Guides
Stamp 2 student visa requirements for English courses
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.
Stamp 2 rules at a glance
The rules students search for most — confirm the latest figures on the official Irish Immigration site before you apply.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Working hours (term time) | Up to 20 hours per week while your course is in session. |
| Working hours (holidays) | Up to 40 hours per week in designated holiday periods (typically summer and mid-December to mid-January). |
| Course length | A 25-week English course on the current ILEP list, with at least 15 hours of class per week. |
| Learner protection | Ask the school for its insurer and policy number before you pay — this is what covers your fees if the school closes. |
What Stamp 2 means
Stamp 2 is the immigration permission most full-time English language students hold. It lets you study on an eligible course and work limited hours. It is not a path to permanent residency by itself — it is tied to your course and renewals.
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).
Working while you study (overview)
- • Up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- • Up to 40 hours per week in designated holiday periods (typically summer and mid-December to mid-January).
- • You need a PPS number to be paid legally once you have an Irish address.
Fees and money you should plan for
Budget for tuition, registration and materials fees, plus living costs (rent is usually the largest). Immigration also requires you to show access to funds — check the latest official Immigration Service Ireland guidance before you apply. Compare school prices on GoStudy, then add city living costs.
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.
Stamp 2 FAQ
What is Stamp 2?
It is the Irish study permission for most non-EEA students on eligible full-time courses, including many ILEP English programmes.
Do I need an ILEP course?
Yes for English language study leading to Stamp 2. The course must be on the current ILEP list and meet length and hours rules.
Can I work on Stamp 2?
Yes, within limits: usually 20 hours per week in term and 40 in designated holidays. Schools do not guarantee jobs.
What should I check before paying?
ILEP status, learner protection, the full written fee total, and refund rules if your visa is refused.
Browse schools by city
Start with the cities most students search for — each page lists ILEP-verified schools with profile links Google can index.
Useful official links
- • Irish Immigration Service — Coming to study
- • ICOS — Irish Council for International Students (free advice if something goes wrong)