Why Bangladeshi Students Choose Ireland
Ireland is the only fully English-speaking country left in the EU, offering globally ranked universities plus one of Europe's most generous post-study work options — the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stay Back visa), granting up to 2 years to work after a Master's degree.
আয়ারল্যান্ড EU-এর একমাত্র সম্পূর্ণ ইংরেজিভাষী দেশ, বিশ্বমানের বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় এবং স্নাতকোত্তরের পর ২ বছর পর্যন্ত কাজের সুযোগ প্রদান করে।
No Irish embassy in Dhaka: Bangladeshi applicants must apply through the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, India, though applications are submitted locally via the AVATS online system and VFS Global in Dhaka.
ঢাকায় আইরিশ দূতাবাস নেই: নয়াদিল্লির আয়ারল্যান্ড দূতাবাসের মাধ্যমে প্রক্রিয়াকরণ হয়, তবে আবেদন ঢাকার ভিএফএস গ্লোবালে জমা দেওয়া যায়।
Universities & Popular Programs
Trinity College Dublin
Ireland's oldest and most prestigious university, strong across Business, Computer Science, and Medicine.
University College Dublin (UCD)
Ireland's largest university, with popular Master's programs in Business, Engineering, and Data Science.
University of Limerick
Known for strong industry links and co-op placements in Engineering and Business.
Dublin City University (DCU)
Popular for Computer Science, Business, and Communications programs.
University of Galway
Strong reputation in Medicine, Law, and Data Analytics with a lower cost of living than Dublin.
University College Cork (UCC)
Well-regarded for Food Science, Pharmacy, and Business Analytics.
Popular Fields
জনপ্রিয় বিষয়সমূহ: Data Science & Analytics, Computer Science, Business/MBA, Pharmaceutical Science, Engineering.
Tuition & Living Costs
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Master's tuition per year | €10,000 - €25,000 |
| Specialised Business/MBA per year | €20,000 - €35,000 |
| Living costs per month (Dublin) | €1,000 - €1,200 |
| Living costs per month (outside Dublin) | €800 - €1,000 |
Cities like Galway, Cork, and Limerick offer noticeably lower accommodation costs than Dublin, where student housing is particularly tight.
গলওয়ে, কর্ক ও লিমেরিকে ডাবলিনের তুলনায় থাকার খরচ কম।
Scholarships & Funding
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships — a competitive scheme offering select international students full/partial tuition waivers; check current eligibility and the annual application window on the Higher Education Authority website.
University-specific merit scholarships — most Irish universities offer international student scholarships worth €2,000-€10,000 towards tuition; check each university's international office page directly when applying.
Visa & Work Rights — Full Step-by-Step Guide
Required Documents
- Online AVATS application summary sheet, signed and dated.
- Recent passport-size photos and a valid passport.
- Letter of Acceptance from an Irish educational institution.
- Proof that course fees have been paid in full (or as required by the institution).
- Evidence of sufficient funds — approximately €10,000 per year to cover living costs.
- Private medical insurance valid for your stay.
- Academic qualifications and English language proficiency test results.
- A statement explaining any gaps in your education, if applicable.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Secure admission and receive your Letter of Acceptance from an Irish institution.
- Pay your tuition fees as required and arrange proof of funds (€10,000/year minimum).
- Complete the online AVATS application on the official Irish Immigration website, selecting "Long Stay (D) — Study" as the reason for travel.
- Print and sign the AVATS summary sheet.
- Book an appointment with VFS Global in Dhaka to submit your application package.
- Attend your appointment with your signed summary sheet, passport, photos, and all supporting documents.
- Pay the visa fee (€60) at VFS Global.
- Wait for a decision — your documents are forwarded to the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, then collect your passport with the visa once approved.
Fees Summary
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Long Stay 'D' student visa | €60 |
Embassy & Application Centre
Ireland does not have an embassy in Bangladesh. Applications are processed by the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, India.
You must submit your application at the Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Dhaka:
Delta Life Tower, 4th Floor, Plot #37, Road #90, Gulshan North, Dhaka-1212
Application Tips
- Apply for your AVATS visa well ahead of your course start date, as New Delhi processing can take several weeks.
- Ensure your proof-of-funds bank statement clearly shows the required €10,000 balance for at least a recent continuous period.
- Register with the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (Garda National Immigration Bureau) promptly after arrival.
Work Rights
Student visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during official college holiday periods. Master's graduates from a Level 9 program are eligible for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stay Back visa) — 24 months of open work permission; Bachelor's graduates receive 12 months.
স্টুডেন্ট ভিসাধারীরা সেমিস্টার চলাকালীন সপ্তাহে ২০ ঘণ্টা এবং ছুটিতে ৪০ ঘণ্টা পর্যন্ত কাজ করতে পারেন। মাস্টার্স শেষে ২৪ মাসের Stay Back ভিসা পাওয়া যায়।
Language Requirements
| Program | IELTS (typical) | PTE Academic (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 | 50 - 58 |
| Master's/MBA | 6.5 | 58 - 65 |
Most Irish universities require no band below 5.5-6.0 in any individual IELTS section — check your target program's specific sub-band requirements closely.
Application Timeline (September Intake)
Application & Acceptance
Apply to your chosen university and receive your Letter of Acceptance.
AVATS Application
Complete the online AVATS visa application and gather supporting documents.
VFS Dhaka Appointment
Submit your signed summary sheet, passport, and documents at VFS Global Dhaka.
Arrival & Registration
Arrive, attend orientation, and register with Irish immigration authorities.
FAQ
Do I need to travel to New Delhi myself? No — the entire application, including biometrics, is handled at VFS Global Dhaka; your documents are simply forwarded to the Embassy in New Delhi for the final decision.
How generous is the post-study work option? Very — Master's graduates receive 24 months of open work permission under the Stay Back visa, among the longest in Europe.
Can I work while studying? Yes, up to 20 hours/week during term and 40 hours/week during official holidays.