Intensive English courses in Dublin
Intensive English courses pack more class time into each week, which suits learners working to a deadline, preparing for an exam or aiming to progress quickly before university or work. Most combine core General English lessons with skills-focused or elective classes.
What to look for in an intensive course
- The actual contact hours per week: intensive usually means more than a standard course, often in the 25 to 30 range, but the exact figure varies by school.
- How the extra hours are used: core lessons plus electives, skills work or exam preparation.
- Lesson length, since contact hours depend on whether a lesson is 45, 50 or 60 minutes.
- Class size, so the faster pace still gives you enough speaking time.
- Accreditation by ACELS/QQI, Ireland's quality mark for English language schools.
English schools in Dublin
Visa-eligible schools are listed first. Each shows its Google rating and a from-price per week where published, with options from €130 per week. Open a school to enquire directly.
Englishour – Classroom Building (Eden Quay)
VisaCastleforbes College English School Dublin
VisaEverest Language School
VisaDelfin English School Dublin
VisaAtlas Language School
VisaBabel Academy of English
VisaEnglishour – English Language School Dublin
VisaISI Dublin - English Language School
VisaKaplan International Languages - English School in Dublin
VisaCentre of English Studies - CES
VisaEF International Language Campus
VisaSwan Training Institute
VisaFrequently asked questions
What is an intensive English course?
An intensive course is a workload format: it has more class hours per week than a standard course, usually to help you progress faster. The curriculum is often General English with extra skills or elective classes. The exact hours vary by school, so check each listing.
How many hours a week is intensive English?
There is no single standard, but intensive courses commonly run from around 25 to 30 hours a week. Remember that contact hours depend on lesson length: 30 lessons of 45 minutes is 22.5 hours, while 30 lessons of 60 minutes is 30 hours.
Who is intensive English for?
Learners with a deadline or a specific goal, such as exam preparation, pre-university study or work. It also suits anyone who wants to make the most of a shorter stay in Ireland.
Does an intensive course qualify for a student visa?
A Stamp 2 student permission generally needs a course on the ILEP or TrustEd Ireland list lasting at least 25 weeks with a minimum of 15 hours a week, not just a high weekly intensity. A short intensive course may not qualify on its own. Check the current rules at irishimmigration.ie.