Ireland’s 2026 September intake (primary Autumn term) draws ambitious international students to top universities offering English-taught programs across business, IT, pharmacy, and engineering. With 90% graduate employability rates and competitive salaries in Dublin’s thriving tech and pharmaceutical hubs, plus generous 24-month post-study work visas, it represents a strategic launchpad for global careers. Here, we provide detailed information to help you study in Ireland for the 2026 intake.
Study in Ireland 2026 Intake
Top Universities for 2026 Intake
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
- University College Dublin (UCD)
- University College Cork (UCC)
- University of Galway
- Dublin City University (DCU)
Admission Process Step-by-Step
Undergraduate (UG) Courses: EU students apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO). Non-EU students, like Indians, apply directly through university websites for most programs, though some require CAO. Application fee: €45-€55/course. Deadlines: February-July 2026.
Postgraduate (PG) Courses: Apply directly via university portals or the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) for select programs. Non-EU application fee: €50 (varies by course). Deadlines: November 2025-June 2026 (rolling admissions common).
Read More: Top Universities Accepting Backlogs in Ireland
Complete Process:
- Shortlist & Research (Nov 2025-Jan): Select via university sites/CAO—top courses: MS Data Science, MBA, MPharm.
- Documents (Feb-Apr): Transcripts, Bachelor’s (60%+ PG), SOP, 2 LORs, CV, passport.
- Apply (early): Online submission; offers in 4-8 weeks. Pay a deposit of €2,000-€5,000.
- Finances: Prove €10,000/year living + fees via blocked account.
- Visa: AVATS online post-offer; €60-300 fee, 4-8 weeks processing.
Key Requirements
- Academic: UG requires 70-80% Class 12 (CBSE/State boards). PG needs 60-65% Bachelor’s (2:1 Honours equivalent).
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall (no band <5.5-6.0), TOEFL 90+, PTE 59-63, Duolingo 100+.
- Visa Documents: Passport (12+ months validity), university acceptance letter, fee payment proof (€6,000+), health insurance, finances (€10,000/year living costs), SOP explaining study intent/return plans.
- Intake Timeline: September 2026 intake applications open in November 2025 and close in February-July 2026, with classes starting late September. The January 2027 intake opens in April 2026, closes November 2026, and begins early January.
Costs & Scholarships
- Tuition: €12,000-€35,000/year non-EU (PG higher for MBA/Medicine).
- Living: €10,000-€15,000/year (Dublin €1,200/month).
- Scholarships: Government of Ireland (€10,000+tuition waiver, Mar deadline), UCD Global Excellence (50-100% fees), university merit awards.
Conclusion
Ireland’s 2026 intake provides Indian students access to top universities through streamlined CAO (UG) and direct/PAC (PG) admissions, with achievable academic standards, English proficiency, and financial proof. Generous scholarships and manageable living costs open doors, while Dublin’s tech/pharma sectors offer strong employability and competitive salaries with extended post-study work visas. September’s main intake aligns perfectly with funding and hiring cycles for career success in Europe’s premier English-speaking destination.
Read More: Top Ireland Universities in 2026
