I understand that the Deputy's question relates to the requirement for proof of finance available to a Non-EEA national student seeking residence in the State to study.
One of the key conditions applicable to a student coming to Ireland is that they must be able to support themselves without claiming state benefits. As such, proof of available finances is a requirement for all relevant non-EEA national students, both visa and non-visa required.
Following a review by my Department in 2022, it was concluded that the level of funds required should be increased to more accurately reflect the average annual living expenses for students in Ireland. This was agreed in consultation with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
With effect from 1 July 2023, the financial requirements for students from visa required countries increased from €7,000 to €10,000 and, for students from non-visa required countries, from €3,000 to €4,500. It was also agreed that the difference in funds required for students based on visa requirements would be gradually removed.
To this end, the level of funds required for non-visa required students was further increased in 2024, from €4,500 to €7,000. Relative adjustments were also made to the monthly requirements for non-visa required students on shorter courses, with the maximum duration increased from 6 months to 8 months to allow more courses to benefit from this derogation.
A further increase is scheduled to take effect on 30 June 2025, with a notification of this published on my Department's Immigration service website on 24 March 2025: Information on Student Finances - Immigration Service Delivery.
This increase will bring the level of funds required for non-visa required students from €7,000 to €10,000, in line with the level for visa required students. For non-visa required students on shorter courses of 8 months in duration, this will bring the level of funds required from €4,680 to €6,665. For visa required students on courses of 6 months in duration, this will bring the level of funds required from €4,200 to €4,998, and they may also avail of the derogation for courses of up to 8 months, with proof of €6,665 in available funds.
DFHERIS has notified the representative bodies for Ireland’s higher education institutions, as well as English language schools, of this change.
