EC English Dublin has closed: find your new school
EC English ceased trading across all of its schools on 14 September 2026. If you were studying, or planning to study, at EC Dublin, you can continue your English in Dublin at one of the accredited schools below. We list 50 visa-eligible options from €130 per week, with prices shown up front so you can compare before you enquire.
What happened to EC English
EC English entered insolvency and closed all 25 of its schools across seven countries, including Ireland, on 14 September 2026, citing financial difficulties and the failure to secure new investment. Students in EC accommodation kept their housing for a short handover period while onward arrangements were made, and language-sector bodies began helping students move to other schools.
For anything about your enrolment, fees or a refund, contact EC's appointed administrators or the agent you booked through. If your course was on the official ILEP list, ask about the learner-protection cover that applies to eligible students.
Source: The PIE News, 15 September 2026.
Continue the course you were taking
EC Dublin's programmes all have equivalents at other Dublin schools. Find the one that matches what you were studying.
General English
Part-time and full-time group classes at every level, the core of what EC Dublin offered.
Intensive English
Higher-hours courses (often 25 to 30 hours a week) for faster progress.
English for Work / Business
Professional communication for emails, meetings, presentations and interviews.
IELTS preparation
Exam-focused courses for university or visa requirements.
Academic Year
Long-stay programmes of 24+ weeks, visa-eligible with the right course.
Courses for over-30s
Several Dublin schools run adult-focused classes in the EC Dublin 30+ mould.
Accredited English schools in Dublin
Visa-eligible schools are listed first. Each shows its Google rating and a from-price per week where published. Open a school to enquire directly.
Englishour – Classroom Building (Eden Quay)
VisaEnglish Path Dublin
VisaCastleforbes College English School Dublin
VisaYour English Language School
VisaEverest Language School
VisaCentral School of English
VisaIrish College of English
VisaEnglishour – Classroom Building (Abbey Street)
VisaThe Linguaviva Centre
VisaELTA - The School of Spoken English - Callan Method Dublin School
VisaDublin College of Advanced Studies - Centre 2
VisaULearn English School Dublin
VisaIf you are transferring from EC Dublin
- If you are on a student visa (Stamp 2), make sure your new course is on the official ILEP list.
- Check the school is accredited by ACELS, a service of QQI.
- Ask whether they can start you mid-term and recognise the level you reached.
- Confirm the weekly price, the hours per week and what is included.
See visa-eligible schools or read our guides on studying in Ireland.
Accommodation in Dublin
If you also need somewhere to stay, Dublin schools and local providers arrange host families, student residences, and short and long-let apartments. Choose a school by location first, then sort out accommodation nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Is EC English Dublin still open?
No. EC English ceased trading across all of its schools on 14 September 2026 after entering insolvency, and the Dublin school closed with it. Any EC Dublin pages still online are not taking new students.
I had a course booked at EC Dublin. What should I do?
Contact EC's administrators or the agent you booked through about your enrolment and any fees. In Ireland, eligible students are covered by the ILEP learner-protection scheme, and ACELS and sector bodies have been arranging relocations. In the meantime you can compare accredited Dublin schools below and enquire directly.
Which English schools in Dublin are approved for a student visa?
You need a course on the official ILEP list (Interim List of Eligible Programmes) to study on a Stamp 2 student permission. We mark which Dublin schools have visa-eligible courses so you can filter to those first.
How much does an English course in Dublin cost?
It depends on the school, the number of hours and how long you study. Unlike many school sites, we show a 'from' weekly price on each listing so you can compare before you enquire. Standard General English typically starts in the low-to-mid hundreds of euros per week.
Can I get a refund for my EC English course?
We cannot advise on individual refunds. Direct fee and refund questions to EC's appointed administrators or your booking agent. If you paid for an ILEP-listed course, ask about the learner-protection cover that applies.