Ireland’s international student boom driven by Indian learners and postgrad growth
Ireland’s international student numbers have climbed again in the 2024/25 academic year. Growth has spread across many countries, with postgraduate enrolments rising faster than undergraduates. Indian students now form the largest single group, making up over a fifth of all overseas learners in the country.
The UK, however, saw a fifth straight year of declining student numbers, though a recovery may come when the UK rejoins Erasmus in 2027. Meanwhile, Ireland’s strong reputation in fields like STEM, AI and cybersecurity continues to attract students from around the world.
Postgraduate enrolments grew by 11% over the past year, outpacing the 9% rise in undergraduate numbers. If this trend continues, international postgraduates will soon exceed undergraduates in Ireland’s universities.
Indian students now account for more than 20% of all international learners, cementing their place as the largest group. Yet concerns over safety have arisen after targeted attacks prompted the Indian Embassy to issue an advisory.
American students also kept up steady growth for the fourth year running. Ireland now ranks joint fourth with Italy as a top destination for US learners studying abroad. Across the board, around 70% of Ireland’s 30 biggest international student populations expanded in the latest academic year.
While the UK’s student numbers fell by 5%—the fourth drop in a row—experts predict a rebound once the country rejoins Erasmus in 2027. No clear reasons have been given for the broader rise in students from countries outside Ireland’s traditional top four sources, though the country’s labour market appeal to skilled migrants may play a role.
Ireland’s international student base is growing more diverse, with postgraduate courses leading the way. The country’s strengths in technology and data science remain a key draw, while safety concerns for some groups have prompted official warnings. With UK numbers set to recover and demand from India and the US staying strong, the upward trend looks likely to continue.
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