Irish Council for International Students expresses deep concern over delayed refunds by English Language Schools

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) has expressed serious concern the failure of multiple English language schools to issue timely refunds to prospective international students whose visa applications have been refused.

So far this year, ICOS has received complaints from more than 30 prospective international students, many of whom are from developing countries where the loss or delay of a refund can have serious financial consequences for students and families. In some cases, students have been waiting up to a year to receive refunds for course fees they paid in good faith prior to their visa decisions. The total value of the course fees owed to the students is more than €60,000.

Under the Department of Justice’s regulations, the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), English language schools are required to refund course fees within 20 days of a visa refusal. However, the number of complaints shows that some providers are not adhering to these obligations, placing significant financial strain on affected students.

ICOS is particularly concerned that these issues are arising at a time when English language schools are undergoing evaluation for inclusion in Trust Ed Ireland, a new international education quality assurance mark currently being rolled out to improve standards and protect international students. The organisation warns that such practices risk undermining confidence in Ireland as a destination for international education. If schools are failing to meet existing refund obligations, this raises serious questions about student protection, compliance, and oversight at a critical point for confidence in the international education sector. 

Brian Hearne, ICOS’ Policy and Communications Manager, said: “International students make substantial financial commitments when choosing to study in Ireland, often at great personal and family sacrifice.

It is unacceptable that, following a visa refusal, prospective international students are left waiting months, and in some cases nearly a year, for refunds that should be issued within 20 days. This not only causes financial hardship, but also damages Ireland’s reputation as a fair and welcoming place to study.”

ICOS is calling on the Department of Justice and Quality Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to implement stronger enforcement of the regulations, and ensure that schools are fully compliant with their obligations under Trust Ed Ireland, including processing outstanding refunds without delay.

ICOS remains committed to supporting international students and advocating for transparency, accountability, and fairness across Ireland’s education sector.

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