South Africa/Irish citizen studying in Ireland

[fletch86]

Hi there,

I have a question I have had very little luck in getting an answer for from relevant embassies, so hopefully someone can help:)

I am a permanent resident of South Africa, but also hold Irish citizenship. I have never lived in Ireland, but am hoping to do my Masters there, possibly at the University of Galway. I have recently learnt that I am unable to register as a local EU student in a British University because, in addition to EU citizenship, you are apparently required to have three years residency in the UK prior to the commencement of your studies. I am just wondering if anyone knows if this is the same in Ireland, or if, because of my Irish citizenship, the three years residency policy wont apply?

Any help/info is really appreciated!

[walrusgumble]

Hi there,

I have a question I have had very little luck in getting an answer for from relevant embassies, so hopefully someone can help:)

I am a permanent resident of South Africa, but also hold Irish citizenship. I have never lived in Ireland, but am hoping to do my Masters there, possibly at the University of Galway. I have recently learnt that I am unable to register as a local EU student in a British University because, in addition to EU citizenship, you are apparently required to have three years residency in the UK prior to the commencement of your studies. I am just wondering if anyone knows if this is the same in Ireland, or if, because of my Irish citizenship, the three years residency policy wont apply?

Any help/info is really appreciated!

What do you mean by "registering". To enroll , to join a course?

If you are in Ireland, then you are treated as an Irish person, just like the other natives. No

You went to Britain, you are Foreign (ie Irish)

What do you mean that you are unable to rgister as a local EU student in Britain? Register? That is nonsense, breach of EU law. (Different story if looking for maintenace grants etc) It seems that Britain is refusing to recongnise your Irish Citizenship. If an Irish man living in Ireland all his life wanted to enroll into Uni, and were refused due to nationality (directly or indirectly) that is wrong.

Again, looking for maintenance is a different thing, then UK can do that

Talk to a lawyer

[Wisco]

Actually, if you've not been resident in Ireland for 3 of last 5 years, you may still have to pay non EU fees- happened to an Irish friend of mine who lived abroad for a while. Best to contact whatever university you're looking to attend and get their requirements.