Introduction
At a glance
- Tuition per yearUG €16,000–30,000 · PG €16,000–30,000about ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh for a master's
- Living cost per year€12,000–18,000about ₹12.7 lakh – ₹19.1 lakh
- IntakesSeptember, January (limited courses)
- Part-time work20 hrs/week in term
- Post-study workStamp 1G: 12 months (up to 24 after a master's)
- Usual IELTS (overall)Bachelor's 6.0–6.5 · Master's 6.5
Typical figures from this guide, checked 22 Oct 2026. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ. Tap any box for the details and official sources.
Quick read
- Ireland is an English-speaking EU country where most taught master's degrees last one year.
- For 2026–27 and 2027–28, non-EU tuition at public universities is mostly around €17,000 to €30,000 a year; medicine costs far more.
- Visa applicants must show at least €10,000 a year for living costs and pay at least €6,000 of the first-year fee before applying.
- On a Stamp 2 student permission you can work up to 20 hours a week in term and up to 40 hours a week in the official holiday periods.
- After a master's degree you can usually stay for up to 24 months on Stamp 1G to look for work; after an honours bachelor's it is 12 months.
- Housing is the biggest practical problem, especially in Dublin, so budget for high rent and start your search early.
Ireland is a small country with a large international business community. Many global technology, pharmaceutical, medical device and financial services firms run their European operations from Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick. Its universities and technological universities teach in English and follow the European credit system.
For Indian students the main attractions are the one-year master's degree, the post-study stay of up to two years for master's graduates, and a clear route into employment permits for in-demand jobs. The trade-offs are high rent, a limited supply of student housing and a job market that is strong in some sectors but competitive for new graduates.
This guide explains costs, visa rules, work rights and post-study options as they stood in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current position on the official Irish government and university websites before you pay or apply.
Why Indian students choose Ireland
India has become the largest source of international students in Irish higher education. In 2024/25 Indian students made up just over a fifth of all international enrolments, and their number grew by about 30% in a year. Most come for one-year master's courses in computing, data analytics, business, finance and life sciences.
Education in Ireland, the government's promotion agency, has said Indian numbers fell in 2026 after peaking in 2025, citing geopolitical uncertainty and weaker visa applications. It has also warned students to follow official visa guidance rather than generic online templates. Families should treat this as a reminder that a careful, honest application matters.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| International students in Irish higher education, 2024/25 | Nearly 45,000 | HEA data via ICEF Monitor, Mar 2026 |
| India's share of international enrolments, 2024/25 | 20.6% (largest source country) | HEA data via ICEF Monitor, Mar 2026 |
| Growth in Indian enrolments, 2023/24 to 2024/25 | About 30% | HEA data via ICEF Monitor, Mar 2026 |
| Indian students in Ireland, 2025 | About 13,000 | Education in Ireland via Business Standard, Oct 2026 |
| Graduates working or about to start work 9 months after graduating (class of 2024, all graduates) | 80.2% | HEA Graduate Outcomes, Nov 2025 |
| Usual first decision time for a study visa lodged in India | 4–8 weeks | Embassy of Ireland, New Delhi, Sep 2026 |
Top universities in Ireland
Universities Indian students often ask us about. Being listed here doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university; we'll tell you plainly how we can help with each application.
Photo: Imelda Casey, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicTrinity College Dublin
Dublin, IrelandOften chosen for Computer Science & IT, Law, Life Sciences
Photo: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo, CC BY 2.0 PublicUniversity College Dublin
Dublin, IrelandOften chosen for Business & Management, Engineering, Finance & Accounting
Photo: 瑞丽江的河水, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicUniversity of Galway
Galway, IrelandOften chosen for Life Sciences, Medicine & Health Sciences, Engineering
Photo: SSCOhA, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicDublin City University
Dublin, IrelandOften chosen for Computer Science & IT, Business & Management, Arts, Design & Media
Photo: William Murphy, CC BY-SA 2.0 PublicUniversity College Cork
Cork, IrelandOften chosen for Life Sciences, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT
Photo: William Murphy from Dublin, Ireland, CC BY-SA 2.0 PublicUniversity of Limerick
Limerick, IrelandOften chosen for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Nursing & Allied Health
Photo: William Murphy - https://www.flickr.com/photos/infomatique/, CC BY-SA 2.0 PublicTechnological University Dublin
Dublin, IrelandOften chosen for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Hospitality & Tourism
Photo: Griffith College, CC BY-SA 3.0 PrivateGriffith College
Dublin, IrelandOften chosen for Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, Law
Photo: William Murphy, CC BY-SA 2.0 PublicMaynooth University
Maynooth, IrelandOften chosen for Computer Science & IT, Data Science & AI, Business & Management
Photo: Darren J. Prior, CC BY 4.0 PublicAtlantic Technological University
Galway, IrelandOften chosen for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Business & Management
- Public
Munster Technological University
Cork, IrelandOften chosen for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Business & Management
- Private
National College of Ireland
Dublin, IrelandOften chosen for Data Science & AI, Computer Science & IT, Finance & Accounting
- Private
Dublin Business School
Dublin, IrelandOften chosen for Business & Management, Finance & Accounting, Data Science & AI
Popular courses
Programmes Indian students commonly choose in Ireland. Exact course names, fees and entry rules vary by university.
- PostgraduateMSc in Data AnalyticsData Science & AI
- PostgraduateMSc in Computer ScienceComputer Science & IT
- PostgraduateMSc in Cloud ComputingComputer Science & IT
- PostgraduateMSc in FinanceFinance & Accounting
- PostgraduateMBABusiness & Management
- PostgraduateMSc in BiotechnologyLife Sciences
- Diploma / certificateHigher Diploma in Science in ComputingComputer Science & IT
- UndergraduateBSc in Computer ScienceComputer Science & IT
Looking for something specific? Try the Course Finder.
Explore course guides: what each course covers, costs by country and careers
Benefits of studying in Ireland
- 01
One-year master's degrees
Most taught master's programmes run for 12 months, so you pay one year of tuition and living costs and can start work sooner.
- 02
Up to two years to find work
Master's graduates can usually stay for 12 months on Stamp 1G and renew for a further 12 months while they look for graduate-level work.
- 03
Clear permit route for skilled jobs
Jobs on the Critical Skills Occupations List, such as many ICT, engineering and science roles, can lead to a Critical Skills Employment Permit and later to longer-term residence.
- 04
Multinational employers
Many large technology, pharma, medical device and funds companies have major sites in Ireland, which shapes course content and internship options.
- 05
English-speaking EU country
Teaching and daily life are in English, and Irish degrees follow the European credit system, which helps if you later move within Europe.
- 06
Full-time work in holidays
Students can work up to 40 hours a week from June to September and from 15 December to 15 January, which helps with living costs.
Eligibility and English tests
| Requirement | Bachelor's | Master's |
|---|---|---|
| Academic qualification | Class 12 from CBSE, ISC or a state board. Competitive courses often expect around 75–85% or more. | A relevant bachelor's degree, often with around 60–70% or more. Top universities and courses ask for higher marks. |
| Indian three-year degrees | Not applicable. | Many Irish universities accept three-year Indian bachelor's degrees for master's entry. Check the course page. |
| English test | IELTS Academic around 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent such as PTE or TOEFL. | IELTS Academic around 6.5 overall, usually with no band below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent. |
| Subject requirements | Maths is usually needed for engineering, computing and business; science subjects for health and life sciences. | A degree in the same or a related field. Conversion courses (for example in computing) accept other backgrounds. |
| Supporting documents | Mark sheets, a personal statement and usually one reference. | Transcripts, degree certificate, statement of purpose, CV and usually two references. |
| Work experience | Not needed. | Not needed for most MSc courses. MBA programmes usually ask for around three years of full-time experience. |
| How you apply | Non-EU applicants usually apply directly to each university, not through the CAO system used by Irish school leavers. | Apply online to each university. Many courses admit on a rolling basis, so popular ones can fill early. |
English tests commonly accepted
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Duolingo English Test (accepted by some universities)
- For the visa, your English test result should be issued within two years of your course start date.
- Students under 18 need a legal guardian in Ireland and parental consent.
- Explain any gap between your last studies and your application with evidence, such as employment letters.
- Each university sets its own entry rules, so the course page always takes priority over general guidance.
Intakes and application timeline
Main intakes: September, January (limited courses).
Shortlist courses and universities
10–12 months before intake
Take an English test
8–10 months before intake
Submit applications
6–9 months before intake
Accept an offer and pay the deposit
4–5 months before intake
Apply for the study visa and arrange accommodation
3 months before intake
Cost of studying in Ireland
Non-EU students pay full international fees. Universities publish fees one or two years ahead and usually raise them by a small percentage each year. Business, computing and engineering master's degrees mostly fall between about €18,000 and €30,000 a year.
| Tuition | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's: arts, humanities and businessFor example, University of Galway lists most arts and commerce degrees at about €20,650 for 2027/28. | €16,000–24,000per year | ≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹25.4 lakh |
| Bachelor's: science, engineering and computingUniversity of Galway lists engineering and computer science at about €29,550 for 2027/28. | €20,000–30,000per year | ≈ ₹21.2 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh |
| Master's: business, analytics and financeMost one-year courses; leading business schools can charge more. | €18,000–30,000per year | ≈ ₹19.1 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh |
| Master's: computing, engineering and scienceFor example, DCU lists its MSc Computing and MEng programmes at €25,000 for 2027/28. | €18,000–30,000per year | ≈ ₹19.1 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh |
| Medicine (including graduate-entry)RCSI lists graduate-entry medicine at €63,500 a year for 2027/28. | €45,000–65,000per year | ≈ ₹47.7 lakh – ₹68.9 lakh |
Other costs before you fly
| Item | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition paid before the visa applicationAt least €6,000, or the full fee if the course costs less than €6,000. | €6,000one-off | ≈ ₹6.4 lakh |
| Proof of funds for living costsMust be shown on top of tuition. An education loan or bond of at least €10,000 can be used for degree courses. | €10,000per year of study | ≈ ₹10.6 lakh |
| Visa application feeCharged in rupees at the VFS centre (₹5,300 for single entry at the time of writing), plus VFS service charges. | €60one-off | ≈ ₹6,360 |
| Irish Residence Permit (IRP) registrationPaid on arrival and at each renewal, and again when you move to Stamp 1G. | €300per registration | ≈ ₹31,800 |
| Private medical insuranceRequired for the visa and registration; basic student plans sit at the lower end. | €150–400per year | ≈ ₹15,900 – ₹42,400 |
| Rent deposit and first month's rentLandlords usually ask for one month's deposit plus one month in advance. | €1,000–2,500one-off | ≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹2.6 lakh |
Fees shown are indicative and based on published 2026/27 and 2027/28 university fee lists. Check your own course page, as fees differ by course and rise most years. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Plan my monthly living costsCost of living in Ireland
The Irish government sets €10,000 a year as the minimum living budget for the visa, but most students spend more. A realistic budget is around €1,100 to €1,800 a month in Dublin and somewhat less in Cork, Galway, Limerick and smaller towns.
| Per month | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (room in a shared house or student residence)Dublin and purpose-built student residences are at the upper end. | €700–1,400per month | ≈ ₹74,200 – ₹1.5 lakh |
| Groceries and food | €250–350per month | ≈ ₹26,500 – ₹37,100 |
| Local transportA student Leap card gives cheaper fares on buses, trams and trains. | €40–100per month | ≈ ₹4,240 – ₹10,600 |
| Utilities (if not included in rent) | €50–100per month | ≈ ₹5,300 – ₹10,600 |
| Mobile phone and data | €15–30per month | ≈ ₹1,590 – ₹3,180 |
| Books, supplies and personal costs | €100–200per month | ≈ ₹10,600 – ₹21,200 |
| Rough monthly total | €1,155–2,180 | ≈ ₹1.2 lakh – ₹2.3 lakh |
These are our estimates for a single student sharing accommodation. Rents in Ireland rose sharply in recent years and short-term options can cost much more, so arrange housing before you travel if you can.
Not sure what your budget covers?A counsellor can match universities and cities to your budget.
Scholarships
Irish universities offer merit-based scholarships for non-EU students, and the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships have been open to students from India. Check the Education in Ireland website and university pages for current eligibility.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
Higher Education Authority (Government of Ireland)
Value: €10,000 stipend plus a full tuition fee waiver for one year; 60 awards a year
Who it's for: Non-EU students with an offer for a master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD. The 2026 call closed on 12 March 2026; the next call is expected early in 2027.
Official page (opens in a new tab)UCD Global Excellence Scholarship
University College Dublin
Value: 50% or 100% of tuition
Who it's for: Non-EU fee payers holding an offer for an eligible full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme. A separate application is needed.
Official page (opens in a new tab)UCD International Student Scholarship
University College Dublin
Value: 10% to 35% off tuition
Who it's for: Non-EU fee payers on most programmes. Applicants are assessed automatically when an offer is made.
Official page (opens in a new tab)UCD Aryabhata Science Scholarship
University College Dublin
Value: 50% to 100% tuition fee waiver
Who it's for: Students from India starting an undergraduate degree in a STEM subject.
Official page (opens in a new tab)DCU International Merit Scholarships
Dublin City University
Value: Partial fee reductions; for example, DCU lists a €4,400 reduction on the MSc Computing fee for eligible non-EU applicants
Who it's for: Non-EU applicants to DCU undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, assessed on academic merit.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Student visa: Long-stay 'D' study visa, followed by Stamp 2 student permission
Indian nationals need a long-stay D study visa for any course longer than three months. You apply online, then lodge documents and biometrics at a VFS centre in India. After arrival you register with immigration and receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) with Stamp 2. Your course must be full-time and on the government's list of eligible programmes (ILEP).
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | €60 single entry, charged in rupees at VFS (₹5,300), plus VFS service charges |
| Processing time (New Delhi) | Usually 4–8 weeks for a first decision; appeals take about six months |
| Living funds | At least €10,000 for each year of study, on top of tuition |
| Tuition before applying | At least €6,000, or the full fee if it is lower |
| Health cover | Private medical insurance for your whole stay |
| Registration on arrival | IRP card with Stamp 2; €300 fee, renewed each year |
How to apply
- Get an offer for a full-time course that is on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).
- Pay at least €6,000 of your first-year tuition (or the full fee if it is lower) and get the university's receipt.
- Arrange proof of at least €10,000 for living costs and buy private medical insurance.
- Fill in the online visa application form (AVATS), print the summary and sign it.
- Book a VFS appointment, pay the visa fee and give your biometrics and documents.
- Wait for the decision. The embassy advises applying up to 90 days before travel and does not give status updates.
- Travel to Ireland and register for your IRP card (Stamp 2) once you have a local address, paying the €300 fee.
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least 12 months after your planned arrival, plus any previous passports
- Signed AVATS application summary and two recent colour passport photos
- Signed letter explaining why you want to study in Ireland and your plans after the course
- Letter of acceptance from the university confirming course, duration, fees and amount paid
- Proof of tuition payment (bank transfer record and university receipt)
- Bank statements for the last six months showing access to funds, or an education loan letter
- Sponsor letter, sponsor's income proof and a notarised relationship certificate if parents are funding you
- English test result issued within two years of the course start date
- Academic certificates and mark sheets, and evidence for any gap in education
- Proof of private medical insurance
Working while you study
Students on Stamp 2 who are enrolled on a full-time eligible course may take casual work. The government expects you to have enough money for your course without relying on a job, so treat part-time pay as a help with daily costs, not a way to pay fees.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| During term | Up to 20 hours a week |
| Holiday periods | Up to 40 hours a week from 1 June to 30 September and from 15 December to 15 January |
| After exams, before Stamp 1G | Up to 20 hours a week from 1 October until your Stamp 1G permission is issued |
| Minimum wage | €14.15 an hour (aged 20 and over) from 1 January 2026; €14.94 announced from 1 January 2027, subject to legislation |
| Family | Students on Stamp 2 generally cannot bring a spouse or children as dependants |
Post-study work visa: Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G)
Graduates of Irish higher education institutions can stay on to look for graduate-level work. During this time you can work full-time. The aim is to find a job that qualifies for an employment permit before your Stamp 1G ends.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Honours bachelor's (NFQ level 8) | 12 months |
| Master's or PhD (NFQ level 9 or 10) | 12 months, renewable once for another 12 months if you show you are looking for graduate work (up to 24 months) |
| Who can apply | Non-EU graduates of a recognised Irish award, holding current Stamp 2, who apply within six months of being told their results |
| Cost and limits | €300 registration fee. The programme can be used at most twice, and overall time limits of seven or eight years on student permissions apply |
| Where it leads | Critical Skills Employment Permit (from €40,904 a year, or €36,848 for recent graduates) or General Employment Permit (from €36,605, or €34,009 for recent graduates), rates from 1 March 2026 |
| Longer term | Critical Skills permit holders can later apply for Stamp 4, which allows work without a permit, and then for long-term residence |
Announced changes
Jobs and career opportunities
Ireland's graduate jobs cluster in technology, data, pharma and medical devices, financial services and engineering. Dublin has the most openings, while Cork, Galway and Limerick are strong for life sciences, medical devices and manufacturing. Employers increasingly value communication and teamwork alongside technical skills.
| Sector | Typical roles | Typical salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software and cloud | Software engineer, cloud or DevOps engineer, QA engineer | €38,000–€50,000 a year (starting) |
| Data and AI | Data analyst, data engineer, business intelligence analyst | €35,000–€45,000 a year (starting) |
| Pharma, biotech and medical devices | QA or QC analyst, validation engineer, process engineer | €32,000–€42,000 a year (starting) |
| Finance, funds and fintech | Fund accountant, financial analyst, risk or compliance analyst | €30,000–€40,000 a year (starting) |
| Engineering | Civil, electrical, mechanical or manufacturing engineer | €32,000–€42,000 a year (starting) |
| Healthcare | Staff nurse (with NMBI registration), healthcare assistant | Around €35,000–€40,000 a year for a staff nurse (starting, before allowances) |
| Business and supply chain | Marketing executive, supply chain or procurement analyst, sales associate | €28,000–€36,000 a year (starting) |
Salary ranges are our broad estimates for graduates in their first two years and vary by employer and city. To stay after Stamp 1G you usually need a job paying at least the employment permit threshold, so check that before accepting an offer.
Planning to study in Ireland?Get a free shortlist of universities and courses that fit your marks, budget and timeline.
Best student cities in Ireland
Dublin
The capital and main jobs hub, home to Trinity College Dublin, UCD, DCU, TU Dublin and the European offices of many tech firms.
The most expensive city; a room often costs around €900–€1,400 a month.
Cork
Ireland's second city, with University College Cork and MTU, and a strong pharma, medical device and tech base.
Cheaper than Dublin but tight supply; rooms around €700–€1,000 a month.
Galway
A lively university city on the west coast, home to University of Galway and a large medical device cluster.
Housing is very scarce in term time; rooms around €650–€1,000 a month.
Limerick
Home to the University of Limerick, known for engineering, computing and a large campus with co-operative work placements.
Generally lower rents; rooms around €600–€900 a month.
Maynooth
A small university town about 25 km from Dublin, with Maynooth University and train links to the city.
Limited local housing; many students commute from nearby towns.
Ireland vs other study destinations
| Ireland | UK | Netherlands | Germany | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's tuition (non-EU) | €18,000–€30,000/yr | £15,000–£35,000/yr | €15,000–€25,000/yr | Mostly free at public universities |
| Living cost | €12,000–€18,000/yr | £12,000–£18,000/yr | €12,000–€16,000/yr | €11,000–€14,000/yr |
| Master's length | 1 year | 1 year | 1–2 years | 2 years |
| Part-time work | 20 hrs/wk; 40 in holidays | 20 hrs/wk in term | 16 hrs/wk or full-time in summer | About 20 hrs/wk (140 full days/yr) |
| Post-study work | 12–24 months (Stamp 1G) | 2 years (18 months announced from 2027) | 1-year orientation year | 18-month job-search permit |
| Typical English test | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 (German for many courses) |
| Main intakes | September (some January) | September, January | September, February | October, April |
| Daily language | English | English | Dutch (English widely used) | German |
Figures for the UK, Netherlands and Germany are broad indicative ranges for comparison only. See each country's guide for current, sourced details.
Challenges to plan for
- Housing shortageIreland has a serious shortage of rental housing, especially in Dublin and Galway. Students can spend weeks searching, so book university or private student housing early and be wary of rental scams.
- High cost of livingRent takes up most of a student budget, and the €10,000 visa minimum is below what many students actually spend in Dublin.
- Competitive graduate job marketLarge tech employers have hired more cautiously in recent years, and many graduates compete for entry-level roles. Internships, networking and relevant skills matter.
- Permit thresholds after Stamp 1GStamp 1G is time-limited. To stay longer you need a job that meets employment permit salary and occupation rules, and those thresholds are rising each year.
- Visa refusals for weak applicationsIncomplete documents, unexplained funds or generic statements can lead to refusal, and appeals take months. Prepare a genuine, well-documented application.
Is Ireland right for you?
A good fit if you…
- You want a one-year master's in computing, data, business, finance or life sciences.
- You are aiming for a job in tech, pharma, medical devices or financial services in Europe.
- You value up to two years of post-study time to find a skilled job.
- Your family can show the required funds and cover Irish rents without relying on part-time work.
Think twice if you…
- Your budget is tight and you were counting on part-time work to pay rent and fees.
- You are looking for free or very low tuition; public universities in Germany may suit you better.
- You need a guaranteed job or permanent residence outcome; no country can promise this.
- Your field has few jobs in Ireland, or needs an Irish professional registration you are unlikely to get.
About Ireland
Ireland is a member of the European Union where English is used everywhere for teaching and daily life. Its higher education system is compact: a handful of universities, several of them very old, alongside newer technological universities and private colleges. Dublin is the capital and main hub, and Cork, Limerick and Galway are smaller, friendly university cities.
Many international technology, pharmaceutical and finance companies run their European operations from Ireland, which is one reason computing, data and business courses are popular with Indian students. The Indian community has grown quickly in recent years, especially in and around Dublin.
| Ireland | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Official language(s) | Irish and English (English is used in everyday life and in teaching) |
| Population | about 5.53 million (April 2026 estimate, CSO) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR, €) |
| Climate | Mild, damp and changeable: cool summers, mild winters with little snow, and rain in every season, especially in the west |
| Time difference with India | IST is 4 hrs 30 min ahead in summer (late March to late October) and 5 hrs 30 min ahead in winter |
| Flight time from Delhi | about 11–14 hours with one stop, usually via the Gulf or a European hub (approximate) |
| Largest cities | Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford |
| Indian community | growing fast: India was the origin of about 7% of non-Irish citizens in Census 2022, and the number of people born in India rose by more than 35,000 between 2016 and 2022 |
Studying in Ireland: FAQs
How much money do I need to show for an Irish student visa?
You must show immediate access to at least €10,000 for living costs for each year of study, on top of tuition. You also need to have paid at least €6,000 of the first-year fee, or the full fee if it is lower, before you apply.
Can I work while studying in Ireland?
Yes, if you are on Stamp 2 and studying full-time on an eligible course. You can work up to 20 hours a week in term and up to 40 hours a week from June to September and from 15 December to 15 January. The minimum wage is €14.15 an hour in 2026.
How long can I stay in Ireland after my master's?
Under the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G), master's graduates get 12 months, which can be renewed for another 12 months if you are actively seeking graduate work. Honours bachelor's graduates get 12 months.
Is a three-year Indian degree accepted for a master's in Ireland?
Many Irish universities accept three-year Indian bachelor's degrees for master's entry, though some courses ask for higher marks or a four-year degree. Check the entry rules on your chosen course page.
How long does the Irish study visa take from India?
The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi says first decisions usually take four to eight weeks after it receives the application. It advises applying up to 90 days before travel and does not give status updates.
Can I take my spouse to Ireland on a student visa?
Generally no. Students on Stamp 2 are not usually allowed to bring dependants. A spouse would need their own permission, for example as a student or worker.
What salary do I need to stay and work in Ireland after Stamp 1G?
From 1 March 2026, a Critical Skills Employment Permit needs at least €40,904 a year, or €36,848 for recent graduates, in an eligible occupation. A General Employment Permit needs at least €36,605, or €34,009 for recent graduates. These thresholds are reviewed each year.
Is health insurance compulsory for students in Ireland?
Yes. You need private medical insurance for the visa application and for immigration registration, and it should cover your full stay. Your university does not usually arrange it for you.
Sources
- Immigration Service Delivery: student finance requirements from 30 June 2025 (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration Service Delivery: Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) (opens in a new tab)
- Embassy of Ireland, India: Visas for Ireland (opens in a new tab)
- Embassy of Ireland, India: Processing times and decisions (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Critical Skills Employment Permit (opens in a new tab)
- Citizens Information: Minimum wage (opens in a new tab)
- Higher Education Authority: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Higher Education Authority: Graduate Outcomes (opens in a new tab)
- University of Galway: Immigration information for offer holders (opens in a new tab)
- University of Galway: Undergraduate fees (opens in a new tab)
- Dublin City University: Postgraduate fees (opens in a new tab)
- University College Dublin: Scholarships for international students (opens in a new tab)
- Lewis Silkin: Ireland's revised roadmap on employment permit salary thresholds (Dec 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- ICEF Monitor: Irish higher education reports a fourth straight year of foreign enrolment growth (Mar 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Business Standard: Ireland sees dip in Indian student enrolments (Oct 2026) (opens in a new tab)
Rules and fees change
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