Start with AVATS, then book VFS Global Dhaka
Ireland's long-stay 'D' study visa application starts online through AVATS (the Irish visa online application system), after which you print your application summary and lodge your documents and biometrics at VFS Global's Dhaka centre. Budget 8–12 weeks from a complete application to a decision, and always verify current processing times on the Irish Immigration Service website before booking a flight. €1 ≈ ৳142 for planning purposes.
A complete file the first time is faster than a fast file with gaps
Step 1: Secure your offer and pay tuition upfront
| Requirement | Approx. amount (2026) | In taka (€1≈৳142) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full first-year tuition paid in advance | As billed by your institution | Varies by course and college | The most common route — most private colleges and universities expect full first-year fees paid before you apply for the visa |
| Minimum tuition payment with an escrow/bonded arrangement | €6,000 minimum | ≈ ৳8,52,000 | Some institutions allow a partial payment via an approved escrow scheme instead of the full year, with the balance released once you arrive — confirm your specific college's policy, since not all offer this |
| Non-refundable acceptance/registration deposit | Typically a few hundred euro | As billed | Usually required just to hold your seat, separate from the tuition payment itself |
Always pay tuition through your institution's official payment portal or verified bank account, and keep every receipt — your visa file must show a clear, traceable payment trail from your own or your sponsor's account to the college.
Step 2: Prove €12,000 a year in living funds
Ireland requires evidence you (or your sponsor) hold at least €12,000 to cover a year's living costs, in addition to tuition — this figure is a current guideline and can be revised, so verify it on the INIS website before relying on it.
- 1
Show funds held for a meaningful period, not just deposited last week
A lump sum that appears in the account the day before you apply looks weak to a visa officer — funds seasoned over at least a few months, with a plausible source, are far stronger.
- 2
Document the source of funds clearly
Salary slips, business financials, property sale documents or a sponsor's income proof should match the amount shown — an unexplained large deposit is a common refusal trigger.
- 3
Use a solvent letter or bank statement from a recognised Bangladeshi bank
Include recent statements (commonly the last 6 months), a bank solvency certificate, and translated documents where required.
Step 3: Buy private medical insurance before you apply
Ireland requires proof of private medical insurance valid for your full period of study as part of the visa application — this is not optional and must be arranged before submission, not after arrival. Choose a policy that explicitly meets the Irish visa scheme's minimum coverage requirements, and keep the certificate of cover with your application documents.
Step 4: Submit online via AVATS, then attend VFS Global Dhaka
- 1
Complete the AVATS online application
Fill in your personal, course and financial details accurately — this generates your application summary form, which you must print and sign.
- 2
Gather every supporting document against the official checklist
Passport, photos, offer letter, tuition payment receipts, proof of funds, medical insurance certificate, academic transcripts and a statement of purpose are all typically required.
- 3
Book and attend your appointment at VFS Global Dhaka
Submit your printed AVATS summary, documents and biometrics, and pay the visa fee at the VFS Global Irish visa application centre in Dhaka.
- 4
Wait for a decision — plan for 8–12 weeks
Processing time varies by season and application volume; check the current published estimate on the INIS website and don't book a non-refundable flight until you're approved.
If refused: you get one appeal, within 2 months, free of charge
An Irish study visa refusal is not necessarily final — there is a formal appeal process, but it is time-limited and only available once.
- ✓You have 2 months from the date of refusal to appeal
Missing this window means starting an entirely fresh application instead of an appeal.
- ✓The appeal is free — never pay anyone to 'file' it for a fee
Submitting an appeal to the visa office does not cost a separate fee; be wary of agents charging extra for this step.
- ✓You get one appeal only
There is no second appeal on the same application — address every point in the refusal letter thoroughly and honestly before submitting.
- ✓Address the refusal reasons directly, point by point
A generic resubmission of the same documents rarely succeeds — add clarifying evidence, explanations, or corrected documents specifically targeting each reason given.
What to hand-carry — never in checked luggage
- ✓Passport with the visa sticker
Along with a printed copy of your AVATS application summary.
- ✓Original offer letter and tuition payment receipts
Immigration at Dublin airport can ask to see these even though they were reviewed during your visa application.
- ✓Proof of funds summary and medical insurance certificate
Bank letters, sponsor documents and your insurance policy certificate of cover.
- ✓Academic transcripts and certificates
Original or certified copies, not just the scanned versions submitted online.
- ✓Passport-size photos and spare document copies
Useful for GNIB/ISD registration, bank account opening and college enrolment.
Dublin airport immigration — expect direct questions
An Irish immigration officer at Dublin airport will review your documents and typically ask about your course, college, funding and accommodation plans before stamping your passport.
Answer simply and consistently with your visa application — know your course name, college, tuition amount paid, and where you'll be staying for at least the first few nights. Keep every original document in your carry-on, since you may need to present them on the spot.
Register with the ISD (formerly GNIB) within 90 days
Every non-EEA student staying longer than 90 days must register their immigration permission with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) — the registration body previously known as the GNIB — and pay the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) fee.
- 1
Book your ISD registration appointment early
Appointments in Dublin can book out weeks in advance — register the process the moment you have a fixed address, since slots fill quickly.
- 2
Bring your passport, visa, proof of address and college enrolment confirmation
You'll also need your tuition payment receipt and evidence of the required living funds.
- 3
Pay the €300 IRP fee
≈ ৳42,600 at €1≈৳142 — this fee is charged for the physical Irish Residence Permit card, which is your legal proof of permission to remain and is required for renting, working part-time and opening some bank accounts.
- 4
Renew your IRP annually
Your permission and IRP card must be renewed each year you remain a student in Ireland — mark the expiry date and start renewal well ahead of it.
Verify at the official source
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