Private Schools in Ireland for International Students

ISI Dublin works with private secondary schools in Ireland for international students, including private day schools and boarding schools. The right route depends on the student’s nationality, age, academic profile, preferred location, programme duration and accommodation requirements.

Who can join a Private School programme?

Private schools can consider EU, EEA, Swiss and non-EEA students, subject to the admission criteria of the individual school.

For students who require a visa to attend secondary school in Ireland, Irish Immigration states that the student must be enrolled in a fee-paying school. Additional visa and immigration documentation may be required depending on nationality, age and length of stay.

Private Day Schools

Private Day School students attend school during the day and normally stay with a host family. This route combines a fee-paying private-school placement with a local family environment outside school.

Exact school fees, subjects, uniform requirements and other school-specific costs vary by placement and are confirmed before booking.

Private Boarding Schools

Boarding schools combine school and residential life. Depending on the school, boarding may operate on a five-day, seven-day or mixed model, and host-family accommodation may also form part of the programme when required.

Explore boarding schools in Ireland for international students.

Accommodation and guardianship

Private Day School students normally stay with a host family, while Boarding School accommodation is organised according to the confirmed school’s residential model. ISI Dublin remains part of the student’s wider support structure throughout the programme.

Learn more about accommodation options and guardianship for international students.

Non-EEA students and Irish immigration rules

Irish Immigration states that a child applying for a visa to attend second-level school must be enrolled in a fee-paying school. Families may also need to provide evidence of school fees, accommodation, parental consent, medical insurance and other supporting documents. Requirements differ according to the student’s circumstances.

Read the official Irish Immigration guidance for fee-paying primary and secondary schools.

How the placement process works

  1. Submit a preliminary enquiry with the student’s profile and preferences.
  2. ISI reviews suitable private day or boarding routes.
  3. School options are discussed according to current availability and the student’s requirements.
  4. The school reviews the application and makes the final admission decision.
  5. Once placement is confirmed, ISI coordinates the programme and applicable accommodation, guardianship and support arrangements.

Browse Private School profiles

Published school profiles help families understand the range of private schools ISI works with. They are descriptive only and do not represent live availability or guarantee admission.

Browse published Private School profiles.

Related information

Looking for a Private School in Ireland? Send a preliminary enquiry and ISI Dublin can review suitable private day and boarding options.