Ireland has a great deal to offer international students. Its universities are known around the world—University College Dublin is home to Smurfit Graduate Business School, ranked in the FT’s Top 100 MBA programs in 2025, where it ranks highly for value for money. Trinity Business School is equally revered, situated in the prestigious college’s centuries-old campus.
Prospects after leaving university are equally strong. Dublin has one of Europe’s biggest tech clusters, with Google, Meta, and Microsoft just some of the big names with offices in the capital. Students looking to plot their tech career are well-positioned.
If you’re looking to study in Ireland and you live outside of the UK or the EU, you’ll need a student visa. Here we dive into Ireland’s student visa application process, from the documents you need to the cost of applying.
Summary of the Ireland student visa process
Your Ireland student visa application requires you to submit your passport, proof of acceptance, application letter, and other financial information; the cost of your application ranges from €60 to €100, and it can take up to eight weeks to receive a response. Should you desire to stay on in Ireland, you’ll need to apply for a work visa.
The Ireland student visa: Requirements and how to apply
What documents are required for a student visa to Ireland in 2025?
Your Ireland student visa application requires you to submit several documents.
For one, a valid passport with at least 12 months remaining after the date of your arrival in Ireland. As well as this, your application will require two passport-style photographs.
For your visa, you will be required to submit a letter of acceptance from your chosen university. In addition, you must submit an application letter outlining your reasons for wanting to come and study in Ireland. This should include how your chosen educational course fits into your future career plans, or at least, explaining why it may mark a change in direction from your current or past employment. You should also state your commitment to obeying the conditions of your visa.
There are certain financial requirements that you may be expected to prove, such as sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Ireland. You’ll also need proof of health insurance for Ireland.
There are several other documents you may be required to submit, including:
- Visa refusals (from past applications)
- Gaps in educational history
- Proof of fee payment
- Evidence of academic ability and language ability
How do I apply for an Ireland student visa?
The Ireland student visa application has a few different stages.
Step one is starting your visa application online, through the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS). You’ll have to share certain information, answer several questions about your application here.
You’ll need to pay your application fee online (more on that below).
Finally, the AVATS will share information on where to send your required and supporting documentation, which will determine the outcome of your application. Original documents must be sent, with photocopies allowed only where stated. It’s worth noting that all documentation must be submitted in English or Irish.
How much does an Ireland student visa application cost?
There are two key costs for Ireland student visas. A single-entry visa, which allows you only to visit Ireland, costs €60; a multi-entry visa, which allows you to visit multiple countries within the Schengen area, costs €100. If your program involves segments abroad, the latter may be necessary.
Certain countries, however, are exempt from visa fees—including Indonesia, Morocco, and Uganda (see full list here).
How long does it take to get a student visa for Ireland for postgraduate students?
Processing times for Ireland student visas can vary. You can expect to hear a decision within eight weeks of your application being received at the visa office, embassy, or consulate.
Applicants are allowed to submit applications up to three months before their start date, so it’s advisable to leave yourself as much time as possible to avoid disappointment.
Is it possible to stay in Ireland after finishing a business degree?
Those looking for longer-term work in Ireland after their degree have many options. The post-study work visa typically grants graduates two years to stay on and work in Ireland. There are also several visas, like the Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit, for industries facing a skills or talent shortage.
It’s worth noting that the working visa is entirely separate from the student visa and must be completed independently.
Studying in Ireland—getting started
Pulling together the required documentation, application letter, and other supporting documents for your Ireland student visa application can be a lengthy process.
That said, it’s a necessary part of the process, and one with considerable rewards. The chance to study at one of Ireland's top universities and launch a career in one of Europe’s top economies is a tantalising prospect for any international student, and one that is well worth the process.
