Fee-paying private primary or secondary school
Who it's for: For children from outside the EEA and Switzerland who will attend a fee-paying private primary or secondary school in Ireland.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 3 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Study place needed: Yes
- Language: IELTS Academic 4.0 for second level and foundation level courses (5.0 for other courses). Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT 47, PTE Academic 30, Duolingo 55, Oxford Test of English 81, LanguageCert Academic 40. (Cambridge English, Duolingo English Test, ETAPP, IELCA, IELTS Academic, UKVI IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Oxford Test of English, Skills for English, LanguageCert International ESOL, LanguageCert Academic, Trinity ISE) · about CEFR B1
- Money to show: €10,000
- Main fee: €60
- Family can join: No
- Decision time: 8 weeks
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | €60 | — | irishimmigration.ieOfficial · 3 Nov 2026 |
| Money to show | €10,000 | — | irishimmigration.ieOfficial · 3 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
6 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Study place neededYesOfficial wording
“If your child is applying for a visa to attend school in Ireland for second level education, they must be enrolled in a fee paying school”
LanguageIELTS Academic 4.0 for second level and foundation level courses (5.0 for other courses). Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT 47, PTE Academic 30, Duolingo 55, Oxford Test of English 81, LanguageCert Academic 40. (Cambridge English, Duolingo English Test, ETAPP, IELCA, IELTS Academic, UKVI IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Oxford Test of English, Skills for English, LanguageCert International ESOL, LanguageCert Academic, Trinity ISE) · about CEFR B1Official wording
“International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic 4.0 5.0”
Money to show€10,000Official wording
“you must show evidence that you have immediate access to at least €10,000”
Main fee€60Official wording
“Single entry : €60 Multi entry : €100 Transit : €25”
Family can joinNoOfficial wording
“The granting of a visa to a person under the age of 18 years for the purpose of study does not give any entitlement to any other family member to accompany or join the student in the State.”
Decision time8 weeksOfficial wording
“Generally, you can expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which you lodge your application.”
We have not yet recorded: Job offer needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Age limit; Salary threshold; Can lead to permanent residence; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other study routes in Ireland
All visa types in Ireland
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
Ireland visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.