Study (third-level or English language course)
Who it's for: For people from outside the EEA and Switzerland who want to study an approved higher education or English language programme in Ireland for more than 90 days.
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 5.0 for all other courses (4.0 for second level and foundation level or a preparatory English course). Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT 61, PTE Academic 30, Duolingo 75, Oxford Test of English 100, LanguageCert Academic 60. English language course applicants need not provide a test certificate, but a visa officer may ask for alternative evidence of basic English. (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 B2
- Money to show: €10,000
- Main fee: €60
- 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
5 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Study place neededYesOfficial wording
“If you want to study in Ireland for longer than 90 days, you must choose a course from the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP)”
LanguageIELTS Academic 5.0 for all other courses (4.0 for second level and foundation level or a preparatory English course). Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT 61, PTE Academic 30, Duolingo 75, Oxford Test of English 100, LanguageCert Academic 60. English language course applicants need not provide a test certificate, but a visa officer may ask for alternative evidence of basic English. (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 B2Official 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”
Decision time8 weeksOfficial wording
“applicants can expect a decision within approximately 8 weeks from the date their application was received at the visa office, embassy or consulate”
We have not yet recorded: Job offer needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Age limit; Salary threshold; Family can join; 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.