Ireland Student Visa

To fulfil your dream to study in Ireland, you need to accomplish a long checklist of tasks such as selecting the right course or university, understanding the admission process, visa requirements, finding the right accommodation, etc. But the most crucial of these tasks is acquiring a student visa to pursue your chosen course in Ireland. Generally, students are advised to start working on the visa application as soon as they are accepted by their chosen university. This blog brings a detailed analysis of the application process for the Ireland Student Visa. 

Also read: How to Apply for Visa for Different Countries?

News Updates on Ireland Student Visa

• VFS Global is resuming services in a phased manner for Indian students and nationals planning to travel to Ireland this year. It has reopened visa application centers keeping in mind the health and safety guidelines and local government directives. 
• International students who are fully vaccinated are not required to quarantine in Ireland after arriving in the country.
• Ireland is one of the European countries that have included Covishield on the list of acceptable vaccines under green pass.
• International students who wish to study in Ireland and come from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland won’t need an Irish student visa. 

Also Read: Study in Ireland Without IELTS

Why Study in Ireland? 

Because Irish universities are known for their research skills, your qualifications are likely to be recognised practically everywhere in the world. Many colleges also provide internships to assist students in gaining practical experience in their subject of study. Before digging more into Ireland study visa, let’s highlight some of the advantages that make Ireland so appealing to internationals:

• International students benefit from smaller tuition fees and living costs compared to the UK.
• Ireland is known for its friendly people and safe environment.
• Ireland was listed among the top countries where students are very satisfied with their study abroad experience.
• The country is renowned for its global business hub.
• Highly developed democracy with a modern economy.
• Ireland is a part of the European Union (EU).
• Education institutions follow the Bologna system.
• The language of instruction used in universities is English.

Must Read: Engineering Colleges in Ireland 

Intakes in Ireland 

There are two major intakes at Irish universities and colleges. In certain universities, an intake is referred to as a semester.

Intake 1 (Fall Semester)	A popular and biggest intake that starts in the month of September.
Intake 2 (Spring Semester)	Spring Semester starts in the month of January where universities offer selected programs only.

Know more about January Intake in Ireland for International Students

Types of Student Visa for Ireland from India

Known as the Land of Saints and Scholars, Ireland is world-renowned for its quality academic programmes at affordable costs and top-ranked universities offering the best knowledge and exposure in every field of study. To pursue a program of your choice at an Irish university, you need to have a student visa. The Ireland study visa varies as per the nationality, hence, as an Indian student, you are provided with two visa options.

• If your selected program is a short term course and its duration ranges within 3 months, you will have to apply under C Student Visa. 
• If your chosen program stretches for a longer duration, i.e. more than 3 months, then you will have to apply under the D Student Visa. 

Note: You can visit the official website of the Department of Justice and Equality to find out if you need a visa to enter Ireland.

How to Apply For Ireland Student Visa?

You can simply apply for your Ireland student visa online at the official website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). Make sure you fill in all the details correctly to avoid any kind of discrepancy. Aspirants are advised to apply for a student visa at least 3 months prior to their visit date as the process may take up to 8 weeks to complete. Here is the step-by-step process you need to follow to apply for Ireland Student Visa:

Step 1: Visit the official website of INIS and apply for a visa that fits the duration of your program. Carefully fill in all the details, attach the required documents and submit the form.

Step 2: Note down the ‘Unique Visa Transaction Number’ and print the application form. 

Step 3: Collect all the essential documents required for an Ireland student visa. 

Step 4: You may submit the application form either through mail or via post. 

Note: During the present Covid-19 scenario, INIS has put all the visa applications on hold effective from 20th March 2020 and only certain priority/emergency visas will be processed. Though students can still apply for an Ireland student visa online, the application process cannot be wholly completed and you can know more about the measures taken by INIS in the light of Covid-19 here.

English Language Requirements

You will be required to show proof of English language competency in the form of an internationally recognised certificate issued within two years of the course’s projected start date. The following English examinations are accepted:

Accepted tests	Minimum Score
IELTS	5.0 overall
TOEFL iBT	61
PTE	30

Ireland Student Visa Requirements

If you wish to successfully secure your Ireland student visa, you must fulfil the prescribed eligibility criteria by the immigration authorities. We have listed down the major requirements you must keep in mind before applying for a student visa for Ireland from India: 

• Academic transcripts and qualifications proving that you qualify the eligibility requirements of your chosen course and university.
• Two coloured passport-sized photographs (should not be more than 6 months old)
• Your current passport along with a copy of all the previous passports (if any)
• An acceptance letter from a college or university stating that you have been accepted for your chosen program offered by the institution.
• Candidates must be 18 years or above.
• Scorecard of any of the English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL etc.
• Admission fee receipt or any other document stating that the entire fee of the program has been paid.
• Proof of sufficient funds to study in Ireland during the course of your studies.
• Getting Private Medical Insurance cover is also an essential requirement to apply for an Ireland Student Visa. 
• Documents stating the reason for gaps in your educational journey, if any. 
• Documents conveying that you intend to return to the country of permanent residence after expiration of your student visa or the completion of your course.
• Along with these, you will also have to provide a signed letter of application enlisting your contact details and the following:
  • Mentioning your reason for coming to Ireland;
  • Details of any family members who are currently living in Ireland or any other EU state
  • Affirming that you will adhere to the conditions of your visa as well as will leave the country once the visa expires.
  • Outlining where you now wish to pursue the course of your choice does not align with your educational or employment records, i.e. you haven’t pursued it somewhere else, thus providing valid reasons with documentary evidence for this change.

Medical Insurance for Ireland Student Visa

All non-EU students require health insurance coverage for immigration purposes.  The chosen healthcare plan must cover the traveller for the entire duration of their education. International students can purchase health insurance from their home country as long as it is accepted in Ireland. The health insurance must cover students up to €25,000 (INR 21,67,310) for in-hospital treatment.

Students planning to study in the country for one year or less can purchase basic medical expense insurance starting at €160 (INR 13,870).

Ireland Student Visa Fees

Whether you are opting for a C Student Visa or D Student Visa, you will have to submit the required visa fee. Fee submission is a crucial step in the visa application process and thus aspirants are advised to provide the fee within the given span of time. The Ireland Student visa fee is €60 (INR 5,100) for both C & D Student visas.

Ireland Study Visa Checklist

While applying for an Ireland Student Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• 2 coloured passport-sized photograph 
• Current passport along with a copy of all previous passports 
• A signed letter by you containing your contact details 
• English proficiency test scores
• Evidence stating that you are enrolled in a privately funded course 
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of Private Medical Insurance Cover
• Acceptance letter by your chosen university
• Academic transcripts or related documents supporting that you are eligible to pursue the course and all the admission requirements specified by the university have been met.
• Documents stating that the entire fee of the program has been paid
• Return documents 

Students who are under 18 years of age will have to provide some additional documents such as, 

• Birth certificate 
• Consent of parent or legal guardian 
• Accommodation and Vetting certificate 

Here’s a List of Important Documents Required to Study Abroad

Work Permit Ireland

Students from the EU and EEA are permitted to work in Ireland without restriction, whether full-time or part-time. Students from outside the EU/EEA can work in the following positions:

• Part-time: Up to 20 hours per week during semesters
• Full-time: 40 hours per week during scheduled holidays

They must, however, meet the following requirements to get a work permit in Ireland:

• Hold a GNIB card, which is a registration certificate issued by the Immigration Office upon your arrival in Ireland.
• Enroll in a programme of study that is on the government’s list of visa-eligible classes.

Ireland Residence Permit

If you are studying in Ireland for more than three months, you must register with the local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) as soon as you arrive. You can stay in the country for up to 12 months with a residency permit. A Certificate of Registration (also known as a Green Book) will be issued to you, which must be renewed before it expires. You will have to submit documents such as:

• Passport 
• Four recent passport-size photographs
• Documentation regarding your entry into Ireland (e.g. evidence of funds, or confirmation of enrolment on a recognized course)

FAQs

Hopefully, this blog has helped you understand the application process and essential documents you need to apply for an Ireland Student Visa. Need help with sending a perfect student visa application to a dream study destination? Call us on 1800572000 for a free consultation session with our Leverage Edu experts and we will guide you throughout the visa application process thus making sure that you submit it within the deadline and get the student visa to actualise your dream of studying abroad!