DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland has emerged as an increasingly popular destination for international students, with enrolments reaching an all-time high of 40,400 in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 15 percent increase from the previous year, according to a new report by ApplyBoard.

"Since 2020, Ireland's international education sector has achieved three consecutive years of growth, eclipsing 40,000 enrolments for the first time," said Ian McRae, head of emerging markets at ApplyBoard. He attributed this growth to Ireland's affordability and robust post-study work opportunities, which have made it an attractive alternative to traditional destinations.

Indian students led the surge, with enrolments rising nearly 50 percent, surpassing the U.S. as the largest source market. Mexico and Turkiye also saw significant increases of 61 percent and 53 percent, respectively, reflecting the growing diversity on Irish campuses. McRae emphasized that students are shifting away from traditional destinations like Canada, Australia, and the UK, partly due to policy changes in those countries.

While the UK remains a significant source of international students for Ireland, its numbers dipped by 0.5 percent in 2023-2024. In contrast, student populations from the U.S. and China reached record highs. Interest from EU students also continued to grow, spurred by favorable mobility policies and the higher tuition fees EU students now face in the UK post-Brexit.

Demand for STEM courses remains particularly strong, with a 65 percent surge in ICT program enrolments highlighting alignment with Ireland's tech sector. Health, welfare, business, and engineering programs also saw sustained interest.

Ireland's postgraduate enrolments increased by 25 percent compared to the previous year, outpacing growth at the undergraduate level. This trend underscores the country's appeal for advanced studies, particularly among students seeking opportunities in high-demand fields like engineering, programming, and nursing.

"Ireland offers students more choice than ever before, especially for those from countries that don't require a student visa," McRae noted, adding that institutions should broaden recruitment efforts to emerging markets to address critical labor shortages in key sectors.

As global demand for study abroad opportunities rises, Ireland's strategic focus on affordability, work-study alignment, and targeted recruitment is positioning it as a leading destination for international education.