After a very successful 2025 programme, we are pleased to announce the return of our
International Summer School for 2026.
This year our Summer School theme is developing ‘Future Careers’.
This programme is very popular and is designed for international university students to experience life as a student at DCU while attending courses in language development, business / employment skills and cultural development. In addition, students will attend field trips and networking activities with international students and local people.
This is a highly practical and enlightening programme: participants will benefit from 4 weeks of intensive development at DCU, one of Ireland’s leading universities. The key thrust of the Summer School is to prepare international students for life and career opportunities that will arise after they complete their degree.
Programme Overview
- The International Summer School is a 4-week block programme, delivered in summer 2026.
- We will offer three intake dates: students can join the programme on start dates in June, July or in August, to suit their availability.
- Course module content includes: language training, business / employment skills and cultural development.
- Outside of the classroom, DCU will arrange field trips, guest lectures and an activity programme for students.
- Students will live at DCU Residence for the duration of their programme.
- DCU will issue a certificate and transcript upon programme completion. Credits for participation may be awarded to attending students by their home university.
- Opportunities to integrate with other international students and local Irish students through DCU Clubs & Societies, and / or other activities.
Programme Intake (Start Dates) and Fees
| Programme | Check-In to Residence | Classes
Start Date |
Classes
End Date |
Check-Out from Residence | Fee |
| Summer School
Intake # 1 |
Sunday
28 June 2026 |
Monday
29 June 2026 |
Friday
24 July 2026 |
Saturday
25 July 2026 |
€3,025 per student, per 4 week programme.
(Fees include Residence Accommodation) |
| Summer School
Intake # 2 |
Sunday
19 July 2026 |
Monday
20 July 2026 |
Friday
14 August 2026 |
Saturday
15 August 2026 |
|
| Summer School
Intake # 3 |
Sunday
2 August 2026 |
Tuesday
4 August 2026 |
Friday
28 August 2026 |
Saturday
29 August 2026 |
Please note: fees are inclusive of single bedroom self-catering residence accommodation at a DCU Residence.
Programme Curriculum
Classroom Based
Our Summer School curriculum has four classroom based components:
- English Language development: intensive classes which focus on improving student confidence in speaking and conversational skills using English.
- Business Skills: language and formality for business communications.
- Employment and Careers: how to research employment opportunities in English speaking countries, prepare a CV, apply for roles, and prepare for interviews.
- Cultural Acumen: learning about Irish culture, global contemporary society and the cultural adjustments required to live and work in an English speaking country.
Teaching and learning will be provided via a mixture of lecture-style delivery, and smaller tutorial-style provision.
Field Trips and Other Activities
The programme will be complimented with a range of non-classroom, practical learning, which will include:
- Field Trips to historical and cultural learning sites
- Guest lectures from career industry experts and other dignitaries.
- Campus-based events, including cohort-specific social events.
Assessment & Grading
Students are examined by continuous assessment throughout the programme, and are issued with DCU IA certification upon completion of their course. DCU IA will issue an academic transcript to the student’s home university, detailing 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?
- An enlightening, careers focussed summer school at one of Ireland’s leading universities, which will enhance your language acumen, business skills and cultural knowledge.
- Our programme seeks to achieve practical outcomes, including outlining a pathway for students to consider living and working in an English speaking country for their future career.
- The opportunity to live and study in Ireland for 4 weeks in summer 2026.
- The chance to meet and network with Irish people, as well as with other international students.
- The chance to hear from leaders in education and industry on career trends and future employment opportunities.
Who Should Attend This Programme?
This course is recommended for students who:
- Are from overseas universities who wish to take a short term summer school programme during home university holidays.
- Would like to earn home university credits by attending an international summer school programme (*please check with your home university that credits award is possible)
- Want to experience life as a student in an Irish university, and live in Europe for a short-term period.
- Have an interest in Irish life, arts, culture, literature, sport, history, nature or geography.
- Would like to use Dublin as a base and travel to other European capitals at weekends during the programme.
Internationalisation
We receive students from around the world to our Summer School Programme, including from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Europe, Middle East, China, Japan and Korea.
Summary of Fees and Services Included
The programme fee is €3,025 per student. This fee includes:
- Programme for 4 weeks
- DCU Residence accommodation – single bedroom ensuite, in a shared apartment, self catering.
- Registration Fees and Course Materials Fees
- Programme certification and transcript
The following items are not included in programme fees:
Air travel to Ireland, airport transfers, student insurance, meals, transport card, laundry fees, other services not explicitly stated.
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.
Indicative Programme Timetable
Please note: this timetable is issued for indicative purposes only. Chronology and specification is subject to change and final schedule will be issued closer to time of programme commencement.
Enquiries
To make an enquiry, please contact us via our online contact form.