Your course. Our commitment.

You can find the latest health and travel advice on the Irish Department of Health website. We advise that you check this regularly before making any travel plans as this is an evolving situation and advice is constantly changing.

In light of the current situation, the International Study Centre closed on 20 March 2020 with all programmes continuing online.

UCD International Study Centre will be open for your studies in 2020.* Further details about your Centre or College will be provided soon.

If you can’t travel to arrive in time for the start of the first term, you can start your programme online from home. Our transition plan will ensure you have a smooth transfer to your Centre.

*Subject to satisfactory completion of our detailed health and safety risk assessment.

UCD International Study Centre will be open for you to begin your studies.*

We’ll ensure that you have all the information and support you need to ahead of your move to Ireland.

You should check government health and travel advice regularly before making any plans to travel.

*Subject to satisfactory completion of our detailed health and safety risk assessment.

To determine English language proficiency, we will now accept a wider range of English tests including:

We are committed to working with every student on the options to continue studying with us.

If you cannot travel for the start of the first term, you can start your studies online from home. Starting your studies online will ensure you can still achieve your academic and career goals and progress to your chosen university degree, on time, from wherever you are in the world.

We are offering an extended introductory period to ensure you have confidence and financial peace of mind to begin your studies online.

You can try our online pathway programmes for 21 days before you make an important choice about how to continue with your education. If, within 21 days, you decide not to continue with your studies online, you can still select to defer your place, or withdraw from your studies with a full refund.* For further details, please refer to the Terms and Conditions page on our website.

*Provided you have an online attendance level of 80% or more.

In order to create the safest possible learning environment, and whilst social distancing restrictions are in place, you will enjoy a mixture of face to face and online learning.

When our International Study Centres and Colleges open, you'll receive a warm welcome and plenty of support to help you succeed. We will offer both face-to-face and online welcome activities to help you settle in to student life and make the most of your student experience. As part of our programme of welcome activities we will encourage you to take the opportunity to meet your teachers and fellow students both face-to-face and online - you will be fully part of our international community from day one.

As soon as you start your programme, you will meet other international students who are going through a very similar experience to you. During your time in Ireland, you will have the opportunity to join clubs and societies where you will meet people who share a common interest.

Your health and wellbeing are our top priority. We have put a rigorous health and safety risk-assessment in place so you can be assured of a safe and inclusive campus environment. We will ensure you feel confident to start your programme in Ireland. The Centre will be adapted to ensure that it is safe, through the following measures:

• We will encourage the wearing of face-coverings around our buildings;
• We will provide hand sanitisers in all our buildings;
• We will have enhanced regular cleaning and sterilising regimes;
• We will manage the flow of people around our buildings;
• We will manage social distancing including limiting class sizes;
• We will make use of online learning and will ensure the right balance of face-to-face interactions and engaging with learning and fellow students online.
• We will take additional steps to ensure that vulnerable students or those with special requirements are given enhanced and appropriate levels of support.

UCD International Study Centre will be open for your studies and we are looking forward to welcoming you. We do recognise however that there may be reasons that you are unable to travel for the start of term.

You can begin your programme online from home, but we would encourage you to travel to Ireland when you can. You can be assured of a safe and inclusive campus environment, so you feel confident to study your programme in Ireland.

UCD International Study Centre will be adapted to ensure that they are safe through the following measures:

• We will encourage the wearing of face-coverings around our buildings;
• We will provide hand sanitisers in all our buildings;
• We will have enhanced regular cleaning and sterilising regimes;
• We will manage the flow of people around our buildings;
• We will manage social distancing including limiting class sizes;
• We will make use of online learning and will ensure the right balance of face-to-face interactions and engaging with learning and fellow students online.
• We will take additional steps to ensure that vulnerable students or those with special requirements are given enhanced and appropriate levels of support.

Yes, INIS advised "the approach to be taken is that our visa office and mission network will issue “D” long stay study visas with maximum validity of 6 months (usually 3 months), on an exceptional basis for the 2020/21 year only, in respect of all students who are commencing studies in September, regardless of whether they start the course on-line or in a classroom environment. Students should apply for multiple entry visas instead of single entry visas as per INIS guidance."

Technology requirements for Study Group online courses

To access virtual classroom, course materials, LMS/VLE and undertake assessments, it is important to be prepared with the appropriate technology.

Computer

While it is possible to access and interact with most course content using various tablets and smartphones, such as iPads, iPhones and Android devices, these devices will not work for assessments and therefore it is important that you have a PC or Mac based computer available for use.

PC

• Any Microsoft Windows based PC (laptop or desktop, preferably running Windows 10)
• Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Mac

• Any Apple MacOS based laptop or desktop
• Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Internet Connection

Internet connectivity is required for access to all coursework. Internet connectivity could be in the form of a fixed line connection, 3G/4G/5G, wi-fi or other technologies.

Minimum: 600kbps download and 600kbps upload speed

Recommended: at least 1.5Mbps download and 1.5Mbps upload speed

Zoom Restricted Countries

Zoom is used for access to virtual classroom and is therefore an important part of all courses. Zoom is unavailable or restricted in several countries, with the full list available here. While Zoom may still work from the countries listed, individuals should test Zoom using their own equipment to ensure connectivity.

Your attendance will be monitored through your engagement with online learning activities. You will be expected to engage with all course activities provided to you.

Assessments will be held online via coursework submissions. We use Turnitin software which scans for plagiarism and other forms of academic impropriety.

There may be some skills that we can't assess online, such as practical lab skills, and we are looking at alternatives for students impacted by this.

As government travel guidance is changing regularly, we will provide more guidance on assessments and exams relating to specific programmes of study in due course. These will be in line with approaches taken by University College Dublin and, as appropriate, with guidance that is due to be issued by the Irish government’s Department for Education and Skills.

Currently, there has been no change made to this aspect of our programmes. Students will continue to work towards the same targets, and we will be supporting you to achieve these through online sessions.

When you progress you will of course be supported in your transition to degree programme studies at university.

Book your accommodation

During your time at the ISC, you can choose to either live in allocated student accommodation or arrange your own private accommodation. If you are younger than 18 years at the start of your course, it is mandatory for you to stay in a homestay option that will be arranged through our approved third-party provider. If you have requested accommodation on your application form, our Central Student Support Team will contact you directly regarding the options available. Ensure that you have provided your contact details to avoid any delay in processing your request. You may prefer to arrange your own accommodation. Make sure that you have secured your accommodation before arriving in Ireland and let us know where you will be staying to ensure that there are no difficulties on arrival.

Email: UCDISC.CSS@studygroup.com

Apply for your visa

Now that you have confirmed your place, you will be sent your Visa Letter with further instructions. Please ensure that you review the letter to ensure all details are correct. You can then use this to apply for your long stay study visa when you are ready to do so. You are expected to apply for a multi-entry visa. Any student who starts the programme, even if it is online, will need an Irish entry visa. The Irish government does not allow students to start the programme online without being eligible for a visa. In case the entry visa can’t be used yet due to travel restrictions, you are able to extend your entry visa.

Book your travel

Once you receive your visa, you can book your travel. You should arrive ready for the first day of the term to get a good start to your studies. If you have booked your accommodation with us, it will usually be available two days prior to the start of term.

You should book any flights home after the official end of term date, which can be found in your offer letter.

Complete the Godsil guardian application forms (under 18 only)

You will have been sent details to complete in order to consent a guardian for you. You will need to complete the form and your parent(s) will need to sign and have it notarised. You should make a copy, and bring one copy with you in your hand luggage and keep the other in your main luggage.

Complete our Pre-Registration Form

Around one month before term starts, we will email you with a link to an online form. You will need to complete this with your travel information - so we know when to expect you - and your visa details. If you would like us to arrange your taxi from the airport, please let us know by ticking the box on the form. On the form, you will need to provide us with a mobile phone number that you will have at the time of travelling so the driver can contact you.

Make sure you are insured

It is essential that international students have the protection of personal insurance for the duration of their time in Ireland as well as for registration with the Garda (police).

When you applied to the ISC, you will have had the option of taking insurance cover with StudyCare Plus. This insurance policy covers loss of personal possessions as well as providing health and medical insurance. If you have not taken this option, please make sure you have secured your own policy. For full information on StudyCare Plus, visit https://www.studygroup.com/land/studycare-ie

Visa services resumed from Monday 22nd June. During this initial resumption phase, only Long Stay “D” visa applications, including Study, as well as those identified under our current criteria as Emergency/Priority visas will be accepted. While long stay visa applications are being accepted for processing, the actual issuance of non-Emergency/Priority visas remains dependent on Public Health Advice, and has not yet begun.

There are still restrictions in place in many countries, so in locations where it isn’t possible to resume from the 22nd June, visa applications will be accepted as soon as is possible thereafter. Again any resumption of services is subject to current health and safety advice in relation to the COVID 19 pandemic.

For up to date information in your location, you should go to the local Irish Embassy/Mission website for that location.

Most Irish Embassies and visa offices around the world have resumed their activities details can be checked here http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/updates-announcements

You’ll need to pack some important items, such as your passport and visa, in your hand luggage for easy access, while other non-essential items can be packed away in your suitcase.

As some lessons will be taught online, you will need to have a PC or Mac based computer. Whilst it is possible to access and interact with most course content using a tablet or smartphone, these devices will not work for assessments. If you do not have access to equipment, please let us know so that we can support you.

PC

• Any Microsoft Windows based PC (laptop or desktop, preferably running Windows 10)
• Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Mac

• Any Apple MacOS based laptop or desktop
• Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Things to pack in your hand luggage

• Passport and visa
• Your offer letter
• Your education certificates including IELTS or other original Secure English Language Test
• Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and living costs, including sponsor letter (if you are being sponsored)
• Accommodation documents, if you are living on campus, please ensure that you have agreed to the UCD Residences terms and conditions and that you have a copy of your booking receipt with you on arrival.
• Four passport-sized photographs
• Notarised letter naming your designated guardian in Ireland (if you are under 18)
• Any insurance documents
• Medical certificates including vaccination records
• Mobile Phone
• Essential toiletries and medications (please check with your airline what’s permitted)
• Enough money to live on in the first few weeks. We advise using traveller’s cheques and not bringing large amounts of cash

You may want to bring:

• Comfortable clothing such as trainers, jeans, t-shirts, jumpers and a warm coat. The dress code at the Centre or College is informal.
• Study supplies e.g. pens and paper notepads – these may be less expensive in your country.
• Laptop computer and charger – you can set English as the main language choice. This will help you to improve your English and assist you with everyday aspects of your life in Ireland.
• Mobile phone and charger
• At least one travel adaptor plug – 240v with a three-pin plug.

Your course will start on the first day of term as per your offer letter or on the ISC website and will start with Induction Week. The first day of teaching will begin the following week.

Students travelling from outside Ireland will be able to move in to UCD Residences at any point from Thursday 20 August. Where possible, we encourage you to arrive by Monday 31 August, noting that Orientation runs from Monday 14 September to Friday 18 September. However, we recognise that this might not be possible due to the availability of international flights.

Checking in early to UCD Residences will provide you with capacity to self-isolate for 14 days (as per current Irish public health and safety guidelines). There will be no room charge for any period of self-isolation prior to Thursday 10 September (when the licence period for your accommodation in UCD Residences commences).

Further Information on these dates and arrangements will be published on the UCD Residences website shortly.

More useful information is available here:

https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/covid-19faqs/covid-19faqsfornon-eueeaprospectivestudents/

See What if I need to Quarantine section below for more information

If you are from outside the European Union (EU), when you reach border control, please enter through the Non-EU entrance. Please be prepared for an immigration interview with Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) staff. You must be able to answer some questions in English and have a basic conversation without the assistance of an interpreter - failure to do so may result in you being denied access to the country, at which point you will have to return home. Please note that the Irish border control can be very busy, so you may have to wait in a queue to see an Immigration Officer. After collecting your luggage and making your way through customs, you will reach the arrivals hall.

Dublin Airport is the closest international airport to UCD ISC.

By plane and pre-booked taxi transfer

If you are arriving by plane and have asked for a taxi transfer, you will be met by the taxi driver in the Arrivals Hall. The driver will be holding a sign with your name on it. Please do not pay the taxi driver as your fare will be added to your account. You will be met by the taxi driver in the Arrivals

Hall. The driver will be holding a sign with your name on it. If you are heading directly to your accommodation booked with our Central Student Support Team, the taxi driver will take you to

collect your keys – they will have been informed where you will be staying, but it is a good idea for you to have the details to hand. Check your room confirmation for details of where and when to collect your keys, particularly if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning when residence receptions may not be open. If you are arriving when the reception is not open, check your room confirmation for out of hours key collection information.

If you are staying in private accommodation, provided you have given us the address in advance, the driver should have this information.

What if my plans change?

If you have booked a taxi transfer but your arrival date changes or you decide to arrange your own taxi transfer, you will need to let us know as soon as possible. We will require two business days’ notice to be able to change or cancel your booking.

Please email:

UCDISC.CSS@studygroup.com

Making your own way

If you are travelling directly to your accommodation, the safest way is by taxi from Dublin Airport. Prices for journeys to different parts of the city are posted at the official taxi ranks, found on the forecourts directly outside Terminals 1 and 2.

In case you take public transport, face coverings are required.

Travellers from outside of Ireland from a location that is not on the COVID-19 Green List will be requested to restrict their movement for 14 days.

More information on which countries are on the COVID-19 Green List can be found here.

On arrival at UCD ISC we will ensure you have everything you need to be able to settle in. Whilst you will not be able to go to the local shops, we will make sure that you can access supplies of bedding packs, shopping deliveries and take-away services.

Useful link for takeaways:

• https://www.just-eat.ie/

Online deliveries from supermarkets are available too including:

• Lidl
• Tesco
• SuperValu

You must ensure you have accommodation booked before arriving at UCD ISC. If your accommodation is booked through Study Group, it will be available from the weekend before Induction Week. You will receive full information on accessing your room before you depart your home country. If you are staying in homestay accommodation, you will be informed by Central Student Support when you should arrive.

All students will take part in an Induction Week programme, whether you are coming to the ISC or starting your studies online from home.

Through our Induction Week programme we will introduce you to the ISC, our staff and welfare and support services. You will receive full guidance on maintaining your health and safety whilst studying in Dublin.

You will find out about your timetable and important information about how we will deliver your course through a mixture of classroom teaching and online learning, or online if you are starting your studies in your home country. There will also be events to help you to get to know your fellow students.

If you are coming to the ISC, and don’t need to quarantine, your Induction Week programme may include some face to face activities, if it is possible.

All students should attend Induction Week, whether in the ISC, self-quarantine, or online from your home country.

If you start your programme online from your normal place of residence you can arrive in-Centre at any point during the first term. Providing there are no travel restrictions or personal health issues, we would expect to see you in-Centre ahead of your studies continuing in January 2021.

If you are not required to quarantine, then some of this activity may take place with our staff in the Centre.

A new online Registration Renewal System for non-EEA national students based in Dublin was launched by the Minister for Justice and Equality on 22nd June 2020. Students renewing their registration will no longer have to book appointments and attend the registration office in person. The service is now available to all non-EEA national residing in the Dublin area who are eligible for renewal of their permission to reside in Ireland.