How to apply for a student visa in Ireland?

Why restrict yourselves to limited opportunities when you can experience world-class education at the best universities in a multicultural, transformative, and scenic surrounding?

Studying abroad brings you a life of different cultures in an exciting and competitive environment. It develops your skills while giving you the best education, which will elevate your market value.

Popularly known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland, sustains itself as one of the top study destinations, subtly known for its world-class education system with eight top-level universities. 

Irish universities rank in the top 1% among the best research institutions. Some of the biggest companies have critical strategic research facilities in Ireland, and international students can join their research programs. English is the primary language spoken and the global language of business and technology.

The essential requirement to study in Ireland is to have a student visa. Before applying for a student visa in Ireland, all applicants must enroll and be accepted by a university. 

The letter of acceptance from the university is an essential document for your student visa application in Ireland. The best option is to apply for your visa three months before your course commencement or immediately after receiving your acceptance letter. 

Types of Student Visa in Ireland

There are two types of student visas in Ireland that you can apply depending on your study's duration:

C study visa :

The C type visa is a short stay visa issued for a duration lesser than 90 days. It is suitable for students engaging in academic programs/courses for a short period of 3 months or less.

D Study visa:

The D type study visa is the most common student visa for an extended stay in Ireland for more than 90 days. It is primarily for students pursuing academic courses/programs for three months or more. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STUDENT VISA IN IRELAND

Language requirements 

• International students must have the minimum English language requirements to receive their student immigration permission.
• The accepted exams and scores are IELTS [overall score at 6.5] and TOEFL [570 (paper-based) or 90 (Internet-based)]

Health Insurance Requirements

• All International students must have their private medical insurance to get into Ireland.
• If you are enrolled in your college group insurance scheme, the letter of enrolment is adequate proof.
• If you are not registered in such a plan, you must secure your medical insurance from Ireland.
• For newly-arrived first-year students, Irish travel insurance will cover you for one full year.
• After the first year, your travel insurance will no longer be valid, and you must source private medical insurance for any subsequent years.

Short stay visa [C type student visa]

• Students applying for a short stay 'C' visa must have proof of their return arrangements.

The student visa application process: 

STEP 1: Apply to a university in Ireland and receive a letter of acceptance.

STEP 2: Apply for the student visa online.

STEP 3: Print the Summary of Application and note the information.

STEP 4: Send the printed application to the Ireland Embassy.

STEP 5: Pay the fees for the visa application.

STEP 6: Book your appointment.

STEP 7: Appear for the appointment.

For a better understanding of the process, here's a brief explanation:

STEP 1: Apply to a university and receive the letter of acceptance:

Before applying for your student visa in Ireland, you must apply to an Irish University. The message of acceptance from the university is an important document. 

STEP 2: Apply for the student visa online

After you receive your acceptance into the university, you can fill in your application for Ireland's student visa. Fill in the details required in the application.

STEP 3. Print the Summary of Application and note the information.

When you complete the application, you will receive a summary. This is an essential document as it lists all the vital details, and you will have to print it. The summary of the application mentions the transaction number of your application. It also states whether you would have to make an appointment, pay the fees, and submit your Biometric information. Most importantly, you must follow all the instructions mentioned in summary.

STEP 4. Send the printed application summary. 

Gather your documents, the printed application, and the summary. You can send these documents through an email or post them to the Ireland Embassy's Address mentioned in summary. 

STEP 5. Pay the fees for the visa application

The summary of the application opens the portal for the fees' payment, which you can do online. Depending on your application, you may have to pay certain additional charges.

STEP 6. Book your appointment

Follow the instructions on the summary of the application and book your appointment at the visa application center. Book your slot within 30 days of the completion of the application. You may be asked to appear for the submission of your biometric information.

STEP 7. Attend your Appointment

It is best to be 15 minutes early at the visa application center on the day of your appointment. Don't forget to carry along the essential documents along with the application. Once the filing process for your visa is completed, you will be issued with an acknowledgment receipt.

The processing duration varies from country to country, depending on the situation in each. However, you can expect a decision regarding your visa within eight weeks.

CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT VISA IN IRELAND 

To apply for a Student visa in Ireland, you will require : 

• A valid passport or other proper travel documentation.
• Two recent passport-sized color photographs.
• A signed letter of application with full contact details. 
• Letter of acceptance from a university in Ireland.
• The letter must confirm your acceptance and enrollment to the course.
• It must include the details of your course, the amount of fees payable, the amount that has been paid, and whether the institution has taken out medical insurance on our behalf. 
• Proof of fee payment as a valid receipt.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your course.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: 

• Proof of your private medical insurance.
• A statement of your commitment to leave Ireland when your visa expires. 
• For a 'C' visa, you need proof of your return arrangements to be attested.
• Evidence that proves any gaps in your educational history (if there are any). 
• The score of an English language proficiency test such as [IELTS & TOEFL].
• Any other additional documents prescribed in the summary of the application.

Make sure to visit the Ireland Government Website before you fill your application. Follow all the guidelines, and cross-check the checklist listed above to ensure that you have everything you need. Having all your documents and information organized will result in a smooth process and confirm your application's acceptance. 

Begin your incredible journey in Ireland with AECC Global. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process.