For an Irish study visa, you must show immediate access to at least €10,000 (about ₹10.8 lakh) for your first year, on top of your course fees. If your fees are more than €6,000, you must pay at least €6,000 to the college before you apply. For each later year of the course, you or your sponsor must have ready access to another €10,000.
Written by Ananta Deepti · Last verified 13 Oct 2026 · Sources below
How much money do I need to show for an Ireland student visa?
Indian nationals need a visa to study in Ireland, so the visa-required rules apply. For a degree course starting after 1 July 2023, they are: (Irish Immigration Service: Information on student finances)
| What you must show | Amount | In INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Living costs, first year | Immediate access to at least €10,000 | ₹10.81 lakh |
| Living costs, each later year | Ready access to at least €10,000 a year (you and/or your sponsor) | ₹10.81 lakh a year |
| Course fees | In addition to the above | Depends on your course |
This is the minimum the visa office looks for. It is not an estimate of what living in Ireland will cost you, which depends on the city and how you live.
For short courses, the rule is different: €833 for each month of your stay, or €6,665, whichever is less. Most Indian students going for a master's or bachelor's degree will fall under the €10,000 rule.
The INR figures use the FBIL reference rate of ₹108.07 per €1 on 6 October 2026 (FBIL reference rates). The rupee amount will depend on the rate on the day.
Do I have to pay my tuition fees before I apply?
Yes, at least part of them. If your course fees are less than €6,000, you must pay them in full before you apply for your visa. If they are more than €6,000, you must pay at least €6,000 first. Your college may ask for the full amount. (Irish Immigration Service: How to apply for a long term study visa)
Can my parents sponsor me?
Yes. If a family member or friend is paying all or part of your costs, you must list each sponsor and show how you are related to or know them, for example with a birth certificate. For each sponsor, you also need:
- An up-to-date bank statement showing money paid into and out of the account over the last six months.
- Proof of their income, such as a letter from their employer confirming their employment, plus 3 recent payslips.
(Irish Immigration Service: Information on student finances)
What bank statements does the visa office accept?
- Statements covering the last six months, showing money paid in and out.
- On the bank's headed paper, with your name, address and account number.
- Any large or irregular deposit, such as a student loan, matured savings certificates or the sale of a property, must be fully explained.
Every applicant also fills in the financial summary form linked on the visa application page. (Irish Immigration Service: How to apply for a long term study visa)
Can I use an education loan?
The Irish Immigration Service's finance page does not set out specific rules for education loans. It does list student loans as an example of a large deposit that must be fully explained. If a loan has been paid into your account or your sponsor's, keep the sanction and disbursement letters ready to show where the money came from.
Can I use an education bond instead of bank statements?
Yes, if you are joining a degree programme. Under a pilot scheme, degree programme students can show an education bond of at least €10,000 instead of bank statements as proof of finances. Degree programmes here mean courses at levels 7 to 10 of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, which includes bachelor's and master's degrees. (Irish Immigration Service: Information on student finances)
- The bond is lodged with an approved student fees payment service, such as TransferMate (formerly Pay to Study).
- It must be held from your visa application until you register with immigration in Ireland.
- The money is released to you when you arrive in Ireland. It can also be cashed if your visa is refused or you decide not to take up your place.
- A receipt for the bond is generally accepted as evidence of finances, but the visa officer may still ask for more evidence.
- The bond is a contract between you and the provider. The Irish Immigration Service is not a party to it.
The bond is optional. You can still show bank statements in the usual way.
What else do I need besides the funds?
- Private medical insurance. Your college may arrange this for you.
- An explanation of any gap since your last full-time education, with details of what you did in that time.
Decisions usually take about 8 weeks from when the visa office receives your application. (Irish Immigration Service: How to apply for a long term study visa)
What this means for you
- Plan for €10,000 plus your fee deposit as the money that must be in place before you apply, not as your full budget for the year.
- Start building a clean six-month bank history early. A large amount that appears just before you apply will need an explanation.
- If your parents are sponsoring you, collect their statements, employer letter and payslips at the same time as yours.
- Once you finish your degree, see how long you can stay on in our guide to Stamp 1G in Ireland. If you are also considering the UK, compare the funds rule in our UK Student visa guide, or see all the countries we support.
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance is required for an Ireland student visa from India?
Immediate access to at least €10,000 for the first year of a degree course, plus your course fees, with at least €6,000 of the fees already paid if they are above €6,000.
Do I need to show €10,000 for every year of my course?
You need immediate access to €10,000 for the first year, and you and/or your sponsor need ready access to €10,000 for each later year.
How many months of bank statements do I need?
The last six months, on the bank's headed paper, showing money paid in and out.
Can my parents' account be used for an Irish student visa?
Yes, as sponsors. You must show how you are related, and provide their six-month bank statements and proof of income, such as an employer letter and 3 recent payslips.
Is the old €7,000 figure still valid?
No, not for degree courses. Courses starting after 1 July 2023 need at least €10,000 for the first year.
Sources
- Irish Immigration Service: Information on student finances
- Irish Immigration Service: How to apply for a long term study visa
- Irish Immigration Service: Reminder on student finance requirements from 30 June 2025
- FBIL reference rates (EUR/INR, 6 Oct 2026)
Last verified: 13 Oct 2026
Updated 13 Oct 2026: rewritten; replaced the old €7,000–€10,000 guideline with the current €10,000 rule and added the fee, sponsor and bank-statement requirements.
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