International Students

International students from all over the world are welcomed to Glenstal on both a permanent basis, and for stays of one academic year.

Ireland is small, safe, and combines bustling, well-connected cities with vast open landscapes.

Getting to Glenstal

Glenstal is located in Murroe, County Limerick and is well-connected to the UK, Europe and rest of the world via Ireland’s 5 international airports, the closest of which is Shannon Airport, just 30 minutes drive from the campus. Dublin Airport is conveniently accessed within 2 hours via a regular, direct coach service which departs from within easy reach of the school.

Studying in Ireland

Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the European Union (EU) and boasts an exceptionally high, and globally recognised, standard of education.

World #1 Most Educated Country 52% hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher

(CBRE 2025)

Children perform ahead of their UK & USA counterparts in mathematics and science

(PISA 2022)

Ranked #1 for reading literacy among EU and OECD countries

(PISA 2022)

Home to QS World University Ranking Top 100 university, Trinity College Dublin.

(QS World)

The Irish Secondary School System

Secondary school education spans six years, comprising a three-year Junior Cycle followed by a three-year Senior Cycle, which includes a Transition Year in the fourth year of secondary schooling. First Year at Glenstal is equivalent to UK Year 8 / US 7th Grade. Students must be at least 12 years of age on 1 January of their First Year of secondary school in Ireland. The school leaving qualification, the Leaving Certificate is a globally recognised qualification that provides a pathway to university in Ireland and internationally.

Joining our School Community

Parents, boys and education agents are warmly encouraged to visit the school to discover more about Glenstal and the education on offer here. Private visits to the school, to tour the campus and meet with our Headmaster are readily available by appointment.

Please enquire at any time for more information, or to make an appointment for an online consultation meeting.

Making an Application

The Process

Applications for entry may be made up to two years in advance. Applications are via an online form. Applicants are also asked to upload their son’s two most recent school reports and/or a short personal statement written by him. A Principal’s reference may also be requested.

Once an application has been received, applicants and their parents will be invited to a meeting with the Headmaster.

If your son is considering Glenstal for Senior Cycle more than 2 years in advance, please register your interest, to enable us to keep in touch with you regarding the admissions process.