Ireland•EuropeType D — Student Visa (Type D)
At a Glance
4 weeks – 3 months
EUR €60–€100
Varies by filing options
Duration of program (subject to a 7-year total limit for most students)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Long-stay national visa for non-EEA students enrolled in ILEP-listed full-time courses in Ireland lasting more than 3 months.
Ireland's Long Stay 'D' Study Visa is the national entry visa for non-EEA nationals enrolling in a full-time Irish course longer than 90 days. The course must appear on the Interim List of qualifying Programmes (ILEP) at NFQ level 6 or above. Issued by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
Applicants need a Letter of Acceptance, paid course fees (€6,000+ minimum), private medical insurance, and €10,000 per year of study. The visa fee is €60 single-entry or €100 multi-entry. On arrival, students register for an Irish Residence Permit (Stamp 2), which allows 20 hrs/week work in term and 40 hrs/week in vacation. Renewable; total stay capped at 7 years.
This visa is ideal for non-EEA students accepted onto an ILEP-listed degree, postgraduate, or recognised English-language programme who can self-fund living costs and want part-time work rights during study.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
IrelandIrelandCSEP — Critical Skills Employment Permit
IrelandRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be enrolled in a full-time course on the Interim List of qualifying Programmes (ILEP).
Course must last longer than 3 months.
Must have sufficient funds to cover living expenses (€10,000 for the first year).
Must have paid course fees in full (or at least €6,000 if fees exceed that amount).
Must have private medical insurance.
Must demonstrate English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS) if applicable.
Must intend to return to the country of permanent residence after studies.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
high_school or higher
Min. Savings
10,000 EUR
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Signed online application summary sheet.
Original passport valid for at least 12 months after the intended date of departure.
Letter of acceptance from a recognized Irish institution.
Evidence of full payment of course fees.
Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements).
Evidence of English language proficiency.
Private medical insurance policy document.
Letter of application explaining the study plan and intent to return home.
Two recent passport-sized photographs.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Legal residence for the full duration of an ILEP-listed full-time course
- Stamp 2 permits part-time work: 20 hrs/week in term, 40 hrs/week in summer and Christmas vacation periods
- Renewable online when less than 12 weeks of permission remain
- Opens the Third Level Graduate Scheme pathway after graduation to seek skilled employment
- Single national fee structure (€60 single / €100 multi) — among the lowest study-visa fees in Europe
- Family reunification is possible for qualifying dependants
Worth Knowing
- Course must appear on the Interim List of qualifying Programmes (ILEP) at NFQ level 6 or above
- Must show €10,000 in available funds for each year of study, in addition to paid course fees
- Visa is entry clearance only — you must register for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) after arrival
- Total stay capped at 7 years across study levels (with limited exceptions for PhD or medicine)
- Private medical insurance is mandatory and English-language proficiency must be evidenced
- Course not on the ILEP — no Long Stay D Study Visa can be issued
- Insufficient funds (less than €10,000/year plus paid course fees) is a routine refusal ground
- Submission of false or misleading documents can result in refusal and a ban of up to 5 years
Application Process
Secure a Letter of Acceptance from an ILEP-listed Irish institution and pay course fees in full (or at least €6,000)
Gather supporting documents
passport, evidence of €10,000 funds, private medical insurance, English language evidence, study plan
Create the online visa application via AVATS up to 3 months before travel
Print, sign and date the Summary Application Form and pay the visa fee (€60 single / €100 multi)
Submit the Summary Form plus supporting documents to the designated visa office within 30 days
Provide biometric information if requested
Await decision (Dublin currently processing applications received around 01 May 2026)
On arrival, register with the Immigration Service Delivery and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP, Stamp 2)
Related visas
More visas in Ireland
Study visas in other countries
- General Training Visa (D-4)
South Korea
- Exchange Visitor
United States
- Long-Stay Internship Visa (Type D/FT)
Moldova
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