Non-EU/EEA students studying full-time in Ireland receive immigration permission known as Stamp 2, issued via a "D" study visa for visa-required nationalities and registered through Ireland's Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). This guide covers eligibility, financial proof, the application process, and work rights — for the post-study route, see our dedicated Ireland Stamp 1G Post-Study Work Visa guide.
Do You Need a Visa First?
| Nationality | Requirement |
|---|---|
| EU/EEA/Swiss citizens | No visa or immigration permission required |
| Visa-required nationalities (e.g., India, China, Nigeria) | Must apply for a "D" study visa before travelling |
| Visa-exempt non-EU nationalities | Can travel without a pre-approved visa but must register for Stamp 2 (IRP) on arrival |
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Stamp 2 permission, you must:
- Be enrolled full-time in a course on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP)
- Show sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living costs
- Hold private medical insurance valid in Ireland
- Show evidence of academic progression, if you're renewing Stamp 2 for a second or later year
- Not have a criminal record that would raise character concerns
Financial Requirements
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Living costs | Minimum €10,000/year in accessible funds |
| Tuition | Full course fees paid or evidence of ability to pay |
| Acceptable proof | Bank statements, scholarship letter, or sponsor's affidavit |
Application Process
Step 1: Enrol on an ILEP-Listed Course
Confirm your course appears on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes — non-ILEP courses do not qualify for Stamp 2 immigration permission.
Step 2: Apply for the "D" Study Visa (If Required)
Submit your visa application online via the AVATS system, with supporting documents.
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Letter of acceptance | From your ILEP-listed institution |
| Proof of tuition payment | Receipt or confirmation |
| Proof of financial means | Bank statements or sponsor documents |
| Private medical insurance | Valid for Ireland |
| Academic transcripts | Certified copies |
Step 3: Travel to Ireland
Once your visa is approved (where required), travel to Ireland within the validity window.
Step 4: Register for Your IRP Card
Within your first month, register with Immigration Service Delivery for your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, which evidences your Stamp 2 permission.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Where | ISD Registration Office (Dublin) or Garda National Immigration Bureau offices outside Dublin |
| Fee | €300 (multi-entry) |
| Renewal | Required annually if your course spans multiple years |
English Requirements for Irish Universities
| Level | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) |
| Postgraduate | IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) |
| Competitive programmes (Trinity, UCD Law/Medicine) | IELTS 7.0+ |
Both IELTS and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted for admission across Irish universities, though visa-related English proof requirements are generally satisfied by your university's own admission criteria rather than a separate visa-language test.
Work Rights on Stamp 2
| Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| During term (September–May) | Up to 20 hours/week |
| Official college holidays (summer, Christmas, Easter) | Up to 40 hours/week |
Degree-level programmes of at least one year's duration qualify for these work rights; short-term English-language courses generally do not.
After Graduation
Graduates of Irish bachelor's and master's/PhD programmes can apply for Stamp 1G under the Third Level Graduate Programme, allowing full-time work for any employer without a separate employment permit — for up to 12 months (bachelor's) or 24 months (master's/PhD). See our full Stamp 1G guide for eligibility and the pathway to long-term residency.
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