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Upcoming intakes in Ireland

Start months, application windows and deadlines for 2027, and a month-by-month plan to apply on time.

For Indian students · Updated 23 Oct 2026

Main intake

September

Other intakes

January

Next intake

January 2027

Start applying

8–12 months ahead

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 intake

    Also 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 courses

    Also 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 soon

    Classes 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 open

    Classes 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 ahead

    Late 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

  1. October to November 2026

    Shortlist courses and universities and book your English test.

  2. November 2026 to February 2027

    Apply online to each university with your transcripts, statement of purpose and references.

  3. January to March 2027

    Apply for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship and university awards once the calls open.

  4. March to May 2027

    Accept an offer and pay the deposit; arrange an education loan if needed.

  5. May to June 2027

    Pay at least €6,000 of tuition (or the full fee if lower) and buy private medical insurance.

  6. 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.

  7. August to September 2027

    Travel, register for your IRP card (Stamp 2) and start classes.

How to choose the right intake

  1. 01

    Course availability

    Check whether your course runs in January before planning for it; most do not.

  2. 02

    Scholarship timing

    The Government of Ireland scholarship and most university awards are for September starts.

  3. 03

    Visa processing

    Allow 4–8 weeks for a first decision from New Delhi. Applying in May or June avoids the summer rush.

  4. 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

Application deadlines at universities in Ireland
UniversityIntakeDeadlineOfficial page
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (all Irish universities)September 2027The 2026 call closed on 12 March 2026; the next call is expected early in 2027Check date
Trinity College DublinSeptember 2027 (master's)Each course has its own deadline; check the course pageCheck date
University College Dublin (Global Excellence Scholarship)September 2027Separate scholarship application after you hold an offer; check the scholarship pageCheck date
Dublin City University (international merit scholarships)September 2027Assessed with your application; check the scholarship pageCheck date
University of Galway (offer holders)September 2027Immigration steps for offer holders listed on the Global Galway pageCheck 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

Talk to our counsellor

Tell us your course and preferred start date, and we'll plan your Ireland application backwards from the right deadline.

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