study visa for ireland from india
Everything one needs to know about study visa for ireland, one of the most sought after visas especially by students who are interested in studying there. Study Visa for Ireland is popular among Indian students. But with a surge in application, the chances of getting it have become quite challenging. So, here is everything you need to know about getting Study Visa for Ireland.
India remains an extremely popular choice for getting a study visa for Ireland. The country has always been at the forefront of education in what is today considered as one of the most ideal countries to study in. Being home to more than 3000 international schools, there’s no shortage of top-notch educational opportunities here. What makes it even better is that 50% of these are not run by the government and therefore throw open a wide variety of courses to choose from. As you might have heard, a massive number of students flock here every year.
Getting your Study Visa for Ireland is not a small feat but with our help and guidance, you can go through the application process with ease. Our guide will give you all the requirements needed to get your study visa as well as information about life in Ireland after graduation.
If you are planning to study in Ireland, you will need to get a student visa from the Irish embassy in India. You can find information about this process here.
There are two types of student visas: one is valid for one year and the other is valid for two years. In order to get a student visa, you must first apply for an acceptance letter from your chosen school or university, as well as a letter of financial support from either your home bank or an Irish bank. Once you have these letters and an application form, you can visit the nearest Irish embassy in India—there are four different locations across India—and submit your documents and pay the processing fee.
After submitting your application, there will be an interview with a consular official at which point they will decide whether or not they believe that you meet all requirements for obtaining a student visa. If approved, they will issue you with an endorsement stamp on your passport and provide instructions on how to obtain your actual visa sticker once it arrives in the mail at their office.
If you are planning to study in Ireland, the first thing you will have to do is apply for a student visa. This article will guide you through the process of applying for a student visa with all the necessary documents and information.
What is a student visa?
A student visa allows you to enter Ireland as a student. You may apply for a visa if you plan to attend an educational institution in Ireland and become an enrolled full-time student during your time there. You can also apply for this visa if you are already in Ireland and have been accepted into an accredited educational institution.
There are two types of visas: full-time and part-time (in this case, you must be enrolled in at least one course). If your course lasts longer than three months, then it will be considered full-time; otherwise, it will be considered part-time.
How long does it take to get my visa?
The minimum processing time for a visa depends on the type of application form that you choose: express or standard (which takes up to four weeks). However, it’s important that you understand that there are other factors that may affect processing times such as holidays or weekends so keep this in mind when making plans for travel!
Where should I apply
WHY STUDY IN IRELAND?
Irish universities are well-known for their research capabilities, and chances are high that your credentials will be recognised almost anywhere in the world. Many universities also provide internship opportunities to help students acquire practical experience in their field of study.
- Innovation and research
- Extensive choice of courses
- Stay in a safe community
- Great work opportunities and industrial exposure
- Global Business Hub
- Highly developed democracy with a modern economy
You must first pick which Ireland study visa you should apply for before you decide to study in Ireland. There are two categories of student visas for Ireland:
You’ll need to apply for a ‘C study visa’ if you plan on studying in Ireland for fewer than three months. The short-stay C visa is usually a training visa that allows you to come to Ireland for a duration of 90 days to participate in a work or professional development training program. While on this training visa, you are not allowed to work.
You will need to apply for a ‘D study visa’ if your course is longer than three months.
A foreign student normally applies to a D study visa while intending to remain in Ireland for more than three months.
COST OF STUDYING IN IRELAND
The tuition fees vary between chosen field of study, university and program. Furthermore, there is a big difference in the tuition fees for European and non-European students. Students from outside the EU and EEA can expect to pay around €9,000 per year as a minimum, with some courses can cost up to €30,000 per year.
| Study Program | Average fees(in EUR) |
| Undergraduate Program | € 9,000 – € 45,000 per year |
| Postgraduate master’s Program | € 9,500 – € 37,000 per year |
| Doctoral Degree | € 9,000 – € 30,000 per year |
UNIVERSITY INTAKES IN IRELAND
Irish universities and colleges offer two major intakes. Intakes may also be referred to as a semester in some universities.
Intake 1: Fall Semester – A popular intake that starts in the month of September
Intake 2: Spring Semester starts in the month of January
WORK AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDENTS:
Eligibility Conditions:
- Students must be over 18 years of age
- Non-EEA students with Stamp 2 permission to remain are allowed to take up casual employment. They can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and up to 40 hours a week in the holidays
- Non-EU/EEA postgraduate students who are working on producing their dissertations beyond their examinations are not entitled to work for more than 20 hours part-time per week during the college’s summer break as they are still regarded by the GNIB as being in full-time study
Ireland Student Visa Requirements:
The supporting documentation required for a Student Visa in Ireland includes:
- Valid Passport
- Letter of Acceptance from the college/university
- Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees
- Proof of financial funds
- Two passport sized photographs
- Study Permit and visa
- Evidence for explaining any gaps in educational history of the candidate
- English Proficiency
- Your University will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application
AFTER YOU GRADUATE:
- Third Level Graduate Scheme Permission schemeallows non-EU/EEA students who have graduated from Irish higher education institutions to remain in Ireland for up to 24 months to seek employment
- Once a student gains employment, the student becomes eligible to apply for Green Card/Work Permit
TOP UNIVERSITIES
| University | QS Ranking 2021 |
| Dublin City University (DCU) | 439 |
| Maynooth University | 701 |
| NUI Galway | 238 |
| Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland | – |
| Technological University Dublin | 801 |
| Trinity College Dublin (TCD) | 101 |
| University College Cork (UCC) | 286 |
| University College Dublin (UCD) | 177 |
| University of Limerick | 511 |
The Irish Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you’d need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in Ireland. Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:
| S.No. | Duration of study | Visa type |
| 1 | Less than three months | C Study visa |
| 2 | More than three months | D Study visa |
*For detailed information, please visit the Irish Government’s Naturalisation and Immigration Service website.
Documents required for ‘D Study visa’ in Ireland
To apply for your study visa, you will generally need:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation
- Letter of acceptance from a recognised Irish institution
- As a mandatory condition, your passport needs to be valid for 12 months i.e., after your proposed date of arrival in Ireland
- Passport-sized colour photographs
- The score of an English language proficiency test such as IELTS
- Proof of fee payment (this can either be a valid receipt showing course fees has been lodged to an approved student fee payment service or of the copy of Electronic Transfer of Funds by the applicant to the Irish bank of the university or college
- Evidence of funds (€7,000) to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course
- Evidence that accounts for any gaps in your educational history (if any)
- Medical insurance details
- You might also be asked to provide with your biometric information as part of the application process
- A statement of your commitment that you’ll leave Ireland on the expiry of your visa
- For ‘C’ visa you need application summary sheets and proof of your return home as attested documents
- Evidence of academic ability to pursue your chosen course
You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the Ireland embassy or consulate.
If any of your document is not in English/Irish, then it must include a full translation. Also, each of the translated document must consist of:
- A translator confirmation as evidence of accurate translation of the original document submitted;
- The translation date;
- The full name and signature of the translator; and
- The contact details of your translator
*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing
When can you apply?
You can apply for a study visa up to three months before your travel date to Ireland. But, if you plan to visit another state before you travel to Ireland, then you must possess a relevant visa for that state in your passport before you apply for an Irish visa.
Applying for your visa online
You can apply for your student visa application online using the Irish Government’s official website. You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to Ireland. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
How can IDP help with visa applications?
If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in Ireland, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.
Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest applications forms and guidance. To reduce the hassle, we can also help to certify, translate and courier your documents.
Visa fee
As an applicant from outside Ireland, you will have to pay €60 as your visa fee (do check the latest fee when applying here).
English language requirements
To gain your study visa for Ireland, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.
A minimum score of 5.0 band is required in IELTS to apply for an Irish study visa.
Know more about IELTS
Biometric
As part of your application, you will also be required to furnish your biometric information. As an Indian student, you’d need to provide your fingerprints to the Irish authorities.
You can always contact us for a free counselling session and we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.
Conclusion
There are many opportunities in Ireland to obtain a work visa and to get the required documentation is much simpler than many Irish people think. This is especially true if one plans to work while they stay in Ireland.