Quick Answer: Irish students need a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) to study in the UK for courses longer than 6 months, costing £490 for applications made outside the UK. The process typically takes 3 weeks and requires a CAS from a licensed UK institution, proof of funds (£1,334 per month for living costs), and English language proficiency.

Introduction

Despite the close relationship between Ireland and the UK, Irish students planning to study in Britain for more than six months must navigate the UK's student visa system. The post-Brexit landscape has changed the requirements, making it essential for Irish students to understand the current Student visa application process for 2026.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Irish students need to know about obtaining a UK student visa, from eligibility requirements to processing times and costs. Whether you're planning undergraduate studies at Oxford or pursuing a master's degree in London, understanding these requirements will help ensure a smooth application process.

Understanding UK Student Visa Requirements for Irish Students

Visa Types and Duration

Irish students have several visa options depending on their study plans:

• Student visa: For courses longer than 6 months at degree level or above
• Short-term study visa: For courses up to 6 months (or 11 months for English language courses)
• Child Student visa: For students under 18 attending independent schools

Most Irish university students will require the standard Student visa, which allows study for the duration of the course plus additional time before and after (typically 4-6 months extra).

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a UK Student visa from Ireland, you must:

1. Have an unconditional offer from a UK institution with a Student sponsor licence
2. Receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen institution
3. Demonstrate English language proficiency (unless exempt)
4. Show sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs
5. Meet health requirements including tuberculosis testing if applicable

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Secure Your University Place

Before applying for a visa, you must have an unconditional offer from a UK university or college. The institution must be licensed by the UK government as a Student sponsor. Once you accept the offer and meet all conditions, the university will issue your CAS.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Essential documents include:

• Valid Irish passport (must be valid for entire stay)
• CAS statement from your UK institution
• Financial evidence showing you can support yourself
• Academic qualifications (transcripts and certificates)
• English language test results (if required)
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
• Parental consent (if under 18)

Step 3: Complete Online Application

The application must be completed online at gov.uk. You'll need to:

• Fill out the visa application form
• Pay the application fee (£490 when applying from outside the UK)
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year for students)
• Book a biometric appointment

Step 4: Attend Biometric Appointment

Irish applicants must visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dublin or Belfast to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). You'll also submit your supporting documents at this appointment.

Financial Requirements Breakdown

Tuition Fees

You must show you can pay your first year's tuition fees (or full course fees if less than one year). Typical costs for Irish students include:

• Undergraduate courses: £10,000-£38,000 per year
• Postgraduate taught courses: £12,000-£45,000 per year
• Postgraduate research courses: £15,000-£35,000 per year

Living Costs Evidence

For 2026, you must prove you have:

• £1,334 per month for studying in London
• £1,023 per month for studying outside London

These amounts must be shown for up to 9 months (or the full course length if shorter). The funds must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your application.

Processing Times and Fees

Standard Processing

• Processing time: Up to 3 weeks from biometric appointment
• Application fee: £490 (when applying from outside UK)
• Priority service: Additional £500 for 5-day processing
• Super priority service: Additional £1,000 for next working day processing

Additional Costs

• Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year
• Biometric appointment: Usually included in application fee
• Document translation: Variable costs if documents aren't in English

Special Considerations for Irish Students

English Language Requirements

Many Irish students are exempt from English language testing if they're nationals of an English-speaking country or have completed a qualification in English. However, some universities may still require IELTS or equivalent scores.

Academic Progression Rules

If you're applying for a course at the same or lower level than previous UK study, special academic progression requirements apply. You must demonstrate genuine academic progression and may need additional documentation.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying too early: You can only apply 6 months before course start date
2. Insufficient financial evidence: Ensure funds are in the correct format and timeframe
3. Missing CAS details: Double-check all CAS information matches your application
4. Incomplete supporting documents: Submit all required documents in the correct format

After Visa Approval

Entry to the UK

Once approved, your visa will be valid from 30 days before your course starts (or 7 days if you're switching from another visa category within the UK). You can enter the UK during this validity period.

Working Rights

Student visa holders can typically work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time
• Full-time during holidays
• Unlimited hours in work placements that are part of your course

Extending Your Stay

If you need to extend your studies or progress to another course, you can apply to extend your Student visa from within the UK, provided you continue to meet the requirements.

Making Your Application Successful

To maximize your chances of approval, ensure all documentation is complete and accurate. Start your application process early to account for potential delays, and consider using the priority service if you're applying close to your course start date.

For personalized guidance throughout this process, CourseOptions.com can help you start your UK study journey with expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances and academic goals.

Conclusion

Obtaining a UK student visa from Ireland requires careful preparation and attention to detail, but the process is straightforward when you understand the requirements. With proper planning and documentation, Irish students can successfully navigate the visa system and pursue their academic goals in the UK.

Key Statistics

💰 UK student visa applications cost £490 for Irish students applying from outside the UK, plus £776 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge

⏰ Standard visa processing takes up to 3 weeks from the biometric appointment date, with priority services available for faster processing

📚 Irish students must demonstrate £1,334 per month for London study or £1,023 per month for study outside London to meet financial requirements

🎓 Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, providing valuable work experience

📊 Over 95% of complete UK student visa applications from Irish students are approved when all requirements are properly met

🏫 Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the course start date, but most students apply 2-3 months in advance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a UK student visa from Ireland in 2026?

Apply online at gov.uk, complete the visa application form, pay the £490 fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge, and book a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre in Dublin or Belfast. You'll need your CAS from a UK institution, proof of funds, and supporting documents. The process typically takes up to 3 weeks from your biometric appointment.

What is the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and how do I get it?

A CAS is a unique reference number issued by your UK institution after you accept an unconditional offer. It contains details about you and your course that the visa authorities use to assess your application. Your chosen university or college will issue the CAS once you've met all admission conditions and paid any required deposits.

How much does a UK student visa cost for Irish students?

The application fee is £490 when applying from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of study. Priority services cost an additional £500 (5-day processing) or £1,000 (next working day). You may also need to budget for document translation, tuberculosis testing, and English language tests if required.

Do Irish students need to prove English language proficiency for a UK student visa?

Irish nationals are often exempt from English language requirements as Ireland is considered an English-speaking country. However, some universities may still require IELTS or equivalent test scores as part of their admission requirements. Check with your chosen institution to confirm their specific language requirements.

How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa application?

You must demonstrate funds to cover your first year's tuition fees plus living costs of £1,334 per month for London study or £1,023 per month for study outside London (up to 9 months maximum). These funds must be held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your application.

Can I work while studying in the UK on a student visa?

Yes, Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. You can also work unlimited hours on work placements that are part of your course curriculum. However, you cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson, or work in certain restricted professions without additional permissions.

Key Takeaways

✅ Irish students need a Student visa for UK courses longer than 6 months, costing £490 plus annual health surcharge of £776

✅ Applications require a CAS from a licensed UK institution, proof of funds, and typically take up to 3 weeks to process

✅ Financial requirements include tuition fees plus £1,334/month for London or £1,023/month for other UK locations

✅ Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours weekly during term time and full-time during holidays

✅ Apply online at gov.uk and attend a biometric appointment in Dublin or Belfast to complete the process

✅ Start the application process 2-3 months before your course begins to ensure sufficient processing time