monday, Wednesday ad Friday only)

Telephone (outside Ireland) + 353 1 6167700
(Helpline available 10.00am – 12.30pm Monday, Wednesday ad Friday only)

E-mail: visamail@justice.ie

Please contact them directly if you have any queries.
For information on the location of Irish Embassies/ Consulates please go to:
http://wwww.irlgov.ie/iveagh/embassies/abroad.asp

Visa application

Once fees have been transferred to our Bank account, we will fax/e-mail you a copy of the Final Acceptance Letter from the college. We will also send two originals to you by post. One to bring/ send to the Embassy when making your visa application and the other to bring with you to Dublin to show at Emigration at your port of entry.

As soon as you receive the original copy of the final Acceptance Letter, you should complete the Irish Study Visa Application Form. Applications to be submitted to the Irish embassy/ Consulate in (or the one closest) your country.

Please arrange to obtain a copy of the Irish Study Visa Application form now, in order to complete it prior to receiving your final Acceptance Letter.

Please note that for the Irish Study Visa application, you should arrange with your sponsor (parents/ relatives) to also attach the following:

• A current passport
• 4 recent passport photographs
• Visa Application fee
• An original Letter confirming that you have a place At Portobello College and have paid the fees in full (i.e. Final acceptance Letter)
• Letter from your High School and any other college or university attended since leaving high School. Please specify the following:

1. Name of the student
2. Start Date and Completion Date of High School
3. Start Date and Completion Date of College/ University
4. Course Taken at College/ University

It is not necessary to attach academic records for the Irish Study Visa a LETTER containing the above details is what is required.

• If applicable, a letter from any current or previous employer since leaving High School or College. Please specify the following:
• Name of student
• Date started employment
• Date completed employment or state if still in employment
• Position held

• Evidence of your sponsor’s financial ability to support you during your period of studies in Ireland, including an English translation. This should be bank statements (foreign or local), property owned by sponsor, bank shares, business assets, etc. The more evidence of the above, the more confirmation given that your sponsor can maintain you in Ireland.

• Letter from Sponsor confirming that they will support you financially during you period of studies in Ireland.

• Evidence that you intend to return to your own country following your period of study in Ireland, including English translation.

Please remember that if you are transiting through certain countries, you will be required to obtain a transit visa. Please check in advance whether you are required to obtain a transit visa for any countries you may be travelling through on your way to Ireland.

Comprehensive Details on Visa Requirements can be found at: