Intakes in Ireland

Ireland has become a new attraction for international students because of its elite universities, post-study career prospects, and immigrant-friendly regulations. The country like all top study abroad destinations has two main intakes: September and January. Many Indian students are puzzled by this question because they are not used to several intakes for a course or university. However, in order to make an informed decision, let’s look at the specifics of these intakes in Ireland and the elements that should influence your choices.

Why Study in Ireland? 

• Education system is unparalleled: Ireland’s commitment to excellence is at the heart of its higher educational standards. The Irish government has made significant investments in the country’s academic infrastructure, making it a popular study destination for students from all over the world.
• Earning opportunities while studying: Some international students need to work while they study as the cost of an education abroad can be expensive. International students can apply for a green card, commonly known as a work permit, from the Irish government. 
• Security: Ireland is one of the safest study destinations in the world, ranking 19th in the Global Peace Index 2019. 
• No language barriers: English is such a widely spoken language in Ireland, it has accounted for a significant portion of the country’s literature. As a result, you can be entirely relieved of any language obstacles while studying in Ireland, and instead take advantage of the opportunity to learn Gaelic, the country’s incredibly rich and native language.
• International Business Center: Ireland has a strong commercial atmosphere, with major corporations such as IBM, Google, HP, Twitter, GSK, Genzyme, Facebook, and LinkedIn having branches in the nation.

Also Read: 10 Reasons to Study in Ireland

Ireland Intakes for International Students

1. Autumn/Fall Intake: The main intake at Irish universities in the Fall Intake. The majority of programmes are available in Autumn Intake at all Irish universities. In Ireland, the Fall semester normally begins in September.
2. Spring Intake: The Spring Intake is not available for all courses or universities. The number of Irish universities and courses available is fewer than the Fall Intake. In Ireland, spring intake begins in February. 

How to Choose a Specific Intake?

Which intake in Ireland is the best for you? How to make the correct choice? This is a common question witnessed by all the students planning to study abroad. Here are some influential factors which can help you make a better choice:

1. Your academic records
2. The program you wish to study
3. Your proficiency test scores
4. Approval of your education loan
5. The acceptance rate of the university you plan to pursue

Timeline to Study in September Intake in Ireland 2021

Step 1: Begin Now!

• The choice of courses and universities is the first step in the process of studying in Ireland for September intake. The Fall semester is when most Irish universities offer their courses. Choose the ones that intrigue your curiosity. Your course selection should be based on your educational and career objectives, as well as affordability.
• Different universities in Ireland have varying deadlines for different courses. If you have any questions, please call our Leverage Edu experts at 1800 572 000. You may look up information about courses, a study in Ireland criteria, and admission dates on the official websites of the universities.

Step 2: Fulfil the Admission Requirements: February 2021 – March 2021

• Step two is to meet the study in Ireland qualifying requirements. The IELTS and TOEFL tests are required for admission to an English-speaking Irish university. To be eligible, you must obtain certain minimum scores.
• GRE and GMAT are two more academic assessments that students must take while applying to Irish universities. In the case of unfavourable results, you may need to retake the exams. Keep in mind how much time you spent studying for your examinations.

Step 3: Start Applying to the Universities: April 2021 – May 2021

• If you’ve created a list of Irish universities to which you’d like to apply and have fulfilled the test requirements, the next step is to submit an application.
• You’ll also need supporting documents like SOPs and LORs to submit your online application. SOPs are designed to show recruiters at Irish universities how you are the ideal fit for the institution to which you are applying.

Step 4: Offer letter and Interviews: May 2021 – June 2021

• The Irish universities to which you have applied will update you if there is any progress on your application. If you are willing to take the course that is being offered, you must reply.
• Do not wait until the deadlines to answer; rather, validate your allotment as soon as possible.

Step 5: Apply for an Ireland Student Visa: June 2021 – July 2021

• Now is the time to apply for a student visa in Ireland if you have acquired an admission letter from one of Ireland’s universities. Keep in mind that the Visa application process can take a long time, so apply at least three months before your departure date.
• If you want to apply for a student loan, do it before you apply for a visa. Studying abroad for scholarships is another option for funding your expenses.

Step 6: Departure and Accommodation: June 2021 – July 2021

• Studying in Ireland is now only a few steps away. Plan your trip so that you land in Ireland a month before the start of the September semester.
• If you are living off-campus, you will be responsible for finding your own accommodation.

Also Read: Explore the Best Ireland Universities for Masters

Timeline to Study in February Intake in Ireland 2022

Step 1: Start Now!

• The first step is to narrow down the courses and universities available in Ireland. Examine the programs you’d like to take, whether for academic reasons or because you’re interested in the subject.
• When applying to Irish institutions, be sure to check out the admission requirements, university fees, and, most importantly, the admission dates. All of the information can be obtained on the universities’ official websites.

Step 2: Appear for the Exams: September 2021 – October 2021

• Some common entrance exams are the GRE and GMAT. If there are any minimum requirements, you must meet them in order to be admitted.
• Language tests are used to demonstrate your command of the English language. IELTS and TOEFL are two of the most well-known English Language Proficiency examinations available.

Step 3: Shortlist and Apply at the Irish Universities: October 2021 – November 2021

• Once you’ve narrowed down your selection of Irish universities to which you’d like to apply and have your exam results in hand, it’s time to begin the application process. The application will require supporting documents such as a SOP (Statement of Purpose) and letters of recommendation (LORs) (Letters of Recommendation).
• Apply before the deadlines if you have all of the required documentation.

Step 4: Receive Offer Letter and Prepare for Interviews: November 2021 – December 2021

• Universities in Ireland will contact you to inform you of the status of your application. You must respond affirmatively that you are interested in taking the course.
• Once you’ve made your pick, notify the university right once that you want to take the course. Some Irish universities may also conduct video interviews. 

Step 5: Apply for Study Visa/Education Loan: December 2021 – January 2022

• The application for an Ireland Study Visa should begin as soon as you receive the university’s admission letter. Look for instructions on how to apply for an international student study visa in Ireland.
• If you want to apply for an Education Loan, you should do so before beginning the visa procedure. Scholarships for study abroad are also available.

Step 6: Look for Accommodation: January 2022 – February 2022 

• You’re almost done with your preparations for Ireland! Arrive a month before to the beginning of the semester.
• If you’re looking for off-campus housing, start exploring at least a month before your programme begins.

Top Universities to Study in Ireland

Ireland is home to numerous top-ranked universities around the world, and it is known for its intellectual prowess and providing high-quality education. Here is a list of notable academic institutions for September and January intake to study in Ireland with their rankings according to QS World Rankings 2022:

University Name	Location	QS World University Rankings 2022
Trinity College Dublin	Dublin	101
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)	Dublin	–
University College Dublin	Dublin	=173
National University of Ireland Galway	Galway	=258
Maynooth University	Maynooth	751-800
University College Cork	Cork	=298
University of Limerick	Limerick	501-510
Dublin City University	Dublin	=490
Technological University of Dublin	Dublin	–

Admission Process 

The application process for studying in Ireland varies depending on the level of programme you have chosen. Academic requirements for undergraduate courses are usually determined by the university, while language requirements are generally stated as follows: 

Language Proficiency Exam	Qualifying Level
IELTS	Undergraduate Courses: An overall score of 6.0-6.5 with no less than a 6.0 score in any of the components Postgraduate Courses: An overall score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in any of the components
TOEFL (might differs per the course level)	570 (paper-based) 90 (internet-based)
Cambridge Proficiency	Undergraduate & Postgraduate Courses: Grade C
Cambridge Advanced	Undergraduate Courses: Grade APostgraduate Courses: Grade C
PTE Academic	Minimum score- 36 (Undergraduate)Minimum score- 63 (Postgraduate)

Documents Required 

• Language proficiency scores.
• Attested photocopies of the mark sheet from the previous institution.
• At least two academic reference letters from the teachers who have taught you recently.
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• A brief up-to-date resume.
• Four extra certificates of extra-curricular activities.
• Portfolio for arts & design programs your portfolio.
• Student Visa Copy

Student Visa

Three months before you plan to study in Ireland, you must apply for an Ireland Student visa. The C-visa and D-visa fees are both 60 Euro (Roughly 5 097 INR). Here’s a list of the documents you’ll need to apply for a student visa in Ireland.

• Two passport-sized colour pictures were taken recently.
• Acceptance letter from the institution where you’ve enrolled.
• A money receipt from the applicant to the college that includes a total of the tuition costs is also required. Verify that the bank statement contains all of the necessary information regarding the sender and receiver.
• As previously stated, an English language certificate such as IELTS, Cambridge FCE, or TOEFL is required.
• A valid passport is 6 months is required.
• Proof of financial capability demonstrating your ability to support yourself.
• Proof of medical insurance is required.

FAQs 

Thinking about applying for the January intake in Ireland 2022? Call us at 1800 57 2000 to connect with our Leverage Edu experts today and book your free counselling session with us today!