In This Section
Introduction
Non-EEA/non-Swiss nationals can only be recruited by providers with programmes listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).
Providers must meet certain criteria for each type of approved programme to be included on the ILEP. The ILEP is closed to new applicant providers.
The ILEP criteria have been updated as of 30 August 2024.
Please review the revised criteria. Providers must remain in compliance with the relevant criteria in order to retain a listing on the ILEP. Instances of non-compliance may result in removal from the ILEP of all of a provider’s programme listings.
Submitting an application
There is one final opportunity for ILEP providers to apply for inclusion of additional programmes. The ILEP is closed to new applicant providers. The ILEP will be superseded by the TrustEd statutory quality mark awarded by QQI.
Applications from providers with programmes currently listed in the ILEP will only be accepted from 10-16 April 2025
The final ILEP update will be published by 20 June 2025.
Revised Application forms:
- The ILEP remains closed to new applicant providers
- Applications received outside the specified application dates will not be processed
- Submissions should be submitted by email only
- Evidence of validation of higher education and foundation programmes must be supplied
- It is not necessary to re-apply in respect of existing programme listings
- Application forms should include new programmes for consideration only
- Requests for changes to existing listings should be set out separately.
Processing applications
TrustEd Ireland, QQI’s international education mark
All education providers intending to recruit non-EEA students in the future must gain authorisation from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to use the new statutory quality mark, TrustEd Ireland.
The new mark will be awarded to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet national standards to ensure a quality experience for international learners from pre-enrolment through to the completion of their programme of education.
The international education mark will supersede the ILEP for student immigration purposes. Once the ILEP is discontinued, only education providers granted authorisation to use the TrustEd Ireland mark will be eligible to recruit students from outside the EEA to English language programmes, foundation programmes and higher education programmes.
Where a provider has programmes listed in the ILEP and remains in compliance with ILEP criteria, it may continue to recruit non-EEA nationals until the ILEP ceases operation.
Providers with programmes listed in the ILEP are strongly advised to apply for the TrustEd Ireland mark in the first application window. A confirmation of application, confirming the intention to apply, must be submitted to QQI within the specified timeframe.
Please refer to the TrustEd Ireland information page on the QQI website for further information about TrustEd Ireland and the application process. Any questions regarding TrustEd Ireland should be addressed to the International Education Division of QQI at [email protected]
Providers with programmes listed in the ILEP will have one more opportunity to apply for the inclusion of additional programmes. The final ILEP application cycle will open in April 2025 and the final ILEP update will be published in June 2025.
The ILEP is permanently closed to new provider applications. Any providers planning to recruit non-EEA nationals to programmes must apply to QQI for authorisation to use the TrustEd Ireland quality mark.
Ongoing monitoring of providers
Providers must comply with immigration regulations and ILEP criteria and requirements. Immigration Service Delivery may carry out unannounced inspections, spot checks and monitoring of activity and compliance.
Providers must inform the ILEP unit (within five working days) of any change to status. This includes, for example, any changes to staffing, location of provision, learner protection arrangements, ownership or governance. Failure to notify us, or the provision of false or misleading information, may result in the removal from the ILEP of all the provider’s programmes.
Contact details for the ILEP Unit:
Email: [email protected]
Postal address:
Interim List of Eligible Programmes, ILEP BQ/4
Immigration Service Delivery
13/14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2, D02 XK70