Ireland sets record for international student enrollment in 2023-24

This represents a 15% increase compared to the previous year, based on data from Ireland's Higher Education Authority (HEA).

India led the list of countries sending students to Ireland, with student numbers rising nearly 50% from the previous academic year. The U.S. and China followed, each registering more than 10% growth. All three countries reached record-high student numbers, with China and the U.S. surpassing pre-pandemic levels, while Indian student enrollments nearly doubled since their pre-pandemic peak, reflecting an 80% increase from 2019-20 to 2023-24.

International enrollment in Ireland between 2017 and 2024. Graphics by ApplyBoard

"Students are beginning to shift away from the ‘big four’ [the U.K., Australia, the U.S. and Canada] favoring destinations that offer lower living costs paired with robust post-study work opportunities," Ian McRae, head of emerging markets at ApplyBoard, told The PIE News.

He encouraged Irish institutions to highlight the country's affordability and strong work-study options to attract more international talent.

Last year, traditional study-abroad destinations faced challenges due to policy changes, particularly in Canada, Australia, and the U.K. This shift has opened opportunities for emerging markets like Ireland, Germany, and South Korea.

The ApplyBoard report also noted rising interest from European Union (EU) students, especially from Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania.

"This rising interest from European students is also likely a byproduct of U.K. universities charging EU students full international student fees after Brexit," the report said, positioning Irish institutions as a more affordable alternative.

International student growth in Ireland occurred across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Undergraduate enrollments grew by 8% year-over-year, while postgraduate enrollments surged by nearly 25%. At this rate, international postgraduate students are expected to outnumber undergraduates by the end of the 2024-25 academic year.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses remained the most sought-after programs among international students, with consistent interest in health and welfare, business, and engineering fields. Notably, demand for ICT (Information and Communication Technology) programs increased by 65%, aligning with Ireland's booming tech sector.

As Ireland continues to experience high demand for engineers, programmers, and nurses, the report highlighted the potential for international students to help address critical labor shortages. It also recommended that institutions broaden their recruitment strategies to include emerging student markets.