Upcoming Intakes in Ireland for Indian Students 2025 - 2026: Timeline, Universities, Courses & Requirements

Are you an aspiring Indian student planning to study in Ireland but not sure which intake to choose? There are two major intakes in Ireland: Spring (January) intake and Autumn (September) intake. Among these intakes, Autumn is the most chosen intake by Indian students followed by spring intakes. 

Did you know? According to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) of Ireland, nearly 7,070 Indian students were enrolled in various programs in Irish universities in the academic year 2023 / 2024.

Ireland, also known as Emerald Isle is the most popular study abroad destination for Indian students. Ireland is known for its world-class education, welcoming environment, networking opportunities, and popular universities. Ireland universities are renowned for meeting the diverse academic needs of students through their two main intakes.

In this article, you will find a comprehensive guide on the timeline, universities, pros, and cons of each intake, along with eligibility criteria, scholarships, and part-time job opportunities. By the end of the article, you can decide on which intake you can opt for.

Table of Contents

• What are the Intakes in Ireland 2025-2026?
• Timeline for Ireland Admission Intakes 2025-2026
• Autumn/ September Intake in Ireland 2025: Primary Intake
• September/Autumn Intake Timeline 2025
• Top-Ranked Universities for September Intake in Ireland 2025
• What are the Pros & Cons for September Intake in Ireland?
• Spring/January Intake in Ireland 2026: Secondary Intake
• January/Spring Intake Timeline 2026
• Top-Ranked Universities for Spring/January Intake in Ireland 2026
• What are the Pros & Cons for Spring/January Intake in Ireland?
• Eligibility Requirements to Study in Ireland
• Popular Scholarships to Study in Ireland Universities
• How do International Students Manage Tuition Fees and Living Costs During Semesters?
• Which Intake is Right for You?
• Other Popular Country Intakes
• Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Intakes in Ireland 2025-2026?

Ireland universities and colleges generally offer two main intakes for international students: September intake (Autumn), January intake (Spring or winter).

1. September intake (Autumn) - This is the primary intake in which universities offer a wide range of courses. It starts in late January or early February and ends in July.

2. January intake (Spring or winter) - This is the secondary intake in which universities offer comparatively less programs than September intake. It starts in late July or early August and ends in October.

Apart from the above 2 intakes, few universities in Ireland offer rolling intakes. This means you can apply to universities throughout the year. The students can apply and start their studies at any time. Rolling intakes are for short-term courses or part-time study options.

An overview of the timeline for each intake is given below.

Timeline for Ireland Admission Intakes 2025-2026

According to the Central Application Office Ireland, prospective students are advised to begin preparing their applications 12 to 18 months before their preferred intake. 

The table shows the optimum duration and deadline to apply for each Ireland admission intake.

Timeline for Ireland Intakes (2025 - 2026)
Ireland Intakes	Program Duration (Varies) & Semester Break	Application Deadlines
September Intake	Late August or early September 2025 – December 2025 Winter Break: Around December 2025 – Jan 2026	December 2024 – February 2025
January Intake	January 2026 – May 2026 Summer Holidays: Around March 2026 – April 2026	December 2024 – February 2025

Autumn/ September Intake in Ireland 2025: Primary Intake

The September intake in Ireland is the most preferred admission period among Indian students. Many students prefer the autumn semester because universities and colleges in Ireland offer more application slots for a wide range of programs compared to the spring intake.

The fall intake is the best intake in Ireland to study undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, doctoral, and co-op programs. This academic session offers scholarships, research, and internship opportunities, aligns well with the hiring season and job market, and also allows ample time to adapt to the academic and social environment.

The autumn intake period usually begins in September and coincides with the start of the academic year, which aligns with the global academic calendar. The application deadline for the September intake in Ireland 2025 typically spans from December 2024 to March 2025.

September/Autumn Intake Timeline 2025

Here’s the timeline for the students planning to study in Ireland, September intake.

1. January – February 2025

Research and Shortlist Universities: Begin researching how Ireland suits best for the September intake a year in advance. Shortlist universities and programs (9–8 months ahead) based on QS World University Rankings. Download brochures/viewbooks for 2025 to review program requirements and application checklists.

2. February – March 2025

Prepare for Applications: Start the application prep 7–6 months before intake. Take required exams (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, GRE/GMAT) with buffer time for retakes. Gather academic transcripts (grades 10, 11, 12), SOP, LORs, resume, and application essays.

3. April – May 2025

Submit Applications: Begin submitting applications before deadlines. Upload documents or supplemental applications on the university application portal, pay application fees, and complete any required personal or video interviews.

4. May – June 2025

Track Decisions and Apply for Visa: Monitor email for admission updates. Expect admission decisions within 2 weeks of applying. After acceptance, apply for government, non-government, or university scholarships, financial aid, loans, and Ireland student visa.

5. June – July 2025

Make Necessary Arrangements: Pay tuition fees or non-refundable deposits via Forex cards, Master/Visa credit or debit cards payment modes. Book flights, arrange housing, and do the residential application for on-campus accommodation. Prepare essentials: SIM card, international debit/credit card.

6. August – September 2025

Start Your Semester: Arrive in Ireland, attend orientation programs, explore the culture, and start your first semester of the September intake at your dream university!

Top-Ranked Universities for September Intake in Ireland 2025

Here is the list of top universities in Ireland along with the popular programs, tuition, and application fees.

Top Ranked Universities to Apply for September Intake in Ireland
Universities	QS ranking 2025	Popular Programs	Tuition fee & Application Fee	On Campus Accommodation
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)	87	Law, English, History, Pharmacy, Performing Arts, Business, Computer Science, Nursing	Tuition fee €18,000 – €52,000 (INR 17,39,016 - 50,23,824) Application Fee €55 – €60 (INR 5313 – 5796)	Yes
University College Dublin (UCD)	126	Business (Smurfit School), Engineering, Law, Medicine, Agriculture, Computer Science	Tuition fee €19,000 – €56,000 (INR 1835628 – 54,10,272) Application Fee €50 – €60 (INR 5313 – 5796)	Yes
University of Galway	=273	Medicine, Engineering (esp. Biomedical), Law, Arts, Marine Science, Data Analytics	Tuition fee €13,000 – €47,500 (INR 12,55,956 – 45,89,071)  Application Fee €35 – €50 (INR 3381 – 4830)	Yes
University College Cork (UCC)	=273	Food Science, Nursing, Pharmacy, Law, Business, Computer Science, Medicine	Tuition fee €12,000 – €47,500 (INR 11,59,344 – 45,89,070) Application Fee €50 (INR 4830)	Yes
Dublin City University (DCU)	=421	Business, Engineering, Computing, Communications, Education, Data Science, AI	Tuition fee €13,000 – €24,000 (INR  12,55,956 – 23,18,688) Application Fee €50 (INR 4830)	Yes

What are the Pros & Cons for September Intake in Ireland?

The September intake in Ireland offers a wide range of programs and universities with a high acceptance rate. However, it also has challenges like higher competition and tight deadlines. 

Check the following pros and cons below:

Pros:

• Wider Program Choice: Most universities and colleges offer a range of UG, PG, diploma, PhD and co-op programs during the September intake.
• Higher Acceptance Rates: Universities in Ireland have higher acceptance rates for the September intake compared to January intake, giving students a better chance of admission.
• Winter Break: Students enjoy a longer winter break between semesters, allowing for rest, travel, or exploring internship or job opportunities.
• Comfortable Weather: Starting in the Autumn season means arriving in mild and pleasant weather before the harsh winter sets in.
• Timely Graduation: Starting with the main intake ensures students can graduate on time without delays.

Cons:

• High Competition: Higher demand leads to more competition for preferred programs and admission, especially for top-ranking universities.
• Limited Availability: Some programs and courses may have limited spots due to high demand.
• Crowded Campus: Campuses may get overcrowded, resulting in busier classrooms, libraries, and other facilities.
• Strict Deadline: The rigorous deadlines and increased workload for preparing applications (essays, recommendations, standardized tests) can be challenging for some students.
• Higher Costs: Finding suitable on-campus or nearby housing can become difficult, often resulting in higher costs or less ideal options.

Spring/January Intake in Ireland 2026: Secondary Intake

January intake in Ireland also known as the spring intake is the secondary admission period. January/Feb intake opens up more post graduate courses and fewer undergraduate programs for international students, typically fewer than the primary September intake. 

The spring semester is popular as it presents unique advantages for Indian students like more time to prepare for studying abroad and apply to the universities in the less contested period.

The Jan/Feb intake in Ireland starts by early January 2026 and ends in late May 2026. The deadline to apply for the January intake universities typically starts in May 2025 and ends before August 2025 . 

This January intake is ideal for students who want more time to make financial arrangements, to get more scores in competitive exams like IELTS and to avoid a gap year. If you miss fall intake, you can always catch up with the spring intake. 

Below we have discussed the timeline, popular universities, Jan Intake advantages and its disadvantages.

January/Spring Intake Timeline 2026

To apply for any intake it is ideal to start the process a year before or atleast before 8 months.The timeline given below delineates the time-critical steps necessary for spring university applications.

1. May – June 2025
Research Programs Early (8 Months Before): Shortlist the programs and universities based on your academic preferences. Note down the eligibility criteria and admissions requirements for each university.

2. July – September 2025
Prepare Tests & Documents (6-7 Months Before): After shortlisting the university, you should prepare for the standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT or GMAT. You should also start collecting documents like Academic Transcripts, LOR and SOP. Start applying to the filtered universities.

3. September – October 2025
Complete Application Submission (4-5 Months Before): Submit the application along with the documents before the stipulated deadline. The earlier the submission, the more the chances of getting into your dream university. Keep checking your application status and respond to queries.

4. October – November 2025
Accept Offer & Visa (3-4 Months Before): Once your admission is granted, respond to your acceptance to the university before the stipulated deadline. Pay the deposit amount and confirm the seat in your dream university. By that time, apply for a visa and attend the visa interview.

5. November – December 2025
Pre-Departure Preparations (2-3 Months Before): Once you have the visa approval, book flight tickets. Make a pre-departure checklist and start gathering the necessary things. Try to connect with the students and alumni of the university and join the community.

6. December 2025 - January 2026
Arrive and Begin Your Journey (1-2 Months Before): Arrive in Ireland and get accustomed with the climate and students. Start your student journey!!

Top-Ranked Universities for Spring/January Intake in Ireland 2026

Below we have listed the popular universities in Ireland that offer January intake along with the popular programs, Tuition fee and Accommodation details.

Top Ranked Universities to apply for January Intake in Ireland
Universities	QS ranking 2026	Popular PG Programs	Tuition fee & Application Fee	On Campus Accommodation
University of Limerick (UL)	421	Engineering, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Business, Law	Tuition Fee: €7,000 – €24,000 (INR 6,76,284 – 23,18,688) Application Fee: €40 (INR 3864)	Yes
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)	851-900	Computing, Engineering, Business, Hospitality, Digital Media, Sciences	Tuition Fee: €12,000 – €20,000 (INR 11,59,344 – 19,32,240) Application Fee: €50 (INR 4830)	Limited
University College Cork (UCC)	=273	Data Science & Analytics, Business, Computing Science, Food Science	Tuition Fee: €13,000 – €25,000 (INR 12,55,956 – 24,15,300)       Application Fee:  €50 (INR 4830)	Yes
Dublin City University (DCU)	=421	Computing (AI, Data), Business, Engineering, Communications, Humanities	Tuition Fee: €14,000 – €24,000 (INR 13,52,568 – 23,18,688)     Application Fee: €50  (INR 4830)	Yes
University of Galway	=273	Business Analytics, AI, Software, MedTech, Law, Public Policy	Tuition Fee: €13,500 – €27,000 (INR 13,04,262 – 26,08,524) Application Fee: €35 – €50  (INR 3381 – 4830)	Yes

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Ireland

What are the Pros & Cons for Spring/January Intake in Ireland?

Like two sides of a coin, January intake presents both opportunities and challenges. It is important to consider both the strengths and potential challenges associated with the January intake. Let's see them in detail. 

Pros:

• Ample Time to strengthen your application: The Jan intake provides you with ample time to prepare for standardized/English Proficiency tests, compared to September intake. 
• Learn from experience: Starting in January intake allows you to learn from the experiences of the preceding Fall intake students.
• Higher Acceptance Rate: The Spring Intake receives fewer applicants compared to the September intake, often resulting in less competition and higher acceptance rates.
• More Departmental Attention: With a smaller cohort, January intake students receive more focused attention from faculty and staff.
• Smaller Class Size: Smaller class sizes in the January intake can lead to more personalized learning experiences.
• Seamless Transition: Students starting in January intake experience a smoother academic transition, helping to avoid study gaps.

Cons:

• Program Choices are Limited: Program availability can be limited for the January intake, where universities offer the majority of PG programs and very few undergraduate programs..
• Fewer Internship Opportunities: Fewer internship and job opportunities may be available as they often align with the primary Fall schedule.
• Navigating the Weather Conditions: As an Indian student, starting in January requires you to adapt to the challenging winter weather in the USA.
• Smaller Network Opportunities:  A smaller January cohort offers fewer initial networking opportunities compared to the larger Fall intake.
• Shifted Academic Calendar:  Starting in January poses a potentially different academic calendar or course structure.
• Accelerated Study Paths:  January intake students might need accelerated study paths, like summer classes, to graduate alongside Fall peers.

Eligibility Requirements to Study in Ireland

Here are the eligibility requirements to study in Ireland based on academic qualification, English language proficiency (ELP) requirements and other requirements.

1. Academic Requirements

Secondary School/Diploma/Bachelor Certificates: You should submit the high school, diploma or bachelor scorecard. Ensure your scores meet the benchmarks set by the international admission specialists of the Ireland universities or by the World Education Services (WES).

Subject Prerequisites: You are expected to complete five academic subjects that align with your chosen course. For eg: if you choose STEM programs, it requires advanced mathematics, physics and Chemistry.

GPA: The Admission Committee requires a grade point averaging between {2.5 - 3 out of 4} or equivalent percentage of marks. Make sure you convert your scores to the standard GPA format expected by the universities.

Standardized Test Scores: You are required to submit the {marks/scores} of standardized tests like ACT/SAT/GRE/GMAT. Refer to universities for the specific tests to be taken.

Work Experience Certificate: Applicants should provide relevant work experience certificates for Postgraduate programs like MBA and few other professional degrees.

Doctoral Admission Requirements: A minimum of 75% or equivalent GPA in your previous degree is required. You are also expected to submit the relevant work experience certificate and other research papers.

2. Language Proficiency Requirements

IELTS Academic: The minimum IELTS band requirement to study UG in Ireland is 6.0 to 6.5 and PG is 6.5 to 7.0.

PTE Academic: The minimum PTE  score requirement for undergraduate programs are 59 to 63 and for postgraduate programs are 63 to 65.

TOEFL iBT: The minimum TOEFL iBT scores for Bachelor programs are 92 and for Master programs are 100.

Duolingo: The Duolingo Test score required for Ireland university admissions are at least 100 in each section.

3. Other Documents Required

• Bank Statement
• Education Loan approval document.
• Scholarship grant letters.
• Valid Passport 
• Medical certificates
• Insurance certificates
• Study Visa
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Motivation
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR) 
• Academic transcripts in English. If in another language, provide the certified English translations of the transcripts.
• Resume/CV (for postgraduate courses)
• Portfolios for arts and design courses
• Application fee receipt
• Conduct certificate
• Qualify Criminal Record Review Act (CRRA)
• Proof of Citizenship
• Certificates for extra-curricular activities
• Passport size photographs

Popular Scholarships to Study in Ireland Universities

Following are the popular scholarships in Ireland available for international students, planning to pursue their studies in the upcoming intakes. 

September intake scholarships:

1. Scholarship Name: Government of Ireland - International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
Eligible Amount: Full tuition fee waiver + €10,000 stipend for one year
Application Deadline: Early March 2026 for SEP 2026.
Who can Avail: Any Non-EU student who holds a good academic record applied for a full-time masters program at the Irish universities.

2. Scholarship Name: UCD Global Excellence Scholarship (University College Dublin)
Eligible Amount: 50% or 100% tuition fee reduction.
Application Deadline: Often late February, check websites for specific deadlines.
Who can Avail: Non-EU students who hold a good academic record. You need to apply separately for scholarships after receiving the offer letter.

3. Scholarship Name: Trinity Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship (Trinity College Dublin)
Eligible Amount: €2,000 - €5,000 applied as a reduction towards tuition fees for one year.
Application Deadline: Batches closing on March 1, May 1, June 15 for Sept 2025.
Who can Avail: Non-EU international students holding a conditional or firm offer for a full-time postgraduate taught program. 

4. Scholarship Name: DCU Merit Scholarship (Dublin City University)
Eligible Amount: Typically €2,000 applied as a reduction towards first-year tuition fees. 
Application Deadline: No separate deadline; students are automatically considered upon receiving an offer for an eligible program. Offers are typically made for the September intake.
Who can Avail: High-achieving non-EU international students holding an offer for an eligible full-time UG or PG program at DCU.

January intake Scholarships:

1. Scholarship Name: Irish Research Council (IRC) Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
Eligible Amount: Annual package up to approx. €31,000..
Application Deadline: Typically mid-October
Who can Avail: Any EU or non-EU student who has excellent academic records and planning to undertake full-time master’s or doctoral degrees.

2. Scholarship Name: National College of Ireland (NCI) Merit Scholarship
Eligible Amount: Partial tuition fee reduction (e.g., €5,000 for 75%+ GPA, €3,000 for 60-74.99% GPA).
Application Deadline: No separate deadline; awarded automatically based on academic results as part of the course offer.
Who can Avail: Non-EU international students holding an offer for an eligible full-time UG or PG program at NCI.

How do International Students Manage Tuition Fees and Living Costs During Semesters?

International students can manage their tuition fees and living costs by taking up part-time jobs and paid internships, other than scholarships. According to Ireland immigration, the Ireland ‘D’ student visa allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during semester breaks/drops. You can earn up to €10 - €24 from the below mentioned jobs.

• Sales Assistant
• Tutor
• Library Assistant
• waiters/waitress at cafes, restaurants and bars
• Driver
• Babysitting
• Administrative Assistant

Also Read: Cost of Living in Ireland

Which Intake is Right for You?

Choosing the right intakes in Ireland depends upon factors like academic goals, the course of your choice, acceptance rate, personal preferences and many more.

Here we have provided a few recommendations for intakes based on the questions you might have.

Find Your Ideal Intake in Ireland
Your Academic Needs	Recommended Intake	Why?
I want a large number of program options to choose from. Which Intake can I choose?	Primarily September intake	September intake in Ireland offers the highest number of programs as it's the primary intake.
I need more scholarships and funding options, which intake can I opt for?	Consider September intake	Since September is the main admission cycle, the funding pool is significantly larger compared to spring intake.
What if my academic transcripts get delayed?	Check January intake	Spring is the next popular intake that allows you to avoid a gap year. So If you've missed the Autumn intake due to transcript delay, you can catch up with spring intake.
I'm looking for PG courses, which intake can I choose.	Choose  January intake	Universities typically offer PG courses during the January intake.
What if I still haven't decided my exact major?	Consider September	September intake has a wide range of majors to choose from. Hence, it is the ideal choice for you to explore and select the program best suited to your interests.
Which intake is suitable for university exchange programs?	September or January	Both September and January are suitable for exchange programs. However, September is best suited for full academic year exchanges, while spring is suited for PG course exchanges.
Which intake is best if I have a low GPA?	Choose January Intake	Try applying to the January intake as it gives you more preparation time to strengthen other factors such as test scores, SOPs, LORs, and work experience. Also Spring has a relatively lower competition, giving you a better chance for admission.
I'm an Indian student, can I survive the harsh weather in Ireland?	Try Autumn Intake	As Indian students are used to hot and warmer weather conditions, they may find the spring extremely cold. Hence, fall or summer would be a better choice.
As a freshman, which Ireland intake is the ideal choice for me?	September Intake	September is the ideal intake for a freshman, as it offers a plethora of programs in an array of fields.
Which intake has a buzzing campus life and more opportunities to socialise?	Autumn or Spring Intake	Autumn and Spring, both the intakes have the maximum number of applicants among the three. Hence, you have more opportunities to socialise and make new friends.
I want to work part-time immediately after my arrival. Which intake is the best option?	Primarily September Intake	September is the main intake with ample part-time job opportunities for international students.
I am a physically challenged person willing to study in Ireland. I am worried about my accommodation. Which intake can I choose?	Consider September Intake	September intake is generally the most advantageous intake for the physically challenged persons. As, this is the time where the disability service office or the accessibility service will be open. You can contact them and explain your disability and the support you need in terms of accommodation and campus accessibility.

Other Popular Country Intakes

Intakes in Canada
Intakes in USA
Intakes in UK
Intakes in Australia
Intakes in New Zealand
Intakes in Germany

If you need expert guidance on deciding the suitable intake to study in Ireland, you can contact our study abroad counsellors. They will clear all your doubts and guide you through the entire process from choosing the right university till you land in your dream country!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many intakes does Ireland have?

Ireland has Bi semester systems which are: Autumn/September Intake and Spring/January Intake. Apart from this few Ireland universities provide rolling intakes throughout the year.

2. When should I apply for the intake in Ireland?

Students can start the application process for any Ireland intakes 8-12 months before the intake period. The earlier you start the process, higher the chances of getting admitted into the university.

3. How long does it take to get a student visa for Ireland ?

It usually takes 2/3 months to submit the documents, clear the visa interview and get the Ireland visa.

4. Can international students work in Ireland while studying?

Yes, International students are allowed to work 20 hrs/per week during the course and 40 hrs/week during holidays in Ireland.

5. How much of a study gap is acceptable to study in Ireland ?

Usually one year of study gap is accepted for UG programs and 2 years is accepted for PG courses. A proper justification for the study gap is also expected along with the application.

6. What are the things I should pack to study in Ireland?

The things that you should pack are:

• Clothes
• Thermal wears
• Boots
• Sweaters
• Umbrella
• Passport / Visa
• Toiletaries & Personal Care
• Medicines
• National Identity Proof
• Electronics (Phone/Charger/Laptop/Ear phones/Power bank)
• Books
• Cash and credit cards.

7. What should I do if the university has deferred my intake?

If the university has deferred your admission, it means you still have a chance to get admitted to the university for the next intake. You need to wait, follow up with the university and strengthen your profile in the meantime.

8. What is the procedure to open a bank account after arriving in Ireland?

To open a bank account upon your arrival in Ireland, you need to follow the below steps.

• You need to choose a bank and the account type.
• Gather the necessary documents like proof of identity, proof of address.
• Visit the branch, fill out the application form.
• Submit the form along with the necessary documents and deposit the amount.

9. Can I carry an Indian sim card to study in Ireland?

Yes, you can carry your Indian sim card to Ireland. However you need to enable international roaming with your network provider. Alternatively you can also opt for SIMs from local network providers like Three, Vodafone, eir and Lycamobile.

10. Which is the best province to study in Ireland in terms of low expenses?

The following are the best provinces which offer a good balance of quality education and lower expenses.

• Limerick
• Cork
• Galway
• Waterford

11. Which is the best intake to study masters in Ireland?

Fall intake or the September intake is the best intake to study masters in Ireland. This is due to the fact that it offers a wide range of comprehensive courses across many universities.

12. What is the Ireland grading system?

Ireland uses different grading systems at different academic levels. For the school leaving certificate, grades range from H1 (highest) to H8 (lowest). In secondary school, the grading system uses A (highest) to F (failure), with NG (No Grade) as the lowest.