Studying English in Ireland 2026: how to get started?
.png)
Anyone who leaves searching for an English school in Ireland until May is already starting late. The student visa takes 4 to 8 weeks to be approved by the Irish government, and the schools with the best classes usually fill their spots before that. The ideal planning starts 3 to 4 months in advance.
Ireland has an argument no other European country can replicate: it is the only European Union member where English is the language of everyday life, the job market, and social interactions. Dublin hosts the European operations of Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft, making an English exchange here a combination of language immersion and exposure to a high-level market.
What is the Stamp 2 and what does it allow in practice
The Stamp 2 is the immigration permission for international students enrolled in an accredited language course in Ireland. It is stamped in the passport upon arrival and defines the student's rights throughout the entire stay.
With the Stamp 2, the student can:
- Work up to 20 hours per week during the study period
- Work up to 40 hours per week during school holidays (June to September and between 15 December and 15 January)
- Renew the permission for additional courses, up to the limit of two consecutive years of English study
To obtain the Stamp 2, the school must be listed on the ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programmes) or hold the TrustEd Ireland seal, the new statutory standard in force in 2026, according to the Irish Immigration Service. The minimum course duration is 25 weeks.
O student visa in Ireland in 2026 requires confirmed enrolment, bank statement from the last 6 months, and valid health insurance.
Dublin, Cork or Galway: which city matches your goal
The choice of city is not just a matter of personal preference. Each of the three main cities caters to different profiles and objectives.
Dublin brings together the largest job market in the country and the highest concentration of multinationals. The cost of shared accommodation ranges from 700 to 900 euros per month, but the income and networking potential follows. Those seeking positions in technology or financial services start with more options in the capital.
Cork serves as a balance point. The second largest city in Ireland has accommodation costs between 500 and 700 euros per month and offers access to companies like Apple and Amazon. The environment is calmer and the pace is more accessible for those on their first exchange programme.
Galway attracts those who prioritise immersion in the language and Irish culture. With accommodation costs between 450 and 600 euros per month and a vibrant student environment, it offers one of the best value-for-money options for an Irish exchange.
The criteria of cost, access to the job market, and adaptation pace that differentiate each city are compared in Dublin or Cork for an exchange programme.
Types of English courses available at accredited schools
Schools on the ILEP list offer three main formats:
General English is the most common format. Classes cover the four skills in level-based groups, with 20 class hours per week. SEDA College, Be Easy's English school partner with campuses in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, operates with qualified teachers and Eaquals accreditation.
IELTS Preparation is the path for those seeking internationally recognised certification. The exam is accepted by over 11,000 organisations worldwide. The course combines advanced English with specific training for listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
IELTS classes typically have a maximum of 10 students for greater individual attention.
English for Academic and Business Purposes is aimed at those who already have an intermediate-advanced level. It covers presentations, negotiation, formal writing, and technical vocabulary by sector.
The Irish job market and how to combine the course with professional experience are covered in exchange in Ireland in 2026: complete guide.
Cost of living by city and how part-time work balances the finances
Ireland has a cost of living above the European average, especially in Dublin. The numbers below are estimates of the Irish market for 2025-2026.
Dublin, monthly estimate:
- Accommodation (shared room): 700 to 900 euros
- Food: 300 to 400 euros
- Public transport: 100 to 150 euros
- Other (leisure, health, unforeseen): 150 to 200 euros
- Estimated total: 1,250 to 1,650 euros
Cork, monthly estimate:
- Accommodation: 500 to 700 euros
- Food: 250 to 350 euros
- Transport: 80 to 120 euros
- Other: 100 to 150 euros
- Estimated total: 930 to 1,320 euros
Galway, monthly estimate:
- Accommodation: 450 to 600 euros
- Food: 220 to 300 euros
- Transport: 60 to 90 euros
- Other: 80 to 130 euros
- Estimated total: 810 to 1,120 euros
With the Irish minimum wage at 13.80 euros per hour (according to the Irish government, in force in 2026), those working the permitted 20 hours per week can generate up to 1,104 euros per month in gross income. In Cork and Galway, this amount covers a significant portion of the monthly cost.
The values by category and shared housing options are covered in cost of living in Dublin and in cost of living in Cork.
How to regularise work after arriving in Ireland
The Stamp 2 authorises work, but there are practical steps to regularise the situation in the first few days.
- Registrar-sand in GNIB e obter o IRP (Irish Residence Permit), obrigatório para estadias acima de 90 dias
- Apply for the PPS Number (Personal Public Service Number) from the Irish Department of Social Protection
- Present the PPS to the employer for tax regularisation and start of the contract
The sectors with the highest job availability are hospitality, retail, logistics, and customer service.
Those arriving with advanced English can access more qualified positions. The job search platforms and the European-standard CV are covered in exchange in Ireland: how to find jobs in 2026.
From English to Irish university: the progression path
The English course in Ireland opens a natural path to higher education. Irish universities accept IELTS as proof of proficiency, and applications are centralised through the CAO (Central Applications Office).
Those planning the transition from the start of the exchange programme need to follow these steps:
- Complete at least two English courses of 25+ weeks each (Stamp 2 allows up to two years)
- Achieve an IELTS score compatible with the desired course (generally 6.0 to 7.0)
- Apply to the CAO before the February deadline for courses starting in September
The deadlines and English requirements by course type are covered in CAO: passport to Irish universities.
Ireland maintains the second highest minimum wage in Europe, according to Eurostat, making the local market even more strategic for those wanting to build European professional experience during an English exchange in Ireland.
Frequently asked questions about studying English in Ireland
Can any English school in Ireland be used for the Stamp 2 visa?
No. Only schools accredited on the ILEP or with the TrustEd Ireland seal qualify the student for the Stamp 2. The course must have a minimum duration of 25 weeks. Schools outside this list do not allow applying for the student visa or working 20 hours per week during the exchange.
How long does it take to approve the student visa in Ireland?
The average approval time is 4 to 8 weeks from the complete submission of documentation, according to the Irish Immigration Service. Those wanting to travel in July 2026 need to start the visa process by May at the latest. This is the real processing time of the Irish government.
How long can I study English in Ireland with the Stamp 2?
O Stamp 2 permite até dois anos consecutivos de curso de inglês na Irlanda, organizados em renovações de até 8 meses cada. Após dois anos, o estudante precisa progredir para um programa de educação superior (QQI Level 6 ou acima) para continuar residindo legalmentand in país.
Is the IELTS taken in Ireland accepted internationally?
Yes. The IELTS is accepted by over 11,000 organisations worldwide, including universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA, as well as immigration processes in various countries. The exam can be taken at accredited centres in Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
Dublin or Cork for the first exchange in Ireland?
Cork is frequently the best choice for those on their first exchange: more accessible cost of living, a more welcoming environment, and a buoyant job market with companies like Apple and Amazon in the area. Dublin offers more opportunities in technology and finance, but the higher cost and more intense pace require more preparation. Galway is ideal for those prioritising language immersion.
Be Easy: boutique exchange consultancy
Be Easy supports students who want to build a real English path in Ireland, from visa planning to choosing the right school for their level and goal. Whether the focus is General English, IELTS preparation, or progression to an Irish university, we have the right curated guidance and a dedicated senior consultant at every step. Contact us to receive specialised senior consultancy!
