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Ireland Student Visa Process 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide & Requirements

  • views392 Reads
  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Apr 19,2025 03:30 PM IST

  • In 2025, Ireland remains a top study destination, processing thousands of Ireland student visa applications annually with a low rejection rate.
  • Ireland’s student visa processing time ranges between 4 and 8 weeks.
  • Applicants must submit their Ireland student visa applications within the stipulated timeline, failing which might lead to an unprocessed application.

Ireland Student Visa Process.webp


Wondering why to study in Ireland?. We will give you numerous reasons to head in that direction. Apart from being one of the most preferred study destinations in Europe, the fact that it is unexplored gives you better potential opportunities. Ireland offers you the finest education at a comparatively low cost.

Excited to study on this island? Great, but do you know that you need a student visa to study in Ireland? Stay with us as in this blog, we are going to cover the entire Ireland student visa process step by step for 2025. It includes application procedures, document checklist, timelines, fees, and more. 

How to Apply for Ireland Student Visa 2025

Here is a step-by-step process to apply for an Irish student visa: 

Step 1: Know If You Need an Ireland Visa

Visit the nearby ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Branch, where a country-dedicated counsellor will assist you in checking whether you need an Ireland student visa or not. It depends on whether they belong to the EEA or a non-EEA.

A non-EEA person or entity that is not a citizen or resident of a country in the European Economic Area, which basically includes the European Union member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. In other words, individuals from outside of the European Union and the European Economic Area can be described as ‘third country ’or ‘non-EEA nationals' and therefore require a visit to Ireland.

Note: Citizens of India, China and other non-EEA countries must apply Ireland study visa.

Step 2: Select the Visa Type  

While sharing the details with the assigned counsellors at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø, you certainly need to tell them whether it will be a short stay or a comparatively longer stay, based on which you will be categorised for the Ireland visa process and the suggested relevant Ireland visa fee. Here are two types of Ireland student visa:

Visa Type DetailsPurposeEstimated Cost
1.C TypeShort-Stay Visa (C): Under 90 daysTourism, short courses
- Short-Stay:
  • €60 (Single Entry)
  • €100 (Multiple Entry)
2.D Type Long-Stay Visa (D): For full-time studies, more than 90 daysStudy, Work, and Family Reunification
  • €60 (Single Entry)
  • €100 (Multiple Entry plus VFS service charges are also required

Note:
A ‘C type visa’ does not give one the liberty to avail of any paid or unpaid work or to exercise any publicly funded services such as public healthcare.

Step 3: Applying through AVATS (Automated Visa Application and Tracking System)

The next step is to fill out the application form using AVATS. ÂÜÀòÉäÇø experts will assist you in filling the form after which you will get a summary form. You must download, print, and sign the summary form and submit it with your supporting documents.

Step 4: Gather the Required Documents

Following are the documents required to apply for an Irish student visa:

StepDocumentDetails
1Visa Application FormNow completed via the AVATS online platform
2PassportMust be valid for at least 1 year with at least 2 blank pages
3PhotographsTwo recent passport-sized photos
4Letter of AcceptanceMust be for a course listed on the ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programmes)
5Proof of Funds
Bank statements or a sponsor letter showing ability to cover tuition + living costs

  • Inside Dublin: €12,000
  • Outside Dublin: €10,000
6Proof of Fee Payment
Applicants must prove that they have paid the tuition fees.

If the tuition fee is less than €6,000, you must pay it in full, while if it’s more than €6,000, you must pay at least this amount.
7Accommodation ProofEvidence of where you will stay in Ireland
8Health InsuranceMandatory – must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
9Visa Fee Payment ProofKeep the receipt of the visa application fee (amount may vary)

10English Language TestIELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo
11Police Clearance CertificateRequired for visa verification to confirm no criminal record

Note:
Documents need to be officially translated into English/Irish

Step 5:  Pay the Ireland Student Visa Fee 

Fees are non-refundable, and payment modes vary by embassy. For a single entry, the Ireland study visa costs €60, while for a multiple entry, it will cost €100. Its always advisable to apply for multiple entry.

Step 6: Submit your Documents

  • Submit as per the instructions
  • Biometric may be required

Note: Applicants must submit their duly filled Ireland visa application four months in advance of their course start date or at least three weeks prior to their course start date. Applications for an Ireland study visa received less than three weeks prior to the course start date are bound to be returned unprocessed. So, the Irish embassy recommends applying for the Irish study visa as soon as you receive the offer letter or as the case may be.

Step 7: Wait for Decision

Visa typeApprox. Processing time for the Ireland Visa
Short Stay20-25 working days
Long Stay6-8 weeks
Student visaUpto 30 working days

Note:  Apply 8-10 weeks in advance to avoid delays

Approval in Principal Scheme (AIP)

Many times, students keep waiting for their school results, which causes unnecessary delay in the student visa process. Students can save themselves from this delay by availing of the Approval in Principal Scheme (AIP), which allows them to submit their provisional results to the visa office along with the required documents and keep the visa process going. The visa authority may put students’ applications on hold and request final results before issuing a student visa. Once you submit the final results along with a copy of the Electronic Transfer Fee proving that you paid the tuition fee. Then, finally, your Irish student visa will be issued.

Note: AIP is available to Indian students only for undergraduate courses, not postgraduate courses.

What to do if your visa is rejected?

If your Irish student visa gets rejected, you can appeal the decision within two months of the refusal letter. Else, you can also reapply with a stronger application this time. By reviewing the refusal letter, you can address the specific reasons mentioned in your next appeal or application. Moreover, you can also contact professional study abroad consultants who will help you understand the reasons for refusal and guide you for your next application.

Conclusion

The Ireland student visa process is as simple as a pie and as organised as the order of the symphony. The structured guide to the entire Ireland study visa process makes the applicant's journey smooth and stress-free. Nevertheless, never undermine the power of double-checking all the documents before submissions and applying well before the deadline.  Need personalised guidance? Team ÂÜÀòÉäÇø got you covered.  Talk to our study abroad consultants now and turn your dream into reality.

FAQ

Not at all. It is comparatively cheaper than major study destinations, such as Canada, the USA, Australia, and others.
Usually, an undergraduate program fee ranges between €6,086 &€13,600 while a postgraduate program fee ranges between €14,000 & €21,000. However, it also depends on the program one is opting for.
Absolutely. Ireland’s universities are ranked in the top 5% globally, providing high-quality education to international students.
Yes, they do. Students, if eligible, can seek government as well as university scholarships.
Yes, one needs to prove English proficiency to study in Ireland through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo.
Yes, students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during study time or full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during holidays.
To get your Ireland student visa, you can connect with a professional study abroad consultant who will guide you through the process.

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