Studying in Ireland from Africa
International pupils from Africa who wish to study in Ireland need to apply for a Study Visa. Get in touch with our immigration consultants to find out more about our services for African students in Ireland.
Call us on (+353) 061 518 025 for any help you might need with the business visa. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.
Studying in Ireland from Africa
To be eligible for studying in Ireland, international pupils must meet specific requirements, which depends on their country of origin and personal circumstance. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) outlines two different types of immigration permissions, based on how long your course of study is:
- Long-term study visa, for those who wish to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days
- Short-term study visa, for students who need to spend less than 90 days in the country
For this reason, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional immigration specialist in Ireland before you submit your application.
At IAS, one of our immigration specialists will be happy to review your situation and establish whether you require a visa to study in Ireland. Contact our client care team on (+353) 061 518 025 to find out more about our services for African students in Ireland.
Travelling to Ireland from Africa for studying
EU/EEA students
Students from EU/EEA member countries can apply for a Student Visa through the Central Application Office (CAO).
Non-EU/EEA students
If you are a non-EEA national, you must be enrolled in a full-time course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) before you submit your visa application. Courses of study accepted for immigration permission are:
- Higher Education Programmes leading to Major Awards and Non-Major Awards
- Professional Awards
- English Language Programmes
Additionally, all non-EU students must provide a Letter of Acceptance when registering for immigration permissions, and have private medical insurance at the time of their application.
Working in Ireland on a Student Visa
If you have been issued a stamp number 2 on your passport when you registered with your local immigration officer, you are allowed to take up casual employment for up to 20 hours part-time work per week.
You can work up to 40 hours per week during college vacation periods, which is from June to September, and from December to January.
If you are not attending a course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), you must get a stamp number 2A on your passport before you can seek employment in Ireland.
IAS’ Student Visa package offers professional help to students who wish to live and work in Ireland. Get in touch with our specialists to find out more.
Ireland Study Visa for Ghana Students
International pupils from Ghana will need a Study Visa Type D to study in Ireland.
To apply, you must complete an online application form and submit it alongside your supporting documents at your local visa application centre. You will need to have your biometrics (fingerprints and pictures) taken for security purposes, and to attend an interview. To allow extra time for your visa application, we recommend applying at least 3 months before your university degree programme starts.
Your new Visa Type D will be valid for up to course duration. If you wish to stay in Ireland after your degree is over, you need to apply for a different visa.
At IAS, our immigration experts are experienced in providing students from Ghana with professional and reliable immigration advice. Get in touch with our team today to find out more about our Student Visa Package.
Ireland Study Visa for Students from Nigeria
Students from Nigeria need to apply for a Study Visa Type D to study in Ireland. You should submit your application at least 3 months before the date your university degree programme starts, and you should receive a decision on your visa within 60 days.
To apply online, you must submit your forms, documentation, photos, fee and passport to the visa application centre in Abuja or Lagos. Your immigration centre will provide additional information on your application, collect your biometrics (fingerprints and pictures) and arrange your visa interview.
Although your visa will be valid for up to your course duration, you may need to renew your permission every year. If you wish to stay in Ireland upon the termination of your studies, you may need to apply for a different permit.
Get in touch with our immigration consultants in Ireland to find out more about our Student Visa Package and all our services for international students from Nigeria.
Our Long-Term Study Visa Package
At IAS, your dedicated immigration consultant can offer comprehensive support to make your Student Visa application successful.
Our dedicated application package for students includes:
- Full support with your application
- Supporting documents and application check
- Assistance with your permission to remain once you have arrived in Ireland
- Help with your accommodation, in line with the requirements set by the Governments
Get in touch with our client care team today to find out more about our immigration services in Ireland. We will book an Advice Session with one of our consultants, who will assess your situation and provide you with professional advice the same as any immigration lawyer.
Last modified on February 8th, 2023 at 2:26 pm
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Document Check Package
Document checking service that ensures your documents are sufficient to prove your eligibility.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration experts will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Department of Justice & Equality on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our team and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Document Check Package
Our Document Checking Package is a service for those who need to submit their application but choose to do so on their own but want help with ensuring their documents are in line with the requirements for the visa. Our immigration consultants will check your documents in this case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on your home country, you might be asked to provide proof of your English language proficiency. You can meet this requirement by providing a copy of an internationally accepted English qualification, such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE (Pearson Test).
Basic criteria for international students depends on their country of origin. As a general rule, all students entering Ireland from a non-EU/EEA-country should supply the following information:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Your birth certificate
- Information about your date, place and mode of arrival in Ireland
- A letter from your university or college, indicating that you have been offered a place to study a specific course
- A letter indicating the source of funding to cover fees and maintenance
- Your visa application fee receipt
Pupils from Nigeria who wish to study in Ireland should provide adequate evidence to show that they have been offered a place and they are enrolled on a privately funded course.
Along with your visa application forms and documentation, you must submit a Letter of Acceptance from your college or university, which must:
- Confirm that you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education, involving a minimum of 15 hours of organised tuition each week;
- Enlist all the details of the course you are going to be studying;
- State the total fees payable for your course and the amount that has already been paid;
- Whether your college or university has taken out medical insurance on your behalf.
It costs 60 EUR to apply for a Study Visa – Visa Type D.
Depending on your circumstances, Irish authorities can allow you to pay this fee online, at your local visa application centre, or through a bank transfer.
Pupils from certain countries, such as Nigeria, will not need to get health insurance for this visa.
It may be possible to stay in Ireland after you complete your studies to seek employment under the Third Level Graduate Programme. This programme aims to allow legally resident Irish non-EEA graduates to remain in this country after their studies.
This programme is available only for those who wish to remain in Ireland for the purpose of seeking graduate-level employment.