English language education
- Introduction
- English language education and COVID-19
- Travelling to Ireland to study
- Fees
- Further information
Introduction
There are many schools and courses for students who want to improve their English language skills.
The majority of English language education (ELE) schools in Ireland are privately run and offer preparation programmes for the major English language examinations, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge and Trinity College (London). English language teaching (ELT) programmes are also available at many private schools and a number of universities (University College Dublin, University College Cork, NUI Galway, Dublin City University and University of Limerick).
Many can provide students with a full package of tuition, homestay accommodation and extra-curricular activities.
The Accreditation and Co-ordination of English Language Services (ACELS) runs a quality assurance scheme for ELE organisations who are registered with it.
The list of ELE schools and organisations in Ireland recognised by ACELS is published annually.
A new International Education Mark for the ELE sector is due to be introduced.
English language education and COVID-19
English language education (ELE) schools moved all classes and learning online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Since July 2021, ELE schools may provide limited small groups of in-person education to students currently in the State subject to public health advice. Plans for new international students to enter the State to study English are in development.
Schools must follow all restrictions and public health guidance. If a school cannot provide online education it must advise the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) of its plans to provide for current students.
Travelling to Ireland to study
If you are a non-EEA national coming to study in Ireland you must be enrolled in a full-time course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Citizens of certain countries must apply for a student visa to enter Ireland before they travel here to study. You can find out more in our document on the immigration rules for non-EEA students.
You can also find out more about moving to Ireland for third-level education.
Fees
Tuition costs for English language courses in Ireland vary depending on the English language school and the type of programme you choose. You should check fees with your English language school.
Further information