Pathways

After completing your Academic Year at ISI Dublin, you have several exciting “Pathways” to continue your life and education in Ireland. Most students choose one of the three main routes: renewing for more English, moving to Higher Education, or pursuing a career.

Pathway to Higher Education (University)

This is the most common route for students wanting a long-term future in Ireland. After reaching an Upper-Intermediate (B2) or Advanced (C1) level at ISI, you can apply for a degree.

  • Foundation Programmes: If you don’t yet meet the academic or English requirements for a Bachelor’s degree, you can join a “Foundation Year.” Partners like DIFC or NCUK have pathways to universities like TCD, UCD, and DCU.
  • Direct Entry: If you achieve a high score in your end-of-course exam (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or Cambridge CAE), you can apply directly to an Irish University or Technological University (like TU Dublin).

The Graduate Pathway (Stamp 1G)

If you complete a Level 8 (Honours Degree) or Level 9 (Master’s) in Ireland after your time at ISI, you become eligible for the Third Level Graduate Scheme.

  • Stamp 1G: This allows you to stay in Ireland and work 40 hours per week without a work permit for 12 months (Level 8) or 24 months (Level 9).
  • Goal: The purpose is to find a graduate-level job that will eventually sponsor a formal Work Permit (Critical Skills or General Employment Permit).

Renewing Your English Programme

You are allowed to study English in Ireland for a maximum of 3 cycles (8 months each, totalling 2 years).

  • Progression is Key: To renew your visa, immigration (ISD) requires you to show “Academic Progression.” This means if you studied at B1 level in your first year, you should aim for B2 or C1 in your second.
  • ISI Renewal Discounts: As mentioned before, ISI usually offers a significantly lower “Renewal Rate” for students who stay for a second or third year.

Understanding the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

When looking at pathways, you will see “Levels” mentioned constantly. It is helpful to understand how they compare:

NFQ Level Qualification Type Typical Duration
Level 5 Certificate (Leaving Cert equivalent) 1 Year
Level 6 Higher Certificate 2 Years
Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degree 3 Years
Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree 3–4 Years
Level 9 Master’s Degree / Postgrad Diploma1–2 Years 1–2 Years
Level 10 Doctoral Degree (PhD) 3–4 Years