Why Ireland is Becoming a Study Hub For International Students
Browse All Courses
Centred in the middle of Europe and home to a wide range of high-quality universities, Ireland is an ideal choice for students moving from abroad.
The island is fast becoming an increasingly popular destination for students from around the world. But what are the key reasons driving learners from around the world to choose this country as their educational home?
What Are The Benefits of Studying in Ireland as an International Student?
For many students from around the world, Ireland is a solid choice when it comes to studying abroad. Over 35,000 students chose to study in Ireland from abroad last year.
International students studying in Ireland will find many benefits, with the country becoming an increasingly popular choice for learners from around the world.
Irish universities offer world-class education with reasonable tuition fees, and Ireland’s welcoming environment and many graduate career opportunities have tempted more students to choose this island as their study destination.
Higher education institutions like Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork are highly respected, and with multinational companies on its doorstep, there’s no reason not to consider Ireland as a top educational hub with many graduate opportunities.
In this article, we’ll go deeper into some of the key reasons why more people are looking towards education in Ireland.
Ireland is Actively Looking For International Students
For students who would like to be welcomed with open arms, Ireland is doing everything possible to create a friendly and appealing environment for international learners.
The Irish Government recently launched the Global Citizens 2030 project, with the goal of making Ireland a “first choice destination” for international students. Their goal is to grow the number of international students by 10% by 2030, through increasing ties with European universities, as well as targeting learners from Asia and the Middle East.
Speaking to the Irish Times, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris, explained how he wanted Ireland to become an international study hub.
“At a time when countries begin to look inward, I hope this strategy sends a clear message of Ireland’s commitment to continue to be a global, diverse society and for some a beacon of hope and educational opportunity,” he said.
Students who might’ve chosen destinations such as the US or UK are being targeted and encouraged to come to Ireland. For students who have English as a second language, Ireland can be a perfect alternative.
Brexit – The UK’s Loss is Ireland’s Gain
Whilst EU enrolments in the UK have more than halved since Brexit, the number of EU students in Ireland has grown during that period.
A considerable factor that has driven away EU students from the UK is the change in the law that means that students from the EU without settled status are no longer entitled to accessing local tuition costs. This means that foreign students from any country could be expected to pay much higher fees, despite taking the same course as locals.
For international students keen to study in an English-speaking country that has access to the EU job market, Ireland is becoming an increasingly viable option over the UK.
For learners outside of the EU, Ireland could still be an attractive destination, as the average total cost of university courses for non-EU students is €14,675, compared to €24,780 in the UK. This means that learners who are keen to access high quality education without a high price tag could be tempted to choose Ireland over the UK, or other major countries. Ireland was ranked as the 8th best value country in the world to study in when taking into account day-to-day costs as well as tuition.
The cost of living here is reasonable, and students can easily find part-time jobs to supplement their income. EU students can work part-time or go straight into full-time work after their degree, but those on international student visas should check whether they are allowed to work during their studies.
Ireland Has Excellent Graduate Career Opportunities
Often, international students can end up feeling at home in the place that they choose to study, and may want to remain there and look for employment opportunities.
Ireland is an excellent place for students who want to find work after completing their degrees. Ireland has a compound annual growth rate of 14.7% over the past ten years and is the 9th largest economy in the EU. Ireland’s strong economic status can provide graduates with good career prospects.
For those who want to explore opportunities in the tech sector, Ireland has many opportunities for graduates, with Dublin being home to the European headquarters of some of the biggest tech companies in the world, including Google, Facebook and Microsoft.
Overall, this small island packs a large economic punch, with many opportunities awaiting graduates who choose to study here.
Ireland is a Friendly and Welcoming Country
Student life in Ireland can be a huge draw from learners around the world. With English as its first language, learners from Australia, the USA, Canada and the UK can easily enjoy the culture Ireland has to offer without having to learn any new language skills.
Over 7 million tourists discover Ireland every year, and Irish people are ranked 9th in the top 10 friendliest people in the world, and are number one in Europe.
As well as having an excellent higher education system and job opportunities, Ireland has an incredible amount to offer as a breathtaking destination. From bustling cities like Dublin, Limerick and Galway, to the gorgeous countryside, this small country offers an incredible amount to experience for learners coming from abroad.
Choosing to Study in Ireland
If you’re keen to study in Ireland but aren’t sure where you should study, or with which university, it can be a good idea to use a course comparison site to explore your options.
If you want to take advantage of Ireland’s high-quality education but are unsure about relocating to Ireland, exploring online courses can be a great way to get the education you desire without having to move far away from home.
Overall, there are many excellent reasons to choose Ireland as your place of study or to choose Irish education providers and study from your home country.
Are you keen to explore Irish courses? Get started today and begin your education journey.
Browse All Courses