The January intake in Ireland is also known as the Spring intake. January/February Intake is one of the two major intakes in Ireland. Admission for this intake is usually easier to secure compared to the September intake.
There are two major intakes in Ireland for international students each year. One is the January intake, also known as the Spring or winter intake, which starts in January/February depending on the university and desired course of study. And the second is the September intake, also popularly known as the Fall/Autumn intake which begins in September as per the institute’s course start date. This answers your question of how many intakes in Ireland. If you have missed the September intake, you still have a wide range of courses available for the January intake.
This article covers Irish universities, colleges, and the programs available for international students in the January intake. You may get in touch with Jagvimal Consultant’s study abroad counselors if you are planning to study at a top Irish university.
You can apply for the Spring 2026 intake in Ireland between June 2025 and November 2025. Most Irish universities offer admissions for master's courses in this intake, but you must ensure that your preferred course is available for the January intake. You should start your application process as early as possible to avoid last-moment difficulties. For timely admission in this intake, it is important to understand the application timeline and entry requirements.
Timeline for January Intake in Ireland 2026
| Thorough research about your course, university selection, eligibility criteria, entry requirements, and program deadlines | March 2025 – June 2025 |
| Prepare for your English Language Test (ELT) such as IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, and TOEFL as per your desired university requirements | June 2025 – August 2025 |
| Arrange all your academic documents such as LOR, SOP & transcripts. Start applying & make sure you follow the course deadline strictly | September 2025 – November 2025 |
| Apply for a visa once you receive your offer letter and have arranged all your financial documents | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Book flights, arrange on-campus and off-campus accommodation, and familiarise yourself with Ireland’s culture. | January 2026 – February 2026 |
Ireland offers many top universities with a January intake, providing students ample time to settle in and start their academic journey. There are multiple programs offered by these universities in different disciplines which makes Ireland an ideal international destination for overseas students in the January 2026 intake.
Here are some of the top universities that take admission for the January 2026 intake in Ireland.
Ireland offers an additional January intake for international students to expand their career abroad. The benefits of the January 2026 intake are as below:
Flexibility: Although the January intake in Ireland is secondary, international students who missed the primary September intake still have a chance to apply and begin their programs without waiting for the next major intake. There is a variety of courses available, so you have a high chance of securing your desired course.
Scholarship Opportunities: Funding options are available for international students in this intake based on merit and academic qualifications.
Reduced Class Sizes: Due to the smaller intake, the number of students enrolled in this intake is lower compared to the September intake, allowing for better learning and international exposure.
Shorter Waiting Time: Once you complete your studies in India or any other country, you can immediately begin your higher education in the January intake without a long wait.
Higher Work Opportunities: January intake international students may take the benefit of higher post-study work (PSW) opportunities as there would be less competition as compared to the September intake.
Networking Opportunities: A diverse international student community allows students to learn about their culture through global connections.
Here is the list of popular courses offered in the January 2026 intake by a few of the Irish Universities, such as Dublin Business School, National College of Ireland & Griffith College.
| Institution | Courses offered |
|---|---|
| National College of Ireland (NCI) | MSc in International Business |
| MSc in AI for Business | |
| MSc in Data Analytics | |
| Dublin Business School (DBS) | MSc in Business Analytics |
| MBA in Cloud Computing | |
| MSc in AI & Cybersecurity | |
| BA (Hons) Business? | |
| BA (Hons) Business (HRM)? | |
| BA (Hons) Business (Law)? | |
| BA (Hons) Business (Management)? | |
| Griffith College | Big Data Management & Analytics |
| MSc Pharmaceutical Business Management | |
| MBA (International Business) | |
| BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance? | |
| BA (Hons) in Business? | |
| BA (Hons) in Business (HRM) | |
| BA (Hons) in Business (Marketing) |
Please note that the National College of Ireland (NCI) offers postgraduate programs during the January Intake. We recommend that you get in touch with our expert counselors for further information.
A few of the other popular courses for this January intake are as mentioned below:
Along with several benefits, there are various limitations for the January intake of 2026 in Ireland. However, we have to keep a few of the considerations in mind for applying in this intake.
Limited Course Available: Limited Course Availability: Only a few institutions offer admission in this intake, so you must check your desired course’s availability in advance before proceeding.
Accommodation Challenges: Arranging housing for this intake might be challenging as most housing leases typically end in September. Secure your accommodation early to avoid last-minute issues.
Academic Calendar Differences: The January intake academic calendar may be slightly different as compared to the September intake which is considered as a standard intake. So make sure that you follow the university deadlines accordingly.
Visa Processing: As soon as you receive an offer letter and letter of acceptance from the university, you must apply for a study visa in Ireland to avoid unexpected delays.
The January intake 2026 in Ireland which is also known as winter/spring intake or the secondary intake, is a great opportunity for international students who have missed their September intake to begin their academic journey in a globally recognised institution. This intake offers a diverse range of courses across multiple institutions.
To secure admission in the January 2026 intake in Ireland, it’s mandatory to adhere to deadlines, academic requirements, and English language proficiency criteria for a smooth application process. Some institutions also offer courses in March or April, ensuring a seamless application process for students needing more flexibility.
Are you excited to proceed for the January Intake in Ireland 2026? Connect with Jagvimal Consultants’ experienced experts RIGHT NOW for personalized guidance! Our dedicated team will assist you in selecting the best university and course, meeting application requirements, submitting your documents, applying for a visa, finding affordable accommodation, and booking flight tickets.
A few research-based or postgraduate courses are available for the January 2026 intake at Trinity College Dublin. For more details, you can contact the experienced team of Jagvimal Consultants.
Applications for the January 2026 intake in Ireland generally start in May/June 2025, and deadlines fall until October/November 2025. For specific deadlines, check the university website and start as early as possible.
Although the major intake in Ireland is in September, plenty of courses are still available in the January intake. As per your previous course completion, you can start in any of the intakes.
The application deadlines for the January or February intake are October or November of the previous year.
