How to get a student visa in Ireland

If you are planning to study in Ireland, you can opt for either one of these two Irish student visas for international students, depending on the duration of your course:  

1.Short stay ‘C’ visa 

If your course duration is less than 3 months (90 days), you will be required to apply for a short ‘C’ visit (study) visa. This visa is Ideal for short-term programmes like English language courses, summer schools or certificate courses.  

Key notes:  
While on this visa, you won't be able to take on any kind of paid or unpaid work or use any publicly funded services, such as public hospitals. Holders of this visa won’t also be eligible for any post-study/ graduate visa routes upon visa expiry.  
To apply for a short stay visa you will be required to submit a completed application form, an application letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland, a description of your planned vacation or study trip, proof of fee payment, passport, 2 passport sized photographs, a finance plan to show how you will be funding yourself during the visit and proof that you will return home which is often shown via education, study, family or property obligations from back home. 

2. Long stay ‘D’ visa 

The long stay visa is for international students applying to take part in a course which would last for a duration of more than 3 months. This visa is ideal for undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, or long-term diploma programmes. 

Key notes: 
You can begin your application process for this visa up to 3 months before your intended travel date to Ireland and you must apply from your home country. Non-EEA students who are enrolled with recognised institutions are allowed to take up casual employment for up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during college holiday periods. If your course specifies and is above NFQ Level 7 or equivalent, you will also be allowed to undertake an internship pertaining to a few set rules. 

After completing your course, you may be able to stay back in Ireland as a part of r the Irish Third Level Graduate Programme which allows non-EEA graduates to seek employment and apply for a work permit. 

Additional requirements 

• Acceptance letter from a recognised Irish institution 
• Application letter stating your full name, address, reason for visit, travel dates, any family in Ireland, and confirmation of your commitment to visa conditions. Explain briefly if your course doesn’t align with your past studies or work. 
• Evidence of English or Irish language proficiency (depending on the language your course is taught in) 
• Evidence of financial support (minimum €10,000 per year for applicants of courses lasting over eight months) 
• Valid medical insurance 
• Evidence of academic ability via previous exam results or qualifications 
• Extra documents for unaccompanied students under 18 years of age 
• Information on any gaps in educational history

English test:  

The minimum English standard accepted will likely differ based on your course, level of study, and the institution you're applying to.  

For instance, applicants of 2nd level education courses, foundation courses (NFQ level 5) or English language courses will only be asked to provide evidence of a basic level of English. However, applicants of all other courses will be required to demonstrate a slightly advanced level of English proficiency. 

Visit the official web page to view the current accepted standards and test providers. 

Minimum fund: 

All students, whether or not they require a visa to study in Ireland, must show that they have immediate access to funds of €10,000 for courses longer than 8 months, or €6,665 (€833 per month) for courses with a duration of 8 months or less.  

The only difference is that visa-required nationals must provide this proof during the visa application process, while non-visa-required nationals must do so when registering their residence permission in Ireland. 

Visit the official web page to view the most up-to-date financial requirement information and to see which documents you will need. 

Parental consent: Required for applicants under the age of 18. 

1. ​​​​​​Signed and dated Application Summary Form which you will receive after completing the online application via the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS).
2. A valid passport 
3. Two passport-sized colour photographs that are not more than 6 months old. 
4. Evidence of private medical insurance cover 
5. Application letter 
6. Original letters from previous visa refusals (if applicable) 
7. A letter of acceptance from the institution you are enrolled in 
8. Information of any gaps in your educational history 
9. Proof of course fee payment 
10. Evidence of academic ability 
11. Evidence of English or Irish language proficiency 
12. Evidence of financial ability to support yourself during the stay 
13. A completed summary of finances form 
14. Extra documentation for unaccompanied students under the age of 18 including birth certificates and consent of parent/legal guardian. 
15. Accommodation and vetting certificate 

Note: Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances. Visit the official webpage for more information. 

• Apply to a recognised education provider in Ireland and receive an official Letter of Acceptance for a full-time course listed on the ILEP. 
• Check if you need a visa. Students from visa-required countries must apply for a Long Stay (D-Type) Study Visa, while non-visa-required nationals can travel to Ireland and register their permission after arrival. 
• Gather your supporting documents (listed above). 
• Complete your online visa application through the AVATS up to 3 months before you plan to travel. Based on individual circumstances, you may also need to provide biometric information.  
• Pay the visa application fee (non-refundable) and follow the instructions on the Application Summary Form for where to submit your documents. 
• Submit your signed summary form and all supporting documents to the appropriate visa office or application centre. 
• Wait for your visa decision. Processing times can vary, but you can track your application status online through AVATS. 
• Once approved, you can travel to Ireland. Upon arrival, you must register with the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) to obtain your residence permission. 

Can: 

• Study 
• Take on part-time employment (20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours a week during holidays) 
• Extend the visa for a maximum aggregate time of 7 years 

Cannot: 

• Work for more than 20-hours a week during term time 
• Conduct business or be self employed 
• Cannot bring your spouse, partner, or children with you on a student visa, unless specific exceptions apply (for example, certain PhD or research-level students may be eligible). Check the official guidelines.