Ireland Witnessed Strong International Enrollment in 2024

Ireland has always been there, with its quality education, serene landscape, quiet and relaxed lifestyle, but was never in the limelight, because the big 4destinations were enjoying most of the international student market (USA, Canada, Australia and UK). Now with policy changes happening in these countries, admission and visa processes have become much more difficult than earlier. So, in this phase of transition, other alternatives which have always existed and have maintained their levels of excellence, are being considered by international students and these countries are benefiting, Ireland is one of these countries. Ireland as a nation is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing countries in the world, with green landscapes, picturesque leisure spots and one of the most beautiful backdrops. For a lot of Indians in their late teens, Irish coffee will also ring a bell for them.

Ireland has always been up there in terms of academic standards and getting students ready for professional life, it is just about starting to reap the rewards of maintaining standards for so long without recognition. As per the Irish Home Education Authority it has seen a 15% growth in number of international students in 2023-2024 when compared to last year, tally of international students now stands at 40,400, crossing the 40K mark for the first time. It was around 30,000 when the pandemic first struck. 

Talking about top sending countries, India has about 7000 students in 2023-2024 enrolled in Ireland, which accounts for a 50% increase from the last year. All countries have seen positive trends emerge in sending students to Ireland, countries like China and the USA have seen 11% growth in numbers since the last year, while Germany sits at a 15% rise in student numbers, compared to last year.

While earlier undergraduate studies used to dominate the inflow, now it is essentially equally split between graduate and undergraduate studies. So, it is far more convenient for students to choose as both undergraduate and graduate options are available to them. It also helps Ireland position itself as a major global education giant, with all the options available at its disposal.  For any nation to see itself as a leading education provider, it should offer students a plethora of options, in multiple fields across undergraduate and graduate degrees, which slowly and steadily Ireland is getting itself to grips with. Now it should embrace itself as a global leader in various fields; once the country itself sees oneself in that light, the road becomes easy.

All fields of study are available such as Health and Welfare, Business Administration, Information and Technology, Law, Arts, and Humanities. 2024 also saw the English Language Training in Ireland go back to pre-pandemic levels with 128,000 students enrolled in English Language Training sessions.

With English as the medium of instruction in studies, healthy post study work rights post bachelor’s or master’s degrees and Ireland being cost effective when compared to other major European centers, Ireland presents several reasons to think of Ireland as an ideal study abroad destination for every aspirant.