Visiting Student Information Guide

Welcome to University College Cork, Ireland! 

This guide provides the essential details you need to prepare for your time with us, including academics, campus resources, housing, and student life. We hope it helps you settle in smoothly and make the most of your experience as a valued member of our community.

Click here to view the information guide: Visiting Student Information Guide for Accepted Students

Pre-Arrival Webinar – We will host an online session approximately one month before your arrival in Ireland. During this webinar, you will receive important information about preparing for your journey, academic expectations, accommodation, immigration requirements, campus services, and student life. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with staff to help ensure a smooth transition to Ireland.

Housing

The UCC Accommodation & Community Life office runs a centralised placement service for incoming international & Erasmus students.

We will send you the housing application form after you have received your letter of acceptance. 

Please apply for admission as soon as possible to get access to our housing application form.

Students are asked to budget at least 6,000euro per semester for housing

• Visiting Students are not to apply to the main housing lottery- this is for full degree students only
• It is not possible to apply for this service until you have accepted an offer to study at UCC. 
• For more details, please click here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/accommodation/accomadvice/internationals/

Arriving to Cork

Travelling from the airport to Cork

• Check out our Getting to Cork webpage
• Please make sure you have researched/planned how to get from the airport you arrive into to your housing in Cork.
• This is the student's responsibility. 
• We do not provide airport pick up.

Arriving to your housing in Cork

• Please make sure you have discussed a move-in time/date with your housing complex in Cork.
• Do not assume they will be open when you arrive without notice. 
• Please reach out to your complex directly with questions about moving in.

Orientation

• The International Office team will meet you at orientation. 
• Exact details of times/locations will be provided before you arrive to Cork

Living in Ireland

International Student Support Information Hub

Moving to a new university, new city, and new country is exciting, but not without challenges. Our website is designed to give you as much assistance as possible before you arrive in Ireland, after you arrive at UCC and when living in Cork. 

Click here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/international/studentinfohub/

Visa and Immigration

Visa and Immigration is the responsibility of the student

International Student Support Information Hub

Step 1- Check if you need a visa to enter Ireland

Check if you need a visa to enter Ireland here: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-study-in- ireland/study-in-ireland-travel-path/

Passport holders of the following countries currently do not need a visa to enter Ireland (subject to change)

• USA, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Singapore +More.
• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they follow the correct visa and immigration process. 

Step 2- Arriving into Ireland

All students must have their printed UCC Letter of Acceptance with them to show the immigration officer at the airport

The immigration officer may also ask to see additional documentation. You will also need this documentation for your immigration appointment.

1. Proof of finances: Information on Student Finances - Immigration Service Delivery

2. Stamp 2A (Visiting Students) required documentation: Required Documents - Immigration Service Delivery

• The letter confirming you have paid your UCC tuition fees will be provided to you by UCC. 
• The academic transcript requirement is a copy of your home university academic transcript (not UCC transcript)

Step 3- After arrival

Irish Residence Permit (IRP)Card

Those of you who enter Ireland with a non-European Union passport will be required to register with the Immigration office in Dublin city in order to obtain your Irish Residence Permit (IRP)Card. 

This card will enable you to travel in and out of the country during your semester at UCC.

• You must book an appointment online. They do not permit ‘walk-ins’.
• You cannot book this appointment until after you have arrived to Ireland
• Cost: 300euro (subject to change)
• Visiting Students will be considered as stamp 2A

Pre-arrival webinar and Orientation

During the pre-arrival webinar and orientation, our International Student Support Officers will provide an immigration information session on the registration process. 

Immigration Registration Process

• We will provide a pre-arrival webinar and a session during orientation to guide you through the immigration process.
• Learn more here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/international/studentinfohub/beforeyouarrive/visaandimmigration/

Arriving into Ireland

• Suggested documents to present at border control - Immigration Service Delivery
• Information on registering your immigration permission for the first time - Immigration Service Delivery

Working in Ireland

Visiting non-EU students on a stamp 2A are not permitted to work while studying due to immigration policy.