Do I need a student visa to study in Ireland?

Do I need a Study Visa for Ireland if I already get one for France?

• I am studying abroad next semester and a non-US citizen. I am going to go to Rome, Paris and Dublin. I already have a student visa for Italy for the my first month of study. So, if I get a student visa for Paris for the next two months of stay (which includes Ireland's as well) and have my university type a letter attesting to the dates and accommodation/health insurance etc. without the mention of Ireland, can I get away without getting visa for Ireland? Because once I have a Schengen visa, can't I travel anywhere in those 20 countries? Hope I am clear and making sense. Thanks for any help :)

• Answer:

  No, you won't get away without a separate visa for Ireland. A Schengen visa only covers short term travel arrangements, it has nothing to do with study or work. The Republic of Ireland & the UK are not signatories of the Schengen Agreement, so you won't be covered by a Schengen visa to travel to the Republic of Ireland or the UK. If you require a visa to study in Ireland, you need to contact the Irish Embassy.