Visa

Student visa

Applying for a Visa can be a long and complicated process and it is best to avoid delays if at all possible; it is therefore prudent that you carefully gather all the information that is relevant to your case before making your final submission. After all, it costs money every time you make an application!

Application Forms

Application forms are available from the Irish Embassy/Consulate or Visa office in your country of residence. The contact details of every embassy, consulate and Visa office are available at www.dfa.ie

Applying for a Student Visa

You are enrolled on a privately-funded course involving at least fifteen hours of organized daytime tuition each week
You have paid the requisite fees to the college
You have the academic ability to follow your chosen course
You have a level of English language sufficient to do so (except in the case of an application that is solely for an English language course)
You have immediate access to at least ?7,000. This is the estimated cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year; you must also demonstrate that you or your sponsor has ready access to an amount of at least ?7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years
You have private medical insurance
You can account for any gaps in your educational history
Your intention is to return to your country of permanent residence following completion of your studies in Ireland
Examples of acceptable documentation that prove the you meet the requirements above and further helpful information can be found at www.inis.gov.ie

In order to apply for the student visa to Ireland the following criteria needs to be met:

• A letter of acceptance should be provided. It should demonstrate that the applicant has been offered a place on a full time course of study at a recognized Irish educational institution. Also at least fifteen hours of study per week, should be involved in the course.
• Candidates must provide evidence of enough funds to support themselves and any dependents joining them in Ireland.
• Evidence must be provided to show that the course fees have been paid in full.
• He must arrange for private medical insurance and provide documentary evidence of this.
• The candidate must demonstrate that he intends to return to their own country at the end of their period of study.
• Evidence that student can support him/herself fully without relying on state services, e.g. copy of current bank statement and a ‘letter of good standing’ from the sponsors bank.
• Valid passport.
• 4 passport sized photographs.
• Visa application fee.
• Some countries have special visa requirements for English language i.e. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The key elements for success in applying for a study visa for Ireland are:

• Make sure all documentation required is in order and complete.
• Age: Student applying for a foundation course should ideally be in the age range 17 – 22 i.e. recently completed high school education.
• Final offer letter from College (this will be issued once fees have been paid in compliance with Irish Government visa regulations).