Membership
ICOS provides support and expertise to its members through:
- Promoting the rights of international students in Ireland;
- Encouraging and supporting collaboration between higher education institutions, government agencies, and other bodies involved in international education, to develop policies and practices that promote equality and high-quality educational experiences for all students;
- Providing information for international students, working with international students and representative bodies to ensure their voices are heard on issues that affect their lives in Ireland; and
- Raising awareness of the benefits of international education and its contribution to Irish society, cultural life, and global development.
ICOS members form an active national network committed to advancing high-quality, ethical, and inclusive international education in Ireland.
Benefits of Membership
- Join an active network of professionals committed to advancing the rights and welfare of international students.
- Receive regular updates on national and international developments in international education.
- Access advice and support from ICOS’ experienced staff on policy, immigration, and best practice.
- Benefit from discounted training, seminars, and networking events.
Become a Member
ICOS is open to new membership applications from eligible organisations. Prospective members must meet a number of conditions and engage in our application process.
Eligibility
ICOS welcomes applications from:
- Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) recognised by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and holding (or can demonstrate having formally applied for) TrustEd Ireland statutory quality mark (QQI’s International Education Mark).
- English Language Schools holding (or can demonstrate having formally applied for) TrustEd Ireland statutory quality mark (QQI’s International Education Mark, this is a requirement for schools who recruit non-EU/EEA learners); and
- Other organisations (e.g. NGOs, student unions, or training bodies) with a demonstrable interest in international education and student welfare, based in the Republic of Ireland.
Membership applies to the whole institution or organisation; members are expected to engage organisation-wide with ICOS’ work and values.
Membership Standards
All ICOS members must meet the following standards:
Legal and Institutional Standing
- Be legally established in Ireland with a recognised legal identity.
- Have been in existence for at least two years (not applied to statutory HEIs).
Commitment to ICOS’ Mission
- Subscribe to and actively promote ICOS’ mission, values, and aims, and respect its independence and charitable status.
- Uphold the rights and welfare of international students.
Governance and Accountability
- Be in good standing with relevant regulatory bodies (e.g. HEA/QQI for HEIs, Charities Regulator or Companies Registration Office for NGOs and student organisations).
- Hold the TrustEd Ireland statutory quality mark, i.e. QQI’s International Education Mark (IEM) or provide verifiable evidence of an active application.
Note: If Trust Ed or other relevant accreditation is suspended or withdrawn, ICOS membership will be automatically suspended pending Board review.
English Language Schools must maintain ongoing compliance with TrustEd Ireland and relevant QQI requirements at all times.
Advance Equality and Quality
- Implement a Race Equality Action Plan or equivalent, in line with HEA guidance.
- Align with wider equality frameworks such as Athena Swan (Ireland) and the National Action Plan Against Racism.
- Have a published EDI and/or anti-racism policy and take active, demonstrable steps to prevent racism, discrimination, or exploitation of international students.
Dignity & Respect
- Maintain a Dignity & Respect (or equivalent) policy covering both students and staff.
Engagement with ICOS
- Appoint a named institutional representative to act as liaison with ICOS.
- Commit to active participation (e.g. attending the AGM, contributing to consultations, responding to communications).
- Share expertise, data, and learning with ICOS where capacity allows, and contribute staff expertise to committees or joint projects.
Membership Conduct
- Use ICOS’ name and logo only in approved ways, without implying endorsement.
- Pay annual membership fees as required.
- Avoid conduct or practices that would bring ICOS into disrepute.
NOTE: Membership may be terminated or suspended for non-payment of fees, loss of required accreditation, or a substantiated complaint upheld by the Board.
Promote Student Voice
- Actively support international student voice within their institutions (forums, surveys, advisory groups).
Conditions of Membership
- Members must uphold ICOS' mission, values and aims and respect its charity status.
- Membership applies to the entire organisation, and members are expected to ensure institution-wide alignment with ICOS’ values and standards.
- Members must have a legal identity in Ireland and have been in existence for a minimum of 2 years (not applied to statutory HEIs).
- Members agree to actively support and promote ICOS' work and participate in meetings or consultations where possible.
- Members must not misuse ICOS' name or logo or imply endorsement.
- ICOS reserves the right to suspend membership if TrustEd Ireland or other required accreditation is lost or suspended, and to terminate membership for non-payment of fees or breach of standards.
Membership Application Process
Prospective members are asked to complete a short Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
This allows ICOS to confirm basic eligibility and alignment with membership standards before inviting organisations to submit a full application.
To request an Expression of Interest form, please email orlal@icosirl.ie
Organisations that meet the core criteria will be invited to proceed to Stage 1 of the formal application process.
Organisations invited to proceed following the Expression of Interest stage will be asked to submit a formal membership application. This stage is intended to verify and evidence information already provided and to confirm that the applicant meets ICOS’ membership standards in full.
Invited applicants will be asked to submit:
Governance and Legal Status
- A formal letter of application signed by the Director, President, or person with delegated authority
- Proof of legal identity in Ireland
- Financial statements for the previous two years
Institutional Profile and Student Engagement
A brief institutional profile, including:
- Institutional mission and core activities
- Numbers of international students enrolled (if not published on the organisation’s website)
- Structures in place to support international student voice and engagement
Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance
- Confirmation of accreditation and quality assurance arrangements, including evidence of holding the TrustEd Ireland statutory quality mark (QQI’s International Education Mark), or verifiable evidence of an active application, where applicable
- Confirmation of Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) arrangements, where applicable
Equality, Dignity and Respect
Copies or links to:
- EDI and/or anti-racism policy
- Dignity & Respect (or equivalent) policy
Where applicable, evidence of:
- a Race Equality Action Plan or equivalent
- engagement with Athena Swan or other recognised equality frameworks
ICOS may seek clarification or additional information where required to support assessment of the application.
If the Stage 1 requirements are met, the application will be submitted to the ICOS Board.
At its discretion, the Board may invite applicant organisations to meet with Board representatives.
The purpose of this meeting is to:
- Establish personal contact with member representatives
- Gain a fuller understanding of the applicant’s mission, values, and student support structures
- Clarify the applicant’s reasons for seeking membership and assess whether expectations on both sides can be met
Following the Stage 2 meeting, the ICOS Board will decide whether to recommend the applicant for membership.
If recommended by the Board, the application will be formally proposed to the ICOS Council at the Annual General Meeting (usually held in June).
Applicant organisations will be invited to attend the AGM as guests and will have an opportunity to introduce their organisation. The membership decision will be taken by Council vote.
