International student enrolment in Ireland reaches all-time high

Ireland's higher education sector has passed a significant milestone with international student enrollment hitting a record high of 40,400 for the 2023/24 academic year. That is 15% up from the previous year, a sure indicator of how the nation's appeal is increasing as a destination for global learners. Indian students have become the largest international student group in Ireland, with nearly a 50% increase in the number of students compared to the previous academic year. India has taken the lead over other major contributors, such as the United States and China, which both had increases in excess of 10%. 

The upward trend in international enrollment is not limited to particular regions. It has been witnessed that students from countries like Mexico, Türkiye, Romania, Indonesia, and Czechia have been increasing, showing Ireland's increasing global appeal for education. This growth is both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. While undergraduate enrolments increased by 8%, postgraduate enrolments surged by almost 25%. At this rate, international postgraduate students are expected to outnumber international undergraduates in Ireland by the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Irish institutions continue to attract students from around the world through the diverse study programs offered as well as a vibrant cultural and academic environment in the country.