Are you planning to study in Ireland? We’re here to help make that possible.
If you’re from a country that requires a visa, you’ll need to apply for a long stay ‘D’ Study Visa. This visa allows you to complete your studies in Ireland for up to an aggregate period of seven years — but the application process can be detailed and time-sensitive.
At R&A Immigration Consultants, we specialize in securing Irish student visas and handle the entire process on your behalf, so you can focus on planning your education.
We work with individuals and institutions around the world and are available outside standard Irish office hours. You can reach us by phone, email, or WhatsApp — wherever you are.
Call us on +353 89 456 7890, email info@raimmigration.ie, or fill in the Free Online Enquiry Form. You can also request a call back, and we’ll get in touch at a time that suits you.
If you are a national of a visa-required country, you must obtain a student visa before travelling to Ireland. You can check your visa requirements on the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website.
For courses lasting more than 90 days, you must apply for a D Study Visa, which is classified as a long-stay visa.
For courses lasting 90 days or less, you will need a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa.
Student visa applications must be submitted through the AVATS online system. You can complete the application yourself or have our immigration consultants handle it for you.
You should apply after you’ve enrolled in your course and paid your tuition fees, but before you travel to Ireland — otherwise, you may be refused entry when you arrive.
As part of your application, you’ll need to provide:
The application summary form (from AVATS)
A signed cover letter explaining your study plans
Two recent colour passport-sized photos (taken within the last six months)
Your current passport and full copies of any previous passports
Proof of enrolment on a privately funded course (like an acceptance letter)
Documents explaining any gaps in your education history
Proof that you’ve paid your tuition fees
Evidence of your English or Irish language skills (usually an approved test)
Proof that you have enough funds to support yourself in Ireland
Evidence of private medical insurance
Details of any previous visa refusals, if you have any
For applicants under 18: a birth certificate and written consent from a parent or legal guardian
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a Visa Officer, who will assess whether to approve your request for a study visa. If approved, you will be permitted to travel to Ireland.
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a Visa Officer, who will assess whether to approve your request for a study visa. If approved, you will be permitted to travel to Ireland.
Your visa will outline the duration of your authorised stay. While student visas can be renewed, non-EEA nationals may remain in Ireland on a study visa for a maximum cumulative period of seven years.
If you are enrolled in a course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), you will be granted a Stamp 2 permission in your passport. This allows you to:
Work up to 20 hours per week during term time
Work up to 40 hours per week during official holiday periods
Work up to 20 hours per week during academic term time
Work up to 40 hours per week during official holiday periods
If you need assistance applying for a student visa to Ireland, our experienced immigration Consultant can guide you through the entire process.
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If you are a citizen of a visa-required country, you must obtain a student visa before travelling to Ireland.
Nationals of non-visa-required countries may enter Ireland without a visa; however, if you are from a non-EEA country, you must still obtain permission to remain by reporting to an Immigration Officer at your port of entry upon arrival.
To get a long-stay (D) student visa for Ireland, you must:
Be accepted onto a full-time course at an approved institution
Pay your tuition fees in full before you apply
Meet the required level of English or Irish, unless you’re studying English as a foreign language
Have at least €7,000 per year of stay to cover living costs, either personally or through a verified sponsor
Hold a passport that’s valid for at least 12 months from your planned arrival date in Ireland
Yes. To obtain an Irish student visa, you must demonstrate that you meet the minimum English or Irish language proficiency requirements. This typically involves achieving a required score on an approved language test.
The required score varies depending on the test provider and the type of course you are undertaking. The official minimum language standards are outlined on the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website.
Yes, student visa applications for Ireland can be refused. A common reason for refusal is insufficient financial documentation. Applicants must clearly demonstrate that they have access to at least €7,000 per year of study to support themselves, or that their sponsor has the necessary funds.
Yes, you may be able to stay in Ireland after graduation, as long as you haven’t reached the seven-year limit allowed on a student visa. How long you can stay under the Third Level Graduate Programme depends on your qualification:
Up to 24 months if you’ve completed a master’s or doctoral degree
Up to 12 months for an honours undergraduate degree
Up to 6 months for an ordinary undergraduate degree
No, a student visa does not automatically entitle family members to accompany you to Ireland. If your family members wish to join you, they must apply separately for the appropriate immigration permission and meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
You should apply for your student visa at least three months before your intended travel