Ireland Intakes for Nepalese Students: When to Apply
Ireland has one main intake in September and a smaller one in January or February. September offers the widest choice of courses, scholarships and accommodation, so most Nepali students aim for it. Start preparing about 10–12 months ahead: test in autumn, apply between October and March, accept an offer and pay fees by spring, then apply for the visa about three months before you travel.
By Hub International Education counsellors · Updated
- Main intake
- September (all courses)
- Second intake
- January/February (limited courses)
- Apply for September
- October to March
- Visa application
- Up to 3 months before travel
September vs January intake
If you can, aim for September. Choose January only if your preferred course runs then, or if you missed September and do not want to wait a year.
| September intake | January/February intake | |
|---|---|---|
| Course choice | Almost every bachelor’s and master’s | Mainly some master’s and business courses |
| Scholarships | Most awards are tied to September | Fewer awards |
| Accommodation | High demand, book early | Slightly easier, but still tight |
| Graduation | Usually the following autumn (master’s) | Often the following January or later |
Timeline for a September intake
- August–October (previous year): free counselling, profile check, start IELTS or PTE preparation.
- October–December: sit your English test, shortlist 4–6 courses, prepare SOP and references.
- October–March: submit applications. Earlier applications have more course and scholarship choice.
- January–April: receive offers, compare costs after scholarships and accept one.
- March–May: pay the deposit or fees, arrange funds, education loan and NOC.
- May–July: apply for the Irish study visa through AVATS and submit documents.
- July–August: book accommodation and flights, attend a pre-departure briefing.
- Late August–September: travel, attend orientation and register for your IRP card.
Timeline for a January/February intake
- May–July: English test and course shortlist.
- July–September: applications and offers.
- September–October: pay fees, arrange funds and NOC.
- October–November: visa application.
- December–January: accommodation, flights and arrival.
Deadlines and visa timing
Many Irish universities do not publish one fixed deadline for non-EU students. They accept applications until courses fill, which can happen months before the start date for popular programmes such as data analytics and computer science. Treat March as a practical deadline for September.
You can currently apply for an Irish study visa up to three months before your travel date. Processing is slowest in June to August, so submit as soon as you have your offer, fee receipt and funds ready.
Accommodation
Housing is the hardest part of arriving in Ireland, especially in Dublin in September. Apply for university accommodation as soon as you accept your offer. If you cannot get a place, book temporary accommodation for your first few weeks and never pay a deposit for a room you have not verified.
Frequently asked questions
How many intakes are there in Ireland?
Two: the main intake in September and a smaller intake in January or February. A few colleges run other start dates for specific courses.
Which intake is best for Ireland?
September is best for most students because it has the most courses, scholarships and support. January is useful if your course runs then or you missed September.
When should I apply for the September intake in Ireland?
Between October and March. Apply as early as possible, as popular courses fill early and scholarships are often limited.
Is there a January intake in Ireland for master’s?
Yes, some universities offer January or February intakes for selected master’s courses, mainly in business, management and computing. The choice is smaller than in September.
When should I apply for my Ireland student visa?
You can currently apply up to three months before you travel. Apply as soon as you have your offer, fee receipt, funds documents and insurance.
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