Applying for a Study Visa in Ireland

Student visa requirements in Ireland

Ireland is a popular destination for Students from Thailand, who are looking to study abroad. This is due to high-ranking universities and low education costs.

In order to study here in Ireland, you will need to be aware of its own policies regarding student visas.

Study visas are required for Thai students. According to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services’ Visa Policy for Non-EEA students, the type of visa needed depends on the degree and course the student wishes to pursue. 

Most visas can be applied for up to three months before the date of travel to Ireland.

What type of visa should you apply for?

There are two types of visas that Students from Thailand can apply for. 

These are:- 

• Short stay ‘C’ Study Visa for entry into Ireland (less than 90 days)

Students from Thailand who are enrolled in a course that lasts less than 3 months must apply for a ‘C-Study Visa’.

• Long Stay ‘D’ Study visa for entry into Ireland (more than 90 days)

Thailand students enrolling in full-time courses on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes need to obtain a ‘D-Study Visa’ in order to enter Ireland.

General visa information

Visa applications for students can be submitted online. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services website provides instructions for submitting an online application. The application also requires Biometric information.

Fees

• Visa applicants are required to pay a visa fee in addition to charges for the submission of documents. 
• A Single Entry Visa Fee is €990 including our professional visa service to complete and file the application

English requirements

When applying for a study visa a basic level of English is likely to be required. Some courses and visa offers are dependent on reaching a required level. Valid international certificates include IELTS and TOEFL.

Irish study visa supporting documents

Supporting documentation is required when applying for a Student Visa in Ireland. 

These supporting documentation may be:-

• Letter of acceptance from a recognised university confirming your candidature for a full-time course with 15 hours per week of study time.
• English language certification depicts a student’s ability to pursue courses in English
• Receipt for payment of course fee
• Evidence such as Bank statements to show access to enough funds to maintain through the initial years
• Private medical insurance
• A commitment letter to leave Ireland after the expiry of the Student Visa
• Certificates for all academic qualifications as required by the university
• Two recent coloured passport-sized photographs
• A signed application letter with full contact details
• Evidence for explaining any gaps in the educational history of the candidate.
• Current passport and copies of previous passports
• Previous visa refusals, if any

Further details can be found on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services website.

International students’ residence and work permits

• Non-EEA students need to register with the local immigration office in the district they are living in for a period of more than 3 months
• Non-EEA students are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during semester time and up to a maximum of 40 hours during the vacation period

Apply for a Study Visa in Ireland

Is a Study Visa required in Ireland? With our Visa Service, experienced visa consultants at Abbey Blue International can assist you with the visa application process. For more information, call Abbey Blue International today.