How to Apply for a Student Visa in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide

When submitting your Ireland student visa application, you must include two recent passport-sized colour photographs.

Photos should be of high quality and passport size, following standard international dimensions (typically 35mm x 45mm).On the back of each photo, you must: Sign your name in your own handwriting and language Write your Visa Application Transaction Number from the AVATS online visa system(visa reference number). Read official guidelines.

You must show evidence of your acceptance into an Irish Institutions’ full-time programme.

Ireland mandates that all overseas students have current health insurance coverage while they are here.

You must submit a letter stating your full name, postal address, and the reason for choosing Ireland. Include your intended travel dates and details of any family members in Ireland or the EU. You must also confirm that you will follow all visa conditions, not rely on public services, and leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires.

When applying for an Ireland student visa, you must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. These funds can be shown by primary sponsors, including the applicant (self), mother, father, spouse, mother-in-law, father-in-law, siblings, and grandparents.

Acceptable forms of financial proof include:

1. Savings Account:

   • Must provide at least 6 months' bank statements.
   • Large deposits/withdrawals must be explained with source documents.
   • If funds are less than 6 months old, proof of source is mandatory.
   • Bank manager’s signature and seal required.

2. Fixed Deposits (FDs):

   • Must be older than 6 months.
   • Submit the original FD receipt and a recent FD confirmation letter with bank seal and signature.
   • (Download Sample)

3. Education Loan:

   • A 100% education loan is acceptable only if supported by additional family financial documents (FDs, PF, LIC, Bonds, etc.).
   • Disbursed loans must be accompanied by a Loan Disbursement Letter.
   • (Download Sample)

4. Property-Pledged Education Loan:

   • The pledged property must be in the name of eligible sponsors.
   • Submit a loan sanction letter, property valuation report, and copy of property deed.

5. Provident Fund (PF/EPF/GPF/PPF):

   • Submit PF statements with official seal and signature or a letter from the employer or PF office.

6. LIC Surrender Value Certificate / Mutual Funds / Stock Holdings (Demat Account):

   • Must be accompanied by updated statements and official supporting documents.

7. Sale of Property:

   • Provide Sale Deed, copy of cheque, transaction proof, and EC or registrar receipts as evidence of fund source.

❌ Unacceptable funding sources include:

• Gold loans
• Loans against FDs (if FD is less than 6 months old)
• Overdrafts
• Housing loans
• Chit funds

Note: Every financial document must be verifiable, genuine, and backed by proper seals and signatures from banks or institutions. Submitting incorrect or unsupported funding documents may result in visa refusal.

If your Ireland student visa is being supported by a sponsor, you must include a set of self-attested photocopies of their documents—originals are not required.

Mandatory sponsor documents include:

1. Identity Proof:

   • A clear copy of the sponsor’s Passport bio pages, PAN Card, or Aadhar Card showing both identity and relationship to the applicant.

2. Sponsorship Letter (Download Sample):

   • A signed letter from the sponsor confirming their financial support for your studies and stay in Ireland.

3. Income Proof:

   • Last 3 years’ Income Tax Returns (ITRs) of the sponsor
   • If ITRs are not available, Form 16 is acceptable
   • If the sponsor is retired, a Pension Certificate or Pension Letter can be submitted

4. Financial Documents:

   • Include relevant financial documents as outlined under the “Proof of Funds” section, such as bank statements, fixed deposits, provident funds, education loan documents, etc.

Note: All documents must be legible, current, and self-signed by the sponsor. Make sure all financial details align with your visa file to avoid delays or queries.

To apply for an Ireland student visa, you must obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as proof of a clean criminal record.

How to Apply for PCC:
Visit the Passport Seva Portal and book an appointment at a center near you:
🔗 Apply for PCC here

Documents Required for PCC:

If your current address matches your passport:

• Original passport
• Self-attested photocopies of the first two and last two pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page and any observation pages

If your current address is different from your passport:

• Original passport
• Self-attested photocopies as above
• Valid proof of current address

Tip: Make sure your documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays in the PCC issuance process.

To apply for an Ireland student visa, you must demonstrate that you have the necessary English (or Irish) language ability to successfully complete your chosen course.

If you are applying for an English-taught program, you must submit a valid English language test certificate (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) with your visa application. This certificate must be issued by the test provider and clearly show your test scores. The minimum required score is outlined in the English Language Requirements for Study Visas.