Republic of Ireland · study
Irish Student visa (Stamp 2)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 9 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Study permission for international students enrolled at eligible Irish institutions on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes.
- Processing time
- Visa decision typically 4–8 weeks.
- Government fees
- Visa fee €60 single-entry or €100 multi-entry; registration €300.
- Typical duration
- Up to 1 year at a time; renewable during studies.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 8 July 2026, the Irish Student visa (Stamp 2) for Republic of Ireland has typical processing of 4 weeks – 8 weeks. Sources: official Republic of Ireland government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/ireland/student-visa#answer
What is the Irish Student visa (Stamp 2) in Republic of Ireland?
Irish Student visa (Stamp 2) is a sponsor-led Ireland route. Indicative government fees are Visa fee €60 single-entry or €100 multi-entry; registration €300; indicative processing time is Visa decision typically 4–8 weeks; typical duration is Up to 1 year at a time; renewable during studies. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Immigration Service Delivery on 1 June 2026.
Overview
Non-EEA students studying full-time at institutions on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) receive Stamp 2 permission. Graduates of eligible Level 8–10 programmes can remain for up to 24 months under the Third Level Graduate Scheme.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Enrolment on a full-time programme on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes.Immigration Service Delivery (Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) ↗
- ✓Proof of tuition payment.Immigration Service Delivery (Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) ↗
- ✓Private medical insurance.Immigration Service Delivery (Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) ↗
- ✓Maintenance funds (€10,000+ per year typical).Immigration Service Delivery (Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) ↗
Common blockers
- !Course not on ILEP.Immigration Service Delivery (Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) ↗
- !Insufficient funds.Immigration Service Delivery (Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Letter of acceptance and fee payment receipt.Immigration Service Delivery (Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) ↗
- ·Bank statements.Immigration Service Delivery (Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) ↗
- ·Insurance certificate.Immigration Service Delivery (Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) ↗
Application pathway
Accept an offer on an ILEP programme
Secure an unconditional offer and pay tuition.
Apply for entry visa if required
Non-EEA students from visa-required countries apply online.
Register for Stamp 2 on arrival
Register with ISD within 90 days and obtain an Irish Residence Permit.
Consider Graduate Scheme
After Level 8+ award, apply for up to 24 months of unrestricted work under the Third Level Graduate Scheme.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for an Irish study visa ↗
Visa-required students use AVATS to create the study visa application before submitting documents to the assigned office.
Immigration Service Delivery · verified
- Official guidanceApplicantCheck study route guidance ↗
Use this official page to confirm study permissions, registration and required evidence.
Immigration Service Delivery · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: Visa fee €60 single-entry or €100 multi-entry; registration €300.. A decision then typically takes 4 weeks – 8 weeks. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying in Ireland?+
Stamp 2 holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term and up to 40 hours during holidays. Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G) permits full-time work.
How long can I stay in Ireland to work after I graduate?+
Graduates of eligible Level 8–10 programmes can remain in Ireland for up to 24 months under the Third Level Graduate Scheme after their award, with Stamp 1G permission allowing full-time work. You apply for this after completing your degree; confirm current eligibility with Immigration Service Delivery.
How much money do I need to show for an Irish student visa?+
Applicants typically need to evidence maintenance funds of around €10,000 or more per year, alongside proof of tuition payment and private medical insurance. Insufficient funds is a common reason applications are blocked.
Does studying in Ireland on a student visa lead to permanent residence?+
No. The Irish student permission (Stamp 2) does not itself lead to settlement. You would need to move onto a settlement route, such as an employment permit, afterwards to build toward long-term residence.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in IrelandHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Immigration Service Delivery
Last checked: 1 June 2026