Have you received your acceptance letter to your dream academic institution in Ireland? If so, it’s time to start applying for an Ireland student visa! Some requirements must be fulfilled to start studying on the Emerald Isle. Let’s go over how you can get started on your student visa application!
Types of Student Visas
First things first: there are two main types of visas to choose from, and many nationalities don’t actually require a visa, such as Malaysia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. However, even if you’re a student whose nationality is exempt from visa requirements, you still need permission to enter Ireland when you arrive. To find out if your country is exempt from Student Visa requirements, check the Irish Immigration Service website.
For those that need to apply for a student visa, the length of the course you’re taking defines which type of visa you’ll need. If you’re taking a short-term course that lasts less than 90 days, you’ll require a Short Stay Visa (also known as a ‘C’ visa). If you’re taking a long-term course that lasts longer than 90 days, you’ll require a Long Stay Visa (commonly referred to as a ‘D’ visa). Short Stay Visas don’t allow students to work. But with a Long Stay Student Visa, you can work 20 hours per week while school’s in session and 40 hours per week during breaks.
Still looking for schools to apply to in Ireland? Look for our next two articles to find the school of your dreams!
Studying Without a Student Visa
If your home country doesn’t require a student visa to study in Ireland, there’s still some important documentation you must show government officials when arriving. Those documents may include:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA): A letter that confirms a student’s acceptance in a valid academic institution for a full-time course that lasts for a minimum of one academic year.
- English Language Proficiency: Proof that a student can speak and understand English at an academic level.
- Financial Evidence: Evidence that proves a student has paid for their course and has enough funds to support themselves while in the country.
- Sponsorship: A sponsor that has access to funds to provide to the student studying abroad.
For a full list of requirements when studying in Ireland without a student visa, see this page for more information.
Studying With a Student Visa
Short Stay Visa
Want to study in Ireland, but don’t plan to stay longer than 90 days? If so, then a short stay (’C’ visa) is your best bet. There are many short English language courses available for students who wish to complete short-term studies in Ireland.
Long Stay Visa
If you’re committed to studying in Ireland for the long haul, then a long stay (‘D’ visa) is for you. Make sure your course is an approved program from the Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP). For a full list of eligible programs, check the official Irish Immigration Service website.
Note: If you want to stay in Ireland for longer than three months, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) upon arrival and receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Click here to read about some benefits of studying abroad for a shorter time.
Applying for a Visa
Ready to start applying? It’s recommended you begin the online application process around three months prior to your course start date. Here’s an overall step-by-step guide when applying for a student visa:
- Complete the online application process.
- Complete the summary application form.
- Print, sign, date, and submit the summary form along with supporting documentation.
Note: You may be asked to provide biometrics information in the application form if necessary.
In the application process, you may be required to provide a full translation if your documents are not in English or Irish (Gaelic). When translating your documents, they must contain the following:
- A translator’s confirmation of the accuracy of the translation
- The date of the translation
- The translator’s full name, signature, and contact information
Thinking of studying elsewhere instead? Check our past articles on applying for visas in each of our destination countries.
Required Documentation
Supporting documentation that is required in your summary application form may include:
- Application Summary document
- Application Letter
- Two coloured passport-sized photographs not more than 6 months old
- Student’s current passport and a full copy of all previous passports
- Proof that the student has enrolled in a privately funded course
- Evidence accounting for any gaps in the student’s educational history
- Confirmation of fee payment to the college
- Affirmation that the student has the academic ability to pursue their chosen course
- Documentation of the student’s proficiency in English or Irish
- Finances
- Private medical insurance
- Previous visa refusals
See our pre-arrival checklist with tips and tricks for international students travelling abroad.
With your visa application approved, you are now one step closer to pursuing your dream of studying abroad on the Emerald Isle!
Ready to start your Irish study abroad journey? We can help guide you, from application to arrival.
