Why choose Ireland for learning English?
Ireland is an English-speaking country and a member of the EU. Ask each school which official accreditation it holds and check it on the official website. Some courses may allow part-time work, but the rules are set by the Irish authorities and change. Rent and other living costs in big cities such as Dublin can take a large part of the budget, so plan carefully.
Work rules for students
Some non-EU students on eligible courses receive a student immigration permission called Stamp 2, which may allow part-time work during the course. Which courses qualify, how many hours are allowed and in which periods are set by the Irish immigration authorities and can change. Confirm the current rules with the school and the official authority before you pay for a course. Work income may not cover all costs, especially at the start.
Understanding the ILEP list
The Irish authorities keep a list of eligible programmes, the ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programmes). Whether a course is on the list can matter for the student permission and the work rules, so ask the school and check the official website before you enrol. Course length, weekly hours and price differ by school: ask for an itemised quote.
Dublin vs Cork vs Galway: Where to study?
- Dublin: The capital and the largest city, with schools and cultural life. Ask the school what accommodation costs and when to book.
- Cork: Ireland's second-largest city. It is smaller than Dublin and known for its food scene.
- Galway: A student city on the west coast, known for its festivals. Ask the school how it arranges accommodation and book early.
Housing: plan ahead
Finding a place to live can be difficult in Dublin and other big cities. Arrange accommodation before you travel, or at least book temporary housing. Schools may offer homestay or residence options: ask what is available for your dates and what it costs. If the city is full, look at nearby towns.
What to budget for: tuition and living expenses
Ask the school for an itemised quote: tuition, registration, accommodation and any other fees, with the dates it covers. On top of the quote, plan for flights, insurance, visa or immigration costs, proof of funds if the authority asks for it, and everyday living costs. Rules and fees change; confirm them with the school and the official immigration authority before you pay or travel.
Is Ireland the right choice for you?
The decision comes down to your priorities:
- Seek work rights and EU experience? Check whether your course allows part-time work. The rules are set by the Irish authorities and change.
- Want to practice speaking as much as possible? In Ireland you will be in an English-speaking environment. Ask each school for the class size and how many lessons are one-to-one.
- On a tight budget? Compare itemised quotes and add accommodation, flights, insurance and living costs to each one.
If your goal is intensive speaking practice, compare with the Philippines. In our catalogue of 11 October 2026, 3D Academy lists $899 for 4 weeks with tuition, a six-bed room and three meals a day (registration $100 extra), and QQ English offers up to eight one-to-one lessons a day. Rules about working while studying differ by country; confirm them with the school and the official authority.
Alternative: Study in the Philippines for intensive English
Schools in our catalogue offer one-to-one and group lessons; for example, CPILS gives four one-to-one and five group lessons a day. See schools and prices in the catalogue (ten schools in Cebu City, Mactan and Boracay) and read how English is used in daily life in the Philippines.
To choose, compare itemised quotes side by side: what the price covers, which fees are extra and which dates apply. Matching is free for you and the prices are the schools' own.
Still unsure? Get a free, no-mark-up school match for a school in the Philippines.