September Intake in Ireland for International Students

Ireland has emerged as a new hotspot for international students because of its top-notch universities, post-study work opportunities, and immigrant-friendly laws. Like all top study-abroad destinations, the country offers two primary intakes- September and January. The September Intake in Ireland is the most popular and student-friendly intake where universities offer all popular programs, student exchange facilities, and internship opportunities. If you want to study in the world’s emerald isle then here’s everything you need to know about Ireland’s busiest intake!

The September Intake period, typically beginning in late September or early October, draws a significant influx of students from around the world, particularly from regions like India, seeking to pursue a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is the most popular intake period, because most universities and courses are available at this time. This time of year offers the widest selection of courses, and also the best time to engage in campus activities.

Intakes Available in Ireland

There are two primary intakes in Ireland: September and January. The admission process for both begins months in advance and for the September Intake in Ireland, students are required to start the application process by February as most deadlines are set for July. An intake is also known as a semester at some universities.

Autumn Intake/Semester 1	Spring Intake/Semester 2
Begins – September.	Begins – January or February.
Application Deadline – June/July	Application Deadline – September / October
The majority of Irish universities start with their courses in autumn intake.	Fewer courses as compared to the autumn intake.

Find out the Cost of Studying in Ireland

September Intake in Ireland for 2025

The September intake in Ireland marks the commencement of the academic year, typically starting in late September or early October. This semester extends until December, concluding with examinations.

At the start of the academic year, students have various accommodation choices, including on-campus housing, private rentals, and student residences. However, due to high demand, it’s advisable to secure accommodation well in advance. For instance, University College Cork manages applications through a lottery system, which runs from March to April each year. Similarly, Dublin City University offers on-campus housing across its campuses, with applications opening for incoming first-year students. Additionally, Trinity College Dublin provides various accommodation options, with contracts typically starting in early September.

While the primary intake is in September, some universities offer additional intakes. For example, the winter intake usually begins in January, providing an alternative for students who may have missed the autumn intake. However, the September intake remains the most popular and aligns with the start of the academic year.

Beginning studies in September allows international students to fully immerse themselves in Ireland’s vibrant student life. Universities host various freshers’ events, and numerous clubs and societies actively welcome newcomers, providing ample opportunities for social engagement and cultural integration.

Must Read: Ireland vs New Zealand: Ultimate Country Showdown

Advantages of September Intake in Ireland

For Indian students considering studying in Ireland, the September intake offers several distinct advantages:

• Widest Range of Course Availability:
  • Most Ireland universities offer their full spectrum of programs during the September intake. This means Indian students have a greater selection of courses to choose from, aligning with their specific academic and career goals.
• Academic Calendar:
  • The September intake aligns with the traditional academic calendar, which is familiar to many Indian students. This facilitates a smoother transition to higher education in Ireland.
• Increased Scholarship Opportunities:
  • A larger number of scholarships, both merit-based and need-based, are typically available for the September intake. This increases the chances for Indian students to secure financial aid.
• Enhanced Post-Study Work Opportunities:
  • Starting in September allows students to align their studies with potential internship and post-study work opportunities, maximizing their chances of gaining valuable work experience.
• Cultural Immersion:
  • Starting in the fall allows students to experience the full academic year, and also many of the cultural events that happen through the year.
• Better Accommodation Options:
  • Because the September intake is the largest intake of the year, there are generally more options for student housing, both on and off campus.

Admission Process for September Intake in Ireland

Here is the admission process for September Intake for 2025:

#1 Select Courses and Universities

• The selection of courses and universities is the first step in the process of studying in Ireland for September Intake. The majority of courses at Irish universities are offered in the fall semester. Choose the ones that pique your curiosity. Courses should be connected with your studies and employment goals. 

• Carefully review the specific entry requirements for each program, including academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and any additional requirements.

#2 Take The Exams Between February and March 2025

• The next stage is to meet the requirements for studying in Ireland. IELTS and TOEFL are required if you want to study at an English-speaking Irish university. To be eligible, you must achieve certain minimum marks.

• GRE and GMAT are two more academic assessments that applicants to Irish universities must take. All of the tests require preparation time, as well as time to book exams and wait for results. If the results aren’t what you expected, you may have to retake the exam. Keep in mind all of the time you spend studying for the examinations.

#3 Start the Application Process in April -May 2025.

• If you’ve compiled a list of Irish universities to which you’d like to apply and have met the exam requirements, the next step is to apply.

• Supporting documents such as SOPs and LORs are required in addition to the online application. SOPs are intended to show selectors at Irish universities how you are the ideal candidate for the university to which you are applying.

• Request letters of recommendation from your superiors and teachers. The paperwork procedure should begin a month before the application deadline. Once you’ve got everything in order, submit your application before the deadlines.

#4 Give Interviews and accept Acceptance Letters during May-June 2025

• The Irish universities to which you have applied will notify you if there is any progress on your application. If you are interested in taking the course that is being offered, you must respond.

• Do not wait until the deadlines to respond; instead, confirm your allotment as soon as possible. There may also be non-refundable confirmation fees and, in certain situations, video interviews.

#5 Apply for a Study Visa/Education Loan In Ireland during June 2025 – July 2025

• Now is the time to apply for a student visa in Ireland if you have gotten an admission letter from one of the universities in Ireland. Keep in mind that obtaining a Visa might take time, so apply for one at least three months before your departure date.

• You must show proof of financial resources to support yourself while studying in Ireland as part of the visa application procedure. If you want to get an education loan, you should do it before you apply for a visa. Scholarships for study abroad are another option for funding your expenditures.

#6 Get Ready to Fly to Your Dream University in July – August 2025

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

• Make a pre-departure checklist before travelling to ensure you don’t forget anything crucial. For yourself, you’ll need an overseas debit or credit card.

Must Read: Scholarships in Ireland for International Students

Application Process of Irish Universities

Before you begin the application process for universities in Ireland, you must first determine:

• Whether you are an EU or non-EU applicant.
• What level of education you want to pursue, i.e. undergraduate or postgraduate;
• Which form of higher education institution, such as a university, an institute of technology, or a private independent college you want to attend;
• Which course do you wish to enroll in?

Must Read: MBA in Ireland for International Students

Ireland’s Undergraduate Admissions Process for September Intake

For Indian students targeting the September undergraduate intake in Ireland, the process involves thorough university and course research, careful attention to specific entry requirements, submitting applications through the CAO (or directly to private colleges), ensuring timely submission of required documents like academic transcripts and English proficiency scores, securing a student visa after receiving an offer, and organizing pre-departure logistics like accommodation and travel, all while emphasizing early application and meticulous financial planning.

Ireland’s Postgraduate Admissions Process for September Intake

Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in Ireland for the September intake should begin by researching universities and programs, meticulously checking specific entry requirements, submitting online applications directly to their chosen institutions with all required documents (transcripts, SOP, LORs, English proficiency scores), paying close attention to deadlines, securing an offer and subsequently applying for an Irish student visa, and finally, organizing pre-departure arrangements like accommodation and travel, with a strong emphasis on early application and thorough financial planning.

Also Read: How to Apply for MS in Ireland?

Documents Required

Proper documentation is an important component of the admissions process, so students should make sure their documents are in order well ahead of time to minimize last-minute headaches. The following information may help you understand the types of documentation required for admission to Ireland:

• Scanned copy of the passport
• Accurate academic transcripts including High school leaving certificate (for UG course)
• Proof of holding a Bachelor’s degree or similar (for PG course)
• Any other certificates showing academic merit
• English language proficiency test result
• Other aptitude test scores, if required
• Statement of Purpose for Irish Universities
• Financial statements, which may include
• Bank balance statement
• Proof of loan sanction
• Income Tax return papers
• Resume
• Letter of Recommendation
• Passport-size photographs

Deadlines for University Applications for September Intake in Ireland

The following table lists the application deadlines for Ireland’s leading universities:

University	Application Deadline
Trinity College Dublin	15 November (UG), 30 June (PG)
University College Dublin	15 July (UG), Differ as per the program (PG)
National University of Ireland, Galway	July/September; based on the program
University College Cork	1 July
Dublin City University	1 July (UG), Varies for (PG)

Language Requirements in Ireland

Because English is the medium of instruction in most Irish colleges, you must take one of the authorized English Language Proficiency Tests. You must meet the following deadlines:

English Test	Minimum Required Score
IELTS	6.0
TOEFL iBT	90
PTE	36 (UG) , 63 (PG)
Cambridge ESOL	C1 or C2

Also Read: How to Get a Work Permit in Ireland?

Top Universities for September Intake in Ireland

University in Ireland	QS World University Ranking 2025
University of Galway	273rd
Trinity College Dublin	87th
University College Dublin	126
Technological University Dublin	851-900
Dublin City University	=421
University College Cork	#273
Dublin Business School	–
Griffith College	–
Maynooth University	801-850
University of Limerick	421
Letterkenny Institute of Technology	–

September Intake Courses in Ireland

Students favour the fall semester over other intakes because of the variety of course alternatives offered.

There are various courses available if you are interested in business, the arts, science, or technology. If you want to start your scholastic adventure right away, September entry courses in Ireland are the way to go!

Here is a list of some of the best courses available in Ireland for the September intake:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Cybersecurity
• MBA
• International Business Management
• Criminology
• Data Science/Analytics
• Business Analytics
• Finance
• Fintech
• Accounting
• Artificial Intelligence
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Food Science
• Digital Marketing
• Physiotherapy & Psychology
• Sports Science
• Public Health

Benefits of Choosing the September Intake

Choosing the September intake in Ireland has some important advantages!

1. Additional course options: You have a lot of curriculum alternatives because many colleges start classes in September. It’s a perfect time to get started on your studies and exciting stuff because it coincides with the start of the school year.

2. Weather is nice: September in Ireland provides pleasant weather, offering a warm atmosphere in which to begin your studies.

3. Opportunities for internships and placement: Many students prefer the September intake since it provides more opportunities for internships and placements near the end of the semester.

4. Advantage in the marketplace: The September intake in Ireland might be quite competitive, but trust us when we say it’s well worth it!

FAQs

Related Reads

January Intake in Ireland for International Students	How Much Study Gap is Acceptable in Ireland?
Intakes in Ireland for International Students	Public Universities in Ireland for International Students
What are the Requirements to Study in Ireland?	Universities in Ireland: Rankings, Eligibility, Fees

The September Intake in Ireland is usually the busiest affair at top Irish universities. If you are planning to study in Ireland but have missed the fall deadline then fret not! Sign up for a free session with our Leverage Edu expert and learn how you can study in Ireland in January 2026! Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.