The age-old tradition of distinguished academicians in Ireland has made it a highly sought-after destination for international students seeking higher education. Six of the top 500 universities are located in Ireland, according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings. Additionally, it is recognized as the technological epicenter of Europe. It is an excellent location to commence your professional journey. However, it is imperative to comprehend the intakes that Irish universities provide prior to submitting an application.
The benefits of the less popular January intake will be discussed in this article.
Intakes in Ireland
Ireland offers a variety of intake options, each of which is customized to the program’s specific institution and level of education. The primary intake periods in Ireland are as follows:
- Autumn intake in Ireland 2024: The primary intake for the preponderance of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Ireland is the autumn intake of 2024. The precise commencement date is contingent upon the institution and program, but it typically occurs in September or October.
- Spring intake in Ireland 2024: Certain institutions offer a secondary intake in January or February, with a primary focus on postgraduate programs. In comparison to the autumn intake, this intake is typically lower in size.
January intake in Ireland
The enrolment period for international students at Irish universities and colleges is referred to as the January intake or Spring intake in Ireland. Ireland provides a second intake in January, which is advantageous for a variety of reasons, in contrast to the primary intake in September in many other countries.
- Flexibility: The January intake offers students the opportunity to adjust their schedules in case they are unable to attend the September intake due to other obligations. It enables them to commence their studies without the need to wait for the subsequent academic year.
- Course availability: A diverse selection of programs, commencing in January, is available at numerous universities and colleges in Ireland, enabling students to select from a diverse selection of courses.
- Smaller cohorts: The January intake has a lower student enrollment than the September intake, which may result in smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors.
- Post-study work opportunities: Ireland provides post-study work opportunities for international students. Enrolling in the January cohort may result in more favorable employment prospects in a less competitive job market than the September cohort.
- Visa and admission requirements: In general, the visa and admission requirements for the January intake are identical to those for the September intake, which makes it accessible to a diverse group of international students.
- Internship opportunities: Certain courses may require mandatory internships or work placements, and courses that commence in January may be more in line with the recruiting cycles of specific industries.
Nevertheless, there are a few factors that should be considered:
- Limited Availability: January intakes are not available for all programs at all universities and institutions in Ireland. It is imperative to verify with the institution of your choice whether the course you have selected is available in January.
- Academic Calendar: It is important to be aware that the academic calendar for the January intake may differ slightly from the standard September intake. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific dates and deadlines.
- Accommodation: Students enrolling in January may encounter greater difficulty in securing lodging, as numerous leases and housing arrangements are designed for the September intake. Be proactive in your quest for housing.
Difference between January intake and September intake in Ireland
Distinction between January intake and September intake in Ireland
| Aspect | January intake | September intake |
| Competition | Reduced competition, which results in a high acceptance rate | Heavy competition, resulting in a comparatively lower acceptance rate |
| Application Timeline | Applications typically open in September/October | Applications generally open in June/July |
| Document Preparation | Additional time is available to compile the necessary documents and prepare for admission. | Requires prompt preparation to meet admission requirements |
| Application Period | Smaller window for application submission and processing | Longer timeframe for the submission of applications and the receipt of decisions |
| Visa Processing | More time for international students to process visas | May require a quicker visa application process |
| Weather | Milder weather during the academic year | Colder weather during the academic year |
Institutions offering January intakes in Ireland
Several Irish institutions provide international students with January admissions. Although the availability of programs and intakes may fluctuate annually, the following institutions have historically provided January intakes:
- Dublin City University
- National College of Ireland
- Limerick Institute of Technology
- University of Galway
- Griffith College
- Dublin Business School
Courses offered in January intakes in Ireland
The following table provides a comprehensive inventory of the undergraduate and Master’s programs available at a variety of institutions in Ireland for the January intake. These institutions include the National College of Ireland, Griffith College, and Dublin Business School:
| Institution | Programs offered |
| National College of Ireland | MA in Human Resource Management |
| MSc in Cloud Computing | |
| MSc in Finance | |
| Griffith College | MBA in International Business Management |
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | |
| MSc Cybersecurity | |
| Dublin Business School | MBA Cloud Computing |
| MBA Project Management | |
| MSc Health Psychology |
Admission process for January intake in Ireland
The admission process for international students for the January intake in Ireland typically consists of a series of stages. However, it is crucial to remember that the specific requirements and procedures may differ based on the program you are interested in and the university or college to which you are applying. The admission process is summarized below:
- Programs of research: Investigate and select an appropriate program.
- Verify eligibility: Guarantee that you satisfy the academic and language prerequisites.
- Prepare the following documents: A statement of purpose, transcripts, and recommendations.
- Fill out the online application: Complete the application and pay any applicable fees.
- Document submission: Upload the necessary documents.
- Language proficiency: If required, submit evidence of English proficiency.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Compose a Statement of Purpose that is compelling.
- Application review: Anticipate an interview and review.
- Admission offer: Acquire an admission offer and thoroughly evaluate it.
- Visa and acceptance: Submit an application for a student visa, adhere to the institution’s guidelines, and accept the offer.
- Pre-departure prep: Prepare for your departure by arranging travel and insurance, as well as familiarizing yourself with the orientation details.
- Arrival in Ireland: Upon arrival in Ireland, it is necessary to attend orientation, finalize registrations, and establish a routine prior to the commencement of classes.
It is imperative to consult the website of the specific university or college for comprehensive information regarding their January intake admission procedure, as the specific requirements and deadlines may differ. Furthermore, it is advisable to initiate the application process in advance to guarantee that you satisfy all deadlines and prerequisites.
For additional information regarding the January intake, please contact our international education specialists at Liveabroad. They will assist you in submitting an application and provide guidance throughout the entire admissions procedure. Beginning of Form