Our ‘Work and Study Programme’ is one of our most popular programmes and is ideal for students who wish to take a ‘Gap Year’ and develop their English skills, while working in Ireland.
Summary Information:
- Students will attend 17 Weeks of General English classes and 8 Weeks of IELTS Exam Preparation classes. Towards the end of the programme you will take the IELTS examination.
- Students attending this programme (duration 25 weeks) can receive ‘Permission to Remain’ in Ireland for 33 weeks – meaning that you can take 8 weeks’ holidays during the programme. It is possible to renew the programme twice – meaning that students can attend for 3x 25 week courses over 3x 33 weeks periods.
- This programme is recognised under ILEP – the Interim List of Eligible Programmes.
- Tuition is 20 hours per week – from 09.00-13.00hrs Mondays to Fridays.
- Students in Ireland can work part-time, with non-EEA students allowed up to 20 hours per week during term-time and up to 40 hours per week during designated holidays (June-September and mid-December to mid-January)
- 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 29 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
Who Should Attend This Programme?
This course is recommended for students who:
- Want to spend a Gap Year period studying English
- Wish to work during their stay in Ireland
- Are keen to immerse themselves fully in Irish culture
- Want to visit other EU countries during their stay
- Are looking for the best value option for long-term study
Internationalisation
We receive students from around the world to our Work and Study 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.
Scholarship
DCU offers partial fee scholarships for this programme, as part of our global internationalisation initiative. Successful students will receive a 30% fees reduction. Applications for scholarships can be made here.
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 Work and Study 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.