Ireland Student Visa 2025: Types, Requirements, Fees & Application

There are two main types of student visas for studying in Ireland -

1. C-Type Study Visa

• This is a short-term visa ideal for summer courses that last for a maximum of 3 months.
• You can work in Ireland part-time or full-time with this visa
• You also do not have the option for a post-study work visa.

2. D-Type Study Visa

• This is the visa that you need to apply for if you are pursuing your bachelor's, master's, or PHd in Ireland.
• This visa allows part-time work opportunities, and you have the option to acquire a post-study work visa through the graduate route.

Recently, as of 2025, Ireland has introduced specific changes in its student visa processing -

• Students should now provide access to at least 1,200 euros in living funds (previously 7,000 euros).
• There is a reduced turnaround time in VFS and embassy processing due to a faster verification process.
• More focus on Statement of Purpose (SOP) and student intent during processing.
• Tighter vetting of financial records, which means RBI-registered banks or NBFCs must issue the loan sanction letter.

To be eligible for a student visa to Ireland, Indian students must -

• Receive an unconditional offer letter from an Irish university or institution.
• Deposit a minimum of 6,000 Euros in their tuition fees. (needed for visa issuance).
• Show proof of €12,000 in living expenses for one academic year.
• Meet English proficiency requirements (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE).
• Possess valid academic transcripts and qualifications.
• Have genuine academic records and credentials related to the chosen course.
• Provide a clear, short Statement of Purpose (SOP) as to why Ireland, the course, and the university were selected.
• Provide a valid passport with at least 12 months' validity from the date of entry.

Most Irish universities and the visa office accept the following English language tests - 

Note:

• Scores must be valid and taken within the last 2 years.
• If your course is taught in English and your previous education was also in English, you may be eligible for a waiver, but this depends on the university.

Unlike the UK, Ireland does not require an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), but private medical insurance is compulsory.

Here's a checklist of documents you'll need to submit -

• Valid passport
• Completed and signed the visa application form
• Letter of Acceptance from the Irish university
• Proof of tuition fee payment (at least €6,000)
• Proof of sufficient funds (minimum €12,000 in a bank account or sanctioned education loan)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, UG/PG)
• English language test score (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
• Proof of private medical insurance
• Passport-sized photographs
• Visa application fee receipt
• Accommodation proof (initial stay)
• Travel itinerary (if available)
• Birth certificate and affidavit if parental sponsorship is shown

Step 1: Get Your Admit

Get a confirmed offer letter from an institution in Ireland in the Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP).

Step 2: Tuition Fee

Deposit a minimum of €6,000 as a tuition deposit to continue with the visa application. Keep the payment receipt.

Step 3: Financial Proof

Provide proof of living funds in €12,000 (and any remaining balance of tuition).

You can show:

• Bank statements from the last 6 months (your or your parents' account)
• Sanctioned education loan letter
• Affidavit of support (if sponsored)

Step 4: Online Visa Application (AVATS)

• Visit Irish Immigration AVATS
• Complete the D-Type Visa form
• Print and sign the application summary
• Book your VFS appointment

Step 5: Document submission at VFS

• Visit your nearest VFS centre, carrying all required documents.
• Provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints)
• Hand in copies of your passport and originals for verification

Step 6: Wait for processing

The processing time of visas is approximately. 4- 6 weeks

Apply at least 2-3 months in advance of the commencement of your course After your visa is approved, you will be notified by email. Your passport will have a sticker (vignette) pasted on it.

• You will be able to work 20 hours per week during term time.
• During vacations with specified schedules (e.g., summer), students are allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours per week.
• You must be enrolled in a course listed on the ILEP.
• To receive payment by law, you will need to have a PPS number, which the government provides.

Ireland does not permit dependents to accompany international students with the student visa unless -

• You are in a government-funded program or a PhD student
• You apply under a separate Join Family Visa process (time-consuming, requires good reason)
• Spouses and children cannot work unless the type of their visa permits them to do so.

Ireland offers generous stay-back options through the Third Level Graduate Scheme:

With this visa - 

• You can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week).
• No sponsorship is required initially.
• You can convert it into a Critical Skills Work Permit if you find a job in an eligible sector.

• Pay at least half of the tuition fee in advance.
• Have adequate bank records (no last-minute deposits).
• Write a good SOP stating your career objectives.
• For RBI-registered NBFCs/banks, include the loan sanction letters.
• Having connections in India (whether through land, family, or employment opportunities) is beneficial.
• Do not make your flight reservation until you have obtained a visa.

The first significant step in developing an international career is obtaining a student visa for Ireland. The stay-back opportunities after graduation, the highly ranked universities, and global companies, among others, make Ireland one of the most desirable destinations for Indian students.

However, visa success rates considerably fluctuate with the quality of the document file (particularly in the areas of financial evidence, educational intent, and documentation). A single blotched or incomplete form can result in immediate rejection or a significant delay.

At Azent, we help you bypass all of that. Whether it's selecting the right course, getting your visa approved, or settling in Ireland, we provide end-to-end assistance.