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Admission Intakes in Ireland

Irish universities have predetermined admission intakes with pretty straight-up guidelines for all international students. There are 2 primary admission intakes – autumn and spring intakes. The first, the autumn intake begins in September with the majority of universities taking part in it. Students can complete the application process by June or July to commence their classes. The latter, the spring intake is the secondary intake from January to February. The intake is open till September or October, or when the primary intake begins.

Particulars Autumn Intake Spring Intake
Intake Window Opening
September
January
Application deadline
June/July
September/October
Commencing of Session
September
January

Read: Study in Ireland After Completing 12th with Commerce

Autumn Intake in Ireland

As the main intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the Autumn intake has almost all universities participating. This intake accepts the largest number of applicants. Hence, students will have to be competitive in order to acquire seats in their chosen universities. At the same time, the networking opportunity in the batch will be impressively grand. International students have a wider program choice allowing them greater possibility and flexibility in course and university selection. Not only that, but most scholarship providers are also active during this intake. After a relaxing summer break in India, students can join their classes with quality time to spend in orientation, university welcoming events and exploration.

University Name Top Courses
Trinity College Dublin
Business, Computer Science, Law
University College Dublin
Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences
University of Galway
Marine Science, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Computing & Information Technology
University College Cork
Business & Management, Food Science & Technology, Engineering
Dublin City University
Engineering, Business, Hospitality & Tourism Management

Also read: Discover the Tremendous Benefits of Studying in Ireland

Spring Intake in Ireland

The spring intake caters to postgraduate program applicants. Having said that, some universities also accept admission applications for UG courses as well. As the secondary intake, the Spring intake neither has many options in courses and universities nor in scholarships. However, there is much less competition. Students can begin and, therefore, end their courses sooner giving them an edge when looking for employment. Even the university experience is quite secluded and unique with an opportunity to gain one-to-one learning and build strong ties within their small-sized classes.

University Name Top Courses
Trinity College Dublin
Natural Sciences, Humanities, Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
University College Dublin
Veterinary Medicine, Planning & Architecture, Agriculture & Food Science
University of Galway
Teaching & Education, Business Information Systems, Irish Language & Literature
Dublin City University
Creative Technologies, Psychological Sciences, Marketing
University College Cork
Law, Film & Media Studies, Environmental Science

Also read: Why Should You Choose to Study in Ireland?

Summer Intake in Ireland

As not all universities follow the same timeline, students must check the intakes, eligibility and requirements of their chosen universities. Some universities also accept applications during the Summer intake. Students who have missed the earlier deadlines can apply through this intake and start their studies in Spring. Though not all, they will have a good chance of getting admission to specific programs. Particularly, students interested in short-term courses, language studies, and certain postgraduate courses apply from this intake.

Also read: Understanding the Average Cost of Living in Ireland

Application Requirement

Universities have their own application requirement for international students regardless of their intake. Students applying for Irish programs can apply to the official websites of their chosen university. Some programs may also require them to apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) or the Postgraduate Applications Center (PAC) website. They need to submit their application form with fees coupled with some mandated documents. Typically, the documents required are:

  • A Valid Passport
  • Coloured Passport-sized Photographs
  • Academic Records: Marksheets, Transcripts, High School Leaving Certificates for UG students or Degrees for PG students and other certificates showing academic merit
  • Language Proficiency Test Results with a minimum of 6.0 in IELTS, 90 in TOEFL or 36-63 in PTE.
  • Entrance Test Results: GMAT for MBA students or Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT) and Graduate Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT) for medical students
  • Work-related Documents: Resume, Work Experience, Relieving Letter, Salary Slips, etc.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letter of Recommendation from school principal, deal, professors or employer
  • Financial Statements: Proof of Maintenance Fund, Sponsorship Letter or Loan Documents, Attested Bank Statements, Income Tax Return Papers

Also read: Understanding the Student Visa Requirement for Ireland

How to Choose?

Choosing between these intakes could be confusing. While one offers more courses, the other has better chances of acceptance. International students must consider all factors before making a choice. It is not only about the course they wish to choose but the one that takes them to their dream career faster. They should further factor in their eligibility, course availability and university capability before making up their minds. Not all courses from a particular university are made available in one single intake. Nor do they have an indefinite capacity for each course. Furthermore, students must also plan to include the preparation time for their English proficiency and aptitude tests to enhance their chances.

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