Home›University Recognition›How to Verify an Irish University and Programme
To verify an Irish university or college, separate academic recognition from immigration eligibility. The National Framework of Qualifications, Irish Register of Qualifications, awarding body, provider status and ILEP or TrustEd Ireland eligibility each answer a different question.
Begin with the Ireland pillar guide, then use this checklist before paying any application fee or deposit.
Core verification rule: Finding a provider name on Google or seeing a QQI logo is not enough. Verify the exact qualification, NFQ level, awarding body, campus, full-time programme and immigration-eligible list entry.
On this page
Step 1: Identify the NFQ Level
| NFQ level | Typical award | Key use |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Higher Certificate | Progression or employment-specific qualification |
| 7 | Ordinary Bachelor Degree | Undergraduate award; not the standard Stamp 1G qualifying level cited for graduates |
| 8 | Honours Bachelor Degree / Higher Diploma | Can support 12-month graduate permission if all conditions are met |
| 9 | Master Degree / Postgraduate Diploma | Can support up to 24 months under Stamp 1G in two stages |
| 10 | Doctoral Degree | Research award and potential graduate-route eligibility |
The NFQ describes the level and learning outcomes of Irish qualifications. It does not by itself prove that every programme is open to non-EEA students.
Step 2: Search the Irish Register of Qualifications
The IRQ is QQI’s national database of qualifications included in the NFQ and the programmes leading to them. Search for:
- Exact qualification title.
- Programme name.
- Provider.
- Awarding body.
- NFQ level.
- Quality-assurance information.
If the advertised title differs from the register, ask the institution to explain the legal award in writing.
Step 3: Identify the Awarding Body
| Situation | What to verify |
|---|---|
| University awards its own degree | Exact university, programme and campus |
| Institute delivers a QQI award | QQI validation and the provider’s approved programme |
| Private provider teaches a partner-university degree | Who awards the degree, where it is delivered and whether the partnership is current |
| Professional qualification | Professional regulator or industry body recognition in addition to academic status |
Step 4: Check ILEP and Eligible Programme Lists
Immigration Service Delivery currently instructs students to check both the Interim List of Eligible Programmes and the TrustEd Ireland eligible-programme list because a programme may appear on one and not the other during the transition.
Match:
- Provider legal name.
- Programme title.
- NFQ level.
- Campus.
- Duration.
- Full-time status.
Immigration warning: Academic recognition does not automatically make a programme eligible for student immigration permission. Complete the programme-list check separately.
TrustEd Ireland Transition
TrustEd Ireland is the international education quality mark administered by QQI. QQI states that ILEP is an interim measure and is expected to cease after completion of the second TrustEd Ireland window in 2026. For 2027 planning, applicants must use the live Department of Justice and QQI lists rather than relying on an old ILEP screenshot.
Step 5: Match Campus, Intake and Delivery Mode
Large providers can operate multiple campuses or delivery partnerships. Verify that the offer letter matches the campus and mode shown in official sources. A programme delivered online, part-time or at an unlisted location may not support the same immigration route.
Private Provider Due Diligence
Refund and Payment Checks
ISD states that providers must publish refund policies and disclose all charges before enrolment. The policy must explain the maximum refund time, administrative deductions and circumstances in which a refund is not available. Visa-refusal or entry-refusal refund requests must be processed within 20 working days under the stated rules.
Do not pay cash. Current guidance requires approved money-transfer facilities or electronic bank transfer.
Worked Verification Example
A private Dublin provider advertises a “Level 9 MSc in Data Analytics.” The student should:
- Find the qualification in the IRQ.
- Confirm whether the award is made by the provider, QQI or a partner university.
- Check the programme on the current ILEP or TrustEd list.
- Match the Dublin campus, full-time mode and intake.
- Read total fees, refund and learner-protection terms.
- Confirm whether the award is an eligible recognised level 9 qualification for Stamp 1G.
Final Verification Checklist
Next action: Compare the verified programme with the Ireland cost guide and the GradVix application checklist.
Official Sources Used
| Official source | Used to verify |
|---|---|
| Irish Register of Qualifications | Qualifications, programmes and providers |
| National Framework of Qualifications | NFQ levels and award structure |
| ISD eligible programmes | ILEP and TrustEd Ireland list checks |
| QQI TrustEd Ireland | Transition from ILEP and provider authorisation |
| ISD student FAQs | Fees, refunds and payment protections |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an Irish degree is recognised?
Check the qualification and programme in the Irish Register of Qualifications and record the NFQ level and awarding body.
Is QQI recognition enough for a student visa?
No. You must also verify that the exact full-time programme is on the current ILEP or TrustEd Ireland eligible-programme list.
What is TrustEd Ireland?
It is QQI’s international education quality mark. It is replacing the interim ILEP framework for eligible providers and programmes.
Does NFQ level 9 guarantee two years of Stamp 1G?
No. The award level is one requirement. The graduate must also satisfy current immigration and student-pathway conditions.
Can a private college award a recognised degree?
Yes, but verify the exact awarding body, validated programme, campus and immigration eligibility.
What should I check before paying tuition?
Verify the award, eligible-programme status, total fees, payment method, learner protection and refund policy.