Study in Ireland: English-speaking, inside the EU, and smaller
Ireland is home to the European offices of many technology and pharmaceutical companies. Its universities are fewer, so competition for good courses is real, but the visa is simple and the stay-back clear.
At a glance
| Student visa | Long-stay D study visa, then registration (IRP) in Ireland |
|---|---|
| Visa costs | €60 visa; €300 for the residence permit (IRP) in Ireland |
| Money to show | €10,000 for the first year (courses over 8 months), plus at least €6,000 of tuition paid |
| Work while studying | 20 hours a week in term; 40 in holidays |
| After graduation | Stamp 1G: 12 months after a bachelor's; 12 months after a master's, extendable to 24 |
| Main intakes | September; January for some master's |
| Official site | irishimmigration.ie |
Rules and fees change often. Confirm every figure on irishimmigration.ie before you pay or apply.
What changed recently
- Money to show was standardised at €10,000 from 30 June 2025, with stricter checks on where the money came from.
Your year, step by step
A one-year master's, again
Like the UK, most Irish master's take one year. Plan internships and job applications from the first term; the Stamp 1G clock starts when results are out.
Before you pay any agent or university
- Check the university on the country's official list (linked above), not on the agent's brochure.
- Pay fees only to the university's own bank account, never to an agent's account.
- Read the refund policy for a refused visa before paying any deposit.
Still deciding between countries?
Compare all eight on money to show, work rights and the years you can stay after your degree.
Sources
- Ireland visa rules 2026: €10,000 funds, tuition paid, Stamp 1G (IDP)
- Official: irishimmigration.ie (IRP fee €300)