Study Ireland Step by Step guide 2013/2014
Congratulations on deciding to take the opportunity to study in Ireland! You are currently enrolled for your chosen course. By now you would have paid your tuition fee for the first year and received your original letter of acceptance to the college together with your first week s accommodation confirmation. As you are aware, being a South African / Lesotho / Malawi / Swaziland / Botswana passport holder you need not apply for a visa in order to enter Ireland. This is a privilege that lends itself to a successful entry and subsequent extension from within Ireland in order to study for the full duration of your course. Please take the time to read through the following information. It will highlight the process from here on. Before you leave South Africa please ensure that you have the following: 1. Your original letter of acceptance from Dublin College of Advanced Studies. 2. At least 4000 available to you (cash if possible as this will be deposited into your Irish Bank Account) 3. A return airline ticket (12 month return) 4. Proof of Irish Accommodation 5. Your original certificates if held. (Any qualifications including Matric certificate) 6. Proof of sufficient Insurance (Chartis/AIG 12 month policy) NB: The above-mentioned documents are essential should you wish to gain successful entry into Ireland. The Immigration Officer will need these documents in order to assess you before admitting you into the country. They understand that you, having a visa free status are allowed into the country for a limited period of time. The officer may ask you a number of questions. Do not: Allude to the fact that you intend to work in Ireland State that you intend to reside in a another EU member state Imply that you plan to stay in Ireland longer than the duration of your course Visa Information: For those who do not come from any of the below countries. If your country appears here proceed to Arriving in Ireland. Getting a visa to study in Ireland is straightforward. If you are a resident of the following countries you do not need to have a visa before you arrive. Your visa application can be processed after your arrival in Ireland: Antigua & Barbuda Guatemala Saint Kitts & Nevis Argentina Guyana Saint Lucia Australia Honduras Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Bahamas Iceland Samoa Barbados Israel Seychelles Belize Japan Singapore Bolivia Kiribati Solomon Islands Botswana Lesotho South Africa Brazil Malawi South Korea
Canada Malaysia Swaziland Costa Rica Mexico Taiwan Croatia Nauru Tonga Dominica New Zealand Trinidad & Tobago El Salvador Nicaragua Tuvalu Fiji Panama Uruguay Grenada Paraguay Venezuela The college welcomes all inquiries. Applicants will be referred to our representatives in their home country who will assist them with their application. In the case were no representative is active the college will process applications directly. Should you require any further information about applying for a course our admissions team would be delighted to help, simply send an email to info@dcas.ie. Applications from countries not listed above should be sent to the Irish Embassy or Consulate in the student's home country. If there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in that country, then the application should be submitted to the Irish Embassy in a neighbouring country. When applying for a visa students will need to provide the following original documents with your visa application. All documents must be in English or accompanied by an official translation. Letter of acceptance from the college confirming that you have been accepted on a full time (minimum of 15 hours per week) course of study for a period of one academic year and that course fees have been paid in full. Except in the case of English language study, proof of your level of English. Evidence that you have enough funds ( 7,000) to maintain yourself for the initial part of your stay. In addition to your course fees. Evidence that you or a sponsor have access to at least 7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies. Private medical insurance, (this can be arranged by the college) Confirmation that you intend to return to your country of permanent residence when you leave Ireland. Visas can take up to six weeks to be approved. Details are available on the department of Foreign affairs website: http://www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie The document from here on will detail everything that occurs after arrival in Ireland. OVC up until this point has fulfilled all of its duties and the College takes over from this point on.
College Information Address: 98 Capel Street, Dublin 1, Ireland Phone Number: 00 353 1 8783377 Fax Number: 00 353 1 8783601 Email: info@dcas.ie Web: www.dcas.ie Opening hours: Mon Thurs 9.00am to 5:30 pm Fri 10:00am to 5:00pm Note: These times are subject to change Staff Director of Marketing: Mr. Kashif Saddique Director of Studies: Mr. John Ryan Front Office Manager: Mrs. Kasia Dmochowska Marketing Manager: Ms. Ana Gonzalez Registering as a Student in Ireland a Step by Step Guide Step One Upon your arrival in Ireland you are likely to be interviewed by a member of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). You may be asked to produce some documentation: Your original letter of acceptance from Dublin College of Advanced Studies (DCAS) A letter or other written documentation providing details of your accommodation arrangements in Dublin Your passport You may also be asked to prove that you are able to support yourself financially during your stay in Ireland. Ireland is a relatively expensive country; therefore, you may have to show evidence of: Funds in cash, in hand, denominated in Euro in excess of 4000 Accessible funds placed in a foreign bank account As previously mentioned, the officer may ask you a number of questions. Do not: Allude to the fact that you intend to work in Ireland State that you intend to reside in a another EU member state Imply that you plan to stay in Ireland longer than the duration of your course The officer will allow you to enter by stamping your passport with a temporary student visa. This visa will be extended at a later date. The college will assist you with this. You will also be issued with a GNIB reference number. In the unlikely event of encountering any problems a 24 hour help line is available on: 085 181 2092.
Step Two If a reservation has been made prior to your arrival, our pick up service is provided upon arrival in Dublin. It offers students a friendly stress free shuttle to your host family or an alternative address where you have arranged to stay. If you haven t requested our pick up service, buses and taxis serve the airport. The airport is approximately 12 km from Dublin City Centre. Bus number 747 will take you to the city centre. Note: Please inform your OVC consultant and the College of your travel arrangements a minimum of two weeks in advance. In case of an emergency contact this mobile number +353 86 3671142. Step Three Make you way to DCAS: 98 Capel Street, Dublin 1, From our host family s address in Clontarf, bus numbers 29a, 31, 31b, 32, 32a and 32b will take you to Marlborough St. From there it is a ten minute walk to DCAS via Talbot St. /Henry St. Upon arrival at DCAS you will be asked to: 1. Show your original acceptance letter, passport and education certificates. 2. Complete DCAS application form, other paper work and sign terms and conditions. 3. Register on the fingerprint system for attendance records. 4. Order a medical insurance certificate (This only applies if you haven t arranged insurance before leaving South Africa) Note: The fingerprint System calculates your attendance Step Four DCAS will provide you with three letters: 1. For a bank account 2. For a PPS number (Social Welfare & Family Affair Office) 3. A student general letter Step Five You will be directed to the nearest Social Welfare Office, where you will apply for a PPS number by: Showing your passport and PPS letter issued by DCAS Having your details Registered on the database Within ten working days you will receive a letter stating your PPS number; this is your unique reference for employment & taxation purposes. Only one copy of the letter will be issued.
Please note; it is imperative that you give the correct mailing address and you are in a position to receive this letter. It will serve as proof of address when opening a bank account. You will be unable to open an account with without it. Step Six Once you have received your PPS letter you can open your bank account. For your convenience we recommend that you open an account at: Bank of Ireland, 48 Talbot Street, Dublin 1. When you have obtained your bank account details, lodge a minimum of 4,000 into your account. When extending your visa you are required to show that you have at least 4,000 in your account Once you have lodged the money, order a bank statement from bank. (The Bank will post the statement to your postal address). This can take up to 12 working days to arrive. Step Seven In order to process your visa application, please ensure you: Bring your original bank statement to DCAS Fill in the request form for a visa extension Collect your copy of the medical insurance certificate from DCAS Step Eight You can now extend your visa with GNIB however, please bear in mind: DCAS sends acceptance/visa letters to GNIB twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Students must take their passport, medical insurance certificate and bank statement to the GNIB office when extending their visa. Students need to pay 150 before being issued with their GNIB card. Cash payments are not accepted. GNIB do not accept any acceptance/visa letters from students. This is the responsibility of DCAS. The GNIB office where the extension is done is located within walking distance from the College and situated at the following address. The GNIB offices are located at: Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) 13 14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Tel: 00 353 1 666 9100
The college will advise and prepare you as to what should be done before you extend your visa and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order before you attempt to renew. Once a student s visa expires after one year the renewal process for the second year of study is rather straight forward. Your extension should take approximately 2 3 weeks to be approved. In any event students are permitted a period of 3 months grace regarding visa renewal. During this time you may: Begin your course You may search for alternate housing i.e. with other students You may attend job interviews You cannot legally accept work until your extension has been approved. Please ensure that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself until you find and can accept employment. Please use this time productively by attending interviews and seeking employment so that you may begin working as soon as your extension is approved. Accommodation Should you have any requirements or concerns regarding accommodation, please contact a member of staff. Attendance Please check your course schedule for days and times. Students are expected to satisfy 80% or more of class attendance as required by DCAS and also by GNIB for visa extensions. Class attendance will be checked regularly and students will be informed if their attendance is unsatisfactory. Books All students are encouraged to buy a course book for each module. There is an essential reading element to most modules as well recommended reading. For the duration of the course the total cost of text book is approximately 120. Employment Support A monthly tutorial is available to assist students with C.V and interview preparation. Information is available at reception. Cost of Living As previously mentioned, Ireland is a relatively expensive country. Students are advised to consider the costs incurred after their arrival, these may include, a security deposit on rental accommodation, utility charges, travelling expenses etc. All things considered, before your arrival in Ireland, it would be advisable to have access to liquid assets of not less than 4,000. Certification All students will be registered with the Further Education & Training Awards Council (FETAC) for external certification. Examinations and assessments are held during each semester. Typically, examinations are scheduled at the end of a given module.
Students are informed of examination/assessment schedules at the commencement of each module. Unless otherwise advised, external certification occurs biannually.there are no examination or certification fees. Holidays/Leave Students will be provided with a holiday letter to cover a leave period not exceeding 26 weeks. All unauthorised absence may have consequences for VISA students as the college is obliged to report such absences to the relevant authorities. International Student Cards Once registered with DCAS, Students can apply for an International student card. This allows students to gain discounts on a range of products and services and is available from USIT (see address listed below) at a cost of 12. Students details Students are advised to report any changes to their personal details (e.g. new address, new name as a result of marriage, etc.) to the front office manager for immediate updating of their files. Medical Insurance Students who require a study visa are legally obliged to have a valid medical insurance contract during their period of stay in Ireland. Medical insurance can be arranged through DCAS. Contact reception for further details. Student Support Members of staff are available to assist students to carrying out necessary administrative procedures, obtaining a PPS letter, opening a bank account and registering with GNIB.
Useful Information: Addresses: GNIB Address: 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Bank Address: Bank of Ireland, 48 Talbot Street, Dublin 1. USIT Office: Trinity College: Emergency Numbers: 19/21 Aston Quay Dublin 2. (International Student Card) College Green, Dublin 2 (Student Travel Card) 999 (Ambulance, Fire Brigade, Gardai/Police) Dublin Hospitals: Mater Hospital, Dublin 1 Tel: 01 8032000 Blanchardstown Hospital, Dublin 1 Tel: 01 6465000 St. James Hospital, Dublin 8 Tel: 01 4103000 Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 Tel: 01 8093000 Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24 Tel: 01 4142000 Tax Office: 9/15 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. Websites: Fas: Jobs.ie Irishjobs.ie www.fas.ie www.jobs.ie www.irishjobs.ie Recruitment Agencies Condor Recruitment: Richmond Recruitment: The People Group: Progress Recruitment: Osborne Recruitment: Noel Recruitment: 7 North King Street, Dublin 7, Ireland. Tel: 01 8722527 83 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: 01 6780796 4 Clanwilliam Square, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: 01 6619636 58 Gardiner Street Lower, Dublin 1, Ireland Tel: 01 8559667 13 Fitzwilliam Square East, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: 01 6384400 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: 01 6779332
Social Welfare Offices Name Address Telephone Opening Hours Apollo House Tara Street, Dublin 2 (01) 6369300 9:30 16:00 Balbriggan Railway Street, (01) 8020050 9:30 12:00 Balbriggan, Co. 14:00 16:00 Dublin Ballyfermot Rossmore Ave, (01) 6160300 9:30 16:00 Ballyfermont Open Fri. 10:30 Dublin 10 Ballymun Ballymun Shopping Centre, (01) 8427433 9:30 16:00 Dublin 11 Closes Thu. 15:00 Bishop Square Redmond's Hill, Dublin 2 (01) 4763500 9:30 16:00 Blanchardstown Westend House, (01) 8246300 9.30 6.30 Snugborough, Road, Dublin 15 Open Mon:10.30 Clondalkin 9th Lock Road, Clondalkin, (01) 4030000 9:30 15:30 Dublin 22 Open Fri. 10:30 Coolock Northside Civic Centre (01) 8661000 9:30 16:00 BunrattyRoad, Coolock, Dublin 17 Closes Thu. 15:00 Dun Laoghaire 18 21 Cumberland Street, (01) 2145540 9:30 16:00 Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin Finglas Mellows Road, Dublin 11 (01) 8581148 9:30 16:00 Open Thu. 10:30 Kilbarrack Greendale Shopping Centre, (01) 8063830 9:30 16:00 Dublin 5 Open Fri. 10:30 Maynooth Town Hall Mall, Maynooth, Co. (01) 6106000 9:30 12:00 Kildare 14:00 16:00 Navan Road Navan Road, Dublin 7 (01) 8823100 9:30 16:00 Closes Fri. 15:00 Nth Cumberland 23 28 Nth Cumberland Street, (01) 8899500 9:30 16:00 Street Dublin 1 Open Mon. 10:30 Nutgrove Nutgrove Shopping Centre, (01) 4069010 9:15 16:00 Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 Swords Malahide Road, Swords, Co Dublin (01) 4164206/7/8 9:30 16:00 Open Mon, Wed, Tallaght The Square, Tallaght, Dublin 24 (01) 4629400 9:30 16:00 Fri Open Fri. 10:30 Thomas Street 126 Thomas Street, Dublin 8 (01) 6369330 9:30 16:00 Open Fri. 10:30