Planning to study in Ireland? This guide explains who needs a student visa, the documents and funds required, how to apply and what to do after arrival.
The large investments Ireland has made in its higher education system is one of the reasons why the country has welcomed so many international students over the last years.
Who needs an Irish student visa
If you've decided to study abroad in Ireland and are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, good news! You won’t need an Irish student visa. British citizens also do not need one under the Common Travel Area. If you're from another country, check whether your nationality requires a visa; long-stay registration can still be required if you are visa-exempt.
Choose the right visa for your study period
If you need a visa to enter Ireland, the type of visa you should apply for depends on the length of your course:
- C-type short-stay visa for eligible study visits of up to 90 days. This route does not allow work or switching to a long-term student stay.
- D-type long-stay study visa for a study programme that lasts longer than 90 days. Non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss and non-British students staying longer than 90 days normally also need to register their immigration permission after arrival.
Visit ImmigrationServiceDelivery’slong-staystudyguidance for current visa requirements.
Apply to an Irish university and get your acceptance letter
If you’re still not sure where you want to study in Ireland, you will have to decide before you can start your student visa application process. After being accepted at an Irish university, you’ll get an acceptance letter required for the visa application.
Documents required for an Irish student visa
For the long-stay route, follow Immigration Service Delivery’s checklist and the instructions on your application summary sheet:
- Two recent colour passport-size photographs
- Passport and a full copy of any previous passports
- A signed letter of application including your full contact details (stating the reason you want to come to Ireland)
- Letter of Acceptance from the college/university
- Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history
- Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees
- Copies of all academic qualifications and exam results required for university studies
- English language proficiency certificate
- Proof you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment
- Medical Insurance
- A commitment to comply with your permission and leave when it expires unless you obtain another lawful permission
English or Irish language requirements
International students must show that they can follow their course in English. The immigration language minimum and the university’s admission requirements may differ. But then again, if you have a high enough score, this doesn't matter, right?
You will normally be required to provide proof of English language proficiency through a recognised certificate, issued within 2 years of the expected start date of the course. Immigration Service Delivery’s language requirements list accepted English exams, including:
Irish student visa fees and required funds
- Under theofficialstudent-financerequirements, students on courses resulting in a stay longer than eight months must normally show access to at least €10,000 for living costs, in addition to course fees.
- For courses lasting eight months or less, you must show that you have access to €833 for each month you plan to stay in Ireland, up to a maximum of €6,665.
- For example, you need €4,998 for a six-month stay or €6,665 for an eight-month stay.
- The standard visa fee is €60 for a single-entry visa or €100 for multiple entry, unless exempt; additional service charges may apply.
- Immigration registration normally costs €300 and is separate. For a long-stay visa, pay the full course fee if below €6,000, or at least €6,000 if higher; your college may require more.
When and where to apply for an Irish study visa
- You can apply for a study visa up to 3 months before your date of arrival in Ireland.
- To apply, complete an online application form through AVATS.
- After filling the online application process, follow the instructions and submit your supporting documentation.
- You may be required to provide your Biometrics information as part of the application process.
- The visa processing time is variable, depending on your application office and other factors. Usually, you can expect an answer in approximately eight weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate, but it can take longer. Check the office’s current processing dates.
- It is best not to buy travel tickets until you receive an official answer from the Irish consulate.
Register your immigration permission after arrival
If you enrolled for a study degree that lasts longer than 90 days and need immigration registration, book a first-time appointment through Immigration Service Delivery’s registration procedure. First-time registration for residents throughout Ireland is now handled at Burgh Quay in Dublin; it is no longer a local GNIB procedure.
You will have to submit documents such as:
- Passport
- The documents and fee required for your registration category; biometric details are recorded at registration
- Documentation regarding your entry into Ireland (e.g. evidence of funds, or confirmation of enrolment on a recognized course)
- Student permission allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months, depending on your course and circumstances. You receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, which must be renewed before your permission expires.
Working while studying in Ireland
EU/EEA, Swiss and British students do not need a student employment permit. Eligible students holding valid Stamp 2 permission can work without a separate employment permit:
- up to 20 hours per week during the usual study period
- up to 40 hours per week in June, July, August and September, and from 15 December to 15 January inclusive. These are fixed immigration periods, not each college’s holiday dates.
However, they have to meet the following criteria:
- Hold valid Stamp 2 permission and an Irish Residence Permit where registration is required. Stamp 2A does not permit work.
- Be enrolled in an eligible full-time programme under the ILEPorTrustEdIrelandarrangements.
- Immigration Service Delivery’s student FAQ explains work limits and student permission.
Some universities to consider in Ireland:
- University College Dublin
- Maynooth University
- University of Limerick
- University College Cork
- Dublin City University
- Technological University Dublin (formerly Dublin Institute of Technology)
Before you begin...
For up-to-date visa rules and application procedures, visit Ireland's Immigration Service Delivery website. You can also consult the older INIS resources on entry visas, visa applications and studying in Ireland, although these may no longer reflect current requirements.
Still exploring your study options? Discover Master's degrees in Ireland or Bachelor's degrees in Ireland and find a programme that matches your goals.
