Student Visa for Ireland - Eligibility Criteria, Document, Costs, How to apply

Student Visa for Ireland - Before applying for an Irish student visa, it is crucial for prospective overseas students to be aware of the requirements. It is important to be aware of the several types of student visas granted by Ireland, the requirements for an Ireland student visa, the documents required, etc. To learn more about student visas for Ireland, including how to apply, types, and more, read this page.

Types of Student Visa for Ireland

For entry into Ireland, students from nations other than the United Kingdom or the European Economic Area will require a visa. They have to be registered full-time in one of the programmes on the "Interim List of Eligible Programs" (ILEP). The kind of visa they will need will depend on how long their study programme will last. The many forms of student visas for Ireland include

1. C-Type Study Visa - For study programmes or courses lasting fewer than three months, this is necessary (90 days).
2. D-Type Study Visa - This is necessary for study programmes lasting longer than three months. Additionally, students requesting this visa must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

Ireland Student Visa- Documents Required

Candidates may look at the list of documents required to apply for a student visa for Ireland.

1. A passport (must be valid for 12 months from the date of arrival in Ireland).
2. Letter of acceptance from a recognized university/school/college in Ireland for a full-time course lasting an academic year, with a minimum of 15 hours per week of study time.
3. Payment proof of the tuition fee - if the course fee is less than 6,000 Euros, the full amount must have been paid. For course fees more than 6000 Euros, the minimum amount to be paid is 6000 Euros. This also depends upon the conditions laid out by the respective education providers.
4. Proof of English Language Proficiency- Candidates must submit a test certificate like IELTS (Academic), PTE, TOEFL iBT, CELA, Duolingo English Test, ETAPP as proof.
5. Proof of sufficient funds (minimum of 7,000 Euros) to sustain stay in Ireland.
6. Proof of private medical insurance.
7. Color passport size photographs with white/grey background and not less than 6 months old. Size- 45-50 mm (H) and 35-38 mm (W).
8. Explanation letter for any gaps in education. Candidates need to submit full details of employment history if the gap was due to work.
9. A letter of confirmation to return to own country after completion of studies.

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Cost of Student Visa for Ireland

Standard non-refundable visa application processing fees are: -

1. Single journey visa- 60 Euros.
2. Multiple journey visa- 100 Euros.

How to Apply for a Student Visa for Ireland?

1. Ireland's student visa application procedure is conducted online.
2. Candidates must print, sign, and date a summary application before submitting it with any necessary supporting documentation.
3. The Irish Visa Application Center (VAC), which is now run by VFS Global, will also require candidates to furnish their biometrics.
4. The summary form for visa applications will include information on how to schedule an appointment with the VAC.
5. A visa application number is given once the visa request has been made.
6. Use this application number to look up the application's status.
7. The system updates the list every week.
8. The Irish Embassy will affix the student visa to the passport if it is granted.
9. Students have two months to appeal the decision if their visa application is rejected.

Note: - Avoid giving any misleading or inaccurate information. It will lead to a five-year ban or the denial of the visa.

Student Visa for Ireland - Processing Time

1. The typical processing period for an Ireland student visa is 8 weeks.
2. A spouse or family visa is not possible with an Irish student visa.
3. Any partners or kids who want to travel to Ireland with the student must apply for a visa on their own.

Student Visa for Ireland - Programmes allowed

Programs leading to degrees and non-degrees are offered in Irish higher education. The degree programmes are full-time academic programmes leading to significant awards or qualifications at or above Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The programme must be listed in the Internationalization Register maintained by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland in order to obtain a student visa for Ireland (NQAI).

Ireland Degree Programme Details

Can Students Change Course After arrival?
Students can change their course under certain conditions. These are

1. The first year of study is the only time when students can change their course.
2. Students will only be permitted to switch courses if the new course results in a major award or is on par with or higher than the current NFQ level.
3. It is not permitted to go from degree programmes to non-degree programmes or language classes.
4. Students are not permitted to go from a full-time to a part-time course.

Working while studying on a student visa for Ireland

1. Students enrolled in degree programs on a student visa for Ireland are allowed to take up casual employment to support their living. They can work part-time for 20 hours per week and 40 hours during holidays.
2. Students cannot take up a permanent job while studying, nor can they be self-employed nor conduct a business.
   

Ireland student visa - Key Points

1. They are registered with Stamp 2 permission.
2. They are enrolled in a course listed on the Internationalization Register.
3. They are attending a full-time course of education at or above NFQ Level 7.
4. They are attending a full-time course for a minimum of 25 weeks per annum.
5. They are on a study program of at least one-year duration.
6. They are attending a course leading to qualifications approved by the Minister for Education and Skills.

If internships or work placements are required as a part of the curriculum, students may enroll. But it can't go beyond the course's halfway point. For instance, if the degree lasts two years, you can complete an internship or work placement in one year.

Read about, Top Universities in Ireland

Stay back options on an Ireland student visa

If you are on a student visa for Ireland, you can stay in Ireland for a maximum duration of 7 years post-study.

After completion of studies, a student can seek employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. Third-level graduates mean graduates who hold level 8 or level 9 awards (bachelor, master's, higher diploma, postgraduate diploma). Under the scheme, they will be granted permission to seek employment and stay in Ireland.

Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme - Stayback and fee details

To apply for a work permit, students on the Ireland student visa can check the website of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Innovation (www.deti.ie)

Address of Embassy of Ireland, India

New Delhi- Embassy of Ireland, C17 Malcha Marg,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi- 110 021

Mumbai- Consulate General of Ireland, 3rd Floor, TCG Financial Centre, G–Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai- 400098

Bangalore- Honorary Consul-General of Ireland, C/o Biocon Limited, 20th KM Hosur Road, Electronics City PO, Bangalore 560 100, Karnataka

Chennai- Honorary Consul of Ireland, Mecheri Centre, 49, Eldams Road, Teynampet, Chennai- 600018

Kolkata- Honorary Consul of Ireland, Keventer Agro Limited, 34/1 Diamond Harbour Road, Kolkata- 700027

Also Read, Benefits of Studying in Ireland

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