₦airaland Forum

Abdullahinasir7:
Good day, everyone.

I received my passport yesterday, but unfortunately, my Irish student visa application was refused. I am really disappointed because I have been offered a fully funded PhD scholarship at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland.

I would appreciate advice from anyone who has experienced a similar situation or has good knowledge of Irish student visa applications, particularly PhD students applying from Nigeria.

My situation:

I have been awarded a fully funded PhD scholarship at UCD with the following financial arrangements:

* Annual stipend: €25,000.
* Annual tuition fee: €15,400.
* Full tuition fee coverage through my scholarship.
* Funding support letter and university offer letter submitted with my application.

Despite these arrangements, my visa was refused, and one of the reasons given was insufficient financial evidence.

Where I think I may have made a mistake

In the visa application form, I was asked who would sponsor my studies in Ireland. The options included Self, Sponsor, Government and Others. I selected *Sponsor*, but looking back, I wonder whether I should have selected *Others* because my funding comes from a university scholarship rather than a family member or an individual sponsor.

I am not sure whether this selection contributed to the financial refusal, especially since I submitted my scholarship and offer letters. I would appreciate advice from anyone familiar with this part of the application form.

Another concern: English proficiency

I did not submit IELTS or another English proficiency test result with my application. However, English proficiency was not explicitly listed among the refusal reasons in my letter. I had provided evidence relating to my previous education in English, MOI letter, and UCD also sent an English-language waiver letter to the visa officer.

Does the fact that IELTS was not mentioned mean that English proficiency was not a concern, or could it still have influenced the decision?

My questions are:

1. Do you think selecting “Sponsor” instead of “Others” could have contributed to my financial refusal, despite having a fully funded scholarship?

2. Should I appeal the decision or submit a fresh application with a clearer explanation of my scholarship and financial arrangements?

3. Could the absence of IELTS have contributed to the refusal even though English proficiency was not specifically mentioned in the refusal letter?

4. I am hoping to resume in January. If I start preparing now, do you think I will have sufficient time to submit a new application and receive a decision before then?

5. For anyone who has successfully appealed an Irish student visa refusal or reapplied after a financial refusal, what would you advise me to do differently?

I intend to share my refusal letter today so that anyone willing to help can review the exact reasons given by the visa officer.

I genuinely need advice on the best way forward. I do not want to repeat the same mistakes in another application, and I want to understand whether an appeal or a fresh application would be the more appropriate option in my circumstances.

Thank you all in advance for your advice and contributions.

1. I think the sponsorship arrangement may have been an issue, especially since you mentioned that you selected the sponsor option instead of the “other” available options. If you’re applying through scholarship(fully funded program with stipend) and have submitted the Financial Summary Form (FSF), I would have thought that the additional details about your relationship with the sponsor might not be necessary. However, I can’t say for certain that this was the reason for the refusal.


2. I would suggest submitting a fresh application and being transparent about your previous application. Explicitly address the reasons for the refusal and explain how you have corrected each issue. Make sure the new application is stronger and that the documents directly address the concerns raised by the embassy.


3. Just because a document or requirement wasn’t specifically mentioned in your refusal letter doesn’t mean it won’t become an issue later. I would advise you to be as thorough as possible and avoid leaving room for another refusal. If you can, consider taking an English proficiency test such as Duolingo to strengthen your application, especially if you’re unsure whether your current documents sufficiently demonstrate your English proficiency. I believe Duolingo takes about two weeks to release results, but please 🙏confirm the current processing time.


4. Honestly, no one can say for certain how long it will take to get a decision. We’ve seen how long visa applications can take, but it’s still important to remain hopeful and optimistic while you wait.


5. I’ve been refused a visa before, and although I initially appealed, I eventually withdrew my appeal after a few weeks. I only found this discussion thread after submitting the appeal, and I noticed that some applicants had been waiting for over a year without a decision. The embassy’s website also indicated that student visa appeals could take around six months at the time. Based on that experience, I wouldn’t advise relying on an appeal without carefully considering the potential waiting time. Of course, your situation may be different.


To be honest, I believe the reasons for my own refusal were valid. My application had several weaknesses, including submitting only three months of bank statements, not providing the Financial Summary Form (FSF), and failing to adequately explain gaps in my education and employment history. These issues arose partly because I underestimated the level of scrutiny involved, especially since I already had a fully funded scholarship.

For your bank statements, I would also recommend explaining any significant credits or debits, particularly transactions above ₦100,000. State where the money came from, why it was received, or what the payment was for, and provide supporting evidence where possible. This can help make your financial history clearer to the visa officer.


Pleas everything I’ve shared is based on my personal experience and observations, so please consider it as guidance rather than a guarantee of what will happen in your case.
As for me, I’m still waiting for a decision on my most recent application, which I’m currently on 14 weeks today (since it got to the embassy). I’m still hoping for the best.

I sincerely wish you all the best, brother. May things work out in your favour.

Abdullahinasir7:
Thank you so much. I really hope it gets approved.
I submitted my application on 13 June, and the embassy received it on 15 June. I opened an ISD account about two weeks ago, and when I checked my application, the status showed “Application Received.” The last modified date was still 15 June, which was the date the embassy received it.

I then asked my supervisor to send me an updated funding/support letter confirming that my programme is still valid and that I can still join once my visa is granted. He sent the letter, I sent the query together with the letter through the ISD account on Monday morning. Later that same day, my application status changed to “Decision has been sent.” The following day, that’s tuesday it changed to “Application completed.”
From this, I feel that my application may not have been actively reviewed until I sent the inquiry and updated letter, although I can't say for certain.

So I would suggest that you ask your university/supervisor for an updated letter confirming that your programme is still valid and that you can still join, open an ISD account, and send the letter and an inquiry through the portal. Hopefully, it will help move things along.

Have they closed the queue you opened? If yes, when please?

Abdullahinasir7:
My application has been completed but, I haven’t received a call or an email from them

You should get it on or before Saturday sha

Abdullahinasir7:
This is what my status is showing on ISD account. Does this means my application has been decided even though, i haven’t received a call about my passport collection

Yes. Just look out for a call from them

EnigmaKay:
Hi everyone, I got my visa today. I submitted my documents to VFS Abuja on May 14th, and my application got to the embassy on May 25th; that's about 17 weeks. I'm a GOIPS PhD student at Trinity College Dublin.

Wishing everyone the best.

Congratulations boss. Did VFS reach out to you before sending the document or you just received it out of the blue? omo let me know my fate. Omo 17 weeks is insane. Or did you get an update on that ISD site?

emy1206:
Life truly differs, I just saw a TikTok of a girl that applied April and her decision took just 9 days to come out. Nna ehn from same Nigeria here oh. It is well I believe the Irish schools will be flexible for us and our visas will not exceed this month

9 days or 9 weeks? 9 days keh

0xJRD:
When did you submit and what school. At least the prices of houses in limerick are cheaper.

submitted June 16, Uni of limerick

0xJRD:
When did you submit and what school. At least the prices of houses in limerick are cheaper.

Are they? Please plug me.

0xJRD:
The wait Time within the last year has been increasing. Been 13 weeks since embassy received, and I haven't heard anything since, it is well. Anyone going to limerick this September ?

ME

Ayiri55:
Thank you guys I’m sincerely grateful

I just want to encourage people still waiting
Delay is never denial

Keep praying and trusting. God will do it.

Congratulations. Well deserved. Omo please tell us whatever document that was submitted for “No ties to home country” and other document honestly we really need this. You can just copy the whole document you submitted from your application letter and paste it on here let others that want to apply see it so that we can use that to beat their system at least.

Edaj:
Nope not yet

Try and check the Dublin site decision tomorrow and search with your reference id

Olulana06:
I think what he is saying is it has passed application decision then now at application complete, but doesn’t have an either of what the decision is.

Yeah I get. What I’m trying to get is, he said he doesn’t know the decision yet, but when it was on application decision at the front it should be showing the decision or it doesn’t work that way?

Ayiri55:
Please when did you submit vis vfs and when did the embassy get your application?

Yes this too

Edaj:
Yes that true i checked my isd account and its saying application complete ,so they are done with my application but i dont know the decision yet.

Also, I thought there is application decision before application complete? That’s stage 4 before the application complete thingy

Edaj:
Yes that true i checked my isd account and its saying application complete ,so they are done with my application but i dont know the decision yet.

Oh wow what is it showing on VFS?

Ayiri55:
It’s been 9 weeks, emailed the visa office and I was told my application is in queue for processing.

Omo, it is well

Is it 9 weeks since you submitted or since they received your application at their embassy?

Shally233:
Yeah, they haven't uploaded it yet

I feel like they haven’t work on any application for two weeks now I just can’t prove it…yet.

Shally233:
Wow, eh God abeg

I have a feeling embassy is yet to receive mine, and maybe yours. 😔

iyemizee:
Please guys, who understands this Vfs appointment thing. Is there a specific time they open slots because I haven’t been able to book for Lagos since last week

They don’t open slot, boss, all those days that you see it’s not on on the site means it has been taken and filled up. Chose the day/date that is on.

Please the lady we met today at VFS please you collected my number and you said you’d reach out kindly reach out please. 🙏

arcis:
Hi guys, I just got admitted to Technical University of Dublin for a master program start this year September 2026. In my admission letter, it was started i should pay a minimum of 50% or 6000 euro whichever is greater.

Please I need explanation on this because my total fee for a year is 22,000 euros. I guess what they are asking for 11,000 euros if I am correct.

Secondly, please help me with the process from start to Finish. How do I start my visa process and what documents do I need to submit.

I will appreciate your inputs

Thank you all

About the payment thing I don’t know much but you already stated it here that you’re asked to pay at least €6k. I believe I’ve seen this on their embassy website before.

The application I’d suggest you check out their site for required document and please don’t underestimate any of those required document. Supporting documents like Police character certificate, accommodations and some other things I saw them here. But first visit their site to get your application started.

kinkyhead:
Also, meanwhile how much do vfs global charge for their service fees. I want to use their lagos center

I paid 213k the last time which was February this year. Also, if you’re using Lagos, I suggest you book an appointment early (like one/two weeks before) because I wanted to book on Saturday (two days ago) and I wanted to pick today but I couldn’t as the whole week has been booked the only available date was next week Tuesday. Good luck.

kinkyhead:
Pls guys, I want to pay for visa fee but I have filled the avats online application form. I didn't see where I can pay the visa fee and upload supporting documents. Pls any idea?
Alslo as a student, is it single or multiple entry?

Well it depends, from what I heard you can apply for multiple entry and Ireland would give you single entry but the main thing is to enter first. I believe they have one card they give which would allow you move in and out and they renew it every year i guess (irc or so). For the payment, you’d pay VFS to book appointment when you get to VFS you’d pay for Visa fee there sha. Last I paid 105 for booking 213k when I get to VFS, plus courier.

Kurious04052026:
Hi Jamolodeen,

When did you apply and when did you get a response if I may ask?

Just want to know the processing time

I applied February 15 or so and they received my application February 22, if I’m not mistaken. I got response April 23 or so. My application used exactly 8 weeks and maybe 2-3 days sha I’m certain of that.

Ayo112:
Sorry but they returned your money??
What money if I may ask??

That was a mistake. I wanted to say “the only thing they didn’t return was the money I paid VFS” sorry

Ayo112:
Pls, what were reasons given for the refusal?

The reasons were valid in my opinion. I underestimated the importance of some documents. For example the Financial summary form I didn’t submit it, I submitted three months bank statement instead of six months, I did not explain gap in educational/employment history, I did not include offer letters of employment(s). And I did all these because it was a scholarship so I thought so far offer letters from the sponsor is showing that tuition and other things are covered maybe they’d approve it. Also, I got most of my information from the person I said I know in Ireland not online it was after submitting I found out about FSF and some other information.

Ayo112:
You are not paying on booking.com, you will just book it but you will have to input your card details and you can cancel anytime… get any accommodations maybe for a month or two that your proof of funds will cover, something cheap

Before I used someone I know in Ireland address and when they refused the application they didn’t state that as part of the reason.

Ayo112:
The police stuff is online, you pay and you go for capturing and get it that same day sha. Withdrawing appeal takes around 3days and maybe a week to get your documents back if you’re not in Abuja. You said all the documents for your appeal were scanned and uploaded, does that mean they gave you back does documents or what??

Ohh please can you send an email or point me how to send you an email. I’d like for us to discuss so you can direct me how to go about the police thingy. Yeah, my document were scanned and returned back to me immediately, the only thing they return back was the money I paid. So, I don’t think they’d have to returned any document back to me.

Ayo112:
I appealed but not through this new process since October and no response yet. My advice is for you to withdraw the appeal and submit a new application and pls submit it with the police character stuff and accommodation invoice from booking.com… it is very important!

Do you know how long it takes them to withdraw an application? Like if I send a mail today when is the earliest they’d act on it.

Ayo112:
I appealed but not through this new process since October and no response yet. My advice is for you to withdraw the appeal and submit a new application and pls submit it with the police character stuff and accommodation invoice from booking.com… it is very important!

Please how can I get this police character thing? Must it be police station? Also, this accommodation invoice I’d have to pay before I get the invoice or just by booking without paying?

Hi everyone,
I’ve been contemplating whether I should withdraw the appeal I submitted about two weeks ago. I submitted through the new process where documents are scanned and uploaded at VFS, which I understand started around December 2025. After coming here and seeing many people advise against appealing after submission, I honestly felt a bit discouraged and sad. So I wanted to ask if anyone here has submitted an appeal this year using this new process. If you have, please let me know how long you’ve been waiting so far and how the process has been for you. Also, I’ve seen people mention a Police Character Certificate. Is it compulsory or necessary for reapplication? I’m trying to plan properly in case I decide to reapply. I’d really appreciate any recent experiences or advice. Thank you.