Ireland student visa guide

Ireland student visa for Indian students: funds, tuition proof and IRP

To study in Ireland you apply for a D Study Visa, show €10,000 in available funds for the first year on courses longer than 8 months, and prove that at least €6,000 of tuition (or the institution's required deposit, if higher) is paid. After you arrive you register for an Irish Residence Permit within 90 days, which gives you Stamp 2 and the right to work 20 hours a week in term.

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Last verified October 2026 · Written for Indian applicants · AbroBot takes no university commissions

At a glance

Funds (course over 8 months): €10,000 for year one
Tuition proof: At least €6,000 paid
Visa fee (reported): €60 single, €100 multiple entry
Work in term / holidays: 20 / 40 hours a week
Register after arrival: Within 90 days (IRP)

How much money you must show

Since 30 June 2025 the financial requirements have been standardised. These are the figures widely published for 2026, so confirm them on the official Irish immigration site before you apply.

Requirement	Amount
Living costs, course longer than 8 months	€10,000 for the first academic year
Living costs, course of 8 months or less	€833 a month, up to €6,665
Tuition already paid	At least €6,000, or the institution's minimum deposit if higher
Later years	At least €10,000 a year, plus tuition

Show a steady balance. Large, last-minute deposits need documented sources, and fixed-term or locked savings are accepted only if the bank confirms you can withdraw during your studies. Aim to keep the balance in place for several months before you apply.

Step-by-step: from offer to Stamp 2

Choose an eligible course. It must be on the government's list of eligible programmes (ILEP). Get your offer letter.
Pay your tuition deposit and keep the receipt, transfer confirmation or institution acknowledgement.
Prepare your funds proof with bank statements and sponsor documents.
Apply online through the Irish visa system (AVATS) at least three months before your course starts, then submit your documents and biometrics at a VFS centre. Indian applicants give fingerprints and a photograph in person.
Wait for the decision. Processing is commonly 4 to 8 weeks, longer in peak months from April to June.
Travel within the visa validity, then register for your Irish Residence Permit within 90 days of arrival. This activates Stamp 2.

Visa and registration costs to budget for

Visa fee: reported at €60 for a single-entry visa and €100 for multiple entry. Confirm the current fee.
VFS service charge in India, which varies.
IRP registration: reported at €300, paid by card.
Private health insurance valid for your full stay, required before registration.

Add tuition and living costs from our Study in Ireland guide and an education loan plan if you are borrowing. See student health insurance abroad.

Work rights on Stamp 2

With Stamp 2 you can work up to 20 hours a week during term and up to 40 hours a week during scheduled holidays, typically June to September and 15 December to 15 January. You need a PPS number, which is free, before you work. Treat this as support for living costs, not as a way to meet the visa funds requirement.

After your degree, the Stamp 1G graduate permission gives 12 months after a bachelor's degree and up to 24 months after a master's.

Mistakes that lead to refusals

Applying late. Submit well before the three-month mark for a September start.
Funds that appear only days before applying, with no explanation of the source.
Missing proof of tuition paid.
Choosing a course that is not on the eligible list.
Inconsistent details between your offer letter, application and bank statements.

Planning Ireland on a tight budget and timeline?

AbroBot checks your funds against the visa rules, builds your document list and tracks your application calendar through to registration.

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Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need for an Ireland student visa?

For courses longer than 8 months, €10,000 for the first academic year, shown as available funds, plus proof that at least €6,000 of tuition is paid.

Do Indian students need biometrics for Ireland?

Yes. Indian applicants give fingerprints and a photograph at a VFS centre as part of the D Study Visa process.

How long does an Ireland student visa take?

Commonly 4 to 8 weeks, and longer in peak months. Apply at least three months before your course starts.

How many hours can I work in Ireland as a student?

Up to 20 hours a week during term and up to 40 hours a week during scheduled holidays, once you have Stamp 2.

What is the IRP and when do I need it?

The Irish Residence Permit. You register within 90 days of arrival, and it carries your Stamp 2 permission.

What happens after my degree in Ireland?

You can apply for Stamp 1G, which gives 12 months after a bachelor's degree and up to 24 months after a master's degree.

Sources and how we verify

Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.