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Want to become an expert in international trade? Take the next step in your professional development with our online import-export courses.

Whether you’re expanding a company into global markets, setting up a new business or looking to work for an international trade company, our Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas will give you the competitive advantage you need.

Explore our course breakdown below or enrol now to get started.

  • Course Outline

    When you enrol on our online international trade courses, you will complete the following units of study:

    1Introduction
    • Your role as an import-export agent
    • How much money can I make?
    • You as a business operator
    2Starting in Importing and Export
    • Don’ts of exporting
    • Don’ts of importing
    • Exporting life cycle
    • Getting started in international trade
    • Going global
    • Guide to sources of information on importers
    • How to succeed in international business
    • Importing
    • Export process
    • Safe trading
    • Step-by-step approach to market research
    • Business planning
    • Business structure
    3Sourcing Products and Sellers
    • Trade assistance
    • The freight forwarder
    • Testing market potential
    • How to find unlimited products to import
    • Buy and sell over the internet
    4The Agency Agreement
    • Your commission
    • Exclusive territory
    • Promotional material
    • Advertising promotions
    • How long your contract lasts
    5How to Find Buyers
    • Set up or find distributors in the country you want to sell to
    • Manufacturers representatives
    • Sell directly to department stores and other large organizations
    • Using Chambers of Commerce
    • Entering markets
    6The Difference Between an Agent & a Merchant
    • Letters of Credit
    • Methods of Payment in international trade
    • International trade risks
    • Steps to exporting
    7Advertising
    • How to write display ads
    • Press releases
    • The art of writing classified ads
    • How to make your classified ads work
    • How to write irresistible advertising copy
    8Laws & Regulations
    • Prohibited and restricted imports
    • Importation permits
    9Laws & Regulations
    • Identify documents requirements for import – export of goods
    • Completing and checking documents
  • How Will You Benefit?

    There are many benefits associated with studying our import-export courses online. For example, you will:

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    • Fast track your career in international trade
    • Study a course that has been designed in consultation with international trade experts
    • Learn at your own pace, balancing study with existing commitments
    • Save time and money by not attending in-person classes
    • Have your own personal tutor to answer questions and provide advice
    • Save 10% on your fee by paying upfront, or choose our interest-free weekly payment plan
    • Learn the inside secrets to:
      • How to set up your business (sole trader, partnership or company)
      • How to source products and suppliers
      • How to find buyers and sellers
      • How to get free government assistance (for start-ups and established business)
      • Important banking and foreign exchange procedures
      • How to find the right freight forwarder
      • Customs procedures for importing and exporting
      • How to calculate how much money you get paid, and how to make sure you get it
      • How to take the risk out of all your deals
      • The strategies and sample letters that will get you started today
      • How to obtain and source vital contacts

    Discover the benefits for yourself by enrolling on our online international trade courses today!

  • Watch Our Course Video

  • Career Prospects

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    In our increasingly globalised economy, there are many opportunities for international trade graduates. After completing our import-export courses, you can seek work with:

    • Transport, shipping and logistics businesses
    • Private and public import-export organisations
    • Manufacturers and companies in the export industry
    • Traders, wholesalers and merchants

    You also have the option of starting your own import-export business, or of expanding an existing company into foreign markets. The opportunities are endless when you have skills in this dynamic and growing industry.

  • Course Levels Explained

    Our online import-export courses lead to the awarding of either a Diploma or Advanced Diploma, depending on which level you enrol at. The different levels are determined by the amount of course content and assessments involved within each module at the intermediate (Diploma) and advanced (Advanced Diploma) levels. Learn more about the differences between the two levels below:

    Diploma

    Recognises graduates’ capacity for initiative and judgement across a broad range of technical and management functions. Diploma holders typically have personal responsibility and autonomy (semi-independence) in performing technical operations or organizing others in the workplace.

    Advanced Diploma

    The graduate is able to apply a significant range of principles and techniques across various contexts and functions. Graduates can expect to be involved in significant judgements, planning and leadership/guidance functions related to workplace products, services, operations or procedures.

  • Prerequisites

    There are NO previous work or education requirements for entry into our international trade courses. Students may enrol directly into the Diploma or Advanced Diploma levels without having previous qualifications.

    Note that you can expect higher course levels to result in higher potential salary, positions and skill capabilities.

  • Course Length

    The average time within which students complete their studies is:

    Diploma Level24 weeks
    Advanced Diploma Level31 weeks

    Studying an import-export course online with ICI puts you in control of your timetable. You learn at your own pace and decide how long you want to take to complete the programme.

    If you wish to graduate as quickly as possible, simply fast track and complete the course in a matter of months. Or if you would prefer, you can take much longer. We allow a maximum of three years to complete our international trade courses.

  • Study Mode: Online Learning

    Whether you study for a Diploma or Advanced Diploma, your entire course will be carried out online via distance learning. Also called correspondence learning, this mode of study is perfect for those who need to fit their learning around existing commitments. You can work through the course material whenever and wherever you wish, anywhere in the world. You dictate the timetable.

    Because our online courses remove the need for attending in-person classes, you will save time and money on transport too.

    As well as being convenient, our online international trade courses are expertly crafted to be highly engaging and relevant.

  • Recognition & Accreditation


    Our import-export courses are recognised and accredited by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC).

    As with all our learning programmes, they have been designed with an emphasis on developing key practical skills. Written and delivered by experienced industry professionals, they will equip you with the attributes you need to thrive in international trade.

  • Already in the Profession or Industry?

    Already working in an import-export business, logistics organisation or in another role in international trade? This course is for you. It will help you to consolidate your knowledge on all issues related to imports and exports, update your skills and increase your confidence. Enrolling on our Diploma or Advanced Diploma is one of the most practical steps you can take towards getting a promotion and advancing your career.

    Note that you can claim course fees as a tax deduction providing the course is sufficiently connected to your work activities.

  • What Do I Get?

    All materials needed to complete our online international trade courses are included in the course fee. When you enrol, you will receive:

    • All required study materials and course notes
    • Assignment projects with constructive tutor feedback
    • A tutor who will answer all of your course and career questions and provide guidance.

    Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive:
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    • A graduation certificate officially recognising your completion of studies and qualifications as an import-export professional
    • Transcripts indicating the units completed
    • A letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
    • Post-nominal letters placed after your name which indicate that you hold the relevant qualification
    • Job search assistance: discover more about our Graduate Career Services Programme.
  • Cut Off Date

    Friday, 29th September 2023 is the next enrolment cut off date. Places are limited, in demand and entry into the course is on a first come first served basis.

    Your enrolment is processed and acknowledged within 24 hours of the Institute receiving your application. You can expect to receive your course within days of enrolling. When you start your ICI course it’s at your own pace and you determine when you finish. Don’t miss out. Enrol today!

Course Investment & Payment Plans

Select diploma level to see payment options Click on the below menu to select your preferred course level.

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One off payment
€823
Course Level
DIPLOMA
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Weekly Instalment Plan
€28 x 32 weeks
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€915
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How do I get started?

Click on one of the Enrol Now buttons above and you could be working on your first lesson – and towards a new career in international trade – in a matter of days!

How Does Online Studying Work?

As an ICI student, you’ll be able to train at home in your spare time, learning in the easiest possible way. There are no classes or lectures to attend, and no need to leave your job or change your schedule.

How does it work?
Enrol, Study at Home, and Graduate

ICI is committed to the successful completion of your course. The typical ICI student experience goes like this:

  1. The Enrolment Process
  2. Begin Your Studies
  3. Getting Help When You Need It
  4. Getting Assessed
  5. Graduation
1The Enrolment Process

Select the course that interests you. The International Career Institute website offers course overviews, course outlines, course fees, student testimonials, and information on career services for graduates.

When you are ready to enrol in a program, simply complete the online enrolment form, or call our toll-free number to speak with an enrolment adviser.

2Begin Your Studies

On enrolment students receive a welcome email and letter with instructions on how to login into your course and access your course and tutorial support. You will not be required to purchase any further materials. Courses are divided into modules with assessments located at the end of these modules. Assessments (written assignments) are based on what you have been learning about. No exams are involved.

Study at your own pace

One of the many great benefits of our courses is their modular format creates an easier and more effective way for you to learn. And with no need to follow a fixed timetable, you get to study and submit assignment for each module at your own pace.

3Getting Help When You Need It

Your courses are designed so that you can study independently. However, if you have a question about anything in your course, just contact one of our industry based tutors. Contact details are provided in your welcome email and letter. Your tutors are industry professionals who are ready to answer any questions about the course, assessments and industry for which you are training for.

4Get Assessed

At the end of modules you are asked to complete assignments. With no fixed assessment dates ICI students can submit their assessments at any time. This allows students to progress through the course at a pace that suits their needs. Assignments can be submitted via the student portal or email directly to the tutor.

Your assignments and projects will be graded on the following scale:

Grading scale
Lesson Grade (%)Letter EquivalentRating
100 - 80AOutstanding level of achievement
79 - 60BHigh level of achievement
59 - 50CSatisfactory level of achievement
49 - 40DMarginal level of achievement
0 - 39FFailed to complete course requirements

You must pass all modules and achieve a minimum of a C or higher in all studies to graduate. Should you not pass an assignment you are able to retake assessments as many times as you need (free of charge) in order to improve your results. Full tutorial support is available to guide you towards successfully completing your course.

5Graduation

Graduates of the Institute are eligible for assistance under the Graduate Career Services Program which includes assistance in job searches (by career and region), preparing cover letters, tips on interviewing, and much more. As part of your graduation package, we offer a Certified Professional Resume Writer free of charge to help you compose your resume. All graduates receive a certificate of completion at the relevant level (Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma / Executive Diploma), transcripts and a letter of recommendation.