By Rohit Sethi
While the US and UK have traditionally been the go-to choices for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, it’s time to put Ireland on your radar!
Since 2018, there has been a steady surge in the number of students choosing the Emerald Isle for their academic journey. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, in 2022, there were 5,000 Indian students studying in Ireland, while the Irish government reported 6,500 students pursuing higher education in their country. But wait for it… In 2023, that number is set to cross 7,000!
Over the last five years, we’ve seen changes in the number of Indian students studying in Ireland. In 2018, there were over 3,500 students, and in 2019, it increased to over 4,500. However, in 2020, the count dropped to about 3,000 due to COVID-19. In 2021, it went back up to around 4,500, and it kept rising in the following years, with approximately 6,500 in 2022 and an expected 7,000 or more in 2023. This data shows how the number of Indian students in Ireland has been changing, with recent growth after a dip in 2020.
Reasons for the growth in the number of Indian students
High-quality education
Ireland is home to some of the world’s leading universities, such as Trinity College Dublin and the University College Dublin. These universities offer a wide range of high-quality academic programmes that are attractive to Indian students.
Affordable tuition fees
Compared to other popular study destinations, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, tuition fees in Ireland are relatively affordable.
Post-study work rights
Ireland offers post-study work rights to international students, which allows them to stay in the country and work for up to two years after completing their studies. This is a major draw for Indian students who are looking for opportunities to gain international work experience.
Friendly and welcoming environment
Ireland is known for its friendly and welcoming people. This makes it a comfortable and supportive environment for international students to study and live in.
Indian students studying in Ireland are expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This is good news for the Irish economy, as international students contribute billions of dollars to the country each year. It is also good news for Indian students, who have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education in a friendly and welcoming environment.
So, if you’re considering studying abroad, keep Ireland in mind as a fantastic option for your academic pursuits!
(Author is Director, ESS Global)