ESL Semester-Abroad / Academic Year Abroad
Commencing January 2026
The ESL Semester-Abroad / Academic Year Abroad programme is designed for international university students with an IELTS level (or equivalent) of 6.0 or below. Students will join English language development classes for an intensive semester block of consecutive 12-40 weeks training. This programme offers accelerated language and cultural development to attending students and is our most popular programme for international university students.
Programme Overview
- Intensive English language development – focus on communication development / speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and pronunciation. Diverse training classroom environment with other international students.
- Cultural development through attending an Irish university, living in a new country, and participating in Irish life. Stay at our Residence or Host Family (f desired).
- Opportunities to integrate with other international students and local Irish students through DCU Clubs & Societies.
Semester Start Date & Fees
Monday 12 January 2026
| Programme Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| 12 Weeks | €3,825 |
| 16 Weeks | €5,045 |
| 20 Weeks | €6,265 |
| 25 Weeks | €7,790 |
| 30 Weeks | €9,315 |
| 40 Weeks | €12,365 |
Schedule & Course Levels
Classes take place at DCU Glasnevin Campus on weekday mornings, and in the afternoons students can complete coursework / revision in our library or integrate with local students through DCU Clubs and Societies.
DCU offers language tuition at seven levels – (1) Beginner, (2) Elementary, (3) Pre-Intermediate, (4) Intermediate, (5) Upper Intermediate, (6) Advanced, (7) Proficient.
In advance of course commencement, students will complete an assessment to determine their ‘entry’ level of language to the programme.
Assessment & Grading
Students are examined by continuous assessment throughout the programme, and are issued with DCU IA certification upon completion of their course. In addition, DCU IA will issue an academic transcript to the student’s home university, outlining exit language level and percentage grade results from the programme.
Credits for participation may be awarded to attending students by their home university.
What Will The Course Offer Me?
- Dynamic, engaging, learner-centred lessons, delivered by teachers with a focus on student-centred communication
- Contemporary, relevant topics to prepare you for all the situations in which you will find yourself in an environment where English is the primary language
- Irish-themed materials and reference to Irish culture and events so that you can integrate at your own pace into life in DublinThe company of classmates from a variety of different cultures
Who Should Attend This Programme?
This course is recommended for students who:
- Are from overseas universities who wish to take a semester abroad or year abroad as part of their degree.
- Wish to accelerate their language skills, cultural knowledge and experience a western country ‘overseas experience’.
- Want to experience life as a student in an Irish university, and live in Europe for a period.
Have an interest in Irish life, arts, culture, literature, sport, history, nature or geography.Would like to use Dublin as a base for their programme and travel to other European capitals at weekends or national holidays.
Internationalisation
We receive students from around the world to our programmes., including from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Europe, Middle East, China, Japan and Korea.
Accommodation and Other Support Services
Accommodation can be provided (if required) at DCU Residence or DCU Host Family accommodation. Other services including airport transfers can be arranged if desired.
Enquiries
To make an enquiry, please contact us via our online contact form.
Apply Now for Your Programme
We invite you to make an online application for your programme.
Upon receipt of your application, we will issue you with a payment link to complete the application fee payment of €100 (this fee is deductible from your total course fees). Once the application fee payment is made we will complete your registration.
If you have any questions please contact us.