We’re hoping to welcome you to Ireland for the 2020/21 academic year and are committed to enabling you to achieve your dream of studying in Ireland. The plans we develop will follow WHO guidelines and Government of Ireland advice to ensure your health and safety are protected. We will continue to provide updates on this page to keep you informed as we progress.
Applying to courses
Many countries, like Ireland, are affected by COVID-19. As a result of this global situation, many international travel restrictions are in place and are under constant review. While we do not know what the situation will be in September, the Universities and Colleges are accepting applications for the 2021/2022 academic year. You should still submit your application, as many of you have done so already. The International Office in the institution you have applied to will work with you to explore all your options.
Completing current applications
If you have already begun the application process you may have some questions about academic assessments and processing of Visas. Click here to find out more about how cancelled exams and delays in final transcripts will be managed. Click here to find out more about Visa applications. Click here to find out more about Immigration Services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting in the 2021/22 academic year - undergraduate, post-graduate, Erasmus and Study Abroad Programmes
We understand that you need to plan forward for your course and we are committed to making this happen for you. As it stands the Irish higher education institutions are continuing to make preparations to welcome new students for the 2021/22 academic year.
If face-to-face programmes are not available from the start of the year due to health considerations, Universities and Colleges are well-positioned to adapt as the situation evolves. To minimise the disruption to programmes, the options already put in place for the 2020/21 academic year included flexible start dates and delivering courses via remote learning. The situation will most likely be clearer by the end of May when we will have a better idea of the situation globally and in Ireland.
Meeting English language competency requirements
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. They will help you explore other options.
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.
If you are looking to apply for Pre-sessional English, contact the International Office in the University or College you have applied to as they will be able to help you with your enquiry.
Finance
Many of you have already paid deposits and are looking towards fee payments as the application process progresses, others have questions on the US Federal Aid situation. Click here to find out more.
Contracting COVID-19 in your home country
We hope that you and your family are staying safe and well. If you contract COVID-19 before you are due to travel to Ireland for the start of the next academic year, 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. Contact the International Office at your University or College to keep them informed of your situation. They will work with you to provide a solution.
Travelling to Ireland PCR COVID-19 test requirements
From Saturday 16th January 2021, passengers travelling into Ireland from ALL countries will require a negative PCR COVID-19 Test taken within 72 hours before travel.
Arrivals from Great Britain and South Africa will continue to require a negative/not detected PCR test AND must continue to isolate for 14 days, even if they take a second test after arrival.
For the latest information about travelling to Ireland visit the Government of Ireland website.
For people living in Ireland, the advice is to avoid all non-essential travel overseas until further notice.
A safe start when you arrive in Ireland
You will need to self-isolate if you arrive in Ireland from any other country. Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. Before arrival, people are asked to complete the Public Health Passenger Locator Form. Click here to access the form. The form must be handed to the border management staff upon arrival in Ireland. Click here for more information about travelling to Ireland.