Ireland Student Visa: Your Gateway to Quality Education
Learn everything you need to know about Ireland student visa
and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
Ireland Student Visa: Your Gateway to Quality Education
Learn everything you need to know about Ireland student visa and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
Going to Ireland for higher studies is a great choice. In order to study in another country, we have a big checklist of work and processes to get done. One of the most important things is getting the visa done.
The success rate for Ireland student visa is high. As of 2024, the acceptance rate is over 96%, with a rejection rate of only 1-4%. This high success rate is due to clear visa requirements and protocols, making sure that eligible students who meet all the criteria can typically secure their visas without much difficulty
Learn the requirements, process, costs, and everything you need to know about the Ireland student visa for international students.
Ireland Visa Types |
Visa Fee in Euro |
Validation Period |
Short Stay ‘C’ Visa Application fee |
€60 for Single Entry Visa €100 for Multiple Entry Visa |
Less than 90 days |
Long Stay ‘D’ Visa Application fee |
€60 for Single Entry Visa €100 for long-stay D Visa with multiple entries |
Valid for 90 days |
Introduction fee |
Depends on the service provider |
- |
Ireland Student Visa Latest News 2024 - 25
For the 2024-25 academic year, Ireland has updated its student visa policies. Here are the Ireland student visa latest news to help you get through the visa process.
- For an Ireland international students visa, the student must be enrolled in full-time courses listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).
- Financial requirements include having access to €10,000 (Inside Dublin) - €12,000 (Outside Dublin) annually for living expenses.
- Non-EEA students need to register with local immigration authorities and obtain a GNIB card upon arrival.
- The processing time for student visas mostly takes about four to eight weeks, and visa success rates are high, with a rejection rate between 1% and 4%.
- Students can work part-time during their semesters and full-time during the holidays.
- After graduation, extended residence to seek employment is allowed to students by the Third Level Graduate Scheme.
Related Article: Benefits of Studying in Ireland
Types of Ireland Student Visa for International Students
Below is an overview of the primary visa types available for Ireland student visa applications:
Types of Student Visa |
Description |
Type D |
Long-term visa for courses longer than 3 months. Required for full-time degree programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies. |
Stamp 2 Visa |
Allows full-time students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during holidays). Benefits include work rights and post-study stay options. |
Stamp 1G Visa |
Post-study work visa for graduates of Irish higher education institutions, allowing them to get employment and gain work experience in Ireland. |
Ireland Student Visa Cost for International Students
Let us take a look at Ireland student visa fees.
- For a short-stay visa, which is under 90 days, you have to pay €60 for a single entry and €100 for multiple entries.
- If you're in it for the long haul, like most full-time students, the long-stay visa also costs €60.
- Apart from the visa fee, you need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. If you are residing within Dublin, your living expenses would look around €12,000 and if your residence is outside of Dublin, then your expenses would be around €10,000 for 1 academic year.
- If your course duration exceeds for more than a year, then you will need to show proof of remaining living costs along with the tuition fees.
- Your additional proof of funds can be shown through bank statements, financial documents, or sponsorship letters. Please make note that the documents that you produce reflect that the funds are readily available for you for the entire period of your study.
- The health insurance is also an additional expense of €150-€300 you have to make if you want your Ireland student visa.
- Additionally, there are some other costs like translating and notarising the documents.
Keep in mind that visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application gets rejected. So, plan and budget carefully to move to Ireland as smoothly as possible!
Related Article: Cost of Studying in Ireland
Ireland Student Visa Requirements
Thinking about studying in Ireland? Great choice! To get your student visa sorted, here are the Ireland student visa requirements.
- Acceptance letter
You will need a letter from an Irish university certifying that you are on a full-time course. This has to be at least 25 weeks long.
- Financial proof
You have to show you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living costs, and a return ticket. Usually, that means having around €21,710 to €38,460 (Inside Dublin) and €19,710 to €36,460 (Outside Dublin).
- Health insurance
Make sure you have health insurance for your stay in Ireland since it is mandatory for international students.
- Visa application form
Fill out the online form and pay the application fee.
- Passport
Your passport should be valid for your entire stay, with at least six months more to go after your course ends.
- Photos
You will need some recent passport-size photos.
- English proficiency
You need to show your English proficiency skills with tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
- Police verification
Police clearance certificate is mandatory for Ireland student visa verifications.
- Visa Fee
Payment receipt for the visa application fee will be required.
Apply early, as visa processing can take longer than expected, because there is a high possibility for the Visas that are applied for 4 weeks or lesser to be returned without processing.
Documents Required for an Ireland Student Visa
If you're looking to get an Ireland student visa, here's what you'll need:
- Visa Form: Fill out the D-visa form.
- Passport: Your passport should be valid for a year and have a couple of blank pages.
- Photos: Get two recent passport-sized photos.
- Acceptance Letter: Show that you’ve been accepted into an Irish school. This might need to be from a recognised institution—check which ones count.
- Proof of Funds: You need to show you have enough funds for fees and living costs.
- Accommodation Proof: Details about where you will stay.
- Health Insurance: You will need health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Visa Fee: Pay the fee. The amount might change, so check the current rate.
- English Test: There is an IELTS requirement for Ireland student visa. Some universities may also accept tests like TOEFL.
- Police Clearance Certificate for Ireland student visa verification.
The Step-By-Step Ireland Student Visa Process
To get a student visa for Ireland, these are the steps you need to follow:
- Acceptance Letter
You should start by getting an acceptance letter from your desired Irish institution or college. This letter should confirm that you have been accepted for a full-time course.
- Proof of Finances
Proof that you have enough funds to cover the tuition fees, living, and travel. You need to have €10,000 (Inside Dublin) to €12,000 (Outside Dublin) in your bank account.
- Medical Insurance
Get medical insurance for your stay. You need to attach proof of this with your application.
- Visa Application Form
Fill out the Irish Student Visa Application Form from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
- Supporting Documents
Collect the necessary documents such as the passport, acceptance letter, proof of finances, medical insurance, and English proficiency test.
- Application Fee
Pay the visa application fee, which is between €60 and €100, depending on the type of visa.
- Submission
Submit your application and documents to the nearest Irish embassy or consulate.
- Interview
An interview may be required for your application.
- Decision
Wait for the decision. Processing time can be different for everyone. It is better to apply early, considering your travel plans.
Ireland Student Visa Timeline and Processing Time for International Students
The Ireland student visa process involves several key stages. Applicants should start by getting an acceptance letter by the Irish College or Institution. You can apply online to get all the documents collected(literally everything).
The processing time is from 4 to 8 weeks. Hence, keep your travel date in mind and apply. Stay updated on the official website for a smooth application process.
Ireland Student Visa Rejection Rate & Reasons
The Ireland student visa rejection rate is influenced by factors such as incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, and failure to meet academic criteria.
Common reasons for rejection include discrepancies in application details and not a proper proof of intent to return to the home country. Understanding the Ireland student visa process and whether all requirements are met can significantly reduce the risk of rejection.
Applicants should carefully review guidelines and prepare comprehensive documentation to improve their chances. They should also know the Ireland student visa requirements to ensure a smoother process.
Takeaway
Getting an Ireland student visa gives Indian students the chance to study in Ireland, which is known for its top universities and friendly atmosphere. This visa is your pathway to a great educational and cultural experience.
If you follow the application process with care and meet the requirements, you’ll get your visa to Ireland. The process is complex and time consuming, but the reward is worth it.
AECC can help you with valuable guidance on how to go about doing it. Our counsellors provide expert assistance at every step of the way starting from selecting the university right up to visa procedures. Contact AECC today and make your study abroad dreams come true!