Ireland January intake: Benefits, Universities and Courses

Missed the September intake? Ireland’s January intake offers a second chance with less competition, easier relocation, and smaller class sizes—ideal for master's applicants.

31 December 2025
Ireland January intake

January intake in Ireland comes as a bright spot for those who have missed September intake. Also known as spring intake, January intake is a secondary admission cycle in Ireland Offered by some Irish universities and colleges.

Irish universities basically offer two intakes:

  • September Intake / Autumn Intake

  • January Intake / Spring Intake

Intake

Other Names

Application Opens

Application Closes

Classes Start

Autumn Intake (September)

Fall Intake, September Intake

October – November (previous year)

May – June (same year)

Late August to Late September

Spring Intake (January)

Winter Intake, January Intake, February Intake (for some)

April – June (previous year)

October – November (same year)

Mid to Late January or Early February

Benefits of Ireland January intake: 

Spring intake, which usually starts in January is ideal for students who have missed the September intake in Ireland. Apart from this there are other benefits of applying for Ireland January intake masters.

  1. Extra time to prepare: Spring intake in Ireland is especially useful for those students who have missed their application in September intake. Additionally, if students are aiming to improve their English language proficiency tests or trying to strengthen their SOPs or LORs, this intake is very useful.

  2. Less Competition: January intake is less competitive when compared to September intake hence it becomes easier for securing admission into the preferred courses

  3. Smaller class size: usually January intake sessions have fewer students, hence students can have more personalized attention from professors with better interaction and support.

  4. Reduced competition for jobs and internships: Considering the number of students who get admission in January intake there is usually less competition for on campus jobs and internships students can get better research and assistantship roles when compared to September intake.

  5. Easier relocation process: Making travel arrangements in January can be easier because the flight tickets are usually cheaper as it is off peak season also students can get better accommodation during this intake compared to September intake.
    Also Read: Student Accommodation in Ireland

Ireland January intake deadline 

Preparing in advance for the next February intake in Ireland requires a meticulous strategy. Through a proactive approach and careful attention to detail, Indian students can easily increase their chances of having an easy and successful application process that will help them stay on track with their academic goals.

Must Read: Cost of Studying in Ireland

Ireland February intake deadline

 

Details

April – June
Research Programs & Universities

Begin researching universities and available courses. Check eligibility requirements, course content, and deadlines.

July – August
Prepare for Entrance Exams

Register and prepare for exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or GMAT based on program requirements.

September – October
Submit Applications

Start applying to shortlisted universities. Submit all documents including SOP, LORs, transcripts, and test scores.

November – December
Track Admission Status

Follow up on application progress, respond to any additional requirements, and confirm your admission offer.

December– January
Visa & Financial Prep

Apply for the student visa. Finalize tuition payment, arrange housing, and gather financial proof.

January
Travel Preparation

Book your flight, arrange for accommodation, and prepare for relocation and academic life in Ireland.

January intake universities in Ireland 

  • Trinity College Dublin

  • University College Dublin (UCD)

  • University of Galway (formerly National University of Ireland, Galway)

  • University College Cork (UCC)

  • Dublin City University (DCU)

  • Dublin Business School

  • Griffith College

  • Limerick Institute of Technology

  • National College of Ireland (NCI)

  • Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

January intake courses in Ireland

January intake colleges in Ireland

Courses Offered (January Intake)

Trinity College Dublin

MSc in Computer Science, MSc in Digital Marketing Strategy, MSc in Business Analytics

University College Dublin (UCD)

MSc in Data Analytics, MSc in Supply Chain Management, MSc in Finance, MSc in Engineering Management

University of Galway

MSc in International Management, MSc in Computer Science, MSc in Biotechnology, MSc in Civil Engineering

University College Cork (UCC)

MSc in Business Information Systems, MSc in Food Science, MSc in Applied Psychology

Dublin City University (DCU)

MSc in Computing, MSc in Management (Strategy), MSc in Finance

Dublin Business School (DBS)

MBA (General), MSc in Data Analytics, MSc in FinTech, MSc in Digital Marketing

Griffith College

MSc in International Business, MSc in Network & Information Security, MBA

Limerick Institute of Technology

MSc in Data Analytics, MSc in Digital Marketing, MSc in Supply Chain Management

National College of Ireland (NCI)

MSc in Cloud Computing, MSc in Cybersecurity, MSc in Data Analytics

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

MSc in Sustainable Development, MSc in Hospitality Management, MSc in Computing

Conclusion:

Ireland spring intake provides a wonderful opportunity for foreign students to start studying in one of the world-famous education systems. Ireland January Intake has a range of programs offered through top institutions across various disciplines of study. If you have missed the September intake, consider this as a saving grace and kick start your abroad education journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Is there a January intake in Ireland?

A. Yes, several universities in Ireland offer a January intake, primarily for postgraduate programs. This intake provides an additional opportunity for students who missed the September intake or want more time to prepare. Popular fields include business, computing, data analytics, and engineering.

Q. What are the requirements for January intake in Ireland?

A. To apply for the January intake, you typically need:

Q. What is the difference between September intake and January intake in Ireland?

A. September offers more courses and higher competition; January has limited courses but is ideal if you miss the main intake.

Q. What is Ireland February intake?

A. It refers to courses starting in late January or early February, mostly at private colleges and a few universities offering flexible start dates.


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