Citizens of certain countries who wish to pursue a course of study in Ireland must apply for a visa to enter Ireland before they travel here. (See ‘Rules’ for a list of those who do not require a visa to study in Ireland.) Since 30 June 2008 visa applicants in certain countries must apply online. (See ‘How to apply’.)

If you wish to study in Ireland for less than three months you should apply for a ‘C study visa’. If your course lasts longer than three months, you should apply for a ‘D study visa’. Generally speaking, the duration of a ‘C study visa’, is not extended once you have arrived in Ireland. Extensions will be granted in exceptional cases only. It’s very important, therefore, to make sure you know the duration of your course before you apply for a visa. Further information on how to apply to extend a student visa is under ‘How to apply’ below.

Visa Documentation- Requirements

You will need to provide the following with your visa application.  (Please remember, original documents are required and must be in English or accompanied by a notarized translation):

• Letter of acceptance from a recognized school/college/university in Ireland confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study. This course of study must be full-time (lasting an academic year) and have a minimum of 15 hours per week of study time.
• Evidence of your academic ability to pursue the chosen course through the English language (unless it is an English language course).
• Evidence that the fees for the course have been paid in full.
• Evidence that you have enough funds (€7,000) to maintain yourself for the initial part of your stay.
• Evidence that you or a sponsor have access to at least €7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years.
• Evidence that you have private medical insurance
• An explanation of any gaps in your educational history
• Confirmation that you intend to return to your country of permanent residence when you leave Ireland.

Remember, the granting of a student visa to study in Ireland does not confer the automatic right of anyone to join or visit you in Ireland (whether they are a relative or not). 

You will find more detailed information on the exact requirements for a student visa on the website of the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

IMMIGRATION
The International Education Division will organize an appointment with the Immigration Officer, details of which will be given to you during Orientation Week. At this meeting you will be required to provide the following:

• Valid passport
• Proof of medical insurance(for 1year)
• Proof of financial ability for one year
• Completed UL immigration form(available from the International Education Division)
• € 100 Immigration Fee