Three secondary school students in uniform outside an Irish school during a school year in Ireland
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Ages 12 to 18

Academic Year in Ireland 2027

Your son or daughter is fully integrated into the Irish education system: attending the same school, following the same curriculum and mixing with local students every day. A real English immersion experience that also gives them an internationally recognised qualification. You can choose a term, a semester or the full academic year.

Full year, semester or term
Host family or boarding
Recognised qualification
Choose your path

School Types in Ireland

Ireland offers different school options depending on each family's preferences, budget and academic goals. Every type of school is a different experience within the Irish education system.

Entrance façade of an Irish state secondary school for students on a school year abroad in Ireland
From
€13,500

State Schools

Publicly funded schools offering a complete academic and technical education. They are the most common and accessible option, with an inclusive atmosphere and an excellent range of activities.

Main features:

  • Funded by the Irish Government
  • Broad academic and technical curriculum
  • Inclusive and welcoming environment
  • Excellent range of extracurricular activities
Host family Full support
Teacher with students raising their hands in a co-educational Irish secondary school classroom
From
€14,400

Co-Educational Schools

Schools where boys and girls study together in the same classrooms. They encourage equality and social development, and prepare students to work in real, diverse environments.

Main features:

  • Boys and girls learn together
  • Encourages social development
  • Balanced learning environment
  • Preparation for real life
Host family Full support
Historic private school building with classic architecture in Ireland, surrounded by trees
From
€23,800

Private Schools

Privately funded schools with first-class facilities and exclusive programmes. With smaller classes and personalised attention, they focus on academic excellence.

Main features:

  • First-class facilities and resources
  • Smaller groups and classes
  • Personalised academic support
  • Exclusive extracurricular programmes
Host family or boarding Premium support
Historic Irish boarding school building with sports fields, offering on-campus accommodation for international students
Premium experience
From
€24,800

Boarding Schools

Prestigious schools that offer accommodation within the school itself, alongside teaching. Irish boarding schools stand out for their tradition, discipline and comprehensive personal development programmes.

Main features:

  • On-campus accommodation
  • Full immersion experience
  • Multicultural environment
  • Wide range of extracurricular activities
  • Builds independence and life skills
Full board included Prestigious tradition
Everything you need

What your school year in Ireland includes

One single price, no surprises. This is everything that accompanies your son or daughter during the school year in Ireland.

School place

Full enrolment and administration

Accommodation

Host family or boarding

Legal guardianship

Full legal responsibility in Ireland

Uniform and books

School uniform and books included

Course validation

Support for academic recognition

Paperwork management

Guidance with visas and formalities

Airport transfers

Pick-up on arrival and departure

24/7 support

Assistance in any emergency

Local coordinator in Ireland

A dedicated coordinator in Ireland provides ongoing support and follow-up visits, and is the point of contact for any need throughout the programme.

Medical and travel insurance

Full medical and travel insurance cover throughout the whole school year, so that you and your family can be completely at ease.

Why Ireland?

The perfect destination for your school year

Ireland combines high-quality education, full English immersion, a welcoming culture and very friendly communities. It also ranks consistently among the safest and friendliest countries in Europe. Find out more on our page about why study in Ireland.

Native English environment

Full English immersion in everyday school and home life

Internationally recognised qualification

Irish certificates (Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate) are accepted worldwide

Welcoming culture

The famous Irish hospitality and close-knit communities

Safe environment

One of the safest countries in Europe for young students

Irish countryside landscape at sunset, a top destination for studying a secondary school year in Ireland
25+
years of experience
What you need to prepare

Requirements for the school year in Ireland

This is everything worth preparing before your son or daughter starts the school year in Ireland. Don't worry: we accompany you step by step throughout the whole process.

I. Personal documentation

Valid passport

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.

Student visa (if required)

Students with EU citizenship do not need a visa for a school year in Ireland. If your case is different, we review the requirements and the embassy or consulate application with you.

International medical insurance

The insurance must cover medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation, and include accident and civil liability cover. It is already included in our programmes.

II. Academic documentation

Academic transcript

The last two completed school years. In some cases, the transcript must be translated and legalised.

Letter of recommendation

At least one letter from a teacher or the school principal confirming the student's academic performance and conduct.

Motivation letter

A letter written by the student themselves explaining their reasons for studying abroad and their goals.

English level certificate

Some schools ask for a certificate proving the student's English level. We guide you on which one you need.

III. Financial requirements

Proof of financial means

A declaration from the parents or legal guardians confirming the financial capacity to cover all expenses (tuition, accommodation, transport, etc.).

Tuition fees and administrative costs

Irish schools usually ask for tuition and administrative costs to be paid in advance. We confirm the exact costs of the chosen school with you.

IV. Health requirements

Medical check-up

A general medical certificate including the student's up-to-date vaccination schedule.

Required vaccinations

Complying with the required vaccination schedule. We review with you which vaccinations should be up to date before arrival.

V. Additional requirements

Depending on the programme, the following may also be required:

In-person or online interview

Some programmes include an interview to assess the student's motivation and suitability.

Parent or guardian authorisation

An official authorisation signed by the parents or legal guardians allowing participation in the programme.

Acceptance of rules and regulations

Some programmes require signing a document accepting the rules of the programme and the school.

VI. Personal and cultural preparation

To make for a smooth adaptation:

Cultural and language preparation course

We recommend (and in some cases require) a cultural and language preparation course before arriving in the country.

Guidance on customs and social norms

Information about Irish customs and cultural norms to encourage integration and avoid misunderstandings.

We're here to help! Our team supports you through every requirement so that everything is ready before arrival.

Step by step

School year application process

We support you from your very first question to the day your son or daughter boards the plane. This is the process, step by step.

01

Free initial consultation

We talk with the family to get to know the student, their interests and their goals. Free of charge and with no obligation.

02

School and area selection

We suggest a list of schools and destinations that match the student's profile, both in large cities and in quieter areas.

03

Preparing the application file

We review and prepare all the documentation: academic record, letters, authorisations and translations if they are needed.

04

Application and interview

We send the application to the schools and prepare the in-person or online interview with the student when the school requires it.

05

School and host family assignment

We confirm the school place and select a carefully assessed host family close to the school.

06

Travel preparation and arrival

We organise the flight, insurance, transfers and the meeting with the local coordinator in Ireland. From then on, support throughout the whole school year.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the school year in Ireland

The questions families ask us most before taking the leap.

At what age can my child do a school year in Ireland?

Does my child need a visa to study in Ireland?

How is the host family chosen?

What level of English does the student need?

When should I start the application?

What does the programme include and how much does it cost?

Have another question?

Tell us about your situation and we will reply with no obligation, within 24 hours.

Limited places

Ready to start the Irish adventure?

School year programmes must be booked well in advance. Write to us today to explore your options and secure your place for next school year.

Call us

+353 89 944 7023

Email us

info@gostudyireland.com

WhatsApp

+353 89 944 7023