Why Choose Ireland?

Natural Beauty – The “Emerald Isle” offers green fields, rugged coastlines, and stunning scenery.

Friendly & Safe – Renowned Irish hospitality, low crime, and a vibrant international community.

English Environment – One of only two EU countries where English is the native language.

Affordable, Quality Education – Lower tuition and living costs than the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia.

Work & Visa Options –

• EU students can work freely in Ireland.
• Non-EU Stamp 2 language students: 20 hrs/week (40 hrs during June–Sept & mid-Dec–mid-Jan).
• Higher-education graduates (Undergraduate/Masters) may stay up to 2 years to find work.

Mild Climate – No extreme weather, with fresh, clean air.

Easy European Travel – Budget flights from Cork to capitals like Paris, Rome, London, and Barcelona.

Who is Ireland Suitable for?

Ambitious learners looking for affordable yet high-quality education.

Students seeking authentic English education in Europe.

Learners planning further studies at Irish or other European universities.

Families valuing safety, comfort, and quality of life.

Students aiming for work options and career growth. Paris, Rome, London, and Barcelona.

Transport in Cork City

Easy to get around: Cork city is a compact and very walkable city with lots of pedestrianized streets for walking

Cycling: Cycle lanes for bicycles and scooter

Buses: Regular busservice connecting all suburbs (Douglas, Bishopstown, Ballincollig,  Mayfield, Ballyphehane, Ballinlough)

Discount Bus Fares

Standard bus fare: €1.90 per journey.

Adult Leap Card:  €1.35 per journey

Young Adult Leap Card: €0.65 per journey. Anyone 25 or younger you can apply for the Young Adult Leap Card.

If You’re 26 or Older – Use the TFI Go App for €0.65 Fares

People aged 26 and over can also access the €0.65 fare using the TFI Go (Transport for Ireland) app. This is a great alternative that works regardless of age, as long as the correct steps are followed.

School Information

Cork English Academy is housed in a historic late-1800s flour mill with distinctive red and yellow brickwork, blending rich history with modern education.

Why Choose Cork English Academy?

Accredited & Irish-Owned – ACELS-recognized and a member of EEI/MEI for quality assurance.

Adults Only – Focused learning for students 18+.

High-Quality Teaching – ACELS-accredited with experienced Irish/UK teachers emphasizing communication and real-life skills.

Flexible Courses – Morning and afternoon classes at all levels, with easy schedule changes.

Unique Accommodation – Shared apartments and homestays (with or without meals) at competitive rates.

Enriching Extra curriculars – Weekly excursions and social activities; free workshops on language and job skills.

Diverse International Community – Students from 40+ countries create an immersive, intercultural environment.

Competitive Pricing – Affordable rates, including discounted afternoon options at the very highest standards of English language Education.

School Facilities

18 bright and spacious classrooms, a study area, 2 student chill-out areas and a connectivity lounge all within a historic setting.

Chill-out Area

Check out the school notice boards with information on activities, room rentals, and local job opportunities. We provide water stations offering cold and ice-cold drinking water and vending machines stocked with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks for a quick refreshment throughout the day.

Study Area

Our library offers reference books, modern novels, local history, graded readers (A1 to C1), and level-specific self-access study materials.

Connectivity Lounge

A computer area with desktops, hot-desk spaces for personal laptops, high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, and a printing facility are available throughout the building.

Local Excursions

At least 2 organized and accompanied activities per week.

Elizabeth Fort

Cork Public Museum

Shandon Tower

Nano Nagle Place

St. FinBarres Cathedral

UCC Tour

Glucksman Gallery

Get-Togethers

At least 2 organized and accompanied activities per week.

Walking Tour of Cork

Weekly Pub Night

Traditional Irish Music Night

Pottery Class

Bowling

Music Bingo

Free Workshops

2 free workshops every week, 12:30 to 13:00 allowing both morning and afternoon students attend.

Pronunciation

Grammar

Vocabulary

Jobs Club

CV Writing

Cover Letter

Interview Skills

General English

Whether you’re looking for a short refresher course or an extended language learning experience, we have a plan that works for you.

• Task-based syllabus designed to equip you with practical English skills.
• Each week, you’ll work towards clear and achievable learning outcomes, helping you build confidence in your communication abilities.
• Your progress will be closely monitored through interactive activities, assessments, and personalized feedback from our experienced teachers.
• Whether you’re learning for work, study, or everyday interactions, our structured approach ensures steady improvement in a dynamic and supportive environment.

With experienced teachers, engaging lessons and a supportive international community, you’ll gain the confidence and fluency needed to achieve your goals while experiencing the vibrant culture of Ireland.

Key Details

Flexible Start Dates: Join any Monday throughout the year. In the case of public holiday Mondays, classes will start on the Tuesday.

Small Class Sizes: Learn in groups of no more than 15 students for personalized attention.

Varied Timetables: Choose between morning or afternoon sessions to fit your schedule.

Course Duration: Book anything from 2 weeks to 12 months; what ever suits your language needs, availability and budget.

Levels: We cater to a wide range of English language levels, from Elementary (CEF A1) right up to Proficient (CEF C2).

General English Price

With standard morning courses and discounted afternoon options, we offer flexible pricing to suit all budgets. Plus, the more weeks you book, the lower the weekly cost, making long-term study even more affordable.

+ Textbook Fee: €50 per level
+ School Registration Fee: €65 (waived for partner agencies/€0 on agency nett invoice)

IELTS Course for Students and Professionals

• Build confidence in handling academic English and critical communication skills.
• Enroll in English-speaking universities or colleges.
• Gain a competitive edge in the global job market.

6 Week IELTS Course

2026 Dates

*Exam dates may vary based on external exam center availability. The IELTS exam could be mid-week after the 6-week course. Arrange accommodation for an extra week in Cork and confirm dates with the school before booking flights.

2026 Course dates subject to change in line with 2026 exam dates.

Work and Study Programme

Suitability: Courses suitable for students from outside of Europe who need to formalize their stay in Ireland for Immigration purposes (stamp 2 and visa applicants).

8 Month Stay: The Programme offers an 8 month stay in Ireland and must include at least 25 weeks study ( 25 weeks study + 2 month holiday period)

Internationally Mixed Classes: All students from within and outside of Europe are placed in mixed international classes according to their specific English language level and at the same price too.

Extra Requirements: Work and Study Courses have extra requirements in line with Immigration policy:

• Learner Protection 
• Final external exam 
• Medical insurance 

Levels: Elementary (A1), Pre-Intermediate (A2) ,Intermediate (B1), Upper-Intermediate (B2) Advanced (C1), Proficient (C2)

Minimum Level: Elementary A1 (CEA does not offer courses at Absolute Beginner level A0) 

A1 Level: Students should be able to introduce themselves in English and answer basic questions, such as sharing their name, age, where they are from, if they have family members, and their interests or hobbies.

Level Test Procedure: The school will email all students with a link to our online level test 12 weeks before course start date or the same week of making a booking with less than 12 weeks notice.

Options and Price

1. Work & Study: General English (TIE Exam) Morning (€2720)

• 25-week General English course  €2500
• 15-hour course per week Monday to Friday 09:00 to 12:15
• First textbook (more textbooks can be purchased if required from the school reception. You will need a textbook per level) €50
• Official English language exam TIE €130
• Learner Protection €40

2. Work & Study: General English (TIE Exam) Afternoon (€2220)

• 25-week General English course  €2000
• 15-hour course per week Monday to Friday 13:15 to 16:30
• First textbook (more textbooks can be purchased if required from the school reception. You will need a textbook per level) €50
• Official English language exam TIE €130
• Learner Protection €40

3. Work & Study: General English and IELTS Morning (€2865)

• 25-week course €2500
• 19 weeks General English + 6 weeks IELTS 
• 15-hour course per week Monday to Friday 09:00 TO 12:15
• First General English textbook (more textbooks can be purchased if required from the school reception. You will need a textbook per level) €50
• IELTS textbook €45
• Official English language exam IELTS €230
• Learner Protection €40

4. Work & Study: General English and IELTS Afternoon (€2365)

• 25-week course €2000
• 19 weeks General English + 6 weeks IELTS 
• 15-hour course per week Monday to Friday 13:15 to 16:30
• First General English textbook (more textbooks can be purchased if required from the school reception. You will need a textbook per level) €50
• IELTS textbook €45
• Official English language exam IELTS €230
• Learner Protection €40

+ Medical Insurance: €120 if ordering through the school.

+ School Registration Fee: €65 (waived for partner agencies/€0 on agency nett invoice)

Immigration Requirements

1. Final External Exam

Option 1: TIE Exam

• The TIE exam follows the 25-week General English course.
• There’s no specific prep course, but students must complete three tasks: a short project on a personal interest, read a book in English, and follow a news story.
• The TIE exam will take place at Cork English Academy. We welcome a TIE examiner to the school ever month to arrange for students to take the TIE exam here in Cork in the school.
• Minimum level: A1.

Option 2: IELTS Exam

• The IELTS exam follows a 19-week General English course and a 6-week IELTS preparation course (25 weeks total).
• It assesses your English proficiency for academic environments, including understanding academic language like charts and statistics.
• The IELTS exam can be taken here in Cork city with the exam centre just 10 minute walk from Cork English Academy.
• Minimum Level: A2 Pre-Intermediate for the 25-week course; B1+ for the 6-week standalone course.

2. Learner Protection (PEL)

Learner Protection (PEL) is provided by Arachas and ensures that, in the event of a school closure, students can continue their studies at another accredited institution.

3. Medical Insurance

The school can arrange MediCover insurance through Arachas, providing medical support during your 8-month stay in Ireland €120.

Agency Ordered Insurance

• Alternatively, as an agency you can set up an account with an insurance provider to secure preferential rates as a new customer.
• Students must have specific insurance for international students living in Ireland.  
• Guard.me or Study and Protect – Arachas insurance are familiar to Immigration in Ireland.

Work Opportunities

Enrolling in one of these programmes also grants non-EU students work permissions in Ireland, which is why they are commonly referred to as “Work and Study” programmes.

Working Permissions

• 40 hours per week during the months of June, July, August and September and from 15 December to 15 January inclusive.
• At all other times you can work up to 20 hours per week.

Job Opportunities

• Many of our students take up part-time or casual work in the hospitality sector, such as roles in restaurants, cafes, or retail.  
• Cork’s welcoming environment and bustling hospitality sector make it easier to find part-time work during your studies.

Job Application Support

Monthly Jobs Club: In house activity covering CV, cover letter writing and interview skills.

Jobs Board: The school Jobs board in the student chill-out area , ground floor is updated weekly. Check out our Jobs Board on Instagram too!

Applying for a PPS Number: Everybody who would like to start work in Ireland will need a PPS number. Students will need the following documents for their visit to the PPS Office in Cork:

• Passport
• A Job offer letter or confirmation email from an employer offering the student a job, stating the new job position and start date.
• Proof of address (students can present their school letter and insurance documents with matching addresses).

Minimum Wage in Ireland: €14.15

Relocation Information

Information for non-EU Students Needing a Stamp 2 Immigration Registration.

On Arriving to Ireland – What to Expect at the Airport

On first arrival to the airport in Ireland you will present the following documents to the airport Immigration Officer:

1. Official School Letter
2. Medical Insurance Policy

On seeing these documents the Immigration Officer you meet at the airport will give you a specific landing stamp (a stamp showing your intention is to study in Ireland as apposed to being a tourist). 

Having this specific landing stamp in your passport will allow you do the following from the day you arrive in Ireland: 

1. Request an Immigration appointment and upload your documents online in advance of travelling to Dublin to get your physical IRP/Immigration card (stamp 2 student visa).
2. Apply for a PPS number (official number for work purposes). You can do this before you get your physical IRP card. You can Apply for Jobs and start work from the day you arrive in Ireland. The landing stamp in your passport permits this. Confirmation of this can be found here on the Government website.
3. Apply for an Irish bank account. This in general is not mandatory but in some rare cases an employer might request specific AIB or BOI Irish bank details to make payments to you.

Agent Resources

Useful Links for Your Team

• CEA-Price-List
• Agent Manual (School Introduction) 
• Media Pack – Get Posting! 
• Accommodation Options
• School Registration Form Word
• School Registration Form PDF
• CEA Brochure 
• Irish Lifestyle:  A  Guide to Cork 
• Relocation Information (Stamp 2 Applicants)
• Check us out on YouTube: @corkenglishacademyofficial

Stay Updated with Our Media Pack – Get Posting! – Stay tuned for fresh reels, photos and promotional materials you can use. We will update the media pack regularly.