To get student permission for more than 90 days, you must study an eligible full-time programme. In 2026 Ireland is moving from one list of eligible programmes to another.

The ILEP

The Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) is the list of programmes that non-EEA students can be recruited to. Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) says the ILEP is closed and its final update was published on 20 June 2025. QQI says the ILEP has been in place since 2015.

TrustEd Ireland

TrustEd Ireland is a statutory quality mark awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). QQI says:

• The first 28 higher education institutions were authorised in January 2026.
• The first English language providers were authorised in August 2026.
• The ILEP will continue until decisions from the second TrustEd application cycle are announced, scheduled for the end of 2026. After that, providers without the mark cannot recruit students who need study visas.

Choosing an eligible programme

ISD's course page (updated 22 September 2026) says to choose a course from the ILEP or the TrustEd Ireland Providers eligible programmes list. It adds that a programme will not appear on both lists, so check BOTH. QQI lists authorised institutions at www.trustedireland.ie.

ISD also says:

• The programme must be full-time and in the daytime. Part-time and distance courses do not qualify.
• Colleges cannot accept fees in cash.

Learner protection

ISD says all colleges must provide learner protection, which protects you if your programme stops early. Your letter of acceptance must clearly state your learner protection arrangements. If they are through insurance, you must get a certificate in your own name showing how to claim.

QQI's Guide to Learner Protection (January 2026) explains the law:

• A statutory Learner Protection Fund has applied since 1 September 2024. Older arrangements continue until 1 September 2027, or an earlier date set by the Minister.
• If a programme stops, the Fund may pay for you to finish it, pay your fees with another provider offering a similar programme, or, if neither is practicable, refund the money you most recently paid for the current academic year.
• Before taking payment, a provider must tell you the awarding body, award title, NFQ level, award type and learner protection arrangements.

In August 2026 QQI described the outcome as completing your studies with another provider or, where that is not possible, a refund of "some or all of the most recently paid fees depending on the circumstances".