What changed
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) unveiled TrustEd Ireland, a statutory quality mark for institutions teaching international students. On 4 February 2026 QQI announced the first 28 higher-education institutions authorised to use the mark. It applies to higher education and English-language providers and certifies their commitment to education quality and student welfare.
Replacing the ILEP
TrustEd Ireland is set to replace the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Once fully implemented, only providers holding TrustEd Ireland authorisation will be able to recruit non-EU/EEA/Swiss students who require a study visa, making the mark central to which courses support a valid student permission.
What it means for students
Indian students should check whether a chosen provider holds or is progressing toward TrustEd Ireland authorisation, as this signals recognised quality and, in future, eligibility to enrol non-EEA students on a study visa.