Guides
Student visas for Ireland
Non‑EU/EEA/Swiss students who want to study English in Ireland for more than 90 days normally need a long‑stay (D) study visa, and on arrival register for an IRP card with Stamp 2 conditions. This page is a plain‑English overview — always confirm details on the official sites linked below.
The 25‑week ILEP course rule
To get a Stamp 2, your English course must be on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), last at least 25 weeks, and include at least 15 hours of tuition per week, with an end‑of‑course exam from a recognised awarding body. You can renew up to a maximum of three 8‑month courses (so roughly two years studying English).
Before you pay any school
- • Confirm the school is currently on the ILEP register (not just “applying”).
- • Ask for the school’s Learner Protection insurer and policy number — this is what protects your fees if the school closes.
- • Get the exact total in writing: tuition + registration fee + materials/book fee.
- • Confirm refund terms if your visa is refused.
Many of these are visible directly on each school profile.
Useful official links
- • Irish Immigration Service — Coming to study
- • ICOS — Irish Council for International Students (free advice if something goes wrong)