With growing international student enrollments, Ireland is becoming a top alternative to traditional study destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. From affordability to post-graduate opportunities, discover why students worldwide are now considering Ireland as their top choice to study abroad.
In recent years, international students have been choosing less traditional options for studying abroad. Ireland is quickly becoming a top study destination for international students. What’s behind this growing trend?
In a time of political divisions, rising tuition costs, and changing visa laws, Ireland stands out for various reasons. Ireland’s affordable tuition costs, English programs, and strong career opportunities for graduates make it an appealing study destination.
In the 2023-24 academic year, Ireland welcomed a record 40,400 international students. This marks a 15% rise from the previous academic year (2022-2023). Students from India became the largest student population in Ireland in 2023-2024. This figure rose by a significant 50% from the previous year.
Ireland has also attracted many students from America, China, Mexico, Turkey, and other countries. Postgraduate enrollment, such as master’s program enrollments, increased by 25%.
Let’s take a closer look at why the student numbers keep rising and explore the advantages of studying in Ireland.
Ireland has world-class universities to choose from. A master’s degree from Ireland also has global recognition, increasing your international career opportunities.
The top universities in Ireland include:
Trinity College Dublin was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. The school has produced some of Ireland’s best-known literary figures. These include Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett.
Additionally, the Long Room in the Trinity College Library is home to 200,000 books. This includes some of Ireland’s oldest and most important books and manuscripts.
University College Dublin (UCD) is a research-focused university driven by ambition and purpose. It has been in existence for 160 years and has a rich heritage and history. It currently ranks among the top 1% of higher education institutions in the world. UCD has produced many notable alumni, including the literary figure James Joyce, who graduated in 1902.
The University College Cork (UCC) was established in 1845. Interestingly, UCC had the first female professor in Ireland. In 1910, Mary Ryan became the Professor of Romance Languages at UCC. UCC is a forward-thinking university driven by research impact, sustainability, and industry collaboration.
Ireland is one of the primary English-speaking countries in Europe. The national languages are English and Irish (Gaelic).
Ireland has a reputation worldwide for its welcoming, hospitable, and multicultural atmosphere. And the majority of university programs are in English.
Ireland is also one of the safest countries in the world. It ranked as the 2nd most peaceful country in the Global Peace Index 2024. With a low crime rate, it is a safe place to study abroad. Ireland also ranks #15 in the 2025 World Happiness Report.
Ireland has a rich cultural history of folklore, music, literature, tradition, and mythology.
Ireland boasts three UNESCO cities. Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature, Belfast is a UNESCO City of Music, and Galway is a UNESCO City of Film.
Ireland is known for its rich biodiversity, rolling green hills, and rugged coastline. Ireland is home to three World Heritage Sites. There is no shortage of things to do and see in Ireland. Additionally, Ireland is only a short flight away from other European countries, allowing for plenty of travel opportunities.
Now that you’re aware of some of the perks of studying abroad in Ireland, let’s further examine why Ireland is overtaking traditional top study destinations.
Many international students are now favoring studying abroad in Ireland over traditional destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
American students are the second largest group after Indian students to study in Ireland. Since President Trump’s re-election, there has been a spike in US students interested in studying abroad. Searches by US students for studying abroad increased from 2,000 to 11,000 per day shortly after President Trump’s re-election. US students are most interested in the UK, Canada, Germany, and Ireland.
Interest from international students is also decreasing in Canada, the UK, and Australia. In 2024, Canada introduced new policies that reduced international student permits by 35%.
Similarly, Australia and the UK have implemented policies that call for higher English proficiency requirements, higher proof of funds, and limit the number of incoming students. Recently, there has been a significant drop in student applications in these countries.
Countries like Ireland are becoming an appealing alternative for students desiring affordable tuition costs and better career outcomes.
Ireland offers competitive tuition fees compared to other major study destinations. Ireland is also a cheaper alternative for EU students, who have to pay full international tuition at UK universities after Brexit.
Students can also work part-time to help manage costs and earn income. EU/EEA students can work part-time freely. Non-EU/EEA students may work part-time for 20 hours per week. They can work full-time (40 hours per week) during Christmas and summer holidays.
Be aware that living costs in Ireland can be expensive, so it is important to make a financial plan in advance.
In Ireland, schools, the government, and various NGOs provide scholarship options for both EU and non-EU students. These funding opportunities can help to manage costs.
See an overview of available scholarships in Ireland.
According to IMD’s World Competitiveness Ranking, Ireland had the 4th most competitive economy in the world in 2024. Ireland currently offers a robust job market for graduates.
Ireland’s Third Level Graduate Scheme, also known as the Graduate visa, allows non-EU/EEA international students to stay for up to two years after completing their studies. Graduates can seek employment or apply for a green card. International students can also apply for an employment permit.
Ireland has a thriving tech scene, with plenty of start-ups and tech giants such as Amazon, Facebook, Netflix, Apple, and Google having their European headquarters in Dublin.
International students are also poised to help fill the labour gap in Ireland in these sectors: healthcare, engineering, natural and social sciences, ICT (information and communications technology), business and finance, and transport and logistics.
Studying abroad in Ireland offers plenty of perks to international students. Ireland offers world-class education, a rich cultural heritage, a welcoming atmosphere, and favorable career opportunities. A highly suitable alternative to the traditional study destinations, Ireland is likely to see continued growth in student numbers in the coming years.
Get real insight into studying for a master’s in Ireland.
