Ireland student visa: the official document checklist
In short: the Long stay 'D' study visa for Ireland asks for 13 documents from every applicant, and 8 more when they apply to you. This list follows the official checklist the Ireland mission publishes for applicants in Pakistan, read on 16 October 2026. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Where applicants in Pakistan submit: Apply online in AVATS (up to 3 months before travel; fee is paid during AVATS since 8 December 2025), then submit documents and biometrics in person at VFS Global, the official partner of the Embassy of Ireland in Pakistan (centres include Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Mirpur). VFS says the VAC appointment must be completed within a 30-day window.
Photo: Two colour passport-sized photographs, not more than 6 months old, signed on the back with your AVATS transaction number written on the back.
Passport: Current passport valid for at least twelve months after your planned arrival in Ireland, with at least one empty page; photocopies of every page of all previous passports.
Documents every applicant needs (13)
Fully completed and signed application summary sheet (AVATS) Print, sign and date the AVATS summary form. Mandatory on the VFS Pakistan checklist. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Payment confirmation receipt Mandatory on the VFS Pakistan checklist. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Two colour passport sized photographs Not more than 6 months old. On the back of each: sign your name and write your AVATS Visa Application Transaction Number. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Original valid passport Valid for at least twelve months after the date you plan to arrive in Ireland; at least one empty page for the visa (VFS Pakistan checklist). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Signed letter of application Must include full name and postal address, reason for coming to Ireland, why the course does not follow your past study/work (with evidence), arrival and departure dates, family members in Ireland or the EU, and your commitment to obey visa conditions, not rely on public services, and leave before permission expires. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Letter of Acceptance from the college Must confirm full-time enrolment with at least 15 hours organised daytime tuition per week, give course details, fees payable, fees paid, and any medical insurance the college arranged. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof of fee payment Copy of the electronic transfer to the college's Irish bank account (showing college and your details) or a receipt from an approved student fee payment service. Printed: where course fees are less than EUR 6,000 pay in full; where more than EUR 6,000 pay at least this amount before applying. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Evidence of academic ability For example previous exam results or qualifications. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Evidence of English (or Irish) language ability Certificate from the test provider showing your results. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Finances: up-to-date bank statement Shows money in and out over the last six months, on headed paper; internet printouts accepted only if every page is notarised by the bank with a bank letter. Name, address, account number and type visible; explain large lodgements. Printed: immediate access to at least EUR 10,000 for a one-year course and ready access to the same for each later year (EUR 833 per month for 6-8 month stays). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Summary of Finances form All long stay study visa applicants must complete this form. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Private medical insurance Evidence required; if the college arranged it, details must be in the Letter of Acceptance. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Copies of all original documents VFS Pakistan: provide a copy of all original documents (other than photos and passport). Originals required; hard copy only (no USB or file-sharing links). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Documents that depend on your situation (8)
Account for gaps in your educational historyWhen: Any gap since your last full-time education. Cover every period up to the application, with full employment history. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Evidence of current employment and incomeWhen: If you are or were employed. Such as letter from employer, pay slips, tax returns. Business letters must be original on headed paper with full name, postal address, fixed-line phone, website, e-mail (not Yahoo/Hotmail), contact person and written signature. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Sponsor's bank statements and business evidenceWhen: If a sponsor pays. Sponsor's six-month statements under the same rules; if in business, evidence such as a certificate of registration. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Previous visa refusal lettersWhen: If refused a visa by any country before. Give details and the original refusal letter; not disclosing a refusal leads to refusal. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Accommodation and Vetting CertificateWhen: Unaccompanied students under 18 (address, plus Garda clearance sought by the school if no parent joins).(official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Consent of both parents or legal guardiansWhen: Unaccompanied students under 18. Notarised (witnessed by a solicitor or Notary Public), naming the carer in Ireland; with copies of parents' passport bio pages or ID cards showing signatures; court order if sole custody. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Birth certificateWhen: Applicant under 18.(official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Full certified translationWhen: Any document not in English or Irish. Full certified translation attached. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Documents the checklist recommends (2)
Previous passportsWhen: If available. A photocopy of each page from all previous passports; the application may be delayed without them. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Flight and accommodation details Listed as typical study evidence on the VFS Pakistan checklist. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
If you apply from another country
Each mission publishes its own list. What the official checklist for applicants in these countries adds or says differently:
Applying from Bangladesh
Embassy of Ireland New Delhi Visa Office (NDEM) handles Bangladesh. Post documents to NDEM directly, or to a third-party agent in Kolkata who can lodge at VFS Kolkata. No biometrics for Bangladesh residents. Passport is posted to NDEM; you must arrange collection from VFS in Delhi or Kolkata. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
AVATS form, VFS receipt and completed checklist (Required) Online form printed, signed and dated. If applying via VFS, a printed VFS payment receipt with the same visa application number (IRLXXXXXXXX), plus this completed checklist. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Copies of previous passports (If it applies to you) When: If you had previous passports. Photocopies of the biographic pages and all stamps/visas only; blank pages not needed. Mention lost or missing passports in the application letter. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof of fee payment and electronic fund transfers (Required) If course fees are less than 6,000 you must pay in full before applying; if more than 6,000 you must pay at least this amount (figures as printed). Copies of EFTs to the Irish bank of the college showing beneficiary and sender details, or a receipt from an approved fee payment service. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Personal finances (Required) Personal bank statements. Gold valuations, chit funds and volatile funds (crypto or market-linked funds) are NOT accepted. Funds should be liquid and in verifiable bank accounts. Also a completed Financial Summary Form (FSF). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Sponsorship letters (If it applies to you) When: If someone else is paying. Signed letters of sponsorship and copies of the sponsors' national identity documents. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Police clearance certificates (Required) For any country where you held residence permission (including Ireland or the UK) in the five years before you apply. Current country: dated within six months of application; previous countries: within six months of departure. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Previous visa refusals (If it applies to you) When: If you were ever refused a visa. Letter with country, reason for travel, dates and reasons for refusal, plus the refusal letters; if not available, explain why. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Visa fee by INR demand draft (Required) Pay by posting an INR demand draft made out to the Embassy of Ireland; INR demand drafts are available from Sonali Bank, BRAC Bank and Pubali Bank. As printed: Single-entry visas (SEV) cost ₹5,300 INR, while multiple-entry visas (MEV) cost ₹9,000 INR. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Previous educational qualifications (Required) All qualification awards and individual semester mark sheets. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Irish Embassy Beijing visa office; applicants residing in China submit in person at a VFS Global visa application centre (biometrics) after the online AVATS form. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Translation of documents not in English (Required) When: Any document not in English Notarised translation with the name of the translator and their contact details (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Dated letters (Required) All letters should be dated within the four week period immediately prior to your application date (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Other or previous passports (Required) When: You hold or have held other passports Submit them with a full colour copy; if you cannot, include a written explanation with any relevant police report (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Previous visa refusal details, including your entry and exit form (Chinese applicants) (Required) Failure to disclose previous visa refusals will result in refusal (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
CHSI report (Chinese applicants) (Required) Part of the evidence that you have the academic ability for the course (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Sponsor's undertaking letter, bank statements and proof of relationship (If it applies to you) When: A spouse, partner or family member supports you Original signed and dated letter; bank statements to the same six-month criteria; evidence of relationship, for example marriage certificate (Hukou); sponsor's employment letter and business licence (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Child's original birth certificate (If it applies to you) When: Applicant under 18 Showing both parents; translation if not in English - Apostilled (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Written consent from both parents (If it applies to you) When: Applicant under 18 Signed, naming who the child travels with; original photo ID of both parents with matching signatures (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Embassy of Ireland New Delhi Visa Office (NDEM). Residents of India book an appointment with VFS at a local Visa Application Centre; biometrics required for residents of India aged 5 or over (unless exempt). Checklist dated 08 Jul 2025. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
AVATS form, VFS receipt and completed checklist (Required) Online form printed, signed and dated. If applying via VFS, a printed VFS payment receipt with the same visa application number (IRLXXXXXXXX), plus this completed checklist. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Copies of previous passports (If it applies to you) When: If you had previous passports. Photocopies of the biographic pages and all stamps/visas only; blank pages not needed. Mention lost or missing passports in the application letter. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof of fee payment and electronic fund transfers (Required) If course fees are less than 6,000 you must pay in full before applying; if more than 6,000 you must pay at least this amount (figures as printed). Copies of EFTs to the Irish bank of the college showing beneficiary and sender details, or a receipt from an approved fee payment service. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Personal finances (Required) Personal bank statements. Gold valuations, chit funds and volatile funds (crypto or market-linked funds) are NOT accepted. Funds should be liquid and in verifiable bank accounts. Also a completed Financial Summary Form (FSF). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Sponsorship letters (If it applies to you) When: If someone else is paying. Signed letters of sponsorship and copies of the sponsors' national identity documents. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Police clearance certificates (Required) For any country where you held residence permission (including Ireland or the UK) in the five years before you apply. Current country: dated within six months of application; previous countries: within six months of departure. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Previous visa refusals (If it applies to you) When: If you were ever refused a visa. Letter with country, reason for travel, dates and reasons for refusal, plus the refusal letters; if not available, explain why. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Previous educational qualifications (inc. DigiLocker) (Required) All qualification awards and individual semester mark sheets. Where possible, applicants from India should also submit DigiLocker versions alongside originals. Secondary-level qualifications only needed for a level 7 or 8 bachelor degree. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Visa fee (Required) As printed: Single-entry visas (SEV) cost ₹5,300 INR, while multiple-entry visas (MEV) cost ₹9,000 INR. Paid to VFS when booking; extra VFS service charges apply. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Applying from Malaysia
Malaysian nationals are not visa-required for Ireland: enter with documents, get a landing stamp, then register (Irish Residence Permit) after arrival for stays over 90 days; appointment booked only after arrival. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
College letter confirming full-time enrolment on an ILEP course (Required) When: At first registration after arrival Dated on or after the course start date (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof you can support yourself (non-visa required nationals) (Required) When: Checked at first registration, because no visa was needed Direct access at arrival to: €10,000 for courses resulting in residence of greater than 8 months; €833 per month or €6,665 (in total) for courses resulting in residence of 8 months or less (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof you have paid your course fees (Required) Where the course fees are less than €6,000, paid in full; where more than €6,000, at least €6,000 paid before registering (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Private medical insurance (Required) When: First registration Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months or the duration of stay if less; travel insurance is NOT sufficient for renewal (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Irish Embassy New Delhi visa office (handles India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka). Nepal residents book an appointment with VFS Kathmandu; no biometrics for Nepal residents. Study applications accepted up to 4 months before travel. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Translation of documents (Required) When: Any document not in English. All documents must be in English or translated into English by an official translation company (self-translation not accepted). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Passport (Required) Original passport with 2 empty visa pages; for a D (long stay) visa valid for at least 12 months after the date you plan to arrive in Ireland; photocopy of biodata page and all visa and immigration stamps; full photocopy of all previous passports. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Passport photographs (Required) Recent photographs showing full face on a clear white background, not older than 3 months, following the Irish visa photo rules. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Evidence of permission to reside (If it applies to you) When: You are not a citizen of the country you apply from. Photocopy of front and back of residency card, valid for at least 3 months from the date of return from Ireland. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Unconditional offer stating fees paid + proof of payment (Required) As printed in the checklist text: "Unconditional offer from school/college in Ireland stating fees have been paid (minimum 6,000)" and "Proof of payment from school/college" (currency sign not captured in the text copy; check the PDF). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Letter of support from sponsor (If it applies to you) When: You have a sponsor. Include evidence of family link, if applicable. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Bank statements (Required) 6 months bank statement for sponsor and applicant; large debits/credits clearly explained. As printed: "Evidence of ready access to at least 10,000 plus source of funding" (currency sign not captured in the text copy; check the PDF). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Summary Statement of Finances form (Required) (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Application letter (Required) (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Evidence of English language ability (Required) (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Travel and medical insurance (If it applies to you) When: Only if the visa is approved. "TRAVEL & MEDICAL INSURANCE ONLY REQUIRED IF VISA IS APPROVED" (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Documents for applicants under 18 (If it applies to you) When: Applicant is under 18. Copy of child's passport and birth certificate; copies of both parents'/guardians' passports and signed ID; signed consent letter(s); court order if sole custody. Checklist and application form signed by a parent or guardian. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Previous visa refusals (Required) Declare all previous visa refusals for all countries and provide the refusal letters. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Applying from Nigeria
Irish Embassy visa office in Abuja (handles Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal). Submit in person at a VFS Global office in Nigeria; VFS sends the file to the Embassy. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Originals plus photocopies (Required) All documents original, in English or Irish or with a certified translation; also photocopies of all documents including every page of your passport; keep originals separate from photocopies. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Prepaid envelope (Required) Submit a prepaid envelope with the application; available at the VFS office. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Fingerprints (Required) When: Applicants aged 5 years and over. Taken at VFS. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
The Irish Embassy in Riyadh does not process visas: submit at VFS Global (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam). The Ankara visa office decides applications from visa-required nationals resident in Saudi Arabia. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Originals plus photocopies (Required) All documents original, in English or Irish or with a certified translation; photocopies of all documents including every page of your passport; photocopies are not returned; add a letter listing the originals you want back; documents returned by DHL at your expense. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof of relationship with dependants (If it applies to you) When: Dependants are included. For example marriage certificate, birth certificate and family book. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Irish Embassy New Delhi visa office. Sri Lanka residents lodge by walk-in at the Honorary Consulate in Colombo, Wednesday and Thursday only, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; no biometrics. The Embassy notes a possible fee waiver for Sri Lankan passport holders (see its visa fee page). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Translation of documents (Required) When: Any document not in English. All documents must be in English or translated into English by an official translation company (self-translation not accepted). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Passport (Required) Original passport with 2 empty visa pages; for a D (long stay) visa valid for at least 12 months after the date you plan to arrive in Ireland; photocopy of biodata page and all visa and immigration stamps; full photocopy of all previous passports. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Passport photographs (Required) Recent photographs showing full face on a clear white background, not older than 3 months, following the Irish visa photo rules. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Evidence of permission to reside (If it applies to you) When: You are not a citizen of the country you apply from. Photocopy of front and back of residency card, valid for at least 3 months from the date of return from Ireland. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Unconditional offer stating fees paid + proof of payment (Required) As printed in the checklist text: "Unconditional offer from school/college in Ireland stating fees have been paid (minimum 6,000)" and "Proof of payment from school/college" (currency sign not captured in the text copy; check the PDF). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Letter of support from sponsor (If it applies to you) When: You have a sponsor. Include evidence of family link, if applicable. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Bank statements (Required) 6 months bank statement for sponsor and applicant; large debits/credits clearly explained. As printed: "Evidence of ready access to at least 10,000 plus source of funding" (currency sign not captured in the text copy; check the PDF). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Summary Statement of Finances form (Required) (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Application letter (Required) (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Evidence of English language ability (Required) (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Travel and medical insurance (If it applies to you) When: Only if the visa is approved. "TRAVEL & MEDICAL INSURANCE ONLY REQUIRED IF VISA IS APPROVED" (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Documents for applicants under 18 (If it applies to you) When: Applicant is under 18. Copy of child's passport and birth certificate; copies of both parents'/guardians' passports and signed ID; signed consent letter(s); court order if sole custody. Checklist and application form signed by a parent or guardian. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Previous visa refusals (Required) Declare all previous visa refusals for all countries and provide the refusal letters. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Applying from United Arab Emirates
Irish Embassy visa office in Abu Dhabi (handles UAE and several other countries). UAE applicants submit at the VFS centres in Abu Dhabi or Dubai; VFS forwards to the Embassy. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Current and previous passports (Required) Valid at least 12 months if applying for a long stay visa; copies of previous passports if originals unavailable. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Originals plus photocopies (Required) All documents original, in English or Irish or with a certified translation; photocopies of all documents including every page of your passport; keep originals separate. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
British citizens need no visa, immigration permission or residence permit to study in Ireland (Common Travel Area); UK applicants use the CAO for undergraduate entry. Non-British nationals living in the UK follow the normal rules for their nationality. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
US citizens are not visa-required for Ireland: enter with documents, get a landing stamp, then register (Irish Residence Permit) after arrival for stays over 90 days. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
College letter confirming full-time enrolment on an ILEP course (Required) When: At first registration after arrival Dated on or after the course start date (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof you can support yourself (non-visa required nationals) (Required) When: Checked at first registration, because no visa was needed Direct access at arrival to: €10,000 for courses resulting in residence of greater than 8 months; €833 per month or €6,665 (in total) for courses resulting in residence of 8 months or less (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof you have paid your course fees (Required) Where the course fees are less than €6,000, paid in full; where more than €6,000, at least €6,000 paid before registering (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Private medical insurance (Required) When: First registration Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months or the duration of stay if less; travel insurance is NOT sufficient for renewal (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
ForiForeign prepares and guides; you file your own application and the Ireland authorities decide. Checklists change: open the official source before you submit.
ForiForeign.com · admin@foriforeign.com · WhatsApp +92 310 5048760 · Information drawn from official sources shown on each rule; not legal advice.