Ireland University Application - Process, Criteria and Intakes

Ireland is one of the famous study-abroad destinations in Europe for international students. Ireland's rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes and commitment to personal and professional growth make it a top destination for students worldwide. Pakistani students are attracted to its world-class education system, which is shaped by continuous efforts from the government of Ireland to enhance academic excellence. Whether for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, understanding the step-by-step application process is key to achieving your dream of studying in Ireland.

Application Deadlines and Intakes

Like every other country, Ireland generally has two main intakes that Pakistani students can consider while applying: 

Fall Intake: Known as Autumn Intake, typically starts in September to October. This intake is recognised as the primary one for most of the programs.  

Spring Intake: Spring intake offers fewer program options than the fall intake and typically starts in January or February.  

Undergraduate Application Process

While applying for universities abroad, you must be aware of the step-by-step application process, deadlines, requirements and criteria to avoid any challenges. Note that the application criteria vary for different programs, however, the following are the general criteria used for Ireland’s university applications.  

English Test Requirements  

English test is compulsory for non-native speakers to test their language proficiency. This test is mandatory for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, the only difference is the required band score.  Following are the tests accepted by Ireland’s universities:
IELTS: Overall band required is 6.0 no less than 5.5 

TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 

PTE: The minimum required score for PTE is 55 

Criteria 

• Minimum 12 years of education or equivalent from your home country with strong academic results. 

• Results from an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS. 

• Required documents like academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and personal statements. 

 Deadline  

Fall intakes usually close between February and July. However, it can differ based on the program you’re applying for. Keep an eye on the official universities' websites or get in touch with your IDP counsellor for the latest deadlines information.  

Postgraduate Application Process

Similar to undergraduate programs, postgraduate programs also follow the same process for application. So, let’s dive into the step-by-step process by discussing the English test requirements, criteria and deadlines for both intakes.  

English Test Requirements  

Postgraduate programs also require English language proficiency while applying for admission to Ireland’s universities.  Following are the tests accepted by Ireland’s universities:  

IELTS:  The overall score required for this is 6.5, with no band below 6.0 

TOEFL: A minimum score of 90 

PTE: A minimum score for PTE of 63  

Criteria 

• A bachelor’s degree or any 16 years of education equivalent to it with good academic results. 

• Relevant work experience to fill up the gap, if there’s any. 

• Results from an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS.

• Required documents like academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and personal statements. 

Deadline 

Ireland’s university application deadlines for the postgraduate process generally range from December to August. Note that these deadlines are program-specific.

Visa Application Process for Pakistani Students

Ireland has the most successful visa rate among all European countries. Following is the complete application process and documents required for Ireland’s universities that Pakistani students should follow: 

Offer Letter: Get your offer letter from a recognised university. 

Online Visa Application: Get your online visa application submitted. 

Supporting Documents: Collect all the supporting documents like passport, academic transcripts, language proficiency test results, bank statements, university acceptance letter and medical insurance.  

Proof of Finances: Show evidence of your tuition fee payment. 

FAQs 

Is there an application fee for Ireland’s universities? 
As an international student, you will need to pay a €60 application fee for Ireland’s universities. 

Can I study in Ireland without IELTS? 
IELTS may not be mandatory for studying in Ireland’s universities, however, it can still be required among other tests. Check the official university website for accurate details. 

Which intake is best for studying in Ireland? 
Fall intake attracts many students as it is the primary intake for most courses in Ireland.