Ireland Student Visa Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about the long-stay D study visa — AVATS application, fees, documents, IRP registration, and the Stamp 1G stay-back after graduation.
Irish Study Visas & Permissions
Your journey involves one visa before travel and two permissions in Ireland — here is how they fit together, from the D visa to the graduate stay-back.
Long Stay 'D' Study Visa
The main visa for full-time courses longer than 3 months
- Letter of acceptance from an Irish institution
- Proof of €10,000 living funds
- Evidence tuition fees are paid
- English proficiency scores
- Private medical insurance
Short Stay 'C' Study Visa
For short courses of under 3 months (90 days)
- Course shorter than 3 months
- Proof of funds for your stay
- Return travel plans
- Cannot be extended in Ireland
Stamp 2 Registration (IRP)
Your in-Ireland student permission, registered after arrival
- Enrolled on a full-time eligible course
- Register with Immigration Service Delivery
- Renew before your permission expires
- Receive your Irish Residence Permit card
Stamp 1G — Graduate Programme
Post-study stay-back under the Third Level Graduate Programme
- Irish award at NFQ Level 8 or above
- Held a valid Stamp 2 student permission
- Level 9/10: granted 12 months + 12-month renewal
- Look for work or apply for a work permit
Student Visa Application Process
Secure Your Offer
Accept your offer from an Irish university or college and pay your tuition fees (or the portion your institution requires before the visa). Your letter of acceptance anchors the whole application.
Gather Documents
Collect your passport (valid at least 12 months beyond arrival), evidence of €10,000 in accessible funds, proof of tuition payment, English test scores, academic transcripts, and private medical insurance.
Apply Online via AVATS
Complete the online application on the AVATS portal and pay the fee — €60 for a single-journey or €100 for a multiple-journey visa. You can apply up to 3 months before your date of travel.
Submit Documents & Biometrics
Print and sign the AVATS summary sheets, then submit them with your passport and supporting documents to the visa office or VFS centre. Indian applicants also provide biometrics.
Wait for Decision
Study visa decisions typically take around 8 weeks, so apply early. Decisions are published on the Immigration Service Delivery weekly decision lists using your application number.
Arrive & Register for Your IRP
After arriving in Ireland, register your permission with Immigration Service Delivery to receive Stamp 2 and your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. The registration fee is €300, payable by card.
Required Documents
Letter of Acceptance
From your Irish institution, confirming a full-time course place
Valid Passport
Valid for at least 12 months after your planned arrival
Signed AVATS Summary
Printed and signed application summary sheets
Financial Evidence
Access to €10,000 living funds plus proof tuition is paid
English Test Scores
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo as accepted by your course
Private Medical Insurance
Cover for your stay — mandatory for students
Academic Documents
Transcripts and certificates for all prior qualifications
Education Bond
€10,000 bond — a pilot alternative to bank statements for degree students
Financial figures reflect Immigration Service Delivery rules as of the 2025-26 cycle — always confirm the current requirements on irishimmigration.ie before you apply.
Visa Costs Breakdown
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