Should I apply for an Irish Type C or Type D visa for my course, and what is the difference?
Type C is a short stay visa for purposes under 90 days and cannot be extended into a long-term student visa from within Ireland. Type D is the long stay visa for degrees, master's, PhDs and English courses, and it is the one Indian higher education students should target.
Ireland has two study visas, Type C and Type D, which differ by course duration. If you plan a full-time degree, Type D is the visa you should target, while Type C suits short stays of under 90 days.
Type C Versus Type D
| Point | Type C (short stay) | Type D (long stay) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Short trips, short-term professional programs, exam sittings or brief vocational courses; under 90 days | Courses longer than 90 days, typically 1 to 4 years |
| Covers | Short courses, for example a 2-week course | Full-time undergraduate degrees, master's programs, PhDs and English language courses |
| Extension | Cannot be extended or converted into a long-term student visa from within Ireland; you must exit before the 90-day mark | Single-entry visa; you then have 90 days to register for your Irish Residence Permit card |
How Indian Students Apply
Indian students typically apply for an entry visa through the digital AVATS portal and submit physical materials through the visa application centre in India. Check the official Irish immigration page for current steps.
My Advice
Match the visa to your course length before you apply. For any degree programme you will be looking at Type D, so plan your Irish Residence Permit registration within 90 days of arrival.
Not sure which documents your Irish visa needs?
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