Overview
The National Film School (NFS) at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) is Ireland's designated national center for film education. Located in Dun Laoghaire, a coastal town approximately 12 km south of Dublin city center, the school has taught film and television for over 30 years. IADT was named by Variety Magazine in 2020 as one of the world's top film schools and is a full member of CILECT, the International Association of Film and Television Schools.
Ireland's screen industry has grown rapidly, driven by the Section 481 tax credit (32% standard rate, with a new 40% VFX uplift on qualifying expenditure up to EUR 10 million effective July 2025). Major international productions shot in Ireland include Game of Thrones, Normal People, Vikings, and numerous feature films. Post-Brexit, Ireland is the only native English-speaking EU member state, giving the NFS a distinctive advantage for international students seeking European film education without a language barrier.
Graduates have won or been nominated for international awards including the Academy Awards, Berlin Film Festival, and Cannes. Applications for undergraduate programs are processed through the CAO (Central Applications Office) with a deadline of 1 February 2026. Portfolio submission deadlines fall on 10 March 2026 for programs requiring them. Review the IADT 2026 prospectus for full course details.
Programs Offered
Undergraduate (4 years, Level 8 Honours Degrees)
- BA (Hons) in Film and Television Production (DL827) - 4 years, 50 places, 577 CAO points required (2026). Covers directing, cinematography, editing, sound, and producing. 60% of modules are shared with BA (Hons) Television. Work placement in Year 3. Erasmus exchange opportunities in Years 2 and 3.
- BA (Hons) in Design for Film (DL845) - 4 years. Production design, costume design, character make-up design, and model making for film and television.
- BA (Hons) in Film Studies (DL864) - 3 years, 20 places. New program. Academic and critical study of cinema with practical elements.
- BA (Hons) in Creative Music Production - music production and sound design for screen.
Postgraduate
- MA in Screenwriting for Film (DL901) - 1.5 years, EUR 7,000 total fee. Graduate screenplay development for film and television.
- MA in Creative Producing - graduate program focused on development, financing, and production management.
- MA in Animation (DL931) - 1.5 years, EUR 7,000 EU / EUR 16,000 non-EU. Full-time, eligible for SUSI funding.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint MA in Cinematography (VIEWFINDER) - 2 years, EUR 18,000. Students study in Dublin, Budapest, and Tallinn across three semesters. Erasmus Mundus scholarships available.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint MA (KINO EYES) - 2 years, EUR 18,000. Joint master in film directing.
- Master's by Research - 2 years, EUR 10,000.
Tuition and Fees
Undergraduate (2025-26)
| Category | Annual Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU students (Free Fees Initiative) | EUR 3,819 | EUR 3,000 student contribution + EUR 819 tuition. Tuition may be covered by HEA for eligible students. |
| Non-EU students | EUR 13,500 | Full fee per year. No Free Fees Initiative coverage. |
EU students pay 50% by 30 September and the balance by 31 January. Non-EU visa-requiring students must pay 100% of fees in advance of 1 June or before submitting visa application. SUSI grants may cover part or all of the student contribution for eligible students.
Postgraduate (2025-26)
| Program | EU Total Fee | Non-EU Total Fee |
|---|---|---|
| MA Screenwriting (1.5 years) | EUR 7,000 | EUR 13,500 |
| MA Animation (1.5 years) | EUR 7,000 | EUR 16,000 |
| MA Design for Change (1.5 years) | EUR 7,000 | EUR 13,500 |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint MA (2 years) | EUR 18,000 | EUR 18,000 |
Postgraduate EU students pay 50% by 31 October and the balance by 28 February. Non-EU postgraduate students pay 100% in advance for Year 1.
Cost of Living in Dublin
Dublin's cost of living has risen significantly. A single student should budget EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,800 per month for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. Dun Laoghaire is somewhat more affordable than central Dublin, but housing remains the biggest challenge for students. International students should research accommodation well before arrival.
Facilities and Equipment
The National Film School provides purpose-built facilities at the IADT campus:
- Film/TV Studio - approximately 200 square metres with a clear shooting height of 6 metres and a motorised lighting grid. Fully soundproofed with a specialist resin-based screed floor for optimal camera tracking. Equipped with black, white (ecru), and green cyclorama curtains. Connected to the Production Gallery via 8 wall boxes. Access to water and drainage.
- Green Screen Studio - approximately 45 square metres with 4-metre shooting height, 75% surround chromakey walls, and black cyclorama curtain. Connected to Production Gallery or operable via mobile production unit.
- Full Production Gallery - connected to both studios, capable of supporting external OB van or uplink truck connections via external wall boxes.
- Post-production suites - editing and sound design facilities.
- Radio and audio studios - for sound recording and production.
The studios are designed to accommodate international students, local and national TV producers who may need studio space, and broadcasters requiring additional facilities during high-volume periods. This professional-grade infrastructure gives students experience working in facilities that meet broadcast standards.
What Students Should Know
The NFS teaches in English. Ireland's position as the only native English-speaking EU member state post-Brexit makes the school attractive for international students seeking European film education without a language barrier. However, non-EU students should verify visa requirements and fee status before applying.
Ireland's film industry connections are the school's primary career asset. The Section 481 tax credit (32% standard, 40% VFX uplift from July 2025) continues to attract international productions, creating crew demand. Graduates move into production roles on Irish and international projects shooting in the country. The school facilitates industry connections through work placement in Year 3 and informal placements throughout the program.
The BA (Hons) Film and Television Production program requires 577 CAO points (2026 entry), making it competitive. Applicants must meet minimum entry requirements: 2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades, including English at O6/H7. Portfolio submission is required for some programs. The CAO deadline is 1 February 2026, with a Change of Mind deadline of 1 July 2026.
Student films from the NFS regularly screen at Irish and international festivals. Graduates have been nominated for IFTA (Irish Film and Television Academy) awards and have had work recognized at the Academy Awards, Berlin Film Festival, and Cannes.
Notable Alumni
IADT and the National Film School have produced graduates working across the Irish and international screen industries. Alumni have worked on productions including Game of Thrones, Normal People, Vikings, and The Banshees of Inisherin, and have received Oscar nominations and international festival selections. The school's graduates are increasingly represented in Irish television, independent film, VFX houses, and international co-productions shooting in Ireland.
See Also
For understanding the European film industry and co-production, see International Film Markets. To plan your production budget, use the Production Budget Calculator. For exploring filmmaking terminology, visit the Filmmaker Glossary.
Recommended Resources for Film Students
The Filmmaker's Handbook
The definitive reference covering every aspect of production, from pre-production through delivery. Required reading at many film schools.
Film School Confidential
A practical guide to choosing the right film program, covering admissions, costs, and what to expect from top schools.
Student Filmmaking Gear
Browse B&H Photo's selection of student filmmaking kits, including cameras, audio recorders, and lighting packages.
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