Irish International Hotel & Catering School

We advise all students to arrive in Galway at least one week prior to the school term starting. This will allow you time to settle into your accommodation and familiarise yourself with Galway. You will be collected from Galway Airport by a member of staff who will bring you to Gleann Na Ri which is a student village that we use for the first month’s accommodation.
Please talk to our representatives if you need advice on travel arrangements.

Registration at IIHCS

On arrival at the school you will be issued with your letter of registration that you will need in order to open a bank account and to register with GNIB immigration office. You will also have to attend our induction programme where the school year will be explained to you and you will receive a copy of our student Handbook which outlines the rules and policies of the school.

Banking:

You must have a bank account with sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in order to register with the GNIB. You will be given an application form at the induction session You need to bring the following:

Your Passport
A letter of registration from IIHCS
Completed account application form

Registration at GNIB (Immigration Office)

You are required by law to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau if you are a non EU citizen within one month of arrival in Ireland. If you are successful they will issue with a card giving you permission to live and study in Ireland. This needs to be renewed each year.
In order to register you must bring the following documents:

A Valid Passport
A Bank Statement from your Irish bank
Letter of attendance/ Registration from IIHCS

You will be issued with your certificate of registration which allows you to work 20 hours a week during term time and 39 hours a week during holiday periods.

PPS Number

Everyone residing in Ireland and intending to work even just as part of their studies must hold a PPS Number (social Security Number).You will be shown where the local Galway office is – You will need to bring:

Current valid Passport
GNIB card
Letter of acceptance from IIHCS
Proof of Address i.e. Bank Statement

Health Insurance

All students must have health Insurance and this is arranged for you by the IIHCS. The cost is itemised in your Fees invoice. You will be given an insurance card on completion of the process.

Computer and email access

We have a fully equipped computer room and students have supervised access as their course requires.

Cost of living

This varies from student to student depending on your social life. In general rents are approx €300 per month and food costs varies between €40-€50 per week. On average living costs for a month is around €700. While you are in Ireland we encourage you to see the country and this cost should be noted as well.

Re–entry visas

Students who have a valid reason for leaving the country during their period of study and who can show that they are genuinely going to continue their study may apply for a re-entry visa. Letters may be requested from the school manager with travel dates. Letters will only be issued to students who have a minimum attendance of 85%.