Nursing Courses in Ireland for International Students
Learn, qualify, grow.
Many international students ask whether they can study nursing in Ireland. The answer depends on whether you are already a qualified nurse. This guide explains undergraduate access, postgraduate options, fees, visas and work rights.
Two very different situations
- You are not yet a nurse and want to study a nursing degree in Ireland.
- You are already a qualified nurse and want to study further, register in Ireland or both.
The options and advice are different for each.
Undergraduate nursing for non-EU students
Undergraduate nursing places in Ireland are limited, largely because every student needs clinical placements in Irish hospitals. Most places are allocated through the CAO to EU students. Some universities offer a small number of places to non-EU students through direct application, often at international fee rates, but availability is limited and can change year to year. Check each university’s international admissions page carefully before planning.
If you are not yet a nurse, it may be faster and cheaper to qualify in your home country and then apply to the NMBI. See NMBI registration.
Postgraduate options for qualified nurses
Qualified nurses have more options. Irish universities offer postgraduate certificates, diplomas and master’s degrees in areas such as:
- Advanced nursing practice
- Critical care and emergency nursing
- Gerontology and dementia care
- Mental health
- Nursing leadership and management
- Healthcare quality and patient safety
- Public health and global health
Some clinical postgraduate programmes require NMBI registration and a job in an Irish clinical setting, because you complete competencies in practice. Non-clinical master’s programmes, such as leadership or public health, may not require registration.
Important: a course does not replace NMBI registration
Studying a master’s in Ireland does not automatically register you as a nurse. To work as a nurse, you must still apply to the NMBI and meet its requirements, including any compensation measures. Choose a course based on your career goals, not as a shortcut to registration.
Fees
Non-EU students pay international tuition fees, which vary by university and programme. Budget also for living costs, accommodation, health insurance and visa fees. Scholarships exist but are competitive.
Student visa and work rights
Non-EEA students usually need a study visa and, after arrival, register for Stamp 2 permission. Stamp 2 allows part-time work during term and more hours during set holiday periods. You must study a recognised full-time course and meet attendance and financial requirements. Working as a nurse requires NMBI registration, regardless of your student status.
After graduation
Non-EEA graduates of Irish higher education may be eligible for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G), which allows them to stay and look for work for a period after graduation. A nurse who registers with the NMBI and gets a job offer can then move to a Critical Skills Employment Permit. See our nurse visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students study nursing in Ireland?
Undergraduate places for non-EU students are limited. Qualified nurses have more postgraduate options.
Does a master’s in Ireland let me work as a nurse?
No. You still need NMBI registration to practise.
Can nursing students work in Ireland?
Students on Stamp 2 can work part-time within limits, but not as registered nurses without NMBI registration.
What is Stamp 1G?
A permission allowing eligible non-EEA graduates to stay and seek work after graduation.
Already qualified?
Start your NMBI registration instead.