Ireland Student Visa Requirements; Process, Fees & Application

Ireland student visa - What you need to know 

If you're considering studying in Ireland, you may require a student visa. We recommend checking your country's specific requirements with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). If a visa is necessary, your IDP counsellor can guide you through the application process. 

Student visa types and duration for Ireland 

Check out a summary of the different types of study visas and their application criteria: 

 For further details, please refer to the Irish Government's Naturalisation and Immigration Service website.  

Documents required for “C and D study visas” in Ireland To apply for your C/D study visa, the following documents are generally required:  

• A valid passport or other travel documentation 

• An acceptance letter from a recognised Irish institution 

• A valid passport for at least 12 months from your expected arrival date in Ireland 

• Recent passport-sized coloured photographs 

• Results from an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS 

• Proof of fee payment (this can be a receipt showing payment through an approved student fee service or a copy of the Electronic Transfer of Funds sent to the Irish bank of the university or college) 

• Evidence of sufficient funds (10,000 EU) to cover living expenses for the duration of your course 

• Documentation explaining any gaps in your educational history, if applicable 

• Medical insurance details 

• Biometric information (If required) 

• A statement confirming your intent to leave Ireland when your visa expires 

• For a 'C' visa, you need to submit attested documents, including the application summary sheets and proof of your return to your home country. 

• Proof of academic qualifications that demonstrate your ability to pursue your chosen course 

• You may be asked to attend a personal interview at the Irish embassy or consulate. 

If any of your documents are not in English, a full translation will be required. Each translated document must include: 

• A confirmation from the translator stating that it’s an accurate translation of the original document 

• The date of translation 

• The translator’s full name and signature 

• The translator’s contact details 

 Please note that these are the basic requirements. Speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of the documents needed.  

When can I apply for an Irish student visa 

You can begin your Irish visa application process up to three months before your planned travel date to Ireland. It's important to submit your application as early as possible within this timeframe, as visa processing can take several weeks depending on the volume of applications and other factors. The application is considered officially submitted once you have paid the application fee. Applying early also gives you time to gather any additional documents that may be requested during the process.  

How to apply for Ireland’s student visa online  

You can submit your student visa application online through the Irish Government's official website. Applications can be made up to three months prior to your planned travel date to Ireland. Remember, the application date is set as per the day your application fee is paid.  

How can IDP help with your visa application to Ireland 

If you're an IDP student with an offer letter from one of our partner institutions in Ireland, we can guide you through the entire visa process. We'll keep you updated on the latest visa requirements and conditions and assist you in preparing all the necessary documents for submission.  

Our team of experts will guide you to the official websites and connect you with authorized immigration representatives, making sure you have access to the latest application forms and reliable information. To simplify the process, we also offer support in certifying, translating and couriering your documents.  

Ireland student visa fee and English language requirements 

Here’s what you need to know about the visa fee and English language requirements for obtaining a student visa for Ireland:  

Visa Fee 
As an applicant from outside Ireland, you will need to pay a visa fee of €60 (please check the latest fee when applying here).  

English Language Requirements 
To obtain a study visa for Ireland, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This typically involves passing a recognised English language test to prove your communication skills. 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely recognised English proficiency test for study, work, and migration, with over three million tests taken annually. IELTS results are accepted by more than 12,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional bodies and governments across 140 countries. 

To apply for an Irish study visa, a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 is required. 

Learn more about IELTS. 

FAQs 

Can I work in Ireland after completing my studies?
Possibly. The Irish Government’s Third Level Graduate Scheme allows graduates from Irish higher education institutions to stay in Ireland for one year to search for employment, with a two-year extension for postgraduate students. 

Non-EU graduates legally residing in Ireland can also apply for a Green Card Permit, enabling long-term residence. This permit allows you to work for a specific employer in occupations experiencing a skills shortage. 

Do I need health insurance for a student visa in Ireland?
Students from non-EU/EEA countries are required to have private medical insurance when visiting to Ireland for educational purposes. 

Is Ireland’s student visa difficult to get?
Getting an Ireland student visa isn’t too difficult if you meet the requirements. The process can vary depending on where you're from and the type of program you're applying for, but if you have all the right documents and follow the steps, you should be fine. Make sure you have everything in order, like your academic records and proof of funds. If you need any help, your IDP counsellor can guide you through the process.