The ultimate guide to your Ireland study visa

If you want to study in Ireland, you need a visa.

We've got everything you need to know about getting your Ireland study visa so you can apply and receive yours easily.

What is an Ireland study visa?

A study visa is a document given by the government of Ireland authorising international students to study in the country. While holding an Ireland study visa, you can come to Ireland and complete your course/degree. You need to apply for one of the two available study visas depending on the duration of your course.

What are the types of Ireland study visas available?

There are mainly two types of study visas available in Ireland, they are:

C study visa

If you are going to pursue a course for a duration of three months or less, you need to apply for a C type study visa.

D study visa

If you are going to pursue a full-time degree/course for a duration of more than three months, you need to apply for a D type study visa.

You will have the opportunity to apply for a Post Study Work Permit (PSWP) for up to 2 years after completing your course.

When to apply for an Ireland study visa

To be well prepared, you can start your visa application process at least 3-months before your intended date of departure. This way, you will have enough time to take care of any mishaps during the application process. Typically, the processing duration is about 4-8 weeks.

What is the eligibility criteria for an Ireland study visa

• You must have a letter of acceptance for a full-time course from an approved Ireland university.
• You should be able to support yourself financially or have a sponsor who is willing to support you for your studies' duration.
• You need to write a genuine letter of purpose (personal statement) stating the reasons behind your decisions to study in Ireland.
• It would be best if you showed strong ties to your home country through asset documents, job offers, etc. to show that you will return to your country after your education.

Checklist of required documents to apply for an Ireland study visa

The following list consists of the set of documents that you need to submit when you apply for a D study visa.

• A valid passport (you need to make sure that your passport will be valid for at least 12 months from the date of your estimated arrival in Ireland).
• A letter of acceptance from a recognised Ireland university.
• English language proficiency test scores (IELTS).
• Proof of funds – you need to submit your course tuition payment receipts as proof of fee payment. You also need to show that you have at least €7,000 in your bank account to take care of your living expenses.
• Medical insurance plan documents.
• A personal statement from you claiming that you will leave Ireland once your visa expires.
• Passport size photographs.
• Statements explaining prior gaps in educational history, if any.

What is the average cost of an Ireland study visa?

The average application cost for an Ireland study visa is €60.

Where to apply for an Ireland study visa

You can apply for an Ireland study visa online through the website of the Ireland Naturalization and Immigration Service. You can start the visa application process by filling out and submitting the online application form. After completing the online application, you will have to go in personally to give your biometric (fingerprints/photographs) and your visa interview.

How to apply for an Ireland study visa

Step 1

Get together all the required documents.

Step 2

Fill out the online application on the website of the Ireland Naturalization and Immigration Service and submit it. (Take a print out of your online application to submit along with the original documents while you visit the local Ireland visa office.)

Step 3

Once you submit the form, you will be redirected to an online payment page. You can go ahead and make the payment to complete your application.

Step 4

Book an appointment with the local Ireland visa centre (VFS – Visa Facilitation Centre).

Step 5

Visit the VFS, submit the print out of your online application, and submit your biometric details. You may need to attend a visa interview if required.

Your visa will be processed shortly. You can track the progress of your visa through your application number. The status of visa processing will be updated on the Ireland Naturalization and Immigration Service every week.

Also Read: Australian student visa requirements

What is asked in an Ireland study visa interview?

Visa interviews are not mandatory in Ireland. After going through your application, the visa officer might ask you to come in for an interview to clarify certain details you mentioned like your background, education and experience.

How to handle an Ireland study visa interview

Go through your application and your documents to prepare yourself. You can even try to take up mock tests to practice.

Dress in professional attire and be early on the day of the interview. Stay calm and answer the questions clearly.

For more tips read, how to clear your Ireland student visa interview.

Also read: Study in Ireland without IELTS

How to shorten the visa processing time

Unfortunately, the Ireland government does not offer a fast track pathway where you can pay an additional fee to expedite your visa processing time. You can avoid any delays by submitting all the required documents correctly while applying.

Caution: As Northern Ireland is a part of the UK please check the United Kingdom section for information on that region. The above article pertains to the Republic of Ireland.