What Should I Know Before Coming to Ireland?
What Should I Know Before Coming to Ireland?
Accommodation in Ireland
Ireland is currently experiencing a housing shortage. Accommodation can be difficult to find, particularly in Dublin, and rental prices are high.
ELTA is not able to arrange accommodation for students, so we strongly recommend that you organise temporary accommodation before travelling to Ireland. This will give you time to look for suitable longer-term accommodation after you arrive.
If you do not have friends, family or other contacts you can stay with, another option is to book a hostel for your first days or weeks in Dublin. Generator Dublin is approximately 900 metres from ELTA and can provide a convenient temporary base while you search for longer-term accommodation.
Alternatively, staying with a host family can be a good option, particularly if you would prefer to have accommodation arranged for a longer initial period.
Our students have consistently given positive feedback about the following host family agencies:
Both agencies arrange host family accommodation in Dublin and can be contacted directly regarding availability and prices.
We recommend arranging your initial accommodation well in advance of your arrival, as demand in Dublin can be high, particularly at busy times of the year.
Full Cost of Studying and Living in Dublin
Information for International Learners
Estimated costs for 2026/27
Important: The figures below are indicative estimates intended to help international learners plan the overall cost of studying and living in Dublin. Actual costs vary depending on accommodation type, location, lifestyle, travel requirements and individual circumstances. ELTA does not guarantee that these estimates represent the actual amount a learner will spend.
Indicative Monthly Living Budget
For planning purposes, a learner living independently in Dublin should consider budgeting approximately:
€1,250–€2,300+ per month
This indicative range includes typical accommodation, food, local transport, communications and personal expenses but does not include ELTA tuition fees, immigration/registration charges, international travel or other major one-off expenses.
Learners choosing higher-cost accommodation or living closer to central Dublin may spend considerably more.
Example Budget for a Six-Month Stay
ELTA tuition fees and any applicable immigration/registration fees are additional.
The above six-month calculation is an illustrative planning estimate only. Individual costs may be higher or lower.
Additional Costs for International Learners
Depending on nationality and immigration status, learners may also need to budget for:
- visa application costs, where applicable;
- immigration registration costs, where applicable;
- medical/health insurance;
- flights to and from Ireland;
- accommodation deposits;
- utility bills where not included in accommodation;
- examination or certification fees, where applicable;
- travel outside Dublin; and
- other personal expenses.
Learners should check the current requirements and fees with the relevant Irish authorities before travelling to Ireland.
Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the largest variable costs for international learners in Dublin.
Costs can vary significantly according to:
- location;
- type of accommodation;
- whether the learner has a private or shared room;
- whether meals are included;
- length of stay;
- availability; and
- time of year.
Learners are strongly advised to arrange accommodation as early as possible and to establish the full cost, including any deposit, utilities or additional charges, before entering into an accommodation agreement.
Immigration and Financial Planning
Learners who require immigration permission should ensure that they understand the financial requirements associated with their intended stay before travelling to Ireland.
Immigration rules, registration fees and financial requirements can change. Learners should therefore consult current information from the relevant Irish Government authorities rather than relying solely on historic figures or information from third parties.
Important Information About These Estimates
The figures provided by ELTA are indicative estimates only.
ELTA:
- does not guarantee accommodation prices;
- does not control third-party accommodation or living costs;
- does not guarantee transport, insurance or healthcare prices;
- does not include optional personal expenditure within tuition fees; and
- cannot guarantee that individual learners will spend within the estimated ranges.
Prospective learners should consider their own circumstances and allow an appropriate financial contingency when planning their studies in Ireland.
Information Sources and Review
ELTA uses appropriate and, where possible, official or reputable sources when preparing these estimates, including information relating to:
- accommodation;
- public transport;
- immigration and registration;
- health insurance;
- general living costs; and
- other significant costs affecting international learners.
The information is reviewed periodically and updated where significant changes occur.
Date of information: August 2026
Next scheduled review: August 2027
Responsible person: School Director
Where a significant change in accommodation, transport, immigration, insurance or other major costs occurs before the scheduled annual review, ELTA will review and update this information as appropriate.