Free English Classes in Ireland Through ETBs

What are ETB ESOL classes?

Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are government-funded bodies that provide further education and training across Ireland. One of their core programmes is ESOL — English for Speakers of Other Languages. These are completely free classes for anyone who is legally resident in Ireland and wants to improve their English.

Who can attend?

Any adult (18+) who is legally resident in Ireland — on any visa type or immigration permission — can attend free ESOL classes. You don't need to be unemployed, and you don't need a PPS number to enrol (though you'll need one eventually). International Protection applicants, refugees, and migrants with work permits are all equally eligible.

Levels available

ETB ESOL classes are offered at multiple levels aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR):

A1 (Beginner) — no English at all
A2 (Elementary) — basic everyday phrases
B1 (Intermediate) — can handle most everyday situations
B2 (Upper intermediate) — working comfortably in English
C1/C2 — advanced — academic and professional English

You'll be assessed at enrolment and placed in the appropriate level.

How to find and enrol

Find your local ETB at etbi.ie
Contact the ETB's adult education department directly — phone or email is usually fastest
Ask about ESOL class availability, schedules, and next start dates
Bring proof of identity (passport) and proof of address to enrolment

Classes fill up — particularly in Dublin — so enrol as early as possible. Waiting lists are common; ask to be placed on one if your preferred class is full.

Online options

During and since the pandemic, many ETBs added online ESOL provision. This is useful if you have childcare or work commitments that prevent attendance at in-person classes. Ask your ETB whether online classes are available. SOLAS also maintains an e-learning portal (elearning.solas.ie) with free self-study English materials.