Ireland Study Visa Requirements and Application Process

 

 Career Crafters: Ireland Study Visa — Requirements & Application Process

1. Who Needs a Study Visa for Ireland

• If you are a non-EEA / non-Swiss national (e.g., Indian), and you plan to study in Ireland for more than 90 days, you generally need a long-stay “D” student visa. Shiksha+2Canam Group+2

• Your course should be a full-time course (part-time courses are generally not allowed under this visa for non-EEA students). Shiksha

• The student visa is typically valid for the duration of your course (or up to a maximum, depending on immigration rules). upGrad

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2. Key Requirements (Documents & Eligibility)

Here’s what you need to prepare for an Irish student visa:

1. University Offer / Letter of Acceptance

   • You must have a confirmed admission (offer) from an Irish educational institution. Shiksha+1

   • This “offer letter” is critical for your visa application. Shiksha

2. English Language Proficiency

   • You need to submit scores from a recognised English test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.) as per Irish Immigration rules. upGrad+2Shiksha+2

   • Not submitting a valid test can lead to visa refusal. Ireland

3. Proof of Financial Funds (Cost of Study + Living)

   • Course Fees:

     • If your tuition fee is ≤ €6,000, you need to pay the entire amount before applying. Ireland+1

     • If the fee is > €6,000, you must pay at least €6,000 in advance. Ireland

   • Living Costs (“cost-of-living” / COL): You must show that you can support yourself in Ireland without relying on casual employment. Ireland

   • For multi-year courses, you must show access to funds for:

     • year one (tuition + COL)

     • and “ready access” to required funds for subsequent years. Ireland

   • For Indian students, recent rules (2025): for courses < 8 months, proof required is €833/month or €6,665 total, whichever is available. Shiksha

   • Alternative financial proof (pilot program): education bond of €10,000 may be accepted for some degree students. Shiksha

4. Private Medical Insurance

   • Having private medical insurance from the time of visa application is mandatory. Immigration Service Delivery

   • Travel insurance is not sufficient. Immigration Service Delivery

5. Police / Character Certificate

   • A police clearance / character certificate may be required (to show no criminal record). Canam Group

6. Passport & Photographs

   • Valid passport

   • Passport-sized photographs (recent)

7. Statement of Purpose / Cover Letter

   • Explain why you want to study in Ireland, your course choice, future plans, etc. (this helps in the visa interview or application)

8. Other Supporting Documents

   • Academic transcripts / certificates

   • CV (if needed)

   • Evidence of paid tuition deposit / fee receipt

   • Proof of accommodation (some students mention that visa offices ask for where they will stay) Reddit+1

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3. Visa Fees & Cost (As an Indian Student)

• Visa Application Fee:

  • Single-entry student visa: €60 Wise+1

  • Multiple-entry (long-stay) visa: €100 Shiksha

• Additional Service Charges:

  • VFS service fee (for Indian applicants): around ₹ 3,380 (or VFS’s charge) Wise

• Note: All visa / application fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. Canam Group

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4. Application Process & Timeline (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a breakdown of how Career Crafters would guide students through:

1. Apply for Admission

   • Secure an offer from an Irish university / college.

   • Pay initial deposit if required (at least up to the required minimum).

2. Prepare Visa Application (AVATS)

   • Use the AVATS online portal (Irish Immigration) to fill the visa application form. Ireland

   • Once completed, print and sign the form. boi-services.com

   • Make sure all required documents are ready.

3. Book Visa Appointment

   • For Indian students: submit documents and go for biometrics at a VFS centre. boi-services.com+1

   • Pay visa application fee + VFS service fee at appointment / as per VFS instructions.

4. Submit Documents

   • Submit your signed AVATS form + all supporting documents.

   • Include proof of funds, insurance, offer letter, police certificate, etc.

5. Wait for Decision

   • Visa processing time: up to ~ 40 working days has been reported for student visas. upGrad

   • It’s advisable to apply well in advance. Some guides say apply 4 months before course start date. Ireland

   • Latest acceptable time: applications less than 3 weeks prior to course start may be refused. Ireland

6. Upon Visa Approval

   • Your passport will be returned with visa decision.

   • After arrival in Ireland, you’ll need to register for immigration permission / residence permit (Irish Residence Permit / IRP). Immigration Service Delivery+1

   • There is a fee for registration/renewal (~€300 per year, per some guidelines).