Ireland Student Visa (2027): Requirements, Proof of Funds, Fee, Processing Time

What you need

A letter of acceptance from a recognised Irish school, college or university confirming a full-time course of at least 15 hours of organised daytime tuition a week; evidence that course fees have been paid in full or as required by the institution; proof of access to at least EUR 10,000 to cover a year of living costs (a 6-month bank statement, sponsor statement, or an approved education loan sanction letter), a requirement in effect since 30 June 2025; private medical insurance; and, for visa-required nationalities, a completed online visa application with passport and photographs. On arrival, non-EEA students staying more than 90 days must register their immigration permission in person and pay a EUR 300 registration fee by card (cash is not accepted).

How to apply

1. Receive an offer and pay your fees, or the amount your institution requires, before applying.
2. Gather evidence of funds and medical insurance and, if you need one, apply for a study visa online through the AVATS system before travelling.
3. Pay the visa fee if you need one: EUR 60 for a single-journey visa (valid up to 90 days) or EUR 100 for a multi-journey visa (valid up to 5 years).
4. Travel to Ireland and, within 90 days of arrival, register your immigration permission (Stamp 2) in person, paying the EUR 300 registration fee by card.
5. Renew your registration each year you continue studying, and on graduating apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) if you want to stay and work.

Why applications are refused

Common reasons for refusal include insufficient or unclear evidence of funds, including large, recently deposited sums that cannot be explained (sometimes called fund parking); an offer from an institution or course that does not meet the full-time study requirement; incomplete or inconsistent documentation; and cases where an immigration officer is not satisfied the applicant intends to leave Ireland at the end of their permission if they do not progress to further study or a graduate permission.