International Students from certain countries who wish to study in Ireland must obtain a visa to enter the European nation before embarking on the academic journey. Applicants from the non-EU/EEA are mandated to enroll in a full-time course on the Tentative List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) to study in Ireland. In case you plan to study in the country for less than 3 months, you should apply for a ‘C Study Visa’. If your course is longer than 3 months, then the ‘D Study Visa’ is what you should apply for.
Your visa application must include the following:
A letter of admission from an accredited school or college in Ireland confirming that you have been accepted to take part in a course of study. The course must be full-time (last academic year) and require at least 15 hours of study time per week.
Evidence of your academic ability to complete your chosen course in English (if it is not an English-taught course).
Proof that your course fees have been paid in full.
Evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during the first period of your stay (10,000 euros). Evidence that you or your sponsor can receive at least €10,000 for each additional year of study, in addition to each year’s tuition fees.
Evidence that you have private health insurance
Confirmation that you intend to return to your country of permanent residence after leaving Ireland.
Types of Degree Programs
Degree programs offered at institutions in Ireland are either full-time or day-time academic courses as outlined below at or above Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
There are six major types of degrees in Ireland at the following levels:
Level 7 = Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree (3 years duration)
Level 8 = Honors Bachelor’s Degree (3-4 years duration)
Level 8 = Advanced Diploma (1 year duration)
Level 9 = Postgraduate Diploma (1 year duration)
Level 9 = Master’s Degree (1-2 years duration)
Level 10 = Doctoral Degree (approximately 4 years duration)
The above-mentioned course levels lead to one of the following degrees:
Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree
Hons Bachelor’s Degree
Higher Diploma (post-Hons Bachelor’s Degree)
Postgraduate Diploma (post-Hons Bachelor’s Degree)
Master’s Degree
Doctorate Degree
Duration of Study In Ireland
Student visas that countries grant to foreign students depend on the program being offered. Students from countries outside the EU/EEA who intend to pursue programs in Ireland for a period longer than three months must register on arrival with the local immigration officer in the district in which they will be living. Bear in mind that your passport will record the terms and duration of your residence permit.
Students wishing to study for up to 6 months must pay 700 euros or 4,200 euros per month (whichever is less) at the time of first enrolment. To access information on the documents students need to apply for a residence permit you can visit the Ministry of Justice website.
Renewing Student visa/permit
To renew your visa would have to be done by the immigration officer in your home country, but if you live in Dublin, Cork, Kildare, Limerick, Meath, or Wicklow, you can do the renewal online and the Irish residence permit will be sent to you by post.
If your application for extension is approved and you believe you have exceptional circumstances, you can apply for a student permit extension by post only.
English language students who complete their second or third course within the application validity period can apply for a Short Term Stamp 2 Immigration permit to stay in Ireland.
Job Opportunities on Irish Student Visa
If you are taking a course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), your passport will have stamp number 2 entered in it when you register with your local immigration officer. You are permitted to work part-time temporarily for up to 20 hours per week during term time or semester breaks. When your residence permit expires, your employment rights will also end with immediate effect.
If you are not taking part in the ILEP, you will not be eligible to work part-time or pursue a business or profession. Your passport will have stamp 2A entered in it.
Refund Policy
Students who have paid all or part of their fees to the University in Ireland but are denied a visa will be given a refund of their course fees. Documentation proving that payment was made and that there was a denial must be provided. Any fees or percentages that the University deducts from the fees for administrative purposes must be clearly stated in the refund policy.
