Applying for a Study Visa in Ireland

Student visa requirements in Ireland

Ireland is a popular destination for international students looking to study abroad due to its high-ranking universities and low education costs compared to the UK. If you wish to study here, though, Ireland has its own sets of policies when applying for a student visa.

International students require a study visa depending on the degrees and courses you wish to pursue and in accordance to the Visa Policy for Non-EEA students by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services. The visa in most cases, may be applied for up to three months before the date of travel to Ireland.

What type of visa should you apply for?

International students who are enrolled on a course that lasts less than three months must apply for a ‘C-Study Visa’. However, international students undertaking full-time courses on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes are required to obtain a ‘D-Study Visa’ to enter Ireland.

• Short stay ‘C’ Study Visa for entry into Ireland (less than 90 days)
• Long Stay ‘D’ Study visa for entry into Ireland (more than 90 days)

General visa information

Student Visa applications can be submitted online by completing the online application process following the instructions for submission provided on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services website. The application also requires Biometric information.

- Fees

• Visa applicants are required to pay the visa fees in addition to charges for the submission of documents. The visa fee may be paid in local currency
• A Single Entry Visa Fee is €60, and a Multiple Entry Visa fee is €100

- English requirements

When applying for your study visa, you will also need to prove your English ability to a basic level as some course and visa offers are dependent on reaching a required level. Valid international certificates include IELTS and TOEFL.

Irish study visa supporting documents

The supporting documentation required when applying for a Student Visa in Ireland includes:

• Letter of acceptance from a recognised university confirming your candidature for a full-time course with 15 hours per week study time.
• English language certification depicting student’s ability to pursue a course in English
• Receipt for payment of course fee
• Evidence such as Bank statements to show access to enough funds to maintain through the initial years
• Private medical insurance
• A commitment letter to leave Ireland after the expiry of the Student Visa
• Certificates for all academic qualifications as required by the university
• Two recent coloured passport sized photographs
• A signed application letter with full contact details
• Evidence for explaining any gaps in the educational history of the candidate.
• Current passport and copies of previous passports
• Previous visa refusals, if any

Further details can be found on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services website.

Residence and work permits for international students

• Non-EEA students need to register with the local immigration office in the district they are living in for a period of more than 3 months
• Non-EEA students are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during semester time and up to a maximum of 40 hours during the vacation period

Apply for a Study Visa in Ireland

Do you need to apply for a Study Visa in Ireland? Experienced visa consultants at SI-Ireland can assist you with the visa application process using our Visa Service. Arrange a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to learn more.