Lana Oconnell
Ireland is a popular destination for international students, with a record number of enrolments in 2023/24. There were 40,400 international enrolments in Irish higher education institutions in 2023/24, a 15% increase on the previous year. This is partly due to the country's reputation for producing professionals in many fields, as well as its high-quality education and low to no tuition fees. The majority of international students in Ireland come from the United States, with approximately 4,504 students, followed by China, with an estimated average of around 3,628 students. The number of international students in Ireland has been steadily increasing, with a 45% increase in the number of new international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) between 2013 and 2017.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of international students in Ireland | 40,400 in 2023/24 |
| Percentage increase from the previous year | 15% |
| Number of international students from Mexico | N/A |
| Number of international students from the US | 4,504 |
| Percentage increase from the previous year | 63.7% |
| Number of international students from China | 3,628 |
| Number of international students from India | 3,990 |
| Number of international students from Canada | 1,765 |
| Top fields of study | Health and Welfare (21.5%), Business, Administration, and Law (17.7%), Arts and Humanities (15%) |
| Number of non-EEA students in higher education (increase between 2013 and 2017) | 45% |
| Number of first residence permits issued to non-EEA students in 2013 | 9,325 |
| Number of first residence permits issued to non-EEA students in 2017 | 13,520 |
| Number of full-time, non-EEA international students in 2018 | 18,500 |
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What You'll Learn
- International student enrolments in Ireland reached an all-time high in 2023/24, with 40,400 enrolments
- The number of international students in Ireland increased by 45% between 2013 and 2017
- The majority of international students in Ireland come from the United States
- International students in Ireland face obstacles including delays in immigration registration and securing affordable accommodation
- STEM courses are in high demand from international students in Ireland
International student enrolments in Ireland reached an all-time high in 2023/24, with 40,400 enrolments
International student enrolments in Ireland reached a record high in 2023/24, with 40,400 enrolments—a 15% increase from the previous year. This marks three consecutive years of growth in Ireland's international education sector, with enrolments surpassing 40,000 for the first time. The rise in international students is attributed to Irish institutions' affordability and improved work-study alignment.
The majority of international students in Ireland are enrolled in Health and Welfare programmes (21.5%), followed by Business, Administration, and Law (17.7%). Arts and Humanities is the third most popular field of study, with 15% of total international students, while Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction attract 11.8% of overseas students.
Ireland's higher education institutions offer low to no tuition fees, affordable living costs, and favourable post-study work opportunities. The country is particularly attractive to students from the European Union, including Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania, due to its study and work mobility policies. The affordability of Irish institutions compared to UK universities, which now charge EU students full international fees post-Brexit, is a significant factor in this trend.
In addition to EU students, Ireland has seen an increase in international students from other regions. The number of Chinese students in Ireland has grown significantly, with an estimated average of 3,628 enrolments in recent years, a 20.9% increase from 2018. Indian students in Ireland have also increased by 110% from 2018 to 2021, with approximately 3,990 students choosing Ireland as their study destination.
The Irish government's Third Level Graduate Programme further enhances Ireland's appeal to international students. This programme allows international graduates to stay in Ireland for 12 to 24 months after completing their degrees, providing opportunities for employment and potential immigration.
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The number of international students in Ireland increased by 45% between 2013 and 2017
Ireland has witnessed a notable increase in the number of international students choosing the country as their study destination. Between 2013 and 2017, the number of new international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) pursuing higher education in Ireland surged by 45%. This significant growth underscores Ireland's rising popularity among non-EEA students.
In 2013, 9,325 first residence permits were granted to non-EEA students, while in 2017, this number rose to 13,520, according to the European Migration Network's study "Attracting and Retaining International Students." This study sheds light on the increasing appeal of Ireland's higher education system to students from beyond the EEA.
This trend is further supported by the Irish Higher Education Authority's (HEA) data, which revealed that Asia contributes the largest share of non-EEA students (43% as of 2017/2018), followed by North America (30%) and the EU (20%). China, in particular, stands out as a significant source of international students, with the Chinese market contributing at least €35.7 million per year to Ireland's economy. The number of Chinese international students in Ireland has been steadily increasing, with a 20.9% rise between 2018 and 2021.
Ireland's higher education institutions offer several advantages that contribute to their appeal. These include low to no tuition fees, affordable living costs, and the opportunity to obtain a post-study visa, enabling graduates to gain valuable work experience in the country. Additionally, Ireland's reputation for producing professionals in various fields and its thriving tech sector, especially in ICT programs, further enhance its attractiveness to international students.
The influx of international students has had a positive economic impact on Ireland. With the increasing demand for engineers, programmers, and nurses, international students help fill critical labour market gaps. Moreover, the presence of a diverse student body enriches the cultural landscape of Irish educational institutions, fostering a global perspective and enhancing the overall student experience.
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The majority of international students in Ireland come from the United States
Ireland has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, particularly those from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). While there is no single, comprehensive dataset covering all international students in Ireland, recent statistics show that the country attracted over 35,000 international students from more than 120 countries.
The Irish Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) release annual data on international student numbers. According to the HEA, international students made up 14% of the student population in 2022/23, a slight increase from the previous year.
Among the international student population in Ireland, the majority come from the United States, making it the most common country of origin for internationally domiciled students. This is followed by India and China, with Asia contributing the largest share of international students overall.
The popularity of Ireland as a study destination for Americans can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Ireland is the only remaining English-speaking country in the European Union (EU) post-Brexit, making it an attractive option for English-speaking international students. Secondly, the Irish government offers scholarships specifically targeting non-EU/EEA students, such as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Programme, which brings talented students from around the world to study in the country.
Additionally, Ireland's higher education institutions maintain high standards, offering internationally recognised qualifications. The country's universities are known for their dedicated staff, vibrant campuses, and state-of-the-art facilities, providing a unique and appealing student experience.
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International students in Ireland face obstacles including delays in immigration registration and securing affordable accommodation
International students are increasingly choosing Ireland for higher education. Between 2013 and 2017, the number of new international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) pursuing higher education in Ireland jumped by 45%. In 2013, 9,325 first residence permits were issued to non-EEA students, and in 2017, this number rose to 13,520. The total number of full-time, non-EEA international students reached nearly 18,500 in 2018. Asia sends the largest share of students (43% as of 2017/2018), followed by North America (30%), and the EU (20%).
However, international students in Ireland face several obstacles, including delays in immigration registration and securing affordable accommodation. The registration process for renewals is now fully online, and the ISD is experiencing a high volume of applications, which has increased processing times to approximately 6 weeks. International students must be enrolled in an eligible full-time course and register with the immigration office to get permission to remain in Ireland for more than 90 days. They must also demonstrate a certain standard of English and show progress in their course.
Students seeking accommodation in Ireland have a variety of options, including on-campus accommodation, host family arrangements, shared rentals, or private apartments. Rent for off-campus housing is typically paid monthly, with landlords often requiring a three-month advance and a 9-12-month lease. On-campus housing provides easy access to university facilities, but off-campus options may be more budget-friendly. Students are advised to research average rental prices, utilize Irish rental websites, and consider cost-saving options like shared flats.
In addition to these challenges, international students in Ireland may also face difficulties with renewing their residence permits, as well as transitioning to employment after graduation. Some students have expressed anxiety regarding delays at Irish immigration offices, and employers are not always aware that non-EEA students can work under the Third Level Graduate Programme. Despite these obstacles, Ireland remains an attractive destination for international students, especially after Brexit, as it is the only remaining English-speaking country in the EU, along with Malta.
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STEM courses are in high demand from international students in Ireland
Ireland has seen a notable increase in international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) in recent years. Between 2013 and 2017, the number of new non-EEA international students pursuing higher education in Ireland rose by 45%. In 2013, 9,325 first residence permits were issued to non-EEA students, and in 2017, this number grew to 13,520. The total number of full-time, non-EEA international students reached nearly 18,500 in 2018.
While there is no single, comprehensive dataset covering all international students in Ireland, it is clear that the country is becoming an attractive destination for international students, especially those from Asia, North America, and the EU.
One factor contributing to Ireland's appeal is its strong offering of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses. STEM courses are in high demand from international students in Ireland due to several reasons:
Job Prospects and Career Opportunities
The demand for STEM professionals is high worldwide, and Ireland is no exception. Ireland is a hub for Technology, MedTech, BioPharma, and Finance multinationals, creating numerous job opportunities for STEM graduates. STEM careers offer attractive financial prospects, job stability, and diverse career paths across various industries.
Transferable Skills
STEM education equips students with transferable skills that are highly sought-after in the job market. These include critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, analytical skills, and a strong foundation in technological literacy. The multidisciplinary nature of STEM courses enables graduates to adapt to the dynamic and ever-evolving job market.
Addressing Global Challenges
STEM fields play a crucial role in addressing pressing global issues. Whether it's finding solutions for climate change, advancing healthcare, or driving technological breakthroughs, a solid understanding of STEM is essential. By studying STEM courses, students can equip themselves to tackle these complex challenges and contribute to societal progress.
Affordability and Accessibility
Ireland offers a quality education at an affordable price compared to hyped US or UK universities. Irish universities provide excellent value for money, and their programmes often include high-level industry collaborations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
Work Visa Opportunities
Ireland provides work visa opportunities for international STEM students. Non-EU students can apply to the Garda Immigration Bureau to extend their stay beyond their student visa duration. The country also offers the Third Level Graduate Scheme, allowing international graduates of recognised degree programmes to stay in Ireland for 12-24 months after completing their degrees.
In conclusion, STEM courses in Ireland are in high demand from international students due to a combination of factors, including strong job prospects, transferable skills, global competitiveness, affordability, and favourable work visa options. Irish universities are well-equipped to meet this demand, offering diverse STEM programmes and industry collaborations to prepare graduates for successful careers.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the latest statistics, there were 30,437 international students studying in higher education institutions in Ireland in the 2021/22 academic year. This number increased to 40,400 international enrolments in 2023/24, a 15% increase from the previous year.
The number of new international students from outside the EEA pursuing higher education in Ireland jumped by 45% between 2013 and 2017. In 2018, the total number of full-time, non-EEA international students reached nearly 18,500.
The United States, China, India, and Canada are among the top countries of origin for international students in Ireland. In the 2021/22 academic year, there were approximately 4,504 international students from the United States, 3,628 from China, 3,990 from India, and 1,765 from Canada.
International students choose to study in Ireland because of the country's high-quality education, multiple degree options, career opportunities, low to no tuition fees, and affordable living costs. Ireland also offers post-study visas, allowing international students to stay and work in the country after graduation.
