We can arrange a pick-up service to bring you from the Airport to your designated accommodation safely and comfortably.

Induction day is an essential day for new students. On this day, our academic management and student support teams will walk you through our internal procedures and explain the departments and the roles they play in supporting you during your time with us in Ireland.
On induction day you will also learn about our wide range of events, extra activities and everything that you will need to know to take your first steps on this new adventure.

Our aim is to make you feel at home in Ireland. Your accommodation is an extremely important part of your whole experience. The different locations where we accommodate students are all close to public transport, shopping centres, supermarkets and banks. With ICOT College you can rest assured that we will provide you with quality accommodation that best suits your needs.

Student Accommodation

Living in student accommodation offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow students and build lifelong friendships. Beyond the classroom, sharing meals, discussing daily lessons, and experiencing student life together create strong bonds that enhance your college experience.

Please note that student accommodation is currently available only in Cork.

Hostels

Hostels offer high-quality accommodation at a low price. The ICOT College partner hostels are in the heart of Dublin City. The City Centre and the Temple Bar area, famous for the lively pubs, restaurants and cultural events, are within an easy walking distance of our hostels.

Please note that Hostels is currently available only in Dublin.

Alternative Accommodation

Undoubtedly, one of the most important things when arriving in Ireland is finding permanent accommodation. With a permanent address, you'll be able to open a bank account at an Irish bank, apply for your student visa, and save money, as the prices for long-term rooms are better than student accommodations, hostels, or host families.

To find permanent accommodation in Ireland, here are some steps a student can take:

You can also search for accommodation in advertisements in shops, college notice boards and Facebook Groups, which are very efficient. You may also find available accommodation through word of mouth.

1. Research Online: Utilise various online platforms and websites dedicated to housing listings. Popular websites include:
DAFT: www.daft.ie

RENT: www.rent.ie

MY HOME: www.myhome.ie

PROPERTY: www.property.ie

LET: www.let.ie
These platforms allow you to filter your search based on preferences such as location, price range, and property type.
2. Join Student Accommodation Groups: Look for social media groups or online forums specifically for student accommodation. These groups often have postings from landlords or other students looking for roommates.
3. Contact Letting Agencies: Reach out to local letting agencies that specialise in student accommodation. They can provide you with a list of available properties or add you to their waiting lists.
4. Consider Commuting Options: If you are unable to find suitable accommodation close to the city centre, consider areas with good transportation links. Both Cork and Dublin have an extensive bus network, and proximity to bus stops or train stations can make commuting easier and cheaper.
5. Be Prepared: When contacting landlords or letting agencies, be prepared with necessary documents such as proof of enrollment, references, and a deposit. Having these ready can help you secure a place more quickly.
6. Consider Sharing Accommodation: Sharing a house or apartment with other students can be a cost-effective option. Look for potential roommates within your School or student community.

HOW TO AVOID SCAMS

Just because you're in Europe doesn't mean you're immune to scams! There are bad-intentioned individuals everywhere in the world. Some of these people try to take advantage of newly arrived students in the country by offering non-existent houses, abusive contracts, inflated prices, and so on. Therefore, only rent houses that you have visited and do not make payments to third parties! If there is a contract, read it carefully to ensure you agree with the rules imposed by the landlord. Here are some additional tips to better prepare yourself when searching for your room in Ireland:

1. Visit the Property in Person: Always try to visit the property and meet the landlord or agent in person before making any payments or signing a lease. This will help you verify the authenticity of the listing and assess the condition of the accommodation.
2. Be Cautious with Online Listings: While online platforms are convenient for searching accommodation, be vigilant of potential scams. Look for red flags such as unusually low prices, generic or stolen photos, and poor grammar in the listing description. Stick to well-known and reputable rental platforms Daft.ie, MyHome.ie or HostingPower.ie. These platforms often have verification processes in place to minimise the risk of scams.
3. Research the Landlord or Agency: Gather as much information as possible about the landlord or letting agency. Search for their contact details, website, and online presence. Check if they have any reviews or if there are any reports of scam associated with their name.
4. Avoid Upfront Payments: Be cautious of landlords or agents wh ask for large upfront payments or deposits without any form documentation or contract. It is common to pay a security deposit and the first month's rent, but ensure you have a written agreement outlining the terms and conditions. Be cautious of landlords agents who insist on payment through wire transfers and unconventional methods. These methods can be difficult to trace recover if a scam occurs. Whenever possible, opt for secure payment methods like bank transfers or online payment platforms.
5. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts. Scammers often try to rush you into making quick decisions or create a sense of urgency. Take your time and do thorough research before committing to anything.
6. Seek Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from friends, fellow students, or your school advisors. They may have reliable contacts or resources to help you find legitimate accommodation options.

Remember, it's always better to be cautious and take necessary steps to verify the legitimacy of accommodation listings than to fall victim to a scam. Read and understand the terms of the lease agreement before signing anything, and if something seems suspicious, seek professional advice.

Health Insurance is a requirement of the study visa for non-EU students to take out private healthcare. For non-EU students who do not have current Health Insurance arrangements in place, ICOT will arrange student medical cover with Academy Plus. These policies cover emergency medical expenses, emergency travel and repatriation expenses, and are compliant with the applicable visa regulations. Please check your cover to understand the coverage regulation and claim process.

ICOT College, in partnership with Academy Plus, provides Learner Protection in line with ILEP requirements, which offers students peace of mind concerning fee security and guaranteed course sustainability. Students' total fees are protected under this scheme in situations where courses lose their external accreditation or in the event of organisational insolvency. Under the learner protection policy students will be placed into a similar course at an alternative centre or refund a student's fees in cases where no similar course is available. ICOT College provides all students with learner protection insurance and all students receive a certificate ensuring the insurance is in place upon the commencement of their course. Please check your cover to understand the coverage regulation and claim process.

The ICOT Student platform simplifies the process of checking your attendance, requesting time off, tracking your assessments, and so much more!

Student Portal

Attendance

Request Forms

Important Dates

Course Information

Career Advice

Our Student Support team is focused on assisting you during your whole experience abroad while studying at ICOT College. If you have doubts about the visa process, bank details or the best websites to look for accommodation, you can always contact us.

STUDENT SUPPORT FOR YOUR CV

You will have so much to do while settling into your new life in Ireland.
To facilitate your process, we have student support for your CV that will help you organise it to the European standard and also support you in transforming your experience into abilities employers in Ireland consider the most.
The CV class is ideal for General English students, as the classes and instructions are easy to understand and engaging by the instructors and participants. Our student advisor, Charles Cordeiro, has about ten years of experience in Business Management in Ireland, responsible for Staff Training and Recruitment.
Holding a Major Award in Business Management and Honours Degree in Pharmaceutical Business Operations from Griffith College Dublin.

Social Activities

We have different language classes, conversation classes, CV support and much more from Monday to Friday usually after the afternoon classes.

Please be aware that each payment method may include different fees.

At ICOT College we understand that our international students often get frustrated by the added expense of transfer fees when paying their tuition and accommodation payments. To help our students, we have teamed up with some companies to help you pay your tuition fees without wasting precious funds on additional charges:

Flywire*

Global Payments Solution — We create flexible, integrated payment experiences that address your unique challenges. Helping organizations get paid and customers pay with ease from anywhere in the world. Local payment options. Improved collection. Uncompromising experience. Find more about

Watch this video to see how Flywire works

What are the Benefits?

Pay in your local currency or EURO €
Avoid bank fees and extra charges
Exchange rate guarantee when making a bank transfer - if you find a better rate within two hours, Flywire will match it
Track your payment in real-time and receive email and text alerts each step of the way, including a confirmation your payment has been securely delivered to ICOT
24/7 multilingual customer support via email, phone or live chat.
Its acept VISA, Master Card, PayPal, JCB, UnionPay, AliPay, Diners Club, and Trustly

TransferMate*

International students with an overseas bank account or card can pay their fees and deposits through PaytoStudy in their own currency with no currency conversion fees and beneficial exchange rates. As payments are made locally to ICOT College, wire and receiver fees usually imposed by banks are eliminated. Payments are processed within 48 hours and upon receipt of payment, the school begins the student enrolment process. Find more about

What are the Benefits?

A Safer payment process
No international sender/receiver fees
Great exchange rates
24-hour customer service from PaytoStudy
24-hour online tracking of payments
Bulk payment options

PayPal*

PayPal is the faster, more secure way to pay online. It lets you pay for your favorite things at millions of online stores in the U.S. and across 203 global markets—all without the hassle of converting currency. So it’s just as easy to know how much you’re spending as it is to spend it. It’s free to sign up for a PayPal account and it’s safe to use: whether you are paying bills, sending money or making a purchase, PayPal works hard to keep your financial information secure. Find more about

SumUp*

SumUp‘s proprietary, end-to-end payments platform is the first fully-certified EMV mPOS system in the world to cover the entire payment process: card terminals, Android and iOS mobile apps, a payment processing platform and risk and anti-fraud solutions. Find more about

WeChat*

If you have a WeChat account you can use WeChat Pay to send fast mobile payments to other WeChat users, and participating merchants¹. It's important to note that you can only send money to people who either already have a WeChat account, or who could set one up in order to access the funds.Find more about

Stripe*

Stripe guarantee a secure payment with 135+ currencies and dozens of payment methods. Businesses of every size — from new startups to public companies — use Stripe to make payments and manage their businesses online.Find more about

What is the Student Leap Card?

The Student Leap Card is a special discount card available to students in Ireland. It provides discounted fares on public transportation, including buses and trains, making it more affordable for students to travel around the city and beyond. The card also offers discounts at various retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues, helping students save money on everyday expenses.

STEPS:

Apply online at www.leapcard.ie

2. Pay the application fee;
3. Collect your card at a designated pick-up point;

Student_Social_Welfare_Policy

In Ireland, the PPS (Personal Public Service) number is a unique identifier issued to individuals for their interactions with public service agencies. It is similar to a Social Security number in other countries. The PPS number is used for various purposes, including taxation, social welfare benefits, healthcare, and employment.
The PPS number is issued by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). It consists of seven digits followed by either one or two letters. The number is unique to each individual and remains the same throughout their lifetime.
Basically, students need a PPS number in order to formally work in the country and be able to pay for their taxes regularly. It is common that companies ask for someone's PPS number when doing an interview.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE PPS NUMBER: To obtain a PPS Number in Ireland, students need to follow the steps:
1. Create an User in https://www.mygovid.ie/;
2. Login at MyWelfare.ie using your GovID User;
3. Look for the option to apply for a PPS Number;
4. Follow the steps in the website;
Students need to choose the reason why they need a PPS Number. The reason valid for students is the one saying they started a job in the country.
5. Upload the required documentation:
· Passport;
. Proof of Address;
. Proof of the reason they informed (In this case, it can be proved by a letter issued by their employer confirming their employment details; or an employment contract);
6. After submitting the documents, students need to check the notifications along the days to see if any supporting document is required;
7. If new documents are not requested, students just need to wait between 2-4 weeks and a letter with the PPS number is sent via post;
8. There may be a possibility that students need to go in person to the office to finalise the process. In this case, an email will be sent with the appointment details and students must bring all original documents for a face to face analysis.
If students have any doubt regarding this process, they are very welcome to discuss it further with their ICOT Advisors.

Finding a job in Ireland as a student-visa holder can be an exciting opportunity. Here are some steps to help you in your job search:

1. Understand your visa restrictions: There are certain restrictions on the number of hours students can work per week. In Ireland, students will be allowed 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 the vacation periods stated in the Irish calendar, which is from June to September, inclusive, and from 15th December to 15th January. Familiarise yourself with these restrictions and ensure that any job you seek is within those limits.
2. Network: Networking is crucial for finding job opportunities. Attend career events, industry meet-ups, and conferences related to your field of interest. Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn and reach out to them for informational interviews or advice.
It is also important that you communicate with colleagues in your school and roommates, as they may have something to recommend to you. Networking can often lead to hidden job opportunities.
3. Online job portals: Utilise online job portals and websites dedicated to job searches in Ireland, such as Indeed.ie, IrishJobs.ie, or Jobs.ie. These platforms allow you to filter job listings based on location, industry, and other preferences. Upload your CV and apply to relevant job openings.
4. Research local companies: Identify companies in Cork that align with your interests. Visit their websites, check for career sections, and apply directly through their online application systems. It is also common to apply within the stores, so it is highly recommended that you walk along the town and drop your CV in the businesses that you consider a good opportunity.
5. Volunteering: Explore volunteer opportunities related to your field of interest. Not only does volunteering demonstrate your commitment and skills, but it also allows you to expand your network and gain practical experience.
6. Utilise social media: Leverage social media platforms like Linkedln, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with professionals, join relevant groups, and stay updated on job postings. Engage with industry-related content and showcase your expertise to build a professional online presence.
7. Polish your cV/resume and interview skills: Prepare a well-written CV or resume that highlights your skills, education, and any relevant work experience. Tailor it to the specific job you're applying for, emphasising your strengths and how they align with the position. Prepare for job interviews by researching common interview questions, practising your responses, and learning about the company you're applying to. Highlight your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm during the interview to leave a positive impression.

ICOT regularly offers CV classes to its students. These classes aim to help students to build their CV's and to prepare for a job interview in Ireland. It is free to join and we encourage all new students to participate in it. Please consult your ICOT Advisor to get more information.

Airport Pickup

Induction Day & School Tour

Accommodation

Student Accommodation

Hostels

Alternative Accommodation

To find permanent accommodation in Ireland, here are some steps a student can take:

HOW TO AVOID SCAMS

Health Insurance

Learner Protection

Student Portal

Attendance

Request Forms

Important Dates

Course Information

Student Support & Trainings

Career Advice

STUDENT SUPPORT FOR YOUR CV

Social Activities

Payment Options

Flywire*

Watch this video to see how Flywire works

What are the Benefits?

TransferMate*

What are the Benefits?

PayPal*

SumUp*

WeChat*

Stripe*

Transport

What is the Student Leap Card?

STEPS:

Students Social Welfare policy

Student_Social_Welfare_Policy

What is the PPS number

Working in Ireland

Finding a job in Ireland as a student-visa holder can be an exciting opportunity. Here are some steps to help you in your job search: