Know all about Ireland Student Visas: Requirements, NFQ Level

If cut-offs in Indian colleges look huge, you could try your abilities at colleges abroad. Amidst choices like the US, UK, and Canada, Ireland may actually give you a better choice at a lower cost. This article presents all the information about the different student viss in Ireland.

As the Indian student community in Ireland hits an all-time high of over 13,000 active students, the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has implemented strict updates regarding proof of funds, biometric registration, and course eligibility. As per the new rules, the Irish Long-Term Study Visa (for Stamp 2) framework 2026 requires Indian students to demonstrate a minimum of €10,000 in liquid living expenses (up from €7,000 in the previous year). Additionally, students must present proof of payment of  €6,000 to their host university in Ireland in their Long-term D visa application. Afterwards, students must attend an in-person biometric appointment at a designated VFS Global Centre in India.

It is important to note that getting a student visa/student residence permit in Ireland involves two distinct stages - an entry visa applied for from India, followed by a specific immigration residence permission (Stamp) registered upon arrival. Read this article to learn everything about the different student visas in Ireland for Indian students.

Choosing Between the Two Long-Term Study Visas in Ireland

There are two types of study visas in Ireland, Type C and Type D. These are differentiated in terms of the course durations they cover. Indian students must apply for an entry visa via the digital AVATS portal and submit physical materials via VFS Global India. Below, we have briefly described the Type C and Type D visas in Ireland - to help you get a better understanding of both. After reading these descriptions, you'll be clear about which Irish study visa you would need as per the length of your course. 

1. Short Stay 'C' Study Visa (Duration < 90 Days)

The most common uses of applying for this visa in Ireland are to attend short-term professional development programs, exam sittings, or brief vocational courses. It is important to note here that this visa cannot be extended or transitioned into a long-term student visa from within the country. So, one must exit Ireland before the 90-day mark.

2. Long Stay 'D' Study Visa (Duration > 90 Days)

This is the visa that Indian students seeking higher education in Ireland should target. This visa covers all full-time undergraduate degrees, master’s programs, PhDs and English language courses. However, this is the baseline visa for higher education. It grants you single-entry passage to Ireland, where you have 90 days to register for your physical Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. So, the moment the border official scans your passport at Dublin Airport and lets you into the country, that single-entry token is permanently used up (spent). It cannot be used to keep you legally in the country long-term and it cannot be used to get back into Ireland if you leave. 

Afterwards, students will get different stamps on their visa based on their course and duration of stay.

So, here's a basic difference between the two visas:

Understanding the Post-Arrival Immigration Permissions in Ireland (Stamps) 

Post-arrival in the country, D visa holders are required to register with the Irish Immigration Service strictly within 90 days. Upon registration, the Irish Immigration Service assigns you a specific stamp number - printed directly on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. The Immigration Stamps are official permissions that indicate exactly what you are allowed to do - and not do - while living in Ireland. Based on these stamps, your rights to work, study and access public funds are specified.  

The four distinct stamp numbers used by Irish Immigration for different courses and students' working rights are as follows.

1. Stamp 2 Permission (Full-Time ILEP Higher Education)

This is the most common path for university students. It requires enrollment in a full-time program listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) or holding the TrustEd Ireland Mark. This student residence permit allows students to work for up to 20 hours during term time and 40 hours during official holidays or semester breaks (June-September and December 15 - January 15). This permit is granted for a maximum of 7-8 years, including the formative years of the post-study work permit in Ireland. Here are the different conditions that decide the maximum duration of your residence permit based on your course level - 

1. 7-Year Cap: Applies if your highest level of study is an Undergraduate Degree (NFQ Level 8).
2. 8-Year Cap: The limit is officially extended to a maximum of 8 years if you progress to and complete a Master's Degree (NFQ Level 9) or a PhD (NFQ Level 10) 

2. Stamp 2A Permission (Non-ILEP/Semester Abroad)

This visa stamp is designed for students pursuing full-time programs not listed on the ILEP - such as a localised semester abroad at an Irish university or private secondary schooling. This visa prohibits employment, casual labour, or engaging in any trade.

3. Stamp 1A Permission (Full-Time Accountancy Trainees)

This stamp number is designed for non-EEA nationals in professional, full-time paid accountancy training with a certified practice in Ireland. This stamp allows full-time employment but is strictly limited to the specific firm and training contract approved by the professional accountancy body.

4. Stamp 1G Permission (Third Level Graduate Scheme)

This is not a study visa. Instead, it's a post-study work permit granted to international students who have successfully graduated from an NFQ Level 8 or higher course. It allows 40 hours per week of full-time work without requiring an additional employer-sponsored corporate work permit. This visa stamp remains valid for 12 months for Honours Bachelor’s (Level 8) graduates; 24 months for Master's/PhDs (Level 9/10).

After this, students can switch to a work visa and thereafter apply for PR in Ireland.

This was all about the different study visas in Ireland for Indian students. For more details on studying in Ireland, you may get in touch with Shiksha's Counselling Services for free. You may also drop your queries in the comments below. 

Here are some more self-help topics to read if you're really planning to study in Ireland -   

Ireland Student Visas FAQs