Ireland Student Visa

This guide will walk you through the student visa application process for Ireland.

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, with the right information and preparation, you can approach the student visa application process with confidence. This guide will help you understand the steps involved so you can stay on track for your study abroad journey. 

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. 

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). 
  The types of full-time courses include: 

  • English Language programmes lasting at least 25 weeks 

  • Higher Education programmes from level 6 to 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications 

  • Professional Awards 

  • Foundation programmes 

• Demonstrating genuine study intent through Statement of Purpose, with purpose to travel to Ireland for education and 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 the international student scholarships in Ireland for financial support. 

• Meeting student visa English language requirements, usually through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Many Irish institutions waive English test requirements if you studied in Singapore prior (e.g., GCE O-level, A-level, or Polytechnic diploma taught in English). Each university sets its own exemption policy, so always check directly with the school. 

• Having private medical insurance valid in Ireland for a period starting from the 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. 

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).

 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 (Click here for the photograph requirements.) 

• Current passport (valid for at least 12 months) 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 the 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 

• Police clearance certificate (Students who have held a residence permit in Singapore within the five years prior to their application may apply for a Certificate of Clearance (COC) here.) 

• Previous visa refusals to any country (if any) 

You may also be required to provide biometric information. The Irish Immigration Service reserves the right to request additional documents as deemed necessary for your application.  Ensure all documents are in English or accompanied by certified translations. We highly recommend that you check directly with the Embassy of Ireland or refer to official government sources to ensure your documents meet all the requirements. Submitting incorrect or incomplete information could result in delays or visa refusal. 

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 

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. 

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).

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 following the right steps and by planning ahead. Staying informed and organised is key to submitting a strong visa application. 

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. 

Possibly. The Irish Government’s Third Level Graduate Scheme offers legally resident non-EEA Third Level 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.