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What does the new Programme for Government mean for international students? ICOS reviews the programme and gives its verdict. 

ICOS welcomes today’s announcement from Minster Charlie Flanagan that language students, who have completed the maximum 2 years permitted, may remain as students until the end of the year provided they re-enrol in an online course of study for the remainder of the year.

Many international students are experiencing overcrowded living situations and are worried they will not be able to pay their rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey carried out by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS).

Last Friday ICOS Executive Director, Sarah Lennon, wrote to the Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection to raise deep concerns over the difficulties facing international students and the challenges many have in trying to obtain a PPS number or access State supports.

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) has today published the results of their survey outlining the health and wellbeing of international students during the Covid-19 crisis.

The ICOS office is closed until further notice. The decision was taken as a result of the government's announcement advising people to work from home due to Covid-19.

ICOS has produced a resource on COVID-19, which will be regularly updated with information as it emerges. 

Information for International Students on COVID-19

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) has today released its pre-election manifesto and has warned that action must be taken by the incoming government to ensure that Ireland’s place as a popular destination for international students is sustained.

ICOS is seeking a suitable volunteer to carry out the role of Chair of the Finance & Governance Committee. The Finance & Governance Committee (the committee) is a sub-committee of the ICOS board of directors and the committee reports to the board, under the delegated powers assigned by a terms of reference.

ICOS has been alerted that some students are being contacted by a person pretending to be an immigration officer. The scammer claims he is ringing students in relation to their immigration permission and demands a payment be made over the phone.

There is an important new law being debated next week in Dáil Éireann which could have an impact on international students. The Health Insurance Amendment Bill 2019, which is looking at reforming part of the insurance industry..

The Department of Justice and Equality have launched a public consultation on how existing hate speech legislation in Ireland can be improved.