Indian-origin students have become the largest group among international students in Ireland, marking a clear shift in the country’s higher education landscape. Latest figures show that 9,175 Indian-origin students are currently studying in Ireland, accounting for 10% of the total international student population.
Ireland hosted 44,500 international students last year, up from 40,000 the previous year, a 10% increase. This was the fourth consecutive year of growth. Until the 2023/24 academic year, students from the United States formed the largest group. Last year, American student numbers stood at 6,125, or 8%, placing the US in second position.
Students from over 30 countries, including China, the UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Kuwait, are studying in Ireland. While enrolments from China have declined, Italy has become the fourth-largest source country.
Arithra Ghoshal, founder and CEO of OneStep Global, said families increasingly view Ireland as a destination that delivers not just degrees but clear career outcomes.
Undergraduate enrolments rose by 9%, while postgraduate numbers increased by 11%. Courses in STEM, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and sustainability continue to attract strong interest.
At the same time, the number of students from the UK fell by 5% for the fourth year in a row, mainly due to Brexit and the UK’s withdrawal from the Erasmus programme.
Despite strong growth, concerns remain over long visa processing times, student accommodation shortages and recent security issues affecting Indian-origin students.