A Complete Guide to Work & Study Visas in Ireland 2025

Study English in Ireland while working legally – explore visa options, costs, job tips and everything you need for your move in 2025

If you're thinking about studying English in Ireland, it’s a smart move.

Ireland is one of Europe's best-kept secrets, having welcomed over 35,000 international students last year, and it's one of the few English-speaking countries where you can work decent hours while studying.

The country has become a legitimate launchpad for international careers, with major tech companies breaking ground for their European headquarters. You can legally work 20 hours a week during your studies here, and your student visa could even lead to a two-year work permit after you graduate.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about studying in Ireland – from visa requirements, to cost of living, to what working as a student actually looks like day-to-day.

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Who This Guide Is For

Target audience for Work & Study in Ireland program – international student illustration

These visas aren’t for everyone. This guide is aimed at those who want to:

Level up their English skills in a native-speaking country

Gain European work experience for their resume

Be independent in one of the world's most welcoming countries

Build an international network that'll benefit them for life

If you're from Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or dozens of other countries, and you're ready to make a move that'll change your trajectory – keep reading.

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What You'll Learn in This Guide

What you’ll learn in the Ireland Work & Study visa guide – education and knowledge illustration

This guide is the roadmap to making a move to Ireland happen for you, covering:

Visa requirements by country

The 25-week program that gets you 8 months in Ireland with work rights

Step-by-step application process

Real costs and financial requirements (including the latest updates)

Work opportunities and earning potential while you study

Post-graduation pathways to extend your stay

Insider tips for thriving in Irish culture

Let's get going.

Want to fast-track your Irish studies? Contact Neko Travels

When do you need a visa to work and study in Ireland?

When to apply for a visa to study and work in Ireland – passport and calendar graphic

Ireland offers a few different study visa options. They’ll depend on your nationality and study duration.

Here's what you need to know:

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EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: No visa required – you can study and work freely in Ireland with full access to employment and education.
Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Israel, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, and all EU/EEA countries can enter Ireland for a short time (up to 90 days) without a visa.
Bear in mind though, that you'll still need to register with Irish Immigration if you're planning to stay longer than 90 days or work while studying.
25-week study visas: This one’s perfect for intensive English language courses, and allows work permissions. These are great if you’re looking for substantial work opportunities. You’ll be allowed to work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during designated holiday periods.
Long-stay study visas: Required for degree programs, diplomas, and courses longer than 6 months, offering similar work permissions to 25-week visas.
Special agreements: Indian and Chinese citizens with valid UK short-stay visas can enter Ireland without obtaining a separate Irish visa under the Short Stay Visa Waiver program.

Visa requirements can change frequently, so make sure to verify with official Irish authorities before making plans.

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Ireland study visa types

Different types of Irish student visas: Visa C, Visa D, and Visa B for studying in Ireland

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Ireland offers different study visa categories tailored to different educational goals and durations:

25-Week English Language Course Visa

Purpose: Intensive English language learning with substantial work permissions
Validity period: 25 weeks of study plus designated holiday periods
Work permissions: 20 hours per week during term time, 40 hours per week during holidays (June–September and December 15–January 15)
Visa fee: €60

Perfect for: Young adults wanting to improve English while gaining valuable European work experience and building international networks

Study Visa (Long Stay)

Purpose: Degree programs, diplomas, and courses longer than 6 months
Validity period: Duration of the study program (typically 1–4 years)
Work permissions: 20 hours per week during studies, 40 hours per week during designated holidays
Visa fee: €60
Access to: Third Level Graduate Programme for 12–24 months post-study work opportunities

General Visa (Short Stay) – Study Purpose

Purpose: Short courses and language programs up to 3 months
Validity period: Up to 90 days
Work permissions: None allowed
Visa fee: €60 (single entry) or €100 (multiple entries)

Exchange Program Visas

Purpose: University exchange students and semester abroad programs
Validity period: Duration of exchange program
Work permissions: Limited or none, depending on specific program arrangements

Other things to consider:

Students from some countries might qualify for visa waivers through UK visa agreements
All non-EU students must register with Irish Immigration Service Delivery within the timeframe stamped in their passport
Some nationalities can benefit from bilateral agreements, which will reduce documentation requirements

Ireland work and study visa requirements

Checklist of Ireland study visa requirements including passport, visa application, proof of funds, and letter of acceptance

Ireland significantly increased the visa financial requirements in 2025, with proof-of-funds requirements rising by 120% for short courses. The change reflects the country's growing popularity among international students but doesn’t mean that study in Ireland is out of reach.

General requirements:

Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 12 months beyond your arrival date
Completed application form: Fill out the online AVATS application accurately and completely
Letter of acceptance: From an Irish educational institution on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP)
Proof of funds: €10,000 for courses over 8 months, €6,665 for shorter programs
Health insurance: Private medical insurance covering your entire stay in Ireland
Language proficiency: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80, or equivalent (requirements vary by institution)
Passport photographs: Recent photos meeting Irish specifications
Bank statements: Six months of financial history showing consistent funds

Financial requirements breakdown:

Living costs: €10,000 minimum for academic year (courses over 8 months)
Course fees: Typically, €6,000–€15,000 for English language programs
Proof of funds: Must demonstrate access to required amounts through bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor declarations
Emergency funds: Additional €1,000–€2,000 recommended for unexpected expenses

Specific requirements by nationality:

Schedule 1 countries: Check if your nationality requires a visa through official Irish Immigration resources
Visa waiver agreements: Some countries have special arrangements reducing documentation
UK visa holders: Indian and Chinese citizens may qualify for visa waivers under specific conditions

Requirements change frequently, and incomplete applications could mean that your application processing time is much longer. You should always verify the requirements with official sources before you apply.

Ireland work and study visa application process

Ireland study visa application process infographic showing five steps: online form submission, payment, document upload, waiting period, and final decision

Applying for an Irish study visa happens online, to make it more accessible to international applicants. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Complete the online application

Fill out the AVATS application form on the Irish Immigration website
Guidance is available in multiple languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean
Double-check all information for accuracy – errors can lead to automatic refusals
Save your application reference number for tracking purposes

Step 2: Get your supporting documents and pay fees

Collect all required documents according to your specific visa category
Prepare passport photographs meeting Irish specifications (45mm x 35mm, recent, color)
Pay the €60 visa application fee online
Organise documents in the order specified by the application guidelines

Step 3: Submit your application

The online system will direct you to submit documents to:

Irish Embassy or Consulate in your country

Dedicated Visa Offices in Abu Dhabi, Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, New Delhi, or Ankara

Immigration Service Delivery in Dublin (for certain applications only)

Step 4: Wait for processing

Standard processing: 8 weeks minimum for most applications
Peak season delays: Up to 12 weeks during busy periods (September-October, January-February)
Recommendation: Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date
Rush processing: Not available for study visas

Step 5: Track your application

Contact the embassy/consulate where you submitted documents

Provide your application reference number for status updates

Check the online decision portal when available for your location

Prepare for possible requests for additional documentation

Some notes:

Ireland maintains a 96% approval rate for properly submitted applications
Providing false information can result in permanent visa refusal and affect future applications
Incomplete applications cause the most significant delays
Some nationalities may require embassy interviews, though this is uncommon for study visas

After arrival: Registration and living in Ireland

Student with suitcase arriving at a house in Ireland, representing the immigration registration process for non-EU students.

Immigration registration (mandatory for all non-EU students)

All students have to register with Irish Immigration Service Delivery within the timeframe stamped on their passport at arrival – it’s typically within 90 days.

Registration requirements:

Location: Immigration Service Delivery, Burgh Quay, Dublin 2
Appointment booking: Required via online portal (appointments often book 2–3 weeks in advance)
Required documents: Passport, proof of college enrolment, bank statements, health insurance, course timetable
Fee: €300 annually (card payment only, no cash accepted)
Processing time: Allow 5 working days for document preparation after appointment

This registration will give you your legal right to work part-time as a student and it must be renewed annually.

Cost of living essentials:

Ireland's cost of living will differ slightly depending on where you choose to live, with Dublin being the most expensive (of course!):

Accommodation: €400–€600/month in smaller cities, €600–€1000/month in Dublin for shared housing
Food and groceries: €200–€350/month depending on lifestyle and location
Transportation: €0–50/month (significant student discounts available on public transport)
Personal expenses: €100–€300/month including entertainment, clothing, and miscellaneous items
Annual total: €10,000–€15,000 excluding tuition fees

Work opportunities for students:

Illustration of a female student split into two roles: on the left as a waitress holding a tray with a cup, and on the right as a student holding a laptop — representing work and study opportunities in Ireland

Ireland offers some of Europe's most generous student work permissions:

During term time: 20 hours per week maximum
Holiday periods: 40 hours per week during June–September and December 15–January 15
Popular sectors: Hospitality, retail, customer service, administrative work, tutoring
Average wages: €13.50–€15/hour (Ireland has one of Europe's highest minimum wages)
Job search resources: Indeed.ie, Jobs.ie, university career services, networking events

Student life highlights:

A great cultural scene with year-round festivals and events

Easy and affordable travel through Europe via budget airlines

Strong international student communities and support networks

English-speaking environment for easy integration and communication

How to extend your stay: From student to graduate

Illustration showing a student in graduation attire transitioning into a professional outfit, symbolizing the path from graduation to entering the workforce in Ireland

A note for English language students: Unlike degree program graduates, English language students do NOT have access to Ireland's Third Level Graduate Programme, which provides 12–24 months of post-study work opportunities.

For degree program graduates only:

Who's eligible?

Non-EU/EEA students completing undergraduate, master's, or PhD programs
Must not have exceeded the 7-year student limit in Ireland
Must hold current Stamp 2 permission when applying

Graduate scheme benefits:

Undergraduate graduates: 12 months full-time work permission
Postgraduate graduates: 24 months work permission (granted in 12-month periods)
Work entitlements: 40 hours per week, no salary restrictions, employment in any sector
Additional study: Part-time courses permitted while working

Application requirements:

Must apply within 6 months of program completion
Final results confirmation required (provisional results not accepted)
Valid health insurance purchased in Ireland
€300 application fee
Physical presence in Ireland required for application

Alternative pathways for English language students:

Transition to degree programs: Complete English language studies then apply for higher education

Employment permits: Apply for Critical Skills or General Employment Permits with job offers

Family reunification: If eligible through Irish family members

Getting started: Your next steps

Illustration of a trail of eight outlined shoeprints forming a forward-moving path, symbolizing progress and the step-by-step journey for students starting the visa or study abroad process in Ireland.

Here's your action plan to getting started:

Immediate steps:

Verify visa requirements for your specific nationality using official Irish Immigration resources
Research accredited institutions offering 25-week English programs on the ILEP list
Calculate your complete budget including course fees (€6,000–€15,000), living costs (€10,000–€15,000), and visa fees
Gather required documents early including bank statements, academic transcripts, and health insurance quotes
Book English proficiency test if required (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE accepted)

Timeline recommendations:

6 months before: Choose program and institution, begin document gathering

4 months before: Submit visa application with complete documentation

2 months before: Arrange accommodation and book flights

1 month before: Confirm arrival arrangements, course details, and airport pickup

Services include:

Free consultation on program options matching your goals and budget

Comprehensive visa application support and document review

Accommodation assistance and pre-arrival orientation

Ongoing support throughout your studies

Key Takeaways

Start your application process early to avoid peak season delays

Gather all required documents carefully and verify current requirements

Consider professional guidance for complex cases or first-time applicants

Embrace the adventure – Ireland's warmth extends far beyond its famous hospitality

Take the first step toward your Irish adventure today and discover why thousands of international students choose Ireland as their gateway to European opportunities.

Want to fast-track your Ireland journey? Contact Neko Travels for personalised guidance on your Work & Study program.

Neko Travels

28/7/2025