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Study in Ireland. Get your Stamp 2 visa.

Compare ILEP-verified courses for a Stamp 2 visa — work 20 hrs/week.

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ILEP-verified · Stamp 2 · Work 20 hrs/week

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How it works

Guides for students coming to Ireland

Stamp 2, work rights and where you will live — start here before you enquire.

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Studying English in Ireland — the questions students ask

What is a Stamp 2 student visa?

Stamp 2 is the immigration permission given to non-EEA students enrolled on a course from the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). For English language students it means a 25-week course, 15 hours of class a week, medical insurance and proof of funds. It allows you to live in Ireland for the duration of the course and work part time.

How much does an English course in Ireland cost?

Most ILEP English schools charge roughly €2,500 to €4,500 for the standard 25-week visa course, depending on the city and the number of class hours. Dublin sits at the higher end; Cork, Galway and Limerick are usually cheaper. Budget separately for registration and exam fees, medical insurance and living costs.

Can I work in Ireland on a student visa?

Yes. Stamp 2 allows 20 hours of work a week during term and 40 hours a week during the official holiday periods — June to September and 15 December to 15 January. You need a PPS number before you can be paid legally.

What does ILEP-verified mean?

The Interim List of Eligible Programmes is the government list of courses that support a student visa. If a school or programme is not on it, studying there will not get you a Stamp 2 permission. Every school listed on GoStudy is checked against the current ILEP list, and we flag schools carrying the TrustEd Ireland quality mark.

How much money do I need to live in Ireland as a student?

Plan for roughly €900 to €1,400 a month depending on the city, with rent the biggest variable. Immigration also expects you to show access to about €4,500 for the year on top of your course fees when you register.

How do I choose between schools?

Compare total course cost rather than weekly rate, check class size and nationality mix, confirm the school holds learner protection cover in case it closes mid-course, and read recent student reviews. You can compare any schools side by side on GoStudy and send one enquiry to several at once.