The short answer
- The course: for more than 90 days, it must be on the ILEP or TrustEd Ireland list. Check both before you pay.
- The permission: Stamp 2, which allows part-time work, or Stamp 2A for full-time study not on the list, with no work.
- Before you come: fees paid (all of them under €6,000, or at least €6,000), €10,000 a year to live on, private medical insurance, and a study visa if your nationality needs one.
- After you arrive: register before your landing stamp runs out, usually within 3 months.
- Short courses under 90 days: you come as a visitor, with a short stay visa if you need one.
Find your route
Study route finder
What you need to study in Ireland, from outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland and UK.
To register for the first time
From ISD’s pages for students, checked 3 October 2026. Nothing you choose is sent or saved. Check the ILEP and your visa requirements on ISD’s site before you pay any fees.
Choosing a course
ISD only gives student permission for courses on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) or the TrustEd Ireland Providers list. A programme won’t appear on both, so check each. They include:
- English language programmes of at least 25 weeks;
- higher education programmes at NFQ levels 6 to 10;
- professional awards and foundation programmes.
English language students get permissions of up to 8 months, three in all: after 2 years, you need to move to a higher education course to stay.
Money to show
| Visa nationals | Non-visa nationals | |
|---|---|---|
| When | With your visa application | When you register |
| Over 8 months | Immediate access to €10,000, and €10,000 for each later year, plus fees | Direct access to €10,000 |
| 8 months or less | €833 a month, or €6,665, whichever is less | €833 a month, or €6,665 |
Show it with 6 months of bank statements, on headed paper, explaining any large or unusual deposits. Credit cards don’t count. A sponsor, like a parent, can support you with evidence of their income and your relationship.
Fees and insurance
- Fees under €6,000: pay them in full before you apply.
- Fees of €6,000 or more: pay at least €6,000 first. Your college’s letter of acceptance should show it.
- Private medical insurance is required. Your college may arrange it.
The study visa
If your nationality needs a visa, apply online for a long stay D study visa before you travel, with original documents: your letter of acceptance, evidence of fees, finances, English ability, insurance, and an account of any gaps in your education. The visa fee is €60 for single entry.
Arriving and registering
At the airport, show your passport, visa if you need one, and documents to the immigration officer, who puts a landing stamp in your passport, usually for 3 months. Register before it expires: book early. The registration fee is €300.
Working while you study
On Stamp 2: up to 20 hours a week in term, and up to 40 in June, July, August and September and from 15 December to 15 January. On Stamp 2A: no work.
After your studies
- With a level 8 award or above, you can apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) to look for work.
- Your time as a student is limited to 7 years in all (8 with a level 9 award, including the graduate programme).
- Student time doesn’t count towards Irish citizenship. Your clock starts with Stamp 1G or a work permission.
Common mix-ups
Common questions
What courses can I come to Ireland to study?
For stays over 90 days, a course on ISD's Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) or the TrustEd Ireland list: English language courses of at least 25 weeks, higher education at NFQ levels 6 to 10, professional awards or foundation programmes. Check both lists.
How much money do I need to study in Ireland?
At least €10,000 for each year you'll be here, as well as your fees. For courses of 8 months or less, €833 a month or €6,665 in total, whichever is less. Visa nationals show it with the visa application; others show it when they register. Credit cards don't count.
Do I need to pay my fees before I come?
If your fees are under €6,000, pay them in full. If they're €6,000 or more, pay at least €6,000 before you apply. Your college may ask for more.
Do I need a study visa?
If your nationality needs a visa for Ireland, apply for a long stay D study visa before you travel. If not, you show your documents to the immigration officer and then register.
Can I work while studying in Ireland?
On Stamp 2, up to 20 hours a week in term and up to 40 a week in June, July, August and September and from 15 December to 15 January. On Stamp 2A, you can't work at all.
What's the difference between Stamp 2 and Stamp 2A?
Stamp 2 is for courses on the ILEP list, and lets you work part-time. Stamp 2A is for full-time study not on the list, such as a semester abroad, and doesn't allow work.
Can I stay in Ireland after I graduate?
With a level 8 award or above on Stamp 2, you can apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) to look for work. See the graduate guide.
Sources
All sources checked on 3 Oct 2026.
- A third level course or a language course (ILEP)Immigration Service Delivery
- Information on student financesImmigration Service Delivery
- How to apply for a long term study visaImmigration Service Delivery
- I am coming for less than 90 daysImmigration Service Delivery
- What do I need to do after arrivingImmigration Service Delivery
- Frequently asked questions for studentsImmigration Service Delivery