Ireland Student Visa

Before you get on the plane to begin studying in Ireland, there are some important documents you’ll need. If you are a non-EEA (European Economic Area) or non-EU (European Union) national, you’ll need to secure an Ireland student visa to begin your studies. 

But don’t worry because we’re here to help with all that boring paperwork! We’ll help you navigate every step of the student visa application process, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your study abroad adventure. 

Types of Ireland student visas  

Ireland offers two main types of student visas: the ‘C’ visa for short stays (under 90 days/3 months) and the ‘D’ visa for long stays (full-time study/3 months or longer). 

 Most international students pursuing degree-level or postgraduate courses will require a ‘D’ study visa. This long-stay visa allows you to remain in Ireland for the duration of your studies, provided you meet all the necessary requirements.  

Ireland student visa eligibility criteria

To be eligible for an Ireland education visa, you’ll need to meet specific criteria, including:  

• Acceptance into a full-time course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), with at least 15 hours of daytime study per week. 

• Demonstrating genuine study intent through Statement of Purpose, with purpose to travel to Ireland for education not for migration. 

• Showing intent to return home after completing your studies. 

• Having sufficient financial resources to support yourself without relying on public funds, typically at least €10,000 per year. This is meant to cover the cost of living in Ireland in addition to international student fees in Ireland. You can consider applying for international student scholarships in Ireland for financial support. 

• Meeting student visa English language requirements, usually through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, unless exempt. 

• Having private medical insurance valid in Ireland for a period starting from time of arrival. 

• Being of good character with no serious criminal convictions or immigration violations. 

While there’s no strict age limit for the student visa, mature students might be asked to justify their motivation to study or account for any gaps in education. 

When should you apply for an Ireland student visa?

You should apply for your Ireland student visa as early as possible, ideally at least eight weeks before your course starts. Avoid last-minute applications, especially during peak intake seasons (August–September, January). A delayed visa approval could affect your travel plans. 

You can apply up to three months before your travel date (arrival in Ireland).

Documents required for an Ireland student visa application

You must submit the required documentation to fulfil Irish study visa requirements.  

• Application form 

• Application letter (this should show ties to your home country or otherwise convey your intent to travel to Ireland for education purposes not to emigrate) 

• Two colour passport-sized photographs not more than six (6) months old 

• Current passport and full copy of all previous passports 

• Evidence of enrollment in a privately funded course 

• Evidence accounting for any gaps in educational or employment history (this is especially important for mature students or postgraduate candidates) 

• Evidence of fee payment to college 

• Evidence of academic ability to follow chosen course of study 

• Evidence of English (or Irish) language proficiency level 

• Evidence of access to sufficient funds that meet the financial requirements 

• Summary of finances for study visa application 

• Private medical insurance 

• Previous visa refusals to any country (if any) 

You may also be required to provide biometrics information.  Ensure all documents are in English or accompanied by certified translations. We highly recommend that you ask your IDP overseas education placement consultant to guide you through the process in order to ensure that everything is done correctly. If the documentation is not what’s required, you risk having your student visa refused.

How to apply for an Ireland student visa

Ireland’s student visa application process is conducted through the online AVATS system:  

1. Create an account on the AVATS Online Application Facility 

2. Fill out and complete the Application Form on AVATS 

3. Generate an application summary 

4. Pay the visa fee as part of the Application Form 

5. After submitting your Application Form, you may need to provide biometrics or supporting documents to a relevant embassy or visa centre 

6. For long-term stays, post-arrival registration with GNIB/INIS is required 

IDP will support you at each stage of the process, ensuring that your application is completed accurately to heighten your chances of approval. 

How to check your Ireland student visa status 

• You can check your Ireland student visa application status online, using your Visa Application Number supplied to you via AVATS, to see if your visa has been processed. This list is updated weekly. 

• If your visa is approved, the Irish Embassy office will attach your visa to your passport. 

• If your visa is refused, you can appeal the decision if it’s within two months of the rejection. 

Ireland student visa fees and processing time

The student visa fees for Ireland are currently €60 for single-entry and €100 for multi-entry. These fees are non-refundable and exclude additional potential costs such as private medical insurance, English proficiency tests, and certified document translations.  Processing of your visa application can take eight weeks or more, depending on factors like nationality, application completeness, and timing (e.g. applications submitted during peak periods may take longer to be assessed).

Ireland student visa rejection rate and how to improve your approval odds

Common reasons for rejection of Ireland student visa application include insufficient financial proof, vague study plans, and incomplete documentation. If your visa application is refused, the college will refund the fees, minus a small application fee.

You can try to improve your approval odds and avoid the rejection rate by providing a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), demonstrating clear academic progression, and ensuring all documents are complete and verified.

There’s a lot involved in the visa application process, but you can take off some of the pressure by getting expert advice from an IDP counsellor. We’re here to help you strengthen your visa application! 

Can you work while studying in Ireland on a student visa? 

Eligible students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours per week during holidays (December 15 to January 15 and June 1 to September 30 only). You must be enrolled in full-time programs of at least one year on the ILEP. This eligibility lapses upon expiry of your Ireland student visa validity period. Find out more about extending your student visa through Graduate studies in Ireland. 

Are internships allowed on an Ireland student visa? 

Internships and work placements are permitted only if they are part of your academic program, and organised by your institution. The internship cannot occupy more than 50% of the duration of the program. For example, four-year coursework allows a maximum of two years of work placement, which is an essential part of the study program. 

Can you work in Ireland after graduation on a student visa? 

Possibly. The Irish Government’s Third Level Graduate Scheme offers legally resident non-EEA Third Level Graduates graduates of Irish higher education institutions a one-year stay back visa so that they can stay in Ireland and seek employment. This is extended to two years for post-graduate students. Find out more in our guide to student visas in Ireland.

Legally resident non-EU third level graduates can also apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit for eligible job offers. This allows you to work for a particular employer in an occupation where there is a shortage of skills. 

IDP can help you 

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