In This Section
Introduction
Non-EEA/non-Swiss nationals can only be recruited by providers with programmes listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).
Providers must meet certain criteria for each type of approved programme to be included on the ILEP.
The ILEP criteria have been updated as of 28 February 2024.
Providers must remain in compliance with the relevant criteria in order to retain a listing on the ILEP. Instances of non-compliance may result in removal from the ILEP of all of a provider’s programme listings.
If your programme is not listed on the ILEP or you are waiting for a decision, you should not recruit students from outside the EEA and Switzerland as they may not be granted an immigration permission.
Submitting an application
There are usually two application cycles per year. Providers are urged to review the relevant criteria and guidance before submitting an application
APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED for the current application cycle.
The next ILEP update will be published on 21 June 2024.
The next window for receipt of applications from providers listed in the ILEP will be in October 2024, details to follow
In anticipation of the introduction of the new International Education Mark (IEM) by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the final opportunity for new applicant providers to submit an ILEP application was from 2-8 April 2024.
The ILEP is now closed to new applicant providers. Education providers intending to recruit non-EEA students in the future must gain authorisation from QQI to use the IEM. Further information on IEM requirements and the application process will be published by QQI on its website www.QQI.ie.
When fully operational and following a transition period, the IEM will supersede the ILEP for student immigration purposes. Transitional arrangements will apply.
For a limited time, providers with programmes listed on the ILEP may apply for the inclusion of additional programmes while engaging in the IEM application process. To prepare for the transition from the ILEP to the IEM, revisions to the ILEP criteria may be necessary.
Providers of programmes listed on the ILEP are advised to closely review the published ILEP criteria and use the correct application form if submitting an application for additional programmes.
Application forms:
Applications will only be accepted during the specified application dates, completed in full and using the correct application form.
Please note:
- Applications will only be accepted during the stated application dates
- Applications received at other times will not be processed
- Incomplete applications will not be processed
- Providers do not need to re-apply in respect of existing programme listings
- Submissions should be sent electronically to the email address on the form
- Documents submitted in hard copy should be printed double-sided
- Higher education and foundation programmes must be fully validated at the time of application and evidence supplied.
Processing applications
Queries from providers can be emailed to [email protected].
The International Education Mark (IEM)
ISD has requested advice from QQI in relation to a review of the accepted English language proficiency exams for English language programmes listed on ILEP. As set out in Arrangements Applying to English Language Programmes 1 October 2015 (Updated 28 February 2024), where it is deemed appropriate, the Department of Justice, on behalf of the Minister, will seek advice from QQI where education-related queries arise.
The International Education Division of QQI has conducted its own review of English language proficiency exams as part of the development of the IEM and has identified expertise in the area of English language assessment.
Providers of English language proficiency exams are requested to contact the International Education Division of QQI at [email protected] in relation to requests for consideration of suitable English language proficiency exams. In the event that revisions/additions are made to the list of English language proficiency exams for ILEP programmes, these will be published in the next iteration of the ILEP criteria and may apply until the transition to the IEM.
Please note that all decisions in relation to immigration matters fall within the remit of ISD in the Department of Justice.
Ongoing monitoring of providers
Providers must comply with immigration regulations and ILEP criteria and requirements. Immigration Service Delivery may carry out unannounced inspections, spot checks and monitoring of activity and compliance.
Providers must inform the ILEP unit (within five working days) of any change to status. This includes, for example, any changes to staffing, location of provision, learner protection arrangements, ownership or governance. Failure to notify us, or the provision of false or misleading information, may result in the removal from the ILEP of all the provider’s programmes.
Contact details for the ILEP Unit:
Email: [email protected]
Postal address:
Interim List of Eligible Programmes, ILEP BQ/4
Immigration Service Delivery
13/14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2, D02 XK70