Higher Diploma - Further Education

Program overview

Higher Diploma - Further Education is a diploma program in education at Maynooth University, a public institution in Kildare, County of Kildare, Ireland, founded in 1997.

First-year tuition is listed at 16,000 EUR and the application fee at 50 EUR. The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027.

Applications to Maynooth University typically receive a decision in 3 days and 9 hours, based on recent applications.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 26,050 EUR for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. Immigration sets a minimum level of funds that you must show in addition to first-year fees. Check the current amount on the Irish immigration site, and confirm tuition fees with your institution.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

Plan for the Sept 2027 intake

Working back from a Sept 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September is the main intake, with January and sometimes May intakes at some institutions.

Entry requirements and documents

Maynooth University sets the exact entry requirements for Higher Diploma - Further Education. For a diploma, applicants usually need the following.

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and other tests are widely accepted. Institutions publish their own minimum scores.

• Your most recent academic transcripts and certificates.
• A statement of purpose.
• References, and a CV where work experience is relevant.
• A valid passport.
• English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: Study visa

Students from India need a Study visa to study in Ireland. Immigration Service Delivery (Irish Department of Justice) decides the application.

Irish institutions run English-taught programmes at every level and the immigration system publishes lists of eligible programmes. Check that your course is on the eligible list, then follow the online visa process.

• Choose an eligible course and institution and apply for admission.
• Accept the offer and pay any required fee. Check that the programme appears on the list of eligible programmes.
• Prepare proof of funds, private medical insurance, passport and academic documents.
• Complete the online visa application, pay the fee and submit supporting documents as instructed.

• Study in Ireland: full visa guide
• Irish Immigration Service
• Education in Ireland

After you graduate

The Third Level Graduate Programme allows eligible graduates a limited period to remain and seek work. The length depends on the level of the qualification. Check the current terms on the official site.

How to apply with Study Spectra

• Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
• We check your profile against Higher Diploma - Further Education and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
• We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
• When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Higher Diploma - Further Education?

First-year tuition is listed at 16,000 EUR. Living costs are extra; Maynooth University estimates 10,000 EUR a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is 50 EUR. It is paid once per application and is not refunded after the school receives the application.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Higher Diploma - Further Education a degree?

It is listed as a diploma. Check with the school what qualification it awards and whether it leads to further study or work rights.

Which visa do I need to study in Ireland?

You need a Study visa, decided by Immigration Service Delivery (Irish Department of Justice). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Maynooth University, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at Maynooth University

• Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Teaching & Learning, 16,500 EUR first year
• Master of Education, 16,000 EUR first year
• Postgraduate Certificate - Spanish for Teaching at Post-Primary Level, 7,200 EUR first year
• Postgraduate Diploma - German for Teaching at Post-Primary Level, 14,000 EUR first year
• Postgraduate Diploma - Spanish for Teaching at Post-Primary Level, 14,000 EUR first year
• Professional Certificate - German For Teaching At Post Primary Level , 5,400 EUR first year
• Higher Diploma - Data Analytics, 17,000 EUR first year
• Higher Diploma - Economic Science, 16,000 EUR first year