Come prepared.

EU / EEA / Swiss nationals

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a student visa to study in Ireland. Bring valid identity documentation and check any other personal requirements that apply.

Short stays of 90 days or less

Nationals who require a visa to study in Ireland for 90 days or less must apply for a short-stay C Study visa. Students on a short stay cannot work and must leave Ireland before their permission expires. A short-stay permission cannot be converted in Ireland.

Study stays longer than 90 days

Nationals who require a visa to study in Ireland for longer than 90 days must apply for a long-stay D Study visa. The course must be listed on ILEP, be at least 25 weeks long and provide at least 15 hours of study per week. Students are normally granted Stamp 2 permission, subject to their circumstances. Register with Immigration Service Delivery within 90 days of arrival, as required.

Attendance and student conduct

Visa students must attend at least 85% of classes and sit an end-of-course exam. Attendance is recorded at every lesson. If attendance falls below 85%, SEDA will contact you and you may be removed from class; expulsion can follow, with a right of appeal, and SEDA must report expulsions to immigration. The full Attendance Policy is in MySEDA and explained at induction.

Course dates, closures and holidays

The 25 weeks of study run consecutively. SEDA closures do not count as study weeks: public holidays, one week in August and three weeks at Christmas. After 12 weeks of study with at least 85% attendance, a student may take one holiday of 1, 2 or 3 weeks. After completing 25 weeks of study, the remainder of the immigration permission may be taken as holiday. Non-visa students must request and receive approval for leave in advance; approved leave is taken in whole weeks.

In 2027: no classes 9–13 August and 20 December 2027 – 7 January 2028. See the academic calendar.

Work permission

Students with Stamp 2 permission may work up to 20 hours per week during term and up to 40 hours per week during the official holiday periods: June to September and 15 December to 15 January. This work permission applies across Ireland. Check current official guidance and your individual permission.

Funds and application fees

Non-EU students before arrival (25-week course, Stamp 2): proof of funds €6,665 in your own name for courses under 8 months (about €833 per month), plus IRP €300. Proof of funds is not a monthly living-cost budget.

Private medical insurance is required for non-EU Stamp 2 students; SEDA arranges it for Academic Year students via ASAP. Insurance should cover GP visits, emergency treatment, hospitalisation, prescriptions, specialist visits and pre-existing conditions. Check exclusions and what your policy pays back.

The first month costs more: deposit €600–€1,000, first month's rent €600–€1,000 in advance, IRP €300 if required, Leap Card €10 (€5 deposit + €5 credit), and an Irish SIM with first top-up €15–€20.

Stamp 2 allows up to 20 hours of work a week during term and 40 in permitted holiday periods. Finding a job takes time: plan to cover your first months without income.

The Irish visa application fee is €60 for single entry and €100 for multiple entry; this is separate from the College's €350 non-refundable visa application fee, where that College service applies. A visa application does not guarantee a positive decision.

SEDA visa application service

Where applicable, the College visa application fee is €350 and is non-refundable. Confirm the written service terms before payment. The course start date is confirmed only after the visa is approved.

Check the official source

Immigration rules can change. Always confirm your own eligibility and conditions with Immigration Service Delivery at https://www.irishimmigration.ie/ and, where relevant, your Irish embassy. SEDA College cannot guarantee an immigration outcome.