To study in Ireland from Pakistan you need a Long Stay D student visa, a letter of acceptance, proof of fees paid and at least EUR 10,000 for a one-year course. This guide gives the steps, costs and work rules for 2026, checked against the Irish immigration service.
Ireland student visa process from Pakistan
A stay of more than 90 days needs a Long Stay D visa. Apply up to three months before you travel, from your home country.
- Create your application in the AVATS online system. It produces a Summary Application Form.
- Pay the visa fee as instructed. It is not refunded if you withdraw or are refused.
- Send your documents to the office named on the form within 30 days. Print, sign and date the form and send original documents, because photocopies are generally not accepted.
The Embassy of Ireland in Islamabad does not name a submission point on its page, so use the office shown on your Summary Application Form. After you arrive, you register for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP), which costs EUR 300 and is renewed each year.
Documents for an Irish student visa
- Passport valid at least 12 months after arrival, and two recent photos.
- Letter of acceptance and proof of fee payment (see below).
- Private medical insurance.
- Application letter explaining why you chose this course and how it fits your plans, including your intention to return home.
- Explanation of any gaps in your education, and details of any earlier visa refusal.
- Evidence of academic ability, English ability and your finances, with the Summary of Finances form.
For a course under EUR 6,000 you pay the full fee before applying. For a course over EUR 6,000 you pay at least EUR 6,000 first, and the acceptance letter shows this. Pay by bank transfer or an approved fee-payment service, not cash.
Proof of funds for Ireland
| Course length | Money you must be able to access |
|---|---|
| One-year course | EUR 10,000, immediately available |
| Each later year | EUR 10,000 plus that year’s course fees |
| 6 months | EUR 4,998 (EUR 833 a month) |
| 8 months | EUR 6,665 |
Show the last six months of bank statements on headed paper or a notarised printout, with a bank letter. Large or irregular deposits must be explained, and credit cards are not accepted. If a sponsor pays, their six-month statements must meet the same standard and show they can support you and their own dependants. For degree courses, you can instead place EUR 10,000 in an education bond that is released when you arrive.
Processing times and refusals
The Irish immigration service says study visas generally take about eight weeks, and sometimes longer. On 6 October 2026 the Dublin Visa Office was processing study applications received up to 22 June 2026, about 15 weeks from receipt. It publishes decisions weekly.
Refusals are high. The Irish Examiner reported in June 2026, citing a ministerial reply, that 64% of study visa applications were refused in the first five months of 2026, against 39% in 2025. Pakistan was the second-largest source of applications. A clear application letter, a full explanation of gaps and well-documented funds matter more than ever.
Working while studying in Ireland
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Term time (Stamp 2) | Up to 20 hours a week |
| June to September and 15 December to 15 January | Up to 40 hours a week |
| Course not on the eligible list (Stamp 2A) | No work allowed |
Check that your course and college are on the government’s eligible list before you pay. The list is moving from ILEP to the new TrustEd Ireland mark, and part-time and online courses are not eligible.
Staying after your degree
The Third Level Graduate Programme lets graduates stay and work. A Level 8 award gives 12 months. A Level 9 or higher gives 12 months, with a possible further 12 if you show steps towards graduate employment. You must apply within six months of your award notification and pay EUR 300. Stamp 1G holders can work full time but cannot be self-employed.
Students normally cannot bring family. Entry routes differ: Trinity College Dublin does not list the HSSC for undergraduate entry, and DCU asks HSSC holders to take its International Foundation Programme. University of Limerick accepts the HSSC with one further year of university study. For English, UCD asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
Scholarships and how we help
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship gives EUR 10,000 and a full fee waiver for a one-year master’s or PhD. The 2026 round closed on 12 March 2026.
We shortlist courses, prepare your application letter and funds evidence, and check every document before submission. We cannot promise a visa. Compare other countries on our student visa from Pakistan guide or see all study abroad destinations, including the UK, Canada and Germany.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for an Ireland student visa?
At least EUR 10,000 for a one-year course, readily available, plus the course fees. The same EUR 10,000 applies to each later year, with that year’s fees.
How long does an Ireland study visa take?
Generally about eight weeks, but on 6 October 2026 the Dublin Visa Office was working through applications received up to 22 June 2026.
Can I work while studying in Ireland?
Yes, up to 20 hours a week in term and up to 40 hours a week in June to September and from 15 December to 15 January, if your course is on the eligible list.
Can I stay in Ireland after my master’s?
Yes. The Third Level Graduate Programme gives 12 months after a Level 8 award and up to 24 months after a Level 9 or higher.
Can I bring my family to Ireland?
Students are typically not permitted to bring family members. Family must apply for their own visas, and only exceptional circumstances are considered.
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Official sources: Study visa options · How to apply · Student finances · Student FAQ · Graduate programme · Visa decisions. Figures checked on 11 October 2026. The refusal figures come from the Irish Examiner, which quotes a ministerial reply. Reviewed by Yasir Khan, British Council registered consultant, LAMTANS Consultants. Last updated 11 October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the latest position at your consultation.