Dec 28, 2024
In recent years, European countries have stepped up to top positions when pursuing higher education abroad. Ireland has always been the top choice for international students. A fascinating fact about Universities in Ireland is that all of them rank within the top 5% of universities worldwide. The country’s prestigious education system, globally recognised degrees and exceptional employment market are contributing further to the growing popularity. From the historic halls of Trinity College Dublin to the pioneering research hubs at University College Dublin, Ireland offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it an academic and cultural haven.
As of 2024, the country saw a significant rise in international student applications when compared to the previous year. If you are planning to study in Ireland, then understanding the academic calendar is your foundation. To save your hours spent on research, this article will guide you through Ireland’s academic intakes, their timelines, and key decision-making factors. Scroll down to read more about these intakes and choose the one that aligns with your goals and timelines.
Table of Content
Unlike some countries with a single intake, Ireland offers multiple intakes to cater to students’ varying academic and career requirements. Ireland’s academic calendar is structured around three intakes, including:
1. Autumn Intake
The Autumn intake is Ireland’s primary and most popular intake. It is widely known as the ‘September Intake’ and nearly all courses are offered during this intake.
2. Spring Intake
The Spring Intake is a secondary yet significant period for admissions. It is also known as the ‘January or February Intake’. Limited courses are available during this intake.
3. Rolling Intakes
Certain universities offering specialized programs have flexible rolling intakes. This indicates that they accept applications throughout the year.
Considering that you are now familiar with academic intakes, understanding their nuances such as application deadlines, course availability, and admission competitiveness will help you align your application timeline with your academic goals. Keep reading to find out more about the Autumn and Spring Intakes to study in Ireland.
Selecting the right intake depends on your course preference, application preparation, and career aspirations. Let’s go through the details for the popular intakes in Ireland:
As the primary intake, it offers the widest range of courses with the highest number of seats.
Application Timeline: Applications open around October and close by May-June for most of the Irish Universities and Institutions. Some may extend deadlines to July for certain programs.
Why Choose the Autumn Intake?
If you have missed the previous intake and your course is available for this intake, then early application is advisable as seats are limited.
Application Timeline: Applications generally open in September of the previous year and close by November or December.
Why Choose the Spring Intake?
Now that you have a clear understanding of the available popular intakes, moving ahead let’s have a quick look at universities and colleges offering courses for each intake.
The Autumn Intake is highly competitive and offers the largest selection of programs by Irish Universities. Some of the notable study fields where you can find in-demand courses at the top universities in Ireland are listed below:
| University | Popular Study Fields | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Computer Science Data Science Engineering Supply Chain Management Finance Economics |
€16,020 - €28,900 |
| Artificial Intelligence Data Science Computer Science Architecture Finance |
€11,300 - €30,560 |
| Machine Learning Computer Science Data Science & Analytics Business Analytics Criminology |
€12, 600 - €26,200 |
| Intelligent Robotics Cybersecurity Psychology Engineering Economics Information Technology |
€15,500 - €28,000 |
| Data Analytics Artificial Intelligence Engineering Finance Pharmaceutical Sciences |
€15,000 - €19,600 |
| Engineering Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Cybersecurity Data Analytics |
€10,054 - €24,928 |
| Robotics Data Science Engineering Astrophysics Finance |
€16,000 - €18,000 |
| Technological University Dublin | Data Analytics Computer Science Engineering Pharmaceutical Healthcare Supply Chain Management | €12,500 - €27,000 |
For the Spring Intake in Ireland, you will find a greater number of courses in colleges than in Universities, nonetheless, we have mentioned some of the popular options:
| University | Popular Study Fields | Annual Tuition Fees |
University College Dublin | International Human Rights Journalism and International Affairs International Law & Business Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics |
€22,500 - €29,100 |
Dublin Business School | Data Analytics Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Cloud Computing Trading and Investing |
€10,050 - €14,500 |
Griffith College | International Business Management Journalism & Digital Communications Network and Information Security Global Brand Management International Criminal Justice |
€12,000 - €17,500 |
National College of Ireland | Cloud Computing Artificial Intelligence International Business Human Resource Management Finance |
€15,500 - €17,000 |
Independent College, Dublin | International Business Accounting and Finance Marketing |
€7,200 - €9,200 |
This is just the tip of the iceberg; you will find many more course options across various Irish Universities & intuitions. Wrapping up this article, deciding on the right intake is an essential step in your process of studying in Ireland. Evaluate your readiness, course availability, and long-term goals to determine the ideal intake for you.
If you are unsure about the right intake and need assistance with University applications or guidance for scholarships in Ireland, then Team KC is here to help! With the latest updates, expert insights, and end-to-end services, Europe Experts at KC will ensure that you make informed decisions and have a smooth transition from your home country to Ireland.
Connect with the Ireland team at KC today to turn your aspirations into reality!
Start early! Ideally, you should begin your preparation 10-12 months in advance. This timeline allows you to research universities, gather your documents, take standardized tests, and apply for your visa. For the Spring intake, begin your application process by February-March of the previous year to stay ahead of deadlines.
Yes, scholarships are available for both intakes. Irish universities and government-funded programs, like the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, offer merit-based scholarships. Many universities also provide intake-specific scholarships, so make sure to check the eligibility criteria for your chosen intake.
The Autumn intake is a better option for engineering courses due to the availability of a more comprehensive range of programs, research opportunities, and industry collaborations. However, if a relevant engineering program is available during the Spring intake, and you are prepared, it's worth considering.
Switching intakes is possible but it is not an easy process. If you need to defer your admission to the next intake, contact the admissions office as soon as possible to discuss your options.
The Autumn intake is more competitive due to the higher number of applicants and the broader course offerings. This is the main intake when most international students apply, leading to stricter admission and scholarship competition. The Spring intake, with fewer applicants, might offer a better chance of acceptance, provided your chosen program is available.