International students
International students with an offer from an Irish university, institute of technology or college
What you get
- A course, fees and finances check before you apply
- A review of your offer letter, financial evidence and academic documents
- Completion and submission of your online application (AVATS)
About this service
Student Visa (Higher Education)
To study a full-time degree or other higher education course in Ireland for more than 90 days, students from visa-required countries need a long stay 'D' study visa. The visa office looks closely at your course, fees, finances, English and academic history, and gaps or inconsistencies are a common reason for refusal. We prepare a complete, consistent application and guide you through registration once you arrive.
€615
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
7
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Progressing students
Students progressing from an English language course to higher education (applying from home)
Postgraduates
Postgraduate and PhD students
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Eligible course
A full-time course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) or the TrustEd Ireland list, at NFQ level 6 to 10, with at least 15 hours of daytime tuition a week
02
Fees
Course fees paid in full if under €6,000, or at least €6,000 paid if the fees are higher
03
Living costs
Immediate access to at least €10,000 for living costs in year one, plus €10,000 and fees for each later year
04
Medical insurance
Private medical insurance
05
Academic record and English
Evidence of your academic ability and English level, with any gaps in your education or work history explained
Our promise
What's included
Student Visa (Higher Education)
€615
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 7 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We check your course, fees and finances.
- 2Step 2
We complete your online application and draft your letter.
- 3Step 3
You gather the college and financial documents, and we check them.
- 4Step 4
You sign the summary form, pay the fee and send your originals within 30 days.
- Step 5
We support you until a decision, then guide you on registering after you arrive.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. The government visa fee is separate.
Government fees
€60 single entry or €100 multiple entry for the visa, and €300 to register your permission in Ireland.
Processing time
ISD aims for about 8 weeks. In October 2026 the Dublin Visa Office was deciding study applications received in late June 2026, roughly 4 months. Apply as early as you can.
Working while studying
Students can work up to 20 hours a week in term and 40 hours a week in June to September and from 15 December to 15 January.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
An Irish student visa is a long stay 'D' study visa for students from visa-required countries who want to take a full-time higher education course in Ireland, such as a bachelor's, master's or PhD. Students from countries that don't need a visa follow the same rules but apply for their permission after arriving. The course must be on ISD's Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) or the TrustEd Ireland list, at NFQ level 6 to 10, with at least 15 hours of daytime tuition a week. Fees must be paid in full if they're under €6,000, or at least €6,000 must be paid if they're higher. Students must show immediate access to at least €10,000 for living costs in the first year, plus €10,000 and fees for each later year, and must have private medical insurance. Visa officers look closely at academic history and English, and unexplained gaps are a common reason for refusal. After arriving, students register on Stamp 2, which allows work of up to 20 hours a week in term and 40 hours a week during holiday periods. Students can stay for up to 7 years in total, or 8 at level 9 or above, and graduates can move onto the Third Level Graduate Programme.
Students are generally not allowed to bring family members, except in very exceptional circumstances.
Up to 7 years in total on student permission, or 8 years if you study at level 9 or above.
Graduates of level 8 or higher courses can apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) to look for work and apply for an employment permit.
Yes. Study visa refusals can be appealed within 2 months of the refusal letter, free of charge.
Ready when you are
Get started with Student Visa (Higher Education)
€615
€615
Student Visa (Higher Education)