Why Middle Eastern Students Choose to Study at DIFC

Are you from the Middle East and really want to study Medicine, Engineering, Science or Business abroad?

DIFC offers these International Foundation Year programmes leading to over 4,000 university courses. The International Foundation Year (IFY) is a qualification designed specifically for international students to prepare you for first year entry to undergraduate degree courses. The programme is run over 7-9 months and combines academic study, intensive English language preparation, study skills and cultural orientation.

Studying in Ireland is a great opportunity for you, not to just broaden your horizons but to explore a new culture and experience a highly respected education system and qualifications that are recognised internationally.

So, here’s how Middle Eastern students can apply to study with DIFC and find out more from students who have studied with DIFC before.

How to apply to do International Foundation Programmes with DIFC?

To apply, here’s a few questions you need to answer first:

  • Have you completed high school?
  • Is moving away from home for a year to study in Ireland something that excites you?
  • Can you afford the fees to study and live in Ireland?

If all the answers are yes, great! We can move onto the application form!

To complete your form, you need to include all the basic information, like your name, date of birth phone number, address and email. We also need to know your education details; how will you fund your studies and where you hope to study after your IFY with DIFC. You’ll need to attach the following documents with your application form:

  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of your academic certificates/results/transcripts
  • Copy of your English Language level certification (IELTS)
  • CV/Resume, if applicable

Once we have received your completed application form, we will assess your application and come back to you if your application is successful.

Please note that we aim to respond to applications within 24 hours but it sometimes can be longer, depending on weekends, holidays and busy times of the year. If you’re waiting on a response, you can always send us an email at info@difc.ie or message us using the online chat on our website.

Do I need a Visa to study International Foundation Programmes at DIFC?

If your application is successful and you secure your place at DIFC with a deposit, you will receive your final offer letter and we can start your Study Visa application process.

In order for you to enter Ireland you will require a Study Visa; some countries don’t require a Visa but you can check if you require one on the INIS website. One of the requirements for your Visa application is the required score on a recognised English test. This is overall 5.0 on an IELTS test, which are organised by the British Council.

As Irish Study Visas for Middle Eastern students are processed in Irish embassies in Abu Dhabi or Riyadh, the process is quite quick, usually taking no more than 4 weeks, which makes your Application Process much quicker.

And don’t let the thoughts of a Visa Application scare you, our team at DIFC will help you along the way, step by step, if needed.