Ireland student visas
Non-EEA students study in Ireland on Stamp 2 immigration permission, granted for a full-time course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Some nationals also need an entry visa before they travel, and everyone must register with immigration after arrival to receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. Rules and figures change — always confirm the current requirements on official sites before you apply.
Entry visa: do you need one?
Whether you need a visa to enter Ireland depends on your nationality:
- Visa-required nationals must apply for a 'C' study visa for courses under three months, or a 'D' study visa for courses over three months, before travelling.
- Visa-exempt nationals — including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil — do not need an entry visa, but still must register for the IRP after they arrive.
Stamp 2 and the IRP card
Stamp 2 is the permission that lets you study full-time on an ILEP-listed programme. After arrival you register with immigration and are issued an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. The registration fee is €300, and the permission is renewed annually for the duration of your studies.
Proof of funds
You must show you can support yourself. For a one-year course the requirement is €10,000. For courses shorter than eight months, the figure is calculated at €833 per month, capped at €6,665. These requirements were aligned across nationalities from 30 June 2025.
Working and healthcare
Stamp 2 lets you work part-time — see our working in Ireland guide for the term-time and holiday limits and the post-study Third Level Graduate Programme. You will also need private medical insurance before you can register for the IRP.
Official sources: Irish Immigration Service, Citizens Information, Education in Ireland.