Requirements for applying for a student visa to Ireland [2024]

If you’re here, it’s because you’re interested in applying for a student visa to Ireland, right? This is one of the preferred destinations for studying and working abroad because of its good educational environment, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife.

In addition to the rich Irish culture, another reason to study in Irlanda is its academic offerings. You’ll find English language programs, vocational courses, and university studies with international prestige and more affordable prices compared to other European destinations.

To start the adventure, you need a student visa for Ireland that allows you to study and work, and that’s exactly what we’ll talk about in this article. Keep reading, as we’ll explain what the student visa in Ireland is, what you need to apply for the visa, and how to go through the process to start your journey. Will you join us?

What is the student visa to Ireland?

Visas are authorizations issued by the government of Ireland that allow foreigners to legally reside within the territory for a certain period. The visa you need to apply for depends on the activities you want to do once you’re in the country. So, to study and work in Ireland, you need the Long Stay Visa D.

This visa is for you if you want to attend academic programs lasting 3 months or longer, such as English language courses in Ireland or vocational and technical programs. This visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week while studying and up to 40 hours during holidays.

Also, note that if you are going to study courses for less than 25 weeks, you can apply for another type of visa to Ireland. And if you are from the European Union, you have permission to enter the country with your passport. Reserve your experience, and at GrowPro, we take care of processing your visa!

Requirements to apply for a student visa to Ireland

Year after year, Ireland welcomes around 15,000 foreign students who are seduced by the magic of the land of the shamrock. We know you would like to be one of the thousands of students who choose Ireland to live in. So, below, we tell you the requirements to obtain your student visa to Ireland. Take note!

Valid passport

Authorities recommend that your passport be valid for 2 years, with a minimum of 12 months being acceptable for processing. And it’s because for any type of course you wish to take, it’s required that the passport be valid until you depart from Ireland. So, if your document is about to expire, we recommend acquiring a new one.

Also, the government requests photocopies of your previous passports. So don’t get rid of them, as they will serve you if the one you currently have is not the first.

Current photographs

Another requirement you need for the process is a visa photo. Here are the specifications your photo must have to apply for a student visa in Ireland:

• It must be sized 45 x 50 mm.
• It must be in color.
• You should not wear clothing that hides parts of your face like glasses, hats, jewelry…
• It must be as clear and sharp as possible.
• You must pose in front of a plain, light gray or white background.
• Ideally, you should seek the help of a professional, as your student visa application may be rejected if you do not have a suitable photograph.

Application letter

The application letter is a document that all foreigners wishing to apply for their student visa to Ireland must submit. This letter must contain the following information:

• Reasons for travelling to Ireland.
• Indicate if you have relatives on the island or in the European Union.
• Accept the terms and conditions of the visa.
• Explain the reasons why you want to take the course you have chosen.

For more details on how to write the letter, visit the official website of Immigration Services of Ireland.

Letter of acceptance to study in Ireland

A fundamental requirement for your entry into the country is to present an acceptance letter, which is issued by the educational institution where you will study. Keep in mind that the only institutions that can provide you with the letter are those authorised by the Irish government.

Course payment

The cost of courses in Ireland depends on the type of course you want to take and its duration. To apply for your student visa to Ireland, you must pay the full amount of the program before applying for the visa if the tuition is less than 6000 EUR.

If the course tuition exceeds 6000 EUR, you must pay at least this amount before applying for your student visa. Present the receipt along with the acceptance letter provided by the school.

Make sure that the course you are enrolling in is on the provisional Ireland list of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).

Authorised schools offer all GrowPro courses, so you don’t have to worry about this. And remember, we help you process your student visa for Ireland!

English proficiency certificate if applicable

To enrol in a vocational course or a university program in Ireland, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient English proficiency.

In most cases, educational institutions require a minimum equivalent of 4.0 to 5.0 in IELTS exams or 47 to 61 in TOEFL IBT depending on the course you want to take. In terms of the European Framework, a B2 level or advanced intermediate is required.

Of course, depending on your purposes, the required English level may vary. In some cases, a Duolingo certificate is sufficient. Want to see more? On this Ireland Immigration website you will find the details.

Proof of financial solvency to live in Ireland

An important requirement for your student visa to Ireland to be approved is proof of financial solvency. It’s about demonstrating that you have the necessary money to cover your stay in Ireland while studying in the country.

Starting from July 2023, students must prove that they have at least 10,000 EUR for each month of your stay.

Medical insurance to study in Ireland

If you have a European Union passport, you can access free health services. On the contrary, if you are not a citizen, you do not have health coverage.

Therefore, non-European students must purchase international medical insurance, which must be valid until the end of their stay in the country and have a minimum coverage of 25,000 EUR for illnesses and 25,000 EUR for accidents.

How to apply for a student visa to Ireland?

We know that all these requirements can sound like too much. But don’t worry, we’ll tell you how to process your visa without complications.

As mentioned earlier, students from non-visa-exempt countries must apply for the Long Stay Visa D, which allows you to study and work in Ireland once an immigration officer stamps Stamp 2 on your passport and residence permit.

Here are the steps to apply for the student visa:

• Get all the documentation we explained in the previous section.
• Apply for the visa through the Irish Immigration Service website. You must do this at least 3 months before travelling!
• Depending on your nationality, there are some extra steps to obtain a student visa to Ireland. For example, you may be asked for biometric tests or special documentation. To get the steps you should follow according to your country, visit the Immigration Office website.

You don’t need to worry about this paperwork if you travel with GrowPro, as we take full responsibility for processing your student visa. If you want to embark on your trip, choose your GrowPro experience here and fill out a form!

Other visas to study to Ireland

The visa is the most important requirement for studying in Ireland if your nationality is not visa-exempt. However, Stamp 2 is not the only visa that allows you to study. Just as you read it! Next, we’ll talk about 2 alternatives of visas to Ireland:

• Short Stay Visa type C. This visa allows you to study for a maximum of 90 days. However, it does not allow you to work or use public services (hospitals or tax services). Due to its validity, it’s ideal for enrolling in short English courses!
• Working Holiday visa. This is a special visa that allows you to stay up to 1 year on the Emerald Isle. With this permit, you have the right to study and work until the designated year is completed. Unfortunately, this visa cannot be extended, so you will have to leave the country once that period is over.

Can you travel without a student visa for Ireland?

The answer is YES. With a European Union passport, you can study for as long as you want without applying for a visa.

Likewise, if you belong to a country that is not a member but is exempt from a visa, you can study for 3 months or less. You will only need your passport to enter the country!

At GrowPro, we guide you through the process of your student visa to Ireland

At GrowPro, we want to offer you our guidance to obtain your student visa to Ireland. Our Student Advisors will accompany you from start to finish on your adventure in Ireland, from when you decide to when you make it happen.

Dare to boost your career by choosing from our educational experiences in Ireland to travel with your student visa. Then, fill out a contact form for advice and to accompany you on an experience tailored to you.

Ready to set the course for your next adventure? Dive into changing your life in magical Ireland. At GrowPro, we will always be by your side!