Ireland Student Visa 2025: Check the Types, Eligibility, Application Process, and Fees

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Ireland Student Visa 2024

Ireland, with its prestigious universities like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, offers a compelling academic destination for Indian students pursuing diverse programs, from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to specialized diplomas and certificate courses. To study for longer than three months, a “D” type student visa is required, necessitating proof of acceptance, financial stability, and English proficiency. This guide outlines the essential details of the 2025 Ireland Student Visa, including the application process, fees, and post-study work options, ensuring a well-prepared transition to your Ireland academic journey.

Check Apply for Ireland Work Permit & Work Visa

What is an Ireland Student Visa?

An Ireland Student Visa is a mandatory permit for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, including Indian students, aspiring to pursue education in Ireland. To secure this visa, international students must enroll in full-time courses at recognized Irish institutions. The visa type depends on the course duration: a “C” study visa for courses under three months and a “D” study visa for courses exceeding three months. The application process necessitates meticulous preparation, requiring all documents to be submitted in English or accompanied by a notarized English translation.

  • Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses throughout their stay.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency, typically through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL, is often required.
  • Having valid medical insurance is mandatory for the duration of your stay in Ireland.
  • Upon arrival, students with a “D” visa must register with the GNIB to obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
  • Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to study in Ireland and return to their home country upon completion of their studies.
  • The course you intend to study must be on the interim list of eligible programs (ILEP).

Types of Ireland Student Visa

When it comes to Ireland Student Visas, the duration of your intended study plays the most significant role in determining the type of visa you’ll require. Here’s a breakdown:

“C” Study Visa (Short Stay)

  • This visa is for those who plan to study in Ireland for less than three months.
  • It’s typically for short courses, language programs, or other educational activities with a brief duration.

“D” Study Visa (Long Stay)

  • This visa is for students who will be pursuing courses lasting longer than three months.
  • This is the visa most commonly required for Indian students pursuing full-time academic programs like bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or doctoral studies.
  • Those recieving a “D” visa, upon arrival, will need to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to recieve an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

Eligibility Criteria for Ireland Student Visa

When applying for an Ireland Student Visa, especially as an Indian student, it’s crucial to meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the important eligibility requirements:

  • The candidates are required to have a graduate degree with at least 60% from a UGC or AICTE-recognized university.
  • They should be at least 18 years of age but there is no restriction on the upper age limit.
  • If English is not your native language, you’ll need to provide evidence of your proficiency. This is typically done through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
  • You must prove that your primary purpose for being in Ireland is to study and that you intend to return to your home country upon completion of your studies.
  • They should have medical insurance.
  • They should be able to give complete details about their contact and their reason for staying in Ireland.
  • You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.

Documents Required for Ireland Student Visa

To successfully apply for an Ireland Student Visa, Indian students must compile a comprehensive set of documents. Here’s a detailed list:

  • Complete the application form with your signature
  • An application letter with full name and postal address
  • Date of visit to Ireland
  • Reason for travelling to Ireland
  • Two colored passport-sized photographs
  • Copy of current passports and previous passports
  • Evidence showing that you have enrolled in a private course
  • Evidence of application fee payment
  • Evidence of English Language 
  • Proof of financial funds to support themselves in Ireland
  • Proof of medical insurance and record of visa refusals in the past

Ireland Student Visa Age Limit

The age limit for Ireland student visa applications is not specified. However, applicants who are below the age of 18 years would require parent/guardian consent, If a student below the age of 18 years obtains a student visa it means that the family members cannot accompany the student or join the student in Ireland. 

Know About Ireland Student Visa Processing Time in India

Additional Documents for Students Below the Age of 18

Students who are below the age of 18 will have to bring additional documents to obtain a visa. These documents are as follows:

  • Birth certificate of the student
  • Consent of the legal guardian or parent. (For this, you can provide copies of the biometric page of the parents, or the national identity card showcasing the bearer’s signature)
  • Accommodation and vetting certificate: Provide the address of the place where you are going to stay in Ireland. At least 1 parent must join the student for the duration of studies. In such cases, a statement has to be issued by the parent. In case the parent is not joining the student, he/she must include clearance from the Irish police regarding where the student is living 

Watch the video below to learn about Ireland’s student visa requirements

Credit: @StudentInIreland

How to Apply for an Ireland Student Visa?

Check the application process for an Ireland student visa given below:

  • Firstly check your eligibility to apply for a visa in Ireland
  • Visit the official website of INIS and fill out the application form
  • Note the unique visa transaction number and then print the application form
  • Gather all the required documents to submit along with the application process through mail or post

Check below the deadlines for Ireland Student Visa to apply:

Higher Study OptionsDurationIntake MonthsDeadline to Apply
Bachelors3/4 YearsSep (Major), Feb (Minor)6-8 months before the intake month
Masters (MS/MBA)2 YearsSep (Major), Feb (Minor)

Application Fees for Ireland Student Visa

The cost of an Ireland visa ranges between € 80 and €150 depending on the type. The two types of visa are type C and type D. Check below the application fees as per the visa type and entry type:

Entry TypeLong Stay D VisaShort Stay C Visa
Single Entry€80€80
Multi entry€150€150
Transit€40n/a

Learn in detail about Ireland visa process

Processing Time for Ireland Student Visa

The processing time of an Ireland visa depends upon the countries, visa offices, embassies, and consulate. Apart from this, the visa may also get delayed if there are a vast number of applications at the same time. However, the decision can be expected within 8 – 10 weeks from the date of application.

There can be delays in visa processing if:

  • All the documents are not submitted properly
  • If verification is required for the supporting documents

Student Visa and Employment Opportunities in Ireland 

Those who have enrolled in a course on the  Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) can work for 20 hours part-time per week in  Ireland. For this purpose, they will have stamp 2 endorsed on their passport. During the holiday period, such students can take up 40 hours of work per week. That is, starting from June to September, and form 15th December to January 15th. When the visa expires, the right to work will also expire.

On the other hand, students who are not attending such courses, are not allowed to take up employment or work opportunities in Ireland.  Such students will get stamp 2A on their passport,

What to Do If I Want to Leave for a Short While?

Students who have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or have a GNIB card do not need a re-entry permit. In such cases, the IRP card and passport are acceptable. There is no need for a re-entry visa. It means those students who do not have Irish residency will not be allowed re-entry.

Check How Much Study Gap is Acceptable in Ireland?

FAQs

Is IELTS required for an Ireland visa?

Yes, most of the colleges in Ireland require the candidates to get an IELTS score of 6.5 to get admission.

How long does it take to get an Ireland student visa?

Usually, the processing time of an Ireland visa is 8 – 10 weeks. This period starts from the date of application.

What are the types of Ireland student visas?

There are two types of Ireland visa – Type C and Type D. Type C is for less than 3 months and Type D is for more than 3 months.

Can study abroad students work in Ireland?

Yes. The student visa holder can work up to 20 hours per week in a term time. Else, the student can work 40 hours per week during college vacations. 

Can I get PR in Ireland after study?

Yes, you can apply for permanent residency in Ireland after studying there. Usually, you need to live in Ireland for at least five years with a valid work permit. However, if you have a Critical Skills Employment Permit, you may qualify in just two years.

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We hope you now understand what is an Ireland Student Visa, the application process, processing time, application fees, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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