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日本語Application Deadlines for Ireland
CAO and direct postgraduate deadlines for studying at Irish universities.
Ireland's higher education system is divided into universities and institutes of technology. Undergraduate applications go through the Central Applications Office (CAO), while postgraduate programs are managed directly by each institution. Non-EU students follow the same portals but must also factor in visa processing time.
Key Application Deadlines
| CAO equal consideration (undergraduate) | February 1 |
|---|---|
| CAO late application deadline | May 1 |
| Trinity College Dublin (postgraduate) | January – April (varies by program) |
| University College Dublin (postgraduate) | February – June |
| University College Cork (postgraduate) | February – May |
| NUI Galway (postgraduate) | January – June |
| Academic year starts | September |
Annual Deadline Calendar
Key Things to Know
Non-EU students need an Irish Study Visa (D) before arriving — apply as soon as you receive your offer letter, ideally by June for a September start.
The CAO handles undergraduate applications for all Republic of Ireland higher education institutions — you must use it even as an international student applying to Irish universities.
English language test scores (IELTS 6.5+ for most programs) must be submitted at the time of application.
Ireland is popular and spaces at top programs like Business, Law, and Computer Science at Trinity and UCD are limited — the February 1 equal consideration deadline is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about application deadlines in Ireland
Very few full-degree programs have a January intake. Some postgraduate taught master's programs and conversion courses accept January starters. Most students begin in September.
Applications received by February 1 receive equal consideration — they are all processed together without preference for order of submission. Applications received after February 1 up to May 1 are late applications and attract a higher processing fee; competition for places is also greater.
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