Intakes in Ireland at a glance
Quick read
- Ireland has one main intake in September and a smaller January intake for a limited set of master's and college programmes.
- Non-EU students apply directly to each university, not through the CAO system used by Irish school leavers.
- Most master's courses admit on a rolling basis, so popular courses in business, data and computing can fill months before their closing date.
- The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship usually opens early in the year with a March deadline, so a September start lines up best with funding.
- Allow 4–8 weeks for a first visa decision from New Delhi, after you have paid at least €6,000 of tuition (or the full fee if lower).
Irish universities follow a September-to-May academic year. Almost every bachelor's and master's programme starts in September. A handful of master's degrees, mostly in business, computing and some engineering subjects, also start in January, along with some programmes at private colleges such as Griffith College.
There is no single national deadline. Each university and each course sets its own date, and many admit students as applications arrive. Applying between October and February for a September start gives you the best choice and enough time for the visa.
Types of intakes in Ireland
September intake
Main intakeAlso called: Autumn intake
- Classes start
- Early to mid-September
- Applications open
- From about October of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Course by course; often between March and July, with popular courses closing earlier once full
- Courses available
- Almost all bachelor's and master's programmes
Good for: Most students, and anyone hoping for a Government of Ireland or university scholarship.
January intake
Limited coursesAlso called: Spring intake
- Classes start
- Late January
- Applications open
- From about May to October of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Usually October to November
- Courses available
- Selected master's in business, computing and engineering, and some private college programmes
Good for: Students who missed September and whose course has a January start.
Upcoming intakes in Ireland from 23 Oct 2026
January 2027
Closing soonClasses start late January 2027
Apply by: Now; most January courses close in October or November 2026
Only a few courses run in January, and you still need time to pay the fee and get a visa.
September 2027
Applications openClasses start early to mid-September 2027
Apply by: October 2026 to February 2027 for the best choice
The main intake. Apply early, because many master's courses fill on a rolling basis.
January 2028
Plan aheadLate January 2028
Apply by: May to October 2027
Check first that your course offers a January start.
Status is worked out from the date this page was updated. Courses can close early once they are full, so treat each date as the latest safe point, not a target.
Not sure which intake you can still make?Tell us your course and marks and our counsellor will check which Ireland intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the September 2027 intake
October to November 2026
Shortlist courses and universities and book your English test.
November 2026 to February 2027
Apply online to each university with your transcripts, statement of purpose and references.
January to March 2027
Apply for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship and university awards once the calls open.
March to May 2027
Accept an offer and pay the deposit; arrange an education loan if needed.
May to June 2027
Pay at least €6,000 of tuition (or the full fee if lower) and buy private medical insurance.
June to July 2027
Apply for the long-stay D study visa through VFS with proof of at least €10,000 a year for living costs.
August to September 2027
Travel, register for your IRP card (Stamp 2) and start classes.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
Course availability
Check whether your course runs in January before planning for it; most do not.
- 02
Scholarship timing
The Government of Ireland scholarship and most university awards are for September starts.
- 03
Visa processing
Allow 4–8 weeks for a first decision from New Delhi. Applying in May or June avoids the summer rush.
- 04
Stay Back Option
Graduates of recognised Irish programmes can apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme. Make sure your course qualifies before you choose it.
Application deadlines at universities in Ireland
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (all Irish universities) | September 2027 | The 2026 call closed on 12 March 2026; the next call is expected early in 2027 | Check date |
| Trinity College Dublin | September 2027 (master's) | Each course has its own deadline; check the course page | Check date |
| University College Dublin (Global Excellence Scholarship) | September 2027 | Separate scholarship application after you hold an offer; check the scholarship page | Check date |
| Dublin City University (international merit scholarships) | September 2027 | Assessed with your application; check the scholarship page | Check date |
| University of Galway (offer holders) | September 2027 | Immigration steps for offer holders listed on the Global Galway page | Check date |
Irish universities publish closing dates course by course, and many fill on a first-come basis. Use the official links to check the date for your course.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- Class 12 with good marks for bachelor's (many universities ask for 70–85% depending on the course).
- A recognised bachelor's degree for master's, often with a 2:1-equivalent (around 60–65%) for leading universities.
- IELTS Academic (often 6.5) or another accepted English test.
- At least €6,000 of tuition paid (or the full fee if lower) before the visa application.
- At least €10,000 for each year of study for living costs, plus private medical insurance.
Documents checklist
- Passport
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's)
- English test score report
- Statement of purpose
- Two references
- CV, if you have work experience
- Proof of tuition payment and funds
- Private medical insurance certificate
Want us to check your documents?Our counsellor will go through your file before you apply, so a missing paper doesn't cost you an intake.
Intakes in Ireland: FAQs
What is the main intake in Ireland?
September. Almost every course starts then.
Does Ireland have a January intake?
Yes, for a limited number of master's and private college programmes. Most courses do not start in January.
Do non-EU students apply through the CAO?
No. Non-EU applicants apply directly to each university, usually online.
When should I apply for September 2027?
Between October 2026 and February 2027 is ideal. Many courses accept later applications, but popular ones can fill early.
How long does the Irish study visa take?
Usually 4–8 weeks for a first decision from the Irish embassy in New Delhi. Appeals take much longer.
When does the Government of Ireland scholarship open?
Usually early in the year, with a March deadline. The 2026 call closed on 12 March 2026.
Sources
- Higher Education Authority: GOI-IES (opens in a new tab)
- Trinity College Dublin: postgraduate applications (opens in a new tab)
- UCD Global: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- DCU: international scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Ireland in India: visas for Ireland (opens in a new tab)
- Ireland in India: processing times and decisions (opens in a new tab)
- Irish Immigration: Third Level Graduate Programme (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 23 Oct 2026. Universities change dates every year, so confirm each deadline on the official page before you apply.