First Division club Bangor have been included in the new invitational Premier League which is being set up by the Irish FA.
The County Down club were the only team from outside the top flight to attain a Uefa Club Licence for 2008-09.
Londonderry club Institute pipped Belfast-based Donegal Celtic for the last place.
The top division has been reduced by four teams to 12 for the new campaign which kicks-off in August.
Portadown, fifth in the Premier League last season, are not included because they missed the application deadline.
Armagh City and Limavady United's applications were not considered either because they did not have the required domestic licence.
Bangor finished third in the First Division last season.
They have not played at the top level since being relegated in 1995/96 when they finished last in the old eight-team division.
Clubs were assessed on league performances, attendances, facilities and provision for women's and youth football.
"We identified how much work needed to be done to get into the top 12," said Bangor chief executive Bill Peden.
"We concenrated on new facilities at our ground and getting the right personnel in place and now we have reaped the reward for that."
Final ranking of clubs1 Linfield 1339 points2 Ballymena United 10543 Glentoran 10164 Coleraine 9655 Cliftonville 9456 Dungannon Swifts 8557 Glenavon 8288 Crusaders 8269 Lisburn Distillery 81510 Newry City 79611 Bangor 64112 Institute 63213 Donegal Celtic 543
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