For any course over 3 months, Indian students need a Long Stay (D) study visa. Here's the honest, ordered process.
Step 1, Apply online via AVATS
Complete the application on the official AVATS portal (visas.inis.gov.ie), then print, sign and post your documents to the visa office/VFS. The visa fee is typically €60 single-entry / €100 multi-entry.
- Unconditional Letter of Acceptance from an approved programme.
- Proof you've paid tuition (usually the full first-year fee; at least €6,000 if fees are higher).
- Proof of access to ≥ €10,000 (~₹11 lakh) for first-year living costs.
- Private medical insurance.
- ~6 months of stable bank statements; loan sanction letter if using an education loan (RBI-recognised lender).
A sudden large deposit just before applying looks suspicious. Build a genuine, traceable history. Funds should be accessible, not locked in an inaccessible fixed deposit.
Step 2, Processing
Allow roughly 4-8 weeks, but apply up to 3 months early. Indian approval rates are high when documentation is clean.
Step 3, Register for your IRP after arrival
Once in Ireland you must register in person for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) and get Stamp 2 (student permission). Fee: €300 (~₹33,000). You'll also need a PPS number and an Irish bank account.
Stamp 2, what it lets you do
Work up to 20 hrs/week in term and 40 hrs/week during official holidays, and study your registered course.
Fees and exact requirements change. Always confirm against irishimmigration.ie at the time you apply.
Want someone who's done this to review your file before you submit? Connect with an Aurora mentor.
