Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George's Channel.

The higher education system in Ireland consists of the university sector, institutes of technology and private independent colleges. The entry requirements for international students to higher education are determined individually by each institution and are generally based on national examination performance and English language aptitude. The quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth Ireland has experienced over the last few decades. Irish higher education institutions are widely recognized for excellence in many disciplines.
 
Ireland’s seven public universities are all ranked within the world’s top 700 in the QS World University Rankings® 2016/17, as is one of the 14 institutes of technology. Ireland also has seven private-sector colleges, ranging in size from the tiny Burren College of Art, which has only about 200 students, to the huge Dublin Business School, which has a student community of about 9,000.

Staying to work after study:

Two-Year Permission under the Third Level Graduate Scheme Permission

This allows students who have graduated from Irish higher education institutions to remain in Ireland for up to 24 months to seek employment. To be eligible for two-year permission under the third-level graduate scheme, a student is required to have an award granted by a recognized Irish awarding body, for example, University College Dublin, Dublin Institute of Technology, Irish universities, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Institutes of Technology with delegated authority). After 24 months, you may be eligible for the Green Card or Work Permit Scheme.

Step 1 – Admission Process.

• The first step is to submit all the required documents and applications to the university for an admission letter.
• Upon receiving the offer letter, verify the terms and conditions in the letter if it is conditional.
• It is recommended that students clear the conditions in the offer letter and get an unconditional offer letter from the university before you make the payment.
• It is very important to check the deadline to accept the offer and accept it before the deadline.
• Pay the tuition deposit and block the offer letter as soon as possible. Pay 50% tuition fee (without considering the scholarship) if the tuition fee is more than €12,000 or the student needs to pay € 6,000 in case the tuition fee is €12,000 or less.
• Once the tuition fee payment has been processed to the university, students must submit the tuition fee paid receipt.
• The University will issue the visa letter once they receive the tuition fee deposit, and then the student can begin the visa application process.

Step 2 - Visa Process

Ireland student visa applications are processed online. The details you have filled in online should be printed and attached along with the required documents at the time of submission to the VFS.  

Processing Time: Usually, it takes up to 4-6 weeks from the date of application to process the student visa for Ireland. We advise you to apply for an Irish student visa two months before the travel date to study in Ireland. 

Ireland student visa requirements

Below is the Ireland student visa checklist, which can help you list all the documents required for Ireland Student Visa. Make sure you have all the required documents for your visa application before you submit them. Follow the Ireland student visa checklist to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork for a student visa application to Ireland.

• Cover letter stating the purpose of travel - you will have to write a brief note about yourself and the reason for you going to Ireland. This will be an introductory document that holds the key for your visa approval.
• Passport – Current and all previous passports (cancelled) are required to be submitted
• Complete the AVATS Online Application; ensure you complete the online application form in full and generate the summary sheet.
• Appointment confirmation booked through VFS.
• Online fee payment receipt for VFS appointment.
• Completed Student Visa Application form.
• Completed Supplementary Student Application form (Student Questionnaire).
• Letter of acceptance from a recognized school/college/university in Ireland confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study. This course of study must be full-time (lasting an academic year) and have a minimum of 15 hours per week study time.
• English Language Proficiency test score (Eg – IELTS, Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE etc.)
• Statement of Purpose – Kindly ensure you answer the following question as part of your SOP – Self-Introduction, Current Education level, and work experience details. If there are any time gaps between your work and study, please detail any other activities/projects you have been involved with? Why have you chosen to study this Course? How does this course relate to your previous study? Which modules will help you with your career plan? Do you need chosen a course to do your future job? If yes, how? Funds to support my stay in Ireland. How will (chosen course) will help you achieve your career goal?  Why have you chosen to study in Ireland? Why have you chosen This University? What is your future Job, and what companies will you work in after completing this program? How would this program help to build your career in your home country?
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
• 10th standard mark sheet.
• 12th standard mark sheet.
• Diploma/bachelor's/master's degree Certificates (Individual semester mark sheets and Consolidated mark sheet (Note: if last semester's mark sheet, provisional certificate, consolidated mark sheet, or degree certificate is not issued, then write a letter addressing the visa officer on the same)
• Work experience Letters
• Evidence that you have private medical insurance. (Student Health Insurance - All students are required to have private medical insurance when coming to and residing in Ireland for the purpose of the study. Private medical insurance should provide cover for accidents and/or diseases and should cover the student for any period of hospitalization.)
• Police Clearance Certificate - A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) must be submitted with all visa applications for student visas. The PCC must be dated no older than six months from the date of submitting your visa application.
• Passport Size Photo not more than six months old - A visa application must include two passport-sized photos of the applicant. Name & IRL Number on the backside.
• Evidence that the fees for the course have been paid in full or the minimum required fee is paid.
• Evidence that you have enough funds (€10,000) to maintain yourself for the initial part of your stay. (Preferred Saving account Statement of 6 months). Even though part-time jobs and employment opportunities are available, student visa applicants must show evidence that they have immediate and ready access to at least €10,000 in addition to the course fees to be paid.

The following financial proof options are available:

1. Education loan sanction letter – full sanctions are required; principal sanctions are not accepted.
2. Latest six months' account statement for all accounts to till date.

For all other types of savings with banks, like fixed deposits and recurring deposits, get a balance confirmation certificate in euros with the date of the original deposit and maturity mentioned. (Prefered six Months) 

• Income tax returns (ITR) or Form 16 from all sponsors for the last three years
• If the sponsor is employed, the last three months' salary slip
• Affidavit of Support from all sponsors along with government-issued identity card
• Financial cover letter
• Chartered Accountant certificate
• Cover letters for recent large transactions and financial source justification.