Study in Ireland: Admission Application, Eligibility, Process, Timeline

Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Sep 19, 2024

Ireland is one of the top English-speaking European countries. This is why it is becoming more popular among Indian students than other European countries like Germany, Netherlands, France and others. Ireland is considered to be one of the safest, most dynamic, and forward-looking countries as well. Though studying in Ireland is a great choice for international students, the application process for universities in Ireland can be a little complicated.

You can choose to study undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and English language programs at the top universities like University of Galway, Trinity College Dublin, and University College Dublin among others. You can choose either the CAO portal (Central Applications Office) or the university portal for admission to universities in Ireland. The application fee ranges from 30 to 60 EURO. You need to have academic transcripts, English language proficiency scores, and motivation letters to apply.

Autumn and Spring are the two admission intakes in Ireland. If you are applying via CAO, the application deadline is May 1, 2025, for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. If you are applying directly to the university, apply as early as possible by January to February.

Table of Contents

Application Deadlines to Study in Ireland
Undergraduate Application Process
Postgraduate Application Process
Visa Application Process to Study in Ireland

Application Deadlines to Study in Ireland

Like the UK and USA, Ireland also has a uniform application portal named CAO (Central Applications Office). The majority of the universities follow the application process guided by CAO. However, top universities such as Trinity College Dublin and the University of Limerick have their application process and separate deadlines. These deadlines fall within January, each year. Check out the CAO application timelines below

January 20: If you apply by this date, the application fee is 30 EURO
February 1: Standard application deadline and the application fee is 45 EURO
February 3: Change course choices for a small fee of 10 EURO
March 4: Late applications open
May 1: Closing date for late applications and the application fee is 60 EURO

Undergraduate Application Process

From Humanities to Engineering, you can choose to study any of them at the undergraduate level. The average annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs can be summarized as follows

Business: 9,850-19,500 EURO
Engineering: 9,850-25,500 EURO
Science and Technology: 9,850-25,500 EURO
Arts and Humanities: 9,850-19,500 EURO
Medicine and Health Sciences: 39,500-55,000 EURO

Check out the application process mentioned below

Qualifications:
- Irish Leaving Certificate Examination,
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Equivalent qualifications from your home country. If your home country qualifications do not meet the required standards, you may need to sit for the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination.
Application Submission:
- Central Applications Office (CAO) or directly to the university or higher education institution
English Language Requirements:
- IELTS: 6.0
- PTE: 36
Check varying course-specific entry requirements
A minimum HPAT score of 730 for Medical applicants

Postgraduate Application Process

For the PG programs, apply directly to the international office in your chosen university. While some universities may ask you to apply through the Postgraduate Applications Center. The average tuition fees are as follows

Business: 9,900-34,500 EURO
Engineering: 9,900-25,000 EURO
Science and Technology: 9,900-27,000 EURO
Arts and Humanities: 9,900-19,000 EURO
Medicine and Health Sciences: 18,000-32,000 EURO

The application process to apply to postgraduate courses is mentioned below

English Language Requirements:
- IELTS score of 6.5
- PTE score of 63
Medicine Applicants:
- A minimum GAMSAT score of 55-60 for Medicine applicants
Application Process:
- Directly to the international office of your chosen university.
- Some universities require you to apply via the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC).
Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of motivation
- Proof of identity and residence
- Updated CV
Decision Timeline:
- Universities take up to 4–6 weeks to offer an admission decision
Application Deadlines:
- Set for January or February.
- No late application.

Visa Application Process to Study in Ireland

Ireland has a visa success rate of around 96% among the other European countries. It ensures Ireland visa is easy to get if you submit your documents correctly. Check the application process and documents required to get an Ireland study visa

Online Application: Begin your visa application online through the AVATS website.
Evidence of Fee Payment: Provide tuition fee payment proof. Universities accept online payments via TransferMate, EFT bank transfer, or university-specific payment portals
Evidence of Finances: You need to show that you can cover living expenses ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 EURO per year. Costs are comparatively lower outside of Dublin. Plan accordingly.

Education Bond Option:
- You can opt for an education bond with a minimum value of 7,000 EURO to meet the evidence of finances. This bond must be lodged with an approved student fee payment service.

Organizations like the Government of Ireland, and the Irish higher education institutions offer a wide range of scholarships to international students. The organizations have their own set of eligibility criteria for the scholarships. The scholarship amount for high-achieving students varies from 1,000 EURO up to 50% tuition fee waivers. To be informed, check with your chosen university before applying.