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FAQs

Accommodation

How do I apply for accommodation?

DIFC’s Student Services Department can look after all your accommodation requirements. We offer home stay for the first 4 weeks for students wishing to experience the lifestyle in Ireland with an Irish family. Alternatively, our superior on-campus accommodation at the Griffith Halls of Residence provides accommodation for 600 students. This accommodation is highly recommended as it is a short walk from your classes; you live with Irish students as well as other international students studying a wide variety of courses and there is a canteen, library, sports facilities and security on campus. To enquire you should e-mail accommodation@difc.ie

How much does DIFC accommodation cost?

Home stay cost is €165 per week including meals. Halls of Residence prices vary between €80 - €130 weekly depending on room type (i.e. shared/single, standard/superior) and meals are not included.

Special needs for single sex accommodation?

I am a female student requiring single sex accommodation for religious reasons - can you cater for my needs?

At DIFC we can meet these needs. Griffith Halls of Residence accommodation is in single-sex blocks and apartments. For more information please contact accommodation@difc.ie

What facilities are available in the accommodation?

The Griffith Halls of Residence provides on-campus accommodation for 600 students. Newly built two bedroom apartments are fully furnished to the highest standard with 1 en-suite bedroom in each apartment, an Internet point in each room and a fully-equipped kitchen-lounge for relaxing. They are all situated within easy reach of Dublin city centre. The Halls of Residence accommodation is highly recommended as it is also just a short walk from your classes; you live with Irish students as well as other international students studying a wide variety of courses and there is a canteen, library, sports facilities and security on campus. Read more about the Halls of Residence available to DIFC students.

Where can I find out more information about accommodation?

You can e-mail accommodation@difc.ie for more details on accommodation options or read more about the Halls of Residence available to DIFC students.

Living expenses while studying at DIFC

How much money will I need for living costs?

An average living cost per month in Dublin for a student is approximately €800. This includes all costs e.g. accommodation, food, travel etc.

Living in Dublin - Social and cultural information about the city

Can I use my driving licence from home to drive in the UK/Ireland?

EU citizens may use their driving licence from their home country to drive in Ireland. The rules for non EU countries vary. Our Student Services Office can advise you upon your arrival in Ireland.

How will I travel around Dublin?

There is an excellent public transport system for travel within Dublin City. There are 3 parts to this system: buses, trains and trams. Dublin Bus provides bus services for the city and county of Dublin and adjoining areas. Many other private bus companies also offer transport in and out of the city.
Visit the website of Dublin Bus for timetables and other information.

A frequent train service called DART runs along the coast of Dublin, from Malahide and Howth in north Dublin to Greystones in the south. Other train services from Irish Rail connect Dublin city with suburbs in the west, north and south.
Visit the website of DART for timetables and other information.
Visit the website of Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail for general train information.

A frequent tram service called LUAS connects Dublin city centre with suburbs in the south and south-west of the city.
Visit the website of LUAS for timetables and other information.

What is Dublin like as a city?

Dublin is a vibrant, youthful city steeped in history. The attractions range from castles, museums and art galleries to pubs and cafes that buzz with traditional entertainment - most famously, the lively spirit of Temple Bar. Dublin is a port city and there are plenty of beautiful seaside spots along the coast. Dublin is only a 40 minute flight from London and a short flight away from most major cities in Western Europe, such as London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.

What is the weather like in Dublin?

Dublin’s climate is mild but very changeable, so come prepared for all seasons! Winter temperatures average 4-7 degrees Celsius (39-44 degrees Fahrenheit) and in summer between 16-20 degrees Celsius (60-67 degrees Fahrenheit). There are about 18 hours of daylight daily during July and August, only getting truly dark after 11 pm.

DIFC Course information

How can I check my application status?

Your application status can be checked at any stage in the process by e-mailing our head office at info@difc.ie or calling us on 00 353 45 409923.

How do I apply for a course?

Full information on our application procedure can be viewed by clicking here

What courses can I study at DIFC?

DIFC offers a wide range of courses - from English classes to NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) and NCUK Graduate Diploma programmes. Full details of courses offered by DIFC are available here

English Language Requirements

English is not my first language but I have been taught in English for a number of years

do I still need to take IELTS?

If you are applying through one of our offices overseas, you will be able to take an English test in the office which will give us an indication of your level. This will be used to create a provisional study plan. Your final study plan will be confirmed when you arrive in the College and take a more comprehensive test.

If you are applying directly, you will need to provide evidence of your English language level by taking a recognised English language test e.g. IELST, iBT TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL exams. This is both for visa purposes and our own entry requirements.

What are the English language requirements?

English language entry level requirements for DIFC vary between courses.

For the NCUK IFY programme students must have completed high school (year 11 or 12) and have an English level equivalent to 5.0 IELTS.

For the NCUK Graduate Diploma students must have completed a degree course (for admission to Irish or UK universities) or three year diploma (for admission to UK universities only) with English level equivalent to 5.0 IELTS.

English classes to improve your skills in order to pass the IFY/Graduate Diploma entry test are provided at the following levels:

  • PFE 1 – Elementary
  • PFE 2 – Pre-Intermediate
  • PFE 3 – Intermediate
  • PFE 4 – Upper Intermediate

Entry and visas - preparing for entry to the UK/Ireland

When do I apply for my study visa?

If your application to DIFC is successful, we will send you a Provisional Offer Letter along with full details of fees owed. When your fees have been paid in full DIFC will issue you a Final Offer Letter. When you receive this Final Offer Letter you should apply for your study visa.

How do I apply for my study visa?

Applications for study visas should be made through your local Irish Consulate/Embassy in your home country. For full details on visa application.

DIFC Head Office can help you apply for your visas – see visa requirements(72Kb pdf).

How do I apply for my visa if there is no Irish Embassy/Consulate in my country?

If there is no Embassy/Consulate in your home country, you may send your visa application to DIFC Head Office. We will check your documentation and send it directly to the Department of Justice in Ireland for review. Please note that visa applications will not be accepted by DIFC Head Office when there is an Irish Embassy/Consulate or DIFC office in your home country.

Student Support

Can I get extra support for my English?

Additional English classes may be provided where required. There will be an additional charge for these and they are subject to availability.

Do I need to get insurance?

Under Irish Government Regulations it is a requirement that all International students have medical insurance. The cost of this medical insurance will be added to your invoice. DIFC will arrange your medical insurance upon your arrival at the college.

What support services are available for students?

The support services available include the following:

  • Airport pick-up facility for students.
  • Individual registration and induction with the Student Services Officer for all our new students. At this stage the Student Services Officer advises and supports students on important issues like the in-country immigration process, assistance with opening a bank account etc., as well as answering questions which relate to settling in. These inductions are also used to introduce students to key staff members and the Student Services team.
  • There is also a comprehensive induction at the start of the NCUK IFY and NCUK Graduate Diploma programmes presenting students with an overview of their chosen programme, life in the College and life in Dublin.

Should students have any on-going problems, they can speak to the Student Services Officer or a Student Counsellor.

General information about DIFC

Does DIFC have any sports clubs or societies?

Students have access to the Griffith College Student Union organised societies. Students can sign up with the existing societies or can even form their own. This year there was a cricket society which did well in inter-college competitions. Full details on the sports and societies can be found here

How many students are there at DIFC?

DIFC currently has approximately 200 students studying on our programmes. DIFC is situated on a 7 acre campus which is shared by 2 colleges and there are currently 5,000 students on campus studying on a full and part-time basis.

What happens when I arrive in Dublin?

At DIFC we understand that arriving in a new country can be a challenging and daunting experience. To ensure your arrival runs smoothly we can provide an airport pick-up service. You will then be brought to your accommodation and provided with some information about Dublin and DIFC. As soon as you book your flights to Ireland you must inform our office of full details so arrangements can be made for airport pick-up.

When does the DIFC semester start?

DIFC programme start dates vary throughout the year as follows:

Students can enrol in a Pre-Foundation English course on a monthly basis on the first Monday of each month.

NCUK IFY programmes commence in January and September.

NCUK Graduate Diploma programmes commence in October and January.

Tuition Fees

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Full course fees are payable in advance prior to DIFC issuing a Final Offer Letter and your arrival in Ireland. This is a visa requirement. This Final Offer Letter will be required with your study visa application.

How do I pay my tuition fees?

Tuition fees can be paid directly into a DIFC bank account. Full details are supplied to you with your Provisional Offer Letter and Invoice.

How much are the tuition fees?

Tuition fees vary depending on the courses you are enrolling in. Full details of our fees can be found here.

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