FAQs- Covid 19 - Education in Ireland

What is the COVID 19 situation in Ireland?

Throughout this crisis, Ireland has taken a measured, consistent and evidence-led approach to the challenge involved. Ireland has followed a graduated approach based on the best available international and local advice. In Ireland, the lead has been taken by scientific experts, with the Government playing a support role.

What testing is Ireland doing for COVID-19?

Ireland is adopting the World Health Organisation (WHO) case definition for COVID-19, which requires two signs – fever and a respiratory symptom such as a cough or breathlessness

I am in an affected country with the COVID-19 outbreak are you still considering applications from my country?

Yes, the Irish universities and colleges are still accepting applications

Should I still apply if I am currently not able to leave the country due to travel restrictions?

Yes, you should still submit your application and keep the international office in the university you have applied updated on your situation.

My school is closed due to COVID-19 and I will be unable to take my exams, what are my options?

All Irish higher education institutions are monitoring the development of the COVID-19 situation and considering a variety of options please keep an eye on the university websites and on the Education in Ireland website.

What if I contract COVID-19 in my home country as I am due to start my course in Ireland?

If you contract COVID-19 before you are due to travel to Ireland for the start of your course you should not travel and you should follow all local health advice. You should wait for medical advice that you are no longer contagious before you consider travelling. You should contact the international office in the university or college that you have applied to and keep them informed of your situation.

When will we know the plan for the September intake?

Things will most likely be clearer by the end of May when we will have a better idea of the situation globally and in Ireland.

How do we apply for visas with the Embassies closed and INIS not taking applications?

Start putting together all the documentation that you will need to submit to the visa office so that you are ready to submit your application as soon as Visa Application System has opened again. Keep the university/college informed that you are still interested in attending, all the Irish universities and colleges will be as flexible as they possibly can be.

When will the visa application centres re-open?

Unfortunately at this moment in time we simply do not know when visa application centres will re-open and whilst we are keen for centres to re-open as soon as possible, local conditions and advice from your own Governments and health authorities will dictate when this can safely happen.

We understand that the closure of these centres can cause delays and stress for individuals.

However, while visa application centres are closed there are still two options open to you;

1)you can make a visa application directly here

2) you can wait to see when your local centre is open, the most recent updates are here.

We have our teams in place to deal with your visa applications quickly and in the meantime, we would encourage you to have all the necessary documentation ready.

Can I avail of the Third Level Graduate Scheme (stay back option)?

In light of the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the following Notice applies to all non-EEA persons holding a student permission (Stamp 2), who wish to avail of the Third Level Graduate Programme.

This notice sets out the updated immigration arrangements which apply to all non-EEA nationals currently holding student permission (Stamp 2), who wish to avail of the Third Level Graduate Programme, but are unable to report to their local registration office to receive a Stamp 1G due to either:

The temporary closure of the Registration Office in Dublin and local Registration Offices across the country, or
They have returned to their home countries or countries of ordinary residence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rather than attending in person, as a temporary measure, applications may be submitted electronically to the Registration Office, Burgh Quay, Dublin (burghquayregoffice@justice.ie). All required documentation should be scanned and included in the application.

Where permission has been granted, applicants will still be required to register once the Registration Office and local Registration Offices reopen and, where applicable, the applicant has returned to Ireland.

This temporary measure will be kept under review in light of the restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and may be amended or withdrawn, in whole or in part, when considered appropriate to do so, but regardless will cease to apply no later than 30 September 2020.

All other eligibility criteria set out in the 2017 Revision of this Scheme will continue to apply.

I am concerned that there may be a delay in receiving my final transcripts from my university for my undergraduate degree what should I do?

Your offer remains conditional to final transcripts. Keep the Irish university/college updated on your situation. Current policy is that you must produce your final transcripts in order to enrol in a postgraduate course at an Irish university or college. Please note that you can produce your transcripts right up until you arrive in late August.

Will my master’s course in Ireland begin as planned in September 2020?

We understand that you need to plan forward for your course in 2020 and we are committed to making this happen for you while ensuring your health and safety and following WHO guidelines.

As it stands the Irish higher education institutions are continuing to make preparations to welcome new students in September. They are also considering a number of precautionary options, to ensure they are well-positioned to adapt as the situation evolves. These include exploring the flexibility of arrival dates and the potential for some online teaching in the first semester.

We will continue to provide updates on this page to keep you informed as we progress.

What proof is required for English language competency? What changes will be introduced in the current situation?

Irish universities and colleges accept several English language tests as proof of eligibility. If you are unable to take your English language test due to closures and find no alternative, please contact the international office in the university or college you have applied to and inform them of your situation. Irish universities and colleges are now accepting the Duolingo English Test (DET) for student admission purposes. DET is offered online with test results in 48 hours.

What will happen if I pay my deposit for a programme starting in September 2020 and there is a change to the schedule or the start date is delayed?

All the Irish higher education institutions are making efforts to be as flexible as possible for students who are applying to college in Ireland. Please contact the international office in the university/college to explore options.

What is the deadline for deposit payments?

Most universities and colleges in Ireland have extended acceptance deposit deadlines please check the university/colleges website for an exact date or contact the international office in the university.

What if I cannot get my final results from school/university?

Should I still apply if I am currently not able to leave the country due to travel restrictions?

Yes, you should still submit your application and keep the international office in the university you have applied updated on your situation.

Can I apply for Pre-sessional English (PSE) at your university?

Please check with the international office in the university or college you are applying to.

How will you be assessing A-level candidates now that exams have been cancelled?

We understand that the examining boards and OFQUAL are working together to provide alternative arrangements so that candidates will have a result. Until such times as the outcome of this is known, Irish universities and colleges cannot make a decision on admission for A-level candidates.

How will you be assessing candidates now that SAT & ACT exams have been cancelled?

Will there be an online learning option if students can’t attend lectures in September 2020?

Yes, there will be a distance option if face to face lectures are not available in September 2020.

Universities and Colleges are already prepared to deliver lectures online and are currently working to minimise any disruption to teaching if this option is necessary in September 2020.

How will COVID-19 impact my Federal Aid eligibility?

Normally, U.S. Federal Aid regulations state that any programme at a non-U.S. university which includes online teaching and learning is ineligible for Federal Aid. On Friday 27^th March 2020, the US Senate passed the Third COVID 19 Coronavirus Bill (H.R. 748). Among other provisions, the Bill allows for eligible programmes that would normally be taught in a traditional classroom setting to be taught through online learning for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. The Bill will be applied retroactively to all programmes that have moved online since 1^st March 2020 and will cover programmes until the end of the state of emergency. Accordingly, recipients of US Federal Loans studying at UCD may continue to be in receipt of their loans even though their programmes have temporarily moved to online teaching and learning. All recipients of Federal Aid should also consult the following release by the US Department of Education on Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents. In particular, the Department of Education advises:

“If your school has moved classes to an online format, you must continue to participate in the course work and follow your teacher’s or professor’s instructions to remain eligible for financial aid. If you have questions about the online format, contact your school.

The administrative forbearance will last for at least 60 days from March 13, 2020. ED may extend that period, depending on the status of the COVID-19 national emergency. If the option for an administrative forbearance is extended, your loan servicer will communicate information about the extension to you.”