India topped the list of top sending markets for Irish higher education in 2023–2024. In that year, there were only over 7,000 Indian students registered, which was approximately 50% more than the previous year and contributed greatly to the growth of Irish universities as a whole, according to Ireland’s Higher Education Authority’s annual report.
With 40,400 international students overall, the number surpassed the 40,000 student milestone for the first time and increased by 15% from the year before.
Indian students now form 18 percent of Ireland’s international student population, leapfrogging even traditional markets for such students—the United States and China. It is especially a good time, as some of the major destination countries in Australia, Canada, and the UK face a slowdown.
Student’s perspective
The appeal of studying in Ireland for Indian students goes beyond the academic sphere. Chavi Newatia, MSc Financial Risk Management graduate of Trinity Business School, Dublin, says, “Choosing Ireland as a background for this academic pursuit was a no-brainer, driven by the country’s vibrant economy, particularly in finance and technology, as well as its welcoming environment and rich cultural heritage. Trinity College has a location that provides easy access to wide-ranging events, social activities, and a great diversity of amenities.”
The post-study work opportunities in Ireland have proven to be a great attraction for students. Upasana K, a prospective DBS Dublin Business School student, says, “I chose Ireland because of the two-year post-study work visa that Ireland offers, which is an incredible opportunity to experience work experience globally after I complete my degree. Another plus point is the language, education system, and everyday life in Ireland is primarily in English, not like another country where we have to learn secondary language.”
All the major countries had growth of +11% or less in 2023–2024, except for Germany. The United States (5,655, +11%), China (4,405, +11%), the United Kingdom (almost flat at 3,110 students), Canada (1,980, +2%), and Germany (1,210, +15%) completed the list of top sending markets.
Saif Iqbal, Vice President at ApplyBoard, said, “Over the past year, we’ve seen increasing interest in Irish higher education, buoyed by rising student demand for alternative destinations with lower cost of living and strong post-study work opportunities. Indian students have moved to the forefront of the demand for Irish higher education, with enrolments rising by nearly 50% from 2022/23 to make Indian students the largest international student population in Ireland, ahead of the US. Indian students accounted for 18% of all international students in Ireland last year. This expansion occurs at a time when many of the ‘Big Four’ destinations—Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States—are experiencing slowdowns or declines in Indian student numbers.”
According to the HEA, international students are especially attracted to course like health and welfare; business, administration, and law; information and communication technologies; and engineering, manufacturing, and construction. This seems to be a trend in quality education, language taught in English, a chance to work in the country after studies, and a warm welcome make Ireland an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students.
