Ireland Student Visa Requirements
Students from India and Pakistan need a long stay study visa (a "D" visa) for courses longer than 3 months. Here is every paper you need and what it costs.
Who can get the study visa
These conditions apply to students from India and from Pakistan.
- Course on the ILEP list (see Visa types)
- At least 15 hours of daytime teaching each week
- Proof you can follow the course, such as past results
- English test result issued within 2 years of your course start
- Money you can use right away: at least EUR 10,000 for the first year
- At least EUR 10,000 more for each later year, plus that year's fees
- 6 months of bank statements
- Pay the whole course fee if it is under EUR 6,000. If it is more, pay at least EUR 6,000
Cover for accidents, illness and hospital stays
First year: travel insurance can count if it gives EUR 25,000 for accidents and EUR 25,000 for illness for the whole year
From the second year: private medical insurance only
Non-Immigrant Intent
- Your letter must include your promise to leave on time (see Your promises).
Immigration Status
- Apply from your home country or where you live legally.
- Declare every past visa refusal by any country.
Special cases
- Students under 18 travelling alone need extra papers, such as a letter from both parents signed before a notary (an official witness).
- Applying for yourself is enough. You do not need an agent.
Papers for the Irish study visa
Bring originals unless a copy is allowed. Paper only: files on USB sticks or Dropbox are not accepted.
Put the papers in the same order as this list.
Every bank and college letter needs a phone number and a signature written by hand.
Keep copies of everything to carry when you fly.
- 45 to 50 mm high, 35 to 38 mm wide
- Plain white or light grey background
- Face takes up 70% to 80% of the photo
- Neutral face, eyes open, mouth closed
- Not older than 6 months
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AVATS summary form | Printed from the online visa application form, signed and dated. | Required |
| Summary of finances form | Every long stay study visa applicant fills it in. | Required |
| Application letter | Your reasons, your dates and your promise to follow the rules. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 12 months after you arrive, plus copies of old passports. | Required |
| Two photos | Colour, the same picture, as in the photo rules. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Letter of acceptance | Full-time course with at least 15 hours of day classes a week, and a record of the fees you owe and paid. | Required |
| Exam results and degrees | Proof you can follow the course. | Required |
| English test certificate | Issued within 2 years of your course start date. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of fee payment | Bank transfer to the college's bank account in Ireland, or a receipt from an approved payment service. | Required |
| Bank statements | 6 months, on paper with the bank's name and address printed at the top. Credit cards do not count. | Required |
| Papers from the person paying for you | Only if someone else pays: their statements, job proof and proof of how you are related. | Optional |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Private medical insurance | Your own insurance, or your college's group insurance named in your letter of acceptance. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Past visa refusal letters | The original letter for any refusal by any country. | Optional |
| Certified translations | For any paper not in English or Irish. | Optional |
Important Document Guidelines
Which visa do you need?
Most students from India and Pakistan need the long stay study visa.
Key Features
Full-time course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), the government's list of courses that can lead to a study visa
Work up to 20 hours a week during term (while classes run)
Work up to 40 hours a week in June, July, August and September, and from 15 December to 15 January
Eligibility Requirements
- Letter of acceptance (a letter from your college saying you have a place) for a full-time course
- Course fee paid first (see the Money section)
- Money you can use right away: at least EUR 10,000 for your first year
- Private medical insurance (your own policy, or your college's group plan)
- English test result at or above the visa minimum
Restrictions
- No public benefits or publicly funded services, such as public hospitals
- You must not run your own business or sell things for money
- Up to 7 years in total as a student
| Long stay (D) | Short stay (C) | |
|---|---|---|
| Course length | More than 3 months | 90 days or less |
| Register for an IRP card | Yes, within 90 days | No |
| Part-time work | Yes, within the Stamp 2 hours | No |
If your course runs for more than 3 months, apply for the long stay study visa.
Show you are a real student
The visa officer checks that you plan to study and that you can pay for it.
- Why you want to study in Ireland
- Why this course makes sense after your past studies or work
- The dates you plan to arrive and leave
- Family members already in Ireland or the EU
- Obey your visa rules in full
- Not rely on public services, such as public hospitals
- Leave Ireland before your permission ends
Keep your phone on. In India, the embassy may call you or the person paying for you.
Know your course, college, fees and plan.
Give answers that match your papers.
Common Red Flags to Avoid
Study history
Past exam results and degree papers
A note on any gaps, with your work history
Money
6 months of bank statements
A job letter and the last 3 payslips of the person paying for you, if family pays
Key to Success
Clear papers that match your letter make the decision faster.
Questions and useful links
Short answers to the questions students ask most.
Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), the Irish immigration office
Embassy of Ireland, New Delhi
VFS Global Pakistan (Ireland)
Fill in AVATS and book your visa centre
Attend your VFS Global visa centre
Wait for the decision
Need More Help?
Questions about your own case go to the office named on your AVATS summary form.
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