Answers to the most common questions about studying English at Dorset College Dublin – from visas and accommodation to classes, exams and college life.
If your question isn’t covered here, you can contact our English Language team directly via the Contact Us page or speak to us at Reception when you arrive.
Information below is a general guide. Visa rules, fees and timetables can change, so we’ll always confirm details in your offer letter and at induction.
What happens between booking your course and your first day at Dorset College.
Before you arrive, we will send you an online English placement test. This helps us understand your reading, grammar and vocabulary level.
When you get to Dublin, you will also complete a short speaking test (usually on your first Monday). Together, these tests help us place you in the right class level.
We offer General English from approximately A1– (Beginner) to C1 (Advanced). You can read more about our levels on the English Language Levels page.
Yes. Business English is only available for learners with at least B2 (Upper Intermediate) English. You will take a placement test (usually around two weeks before the Business English course start date) so that we can confirm your level.
If your level is not yet high enough, you can start with General English and then move into Business English later once you reach B2.
Yes. Your placement test and speaking interview determine your CEFR level, and we use this to place you in the most suitable class. Your level can change during your studies as you progress.
There is no minimum level of English required to join Dorset College English programmes. However, you must complete a placement test so we can place you in an appropriate class, and some specialised courses (such as Business English) require a higher starting level.
How our classes are organised, when you can start, and what to expect day to day.
Most English Language programmes have flexible start dates and you can usually begin on any Monday, subject to availability at your level.
To check specific dates and spaces, please contact our Admissions team or use the enquiry form on the Contact Us page.
General English programmes normally run Monday–Friday in either a morning or afternoon schedule, with a short break in each class. For example:
Business English usually runs Monday–Thursday in extended sessions (for example 9:00 – 13:00 or 13:00 – 17:00).
Exact times may vary by course and cycle. Your confirmed timetable will be shown in your offer letter or at induction.
General English classes normally have a maximum of 15 learners, with an average of around 12 students per class. This helps us keep lessons interactive and allows time for individual support.
Attendance is very important, especially for visa-requiring learners. Students on a study visa are expected to keep at least 85% attendance.
You can check your attendance by visiting the English Reception Office, where staff can show you your current percentage and discuss any concerns.
If you feel your level is too easy or too difficult, speak to your teacher or the Academic Team. To move to a higher level you normally need to:
Timetable changes (for example, moving from morning to afternoon) depend on availability and class sizes. We will do our best to help, but changes cannot always be guaranteed.
English Language classes take place across our main buildings in Dublin 1, for example:
Your exact classroom and building will depend on your course and level. This will be confirmed at induction.
Long-term English language students who require a study visa are normally entitled to take some holidays during their programme. At Dorset, longer-term learners can usually:
Holiday plans are discussed with the management team, normally at induction on your first day. All holidays must follow current immigration regulations.
How much you pay, when you pay, and how this connects to visas and bookings.
To confirm your place on an English Language course, you pay a non-refundable deposit of €150.
The remaining balance is normally due before you start your course. For many non-visa learners this is no later than 30 days before your start date. For visa-requiring students, immigration rules require that your course is paid in full before classes begin.
Full details for your booking, including due dates, will appear on your offer letter and invoice. For refund rules, please see our Refund Policy and Terms & Conditions.
For learners who require a visa to study in Ireland, the course fee normally needs to be paid in full before arrival, in line with immigration requirements.
If you do not require a pre-entry visa, limited flexibility may be possible depending on your course and booking timeline. Please speak to Admissions to see what options are available for your situation.
General guidance on visas and registration. Always check official immigration sources for the latest rules.
Visa rules depend on your nationality and the length of your course. Some learners must apply for a visa before travelling, while others can enter Ireland without a visa but still need to register with immigration after arrival.
For up-to-date information, please see the Irish immigration website: www.irishimmigration.ie .
We can provide general guidance, but visa decisions are made only by Irish immigration. Because rules differ by country and can change, we always recommend checking your own situation on the official immigration website or with the nearest Irish embassy/consulate.
Requirements can change, but typically you will need:
Immigration rules and amounts are reviewed regularly. We will guide you at induction, but you should always check the latest information directly with Irish immigration.
Yes. All visa-requiring international students must hold private medical insurance that meets Irish immigration requirements.
Dorset College normally includes an approved insurance policy in the fees for eligible international students. The College purchases the policy once full tuition payment has been received.
If you are enrolled on an eligible 25-week Academic Year programme with a Stamp 2 study visa, you may normally:
These permissions are set by Irish immigration and may change. Always check the latest rules on the official website.
The standard Stamp 2 student visa does not normally allow dependants to accompany you. If your spouse or family members wish to come to Ireland, they usually need to make a separate application under a different route.
You can request official confirmation letters (for example for INIS/GNIB, banks or employers) via the online form on the main Dorset College website: Request a Letter .
Yes. Dorset College has an arrangement with a local bank to make opening an account easier. We can issue a student confirmation letter that banks may accept as proof of address.
Banks usually require:
Exact requirements and available banks may change, so we will explain the current process when you arrive.
Where you can stay, how long you can book for, and what happens when you land in Dublin.
Dorset College offers several accommodation types for English Language learners, including:
You can read more on our Accommodation page.
This is a personal choice:
Availability depends on your dates, so we recommend booking early, especially for summer and peak periods.
Minimum booking periods (for example 4 weeks) and weekly prices depend on the accommodation type and time of year. Full details are confirmed when you receive your quotation.
You can usually extend your stay with a host family or residence by emailing the Admissions team at least five working days before your check-out date. Extensions are always subject to availability.
Yes. Our host families and student residences normally provide Wi-Fi access so that you can study, keep in touch with family and friends, and enjoy online entertainment.
Yes. Dorset College can arrange an airport transfer from Dublin Airport to your accommodation for an additional fee. If you would like this service, please contact Admissions when you book so we can confirm the current price and availability.
Dorset College closes on certain public holidays and during the Christmas break. For the latest dates, please see our Academic Calendar.
Teaching does not take place on closure dates. Please keep these dates in mind when planning travel, exams or visa appointments.
How your progress is recognised and which external exams you can take.
Yes. When you complete your course, you can request a Dorset College Certificate of Achievement showing your final English level.
To request a certificate, you simply contact the English Language Office (details are provided during your programme). Certificates are usually issued within a few working days.
If you are a non-EEA learner on a 25-week Academic Year programme with a study visa, you are required to take an approved external exam at the end of your course (this is an immigration requirement).
Dorset College is an authorised Trinity ISE exam centre, and Trinity ISE is our standard exit exam for many General English learners. Other recognised exams include IELTS and Cambridge options.
You can read more about our exam options on the Exams page and our Trinity College London Exam Centre page .
Depending on your level and goals, you may prepare for:
Your teacher and the Academic Team will advise which exam best matches your CEFR level and your plans (for example, university entry or work abroad).
Yes. Dorset College is recognised by ACELS, a service of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) for English Language Teaching (ELT).
We are also members of international and national quality organisations such as EAQUALS and ELE Ireland. This means our English Language provision is regularly inspected against high standards.
You can learn more on our Accreditations page.
Facilities on campus, social activities, and how to reach the right support team.
Dorset College has several well-equipped buildings, including:
Yes. We provide free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the campus, and you are welcome to use your own laptop or device in class when appropriate.
You can also use college computers in the library and computer rooms for study, assignments and exam preparation.
Yes. Dorset College runs a social programme with a mix of free activities and optional paid trips in Dublin and around Ireland. These events are designed to help you:
Upcoming activities are advertised on noticeboards, social media and regular email updates.
Depending on your question, you can contact:
Contact details are provided at induction and are also available on the Contact Us page. You can always visit the English Office in person if you are unsure who to ask.
Yes. Printing facilities are available in our main buildings so that you can print assignments, exam confirmations and other important documents when needed.
