How to apply
Once you have got a clear idea about the course of study you are planning to pursue and the institution you are planning to attend, you can proceed further for the necessary paperwork as advised by the institution, arrangements for accommodation, visas, funding and other important matters.

The application procedure for Primary or Secondary school is comparatively less complex and what you need to do is to contact the school of your choice directly. A list of schools in each county can be obtained from the Department of Education and Science or from IESI. Also, a number of websites with links to primary and secondary schools can be of use.

Academic qualifications
Normally, performance in the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination is the basis for entry into third-level education. Therefore, the admission is highly competitive and it is more so in case of sought after programmes. For overseas students, any of the following options is available in this regard:

(i) Either they can attend upper secondary school in Ireland and complete the Leaving Certificate Examination with Irish students, OR

(ii) they may undertake recognised public examinations in their own countries.

It is essential that the students intending to pursue a third level programme, must possess good command over English language as all Irish Institutions of higher education follow English as the language of instruction.

Accommodation
Primary and Second Level Institutions
Apart from a number of boarding schools (second level) throughout the country, some day schools also arrange home stay accommodation for overseas students.

English Language Institutes
Full arrangements in place for the student upon arrival, often with a host family, are made by the institute. Further details can be had from www.mei.ie