Study Visa

A study visa allows a visa-required student to travel to Ireland for a course that meets the student immigration rules. Courses longer than three months usually also require registration after arrival and student residence permission.

We prepare visa applications for English language and higher education students, including those changing direction after previous study or work. We help organise the course, financial and immigration evidence and explain the proposed study plan.

Who needs one

Visa-required nationals must apply for the relevant study visa before travelling to Ireland. Short study visits and long term study are separate routes, with long term study applying where the person wishes to study in Ireland for more than three months.

For longer study, the course choice is central. A non-EEA, non-Swiss national who wishes to study a third level or English language programme for longer than three months must choose an approved programme. The Interim List of Eligible Programmes, usually called the ILEP, is the published list used for that purpose.

The ILEP covers English language programmes lasting at least 25 weeks, higher education programmes and professional awards, and foundation programmes preparing students for higher education. Check the exact course and provider before paying fees, as similar course names may refer to different programmes.

What the application has to show

The application must establish the student’s background, course choice and funding. Supporting documents can include the passport, photographs, application letter, previous visa refusals, acceptance letter, educational history, fee receipts, academic and language ability evidence, finances, accommodation and medical insurance.

The acceptance letter should confirm the course, fees and payment position. For long term study visas, where course fees are less than €6,000, the fees must be paid in full before applying. Where fees are more than €6,000, at least that amount must be paid before the visa application, and the evidence should be visible in the letter of acceptance.

For academic courses beginning after 1 July 2023, the finance page requires immediate access to at least €10,000, with further funds available for each later year in addition to course fees. For courses of less than eight months, the requirement is €833 per month or €6,665 in total, whichever is lower.

English language, attendance and work

A student must show the ability to follow the chosen course through English or Irish where that applies. English language applicants must meet the minimum standard required for visa purposes and submit a certificate from the test provider with the visa application.

English language programmes on the ILEP have their own conditions. An English language student can register for Stamp 2 permission of up to eight months where they enrol on a programme lasting at least 25 weeks, attend class for at least 15 hours a week, attend at least 85% of classes and complete an end-of-programme exam.

Future employment income should not be relied on to meet the financial requirements. A student with valid Stamp 2 permission may work up to 20 hours a week while studying. During June, July, August and September, and from 15 December to 15 January, students may work up to 40 hours per week.

Where applications go wrong

Explain the course choice, particularly when changing subject, moving to a lower level, repeating similar study or leaving employment for an unrelated course. The application letter should connect the proposed study to the applicant’s background and plans.

Provide bank statements covering the last six months and explain large or irregular lodgements. Where a sponsor is involved, document their relationship to the student, income, savings and ability to continue providing support.

Previous visa refusals must be disclosed; failing to do so will result in refusal of the application. This includes relevant UK, Schengen, US and other visa decisions.

After you arrive

Students coming for longer study need to be ready for registration. The permission granted will determine the stamp, work conditions and renewal evidence. Attendance, progression, exam completion, fee payment and insurance should be kept in order from the start, because those records may matter later.

Check the visa documents against the college records before submission. The provider, course title, payment receipt, timetable, accommodation and financial evidence should be consistent and updated if arrangements change.

Common questions

Does my course have to be on the ILEP?

For a third level or English language programme longer than three months, the student must choose an approved programme. The Interim List of Eligible Programmes is the current list of approved programmes.

Can I work while studying in Ireland?

Students with a valid Stamp 2 permission may work up to 20 hours a week while studying. During June, July, August and September, and from 15 December to 15 January, the limit rises to 40 hours per week.

Sources

1. How to apply for long term study visa — Immigration Service Delivery
2. Planning to study in Ireland? — Immigration Service Delivery
3. Information on Student Finances — Immigration Service Delivery

Terms