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Ireland Study Abroad Timeline and Checklists

Last Updated - Sep 30, 2026

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From decision in India to Stamp 4

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When

Action

15 to 18 months before departureMap your Indian degree to Irish Master's options using 3.0. Check a NARIC comparability statement for your award. Decide your target intake using 6.6
12 to 15 months beforeBuild a 5 to 8 programme shortlist using the seven filters in 4.4, including immigration eligibility on the ILEP or TrustEd Ireland list and placement provision. Check target roles against the Critical Skills Occupations List. Take IELTS or equivalent, or confirm in writing whether an exemption applies for both admission and visa
10 to 12 months beforeSubmit university applications, early, because scholarship applications require an offer in hand. Brief referees with the programme details and deadlines
8 to 9 months beforeApply for GOI-IES and institutional scholarships. Confirm any revised fee in writing where an award is granted
5 to 6 months beforeAccept offer and pay the deposit, having confirmed the visa-refusal refund position. Apply for accommodation immediately. Arrange tuition payment, in full where fees are below €6,000. Assemble €10,000 financial evidence in an accessible form, with six months of statements, plus €3,000 for first registration. Arrange medical insurance
4 to 5 months beforeSubmit visa application through AVATS. Book biometrics immediately
1 to 2 months beforeConfirm accommodation. Book flights only after the visa decision
Month 1 in IrelandRegister for IRP within 90 days. Apply for PPS number. Register employment with Revenue. Open bank account. Register with a GP. Get a Student Leap Card
Throughout the courseBuild your CV toward Critical Skills eligible roles. Pursue internships and placements. Build networks
Final semesterBegin the job search in earnest. Check target roles by SOC code
On completionApply for Stamp 1G before Stamp 2 expires
Stamp 1G months 1 to 6Concentrated search. The recent-graduate threshold applies for 12 months from qualifying
Stamp 1G month 6 checkpointIf no qualifying offer, work through Section 15.7 now, not at month 11
Stamp 1G month 12Renewal application for the second 12-month block, with evidence of job-seeking
21 months into Critical Skills employmentApply for Stamp 4
OngoingTrack reckonable residence and absences from the Stamp 1G start date

University application checklist, per institution

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  • Applicant portal registration completed
  • Academic transcripts for every year of your Bachelor's, official copies
  • Degree certificate, or provisional certificate plus expected completion letter
  • English language evidence, or a medium-of-instruction letter where the institution has confirmed in writing that it accepts one
  • Statement of purpose written for that programme
  • Two references, at least one academic, with referees briefed and given the deadline
  • CV where work experience is weighted
  • Application fee paid
  • Course code recorded alongside the course name
  • Deposit amount, deposit deadline and visa-refusal refund position confirmed in writing

Pre-departure document checklist

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  • Passport, valid well beyond your stay
  • University offer letter from a programme eligible for student immigration
  • Proof of tuition payment, in full where fees are below €6,000, reflecting any scholarship-adjusted fee
  • Proof of €10,000 access, six months of bank statements on headed paper, in an immediately accessible form, or an education bond receipt
  • Evidence of a further €3,000 available at first registration
  • Sponsor documentation where a parent or family member is funding you: relationship evidence, their six-month statements, employer letter and three payslips or business evidence
  • Medical insurance confirmation, in your name, in English
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates, originals
  • English test certificate
  • Passport photographs to specification
  • Signed letter of application, accounting for any study or work gap
  • Translations, certification and notarisation where documents are not in English or where certification is specified

First 30 days checklist

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  • [ ] IRP registration appointment booked and attended, €300 paid
  • [ ] PPS number applied for
  • [ ] Employment registered with Revenue to avoid emergency tax at 40% plus 8% USC
  • [ ] Bank account opened
  • [ ] Health insurance activated and documented
  • [ ] University enrolment completed
  • [ ] Accommodation contract finalised and tenancy registration confirmed
  • [ ] GP registered with, before you need one
  • [ ] Student Leap Card obtained
  • [ ] Indian student society and city groups joined