Studying in Ireland — Student Visas

Key things to know

Non-EEA students need a study (D) visa before arriving in Ireland for courses longer than 3 months.
Your course must be listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).
You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, 40 hours during holidays.
Register with immigration and get an IRP card (Stamp 2) within 90 days of arriving.
EU/EEA students do not need a study visa.

Do You Need a Student Visa?

EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to study in Ireland. If you are from a non-EEA country, you will generally need a long-stay study visa (D visa) for courses longer than 3 months. Check the Irish Immigration website for a full list of visa-required nationalities.

Eligible Courses

Your course must be listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). This covers:

Degree programmes at Irish universities and institutes of technology
Recognised English language schools and colleges
Post-leaving certificate (PLC) courses
Certain professional programmes

Always confirm your institution and programme are on the ILEP before applying for a visa.

Applying for a Student Visa

Apply online through the INIS Visa Online system. You will need:

A letter of acceptance from your Irish institution
Proof of tuition fee payment
Evidence of sufficient funds (typically €10,000 for the first year)
Valid passport
Travel and medical insurance

Working as a Student

With a Stamp 2 IRP card, you can work:

Up to 20 hours per week during term time
Up to 40 hours per week during summer (June–September) and Christmas/Easter breaks

You do not need a separate work permit — the Stamp 2 covers this. You will still need a PPS number to work legally.

Extending Your Permission

If your course continues beyond your IRP expiry date, apply to renew before it expires. You will need to show evidence of attendance and progress in your studies.

Official Sources