DCU offers short term General English courses for international students. These courses are designed to increase students’ competence and confidence in speaking, reading, writing, listening, comprehension and grammar.
The minimum period of attendance is 2 weeks, and new students can join our General English programme throughout the year. The maximum period of attendance is generally 8 weeks.
This programme is an excellent choice for participants who wish to enhance or refresh their language skills, and experience living in Ireland.
Summary Information
- Develop your English language skills in a dynamic student-centred learning environment.
- Study alongside motivated students from all over the world who are at the same level as you.
- Learn through task-based activities specially designed by our professional, enthusiastic teachers: the emphasis is on communicating effectively and precisely and on developing students’ confidence with a view to tackling any real-life situation with ease.
- Tuition is 20 hours per week – from 09.00-13.00hrs Mondays to Fridays.
- Minimum age of attendance is 17 years.
- Participants can join the DCU Social
- Activity Programme in afternoons.
For immigration information and requirements, please click here.
Upcoming Course Start Dates
- Monday 10 November 2025
- Monday 1 December 2025
- Monday 12 January 2026
- Monday 26 January 2026
- Monday 9 February 2026
- Monday 23 February 2026
- Monday 9 March 2026
- Monday 23 March 2026
- Monday 13 April 2026
- Monday 27 April 2026
- Monday 11 May 2026
- Monday 25 May 2026
- Monday 8 June 2026
- Monday 27 July 2026
- Monday 17 August 2026
- Monday 7 September 2026
- Monday 12 October 2026
- Monday 9 November 2026
- Monday 7 December 2026
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 Dublin
- The company of classmates from a variety of different cultures
Who Should Attend This Programme?
This course is recommended for students who:
- Want to use English more naturally and confidently in various social and professional situations.
- Are available to attend for a short term programme.
- Wish to develop English skills while attending one of Ireland’s leading universities.
- Are keen to immerse themselves fully in Irish culture
Internationalisation
We receive students from around the world to our General English Programme., including from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Europe, Middle East, China, Japan and Korea.
In addition, international students can also join DCU Clubs & Societies, which will provide social interaction opportunities with DCU Bachelors and Masters students.
When Can I Join?
New students can join our programmes on selected intake dates, usually one or twice per month. Visit our application page for details on upcoming intake dates for new joiners.
Accommodation
DCU can arrange Host Family or Student Residence accommodation, either for full programme duration or for a shorter period. If you wish to book accommodation with us, please indicate this on your online application.
Please note: residence accommodation is available from 10/05/2026 to 29/08/2026 only. Host Family accommodation is available year-round.
If you have any questions about our General English Programme, please contact us.
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.