Study in Ireland

At a glance

Rules, fees and amounts change. We confirm the latest official figures with you before you apply.

Who can apply

• An unconditional offer for a full-time, day-time course on the ILEP.
• Tuition paid as required before you apply, by an accepted method. Colleges cannot accept cash.
• An approved English test result.
• Six months of bank statements for you and every sponsor, ideally salary accounts, with verifiable tax return documents.
• Full disclosure of any previous visa refusal, for any country, with the original letters.

Money you need

• Living costs: immediate access to at least €10,000 for year one, and ready access to at least €10,000 for each later year, in addition to fees.
• Statements: six months for your own account and for every declared sponsor.
• Not accepted: crypto, stocks, shares, mutual funds, gold valuations or chit-funds. Gold must first be turned into money in a bank account.
• Keep it simple: spreading money across many sponsors and accounts increases the risk of refusal.
• Work cannot replace your funds: you cannot depend on casual work in Ireland to pay your way.

Step by step

1. Choose an ILEP course

   We confirm the course and college are on the official list before you pay anything.

2. Get an unconditional offer

   With your English test and documents ready.

3. Pay your fees

   In full if €6,000 or less, otherwise at least €6,000, to the college’s account.

4. Arrange private medical insurance

   Travel insurance is not accepted.

5. Apply online through AVATS

   Then print, sign and date the summary form.

6. Send your documents and pay the fee

   Following the New Delhi Visa Office’s instructions for Bangladeshi residents.

7. Wait for the decision

   Usually 4 to 8 weeks. Apply in good time: if your course start date passes before assessment, the application is withdrawn.

8. Travel, pass border control and register

   Register for your Irish Residence Permit (€300) if staying over 90 days.

Document checklist

The core documents. Your embassy or university may ask for more, and we check your full list with you.

• Passport and photos
• Signed AVATS summary form
• Application letter
• Unconditional offer letter
• Proof of fee payment
• Approved English test result
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Six months of bank statements (you and sponsors)
• Sponsor income and tax documents
• Private medical insurance
• All previous visa refusal letters
• Explanation of any gaps in your education

Work and after graduation

• Stamp 2: up to 20 hours a week in term, up to 40 hours in the official holiday periods.
• You can spend up to 7 years in total as a student (English language courses: up to 2 years).
• After an eligible Irish award, apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) within six months of graduating.

Common mistakes

• Not disclosing a previous refusal. This leads to refusal and a ban from future applications.
• Applying without an approved English test.
• Funds spread across many sponsors, or assets that are not accepted.
• Applying so late that the course start date has passed.
• Paying fees in cash, or to a provider not on the ILEP.

Leading universities in Ireland

Universities in Ireland that regularly appear among the country’s best in international rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings 2027. Listed alphabetically.

Rankings change every year and differ between ranking tables. The best university for you depends on your subject, budget and profile. Ask a counsellor which ones fit you, or see the latest table at topuniversities.com.

Scholarships for Ireland

Scholarships are competitive and each one has its own rules and deadlines. Always check the current round on the official page.

Questions students ask