Indian and US students drive record international enrolments in Ireland

As per an ApplyBoard report, in the 2024/25 academic year, growth in international enrolments in Ireland was largely driven by Indian students, who remained the largest international cohort at 9,175 — up 30% year-on-year — while the next largest group, American students, also grew by 8% to reach 6,125.

Indian and American students were followed by those from China, the UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Kuwait.

Ireland’s growth was not limited to a handful of countries, with around 70% of its 30 largest international student populations expanding over the most recent academic year, pointing to broad-based demand rather than growth concentrated in a single region.

Both international undergraduate and postgraduate enrolments in Ireland have increased, with the latter’s growth outpacing undergraduate numbers. International undergraduate enrolments rose 9% year on year, while postgraduate numbers grew 11%. At this rate, postgraduates are expected to surpass undergraduates by the next academic cycle.

Ireland’s reputation in STEM, AI, sustainability, data science, and cybersecurity is particularly resonant with this new generation of aspirants
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Indian students have played a central role in Ireland’s recent growth, making up just over one-fifth of all international students in 2024/25, with universities stepping up recruitment through on ground engagement, including Education in Ireland’s roadshow across major Indian cities last October, where demand was strong for computer science, artificial intelligence, health sciences, and data analytics.

But safety concerns have emerged following a series of targeted attacks, prompting the Indian Embassy to issue an advisory in August urging nationals to take precautions and avoid deserted areas at night, though demand has so far remained resilient.

“What makes this growth significant is that it is not driven by marketing or advertising alone, but by the trust built through authentic student experiences, alumni voices, and counsellor guidance. Families see Ireland as a country that delivers not just degrees, but outcomes,” said Aritra Ghosal, founder and CEO of OneStep Global, which represents many Irish institutions in India.

“Peer and alumni referrals, counsellor guidance, and authentic word-of-mouth are the strongest drivers of choice. Ireland’s reputation in STEM, AI, sustainability, data science, and cybersecurity is particularly resonant with this new generation of aspirants.”

American students, who had been Ireland’s largest international cohort until 2023/24, continued steady growth for the fourth consecutive year, with more US students planning to study abroad in 2025 and Ireland tying with Italy as the fourth most popular destination.

Enrolments from the UK fell by 5% year on year, marking the fourth consecutive annual decline – a trend widely linked to the UK’s exit from the European Union and its withdrawal from the Erasmus program in 2020. However, with the UK set to rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027, UK student numbers in Ireland are expected to begin recovering from that point.

Elsewhere, Chinese enrolments levelled off after several years of volatility, remaining broadly unchanged from 2023/24. Combined, the four largest source countries – India, the US, China, and the UK – accounted for just over half of Ireland’s international student population during the academic year.

European mobility also continued to influence growth in Ireland, with the Netherlands recording the fastest increase at 41%. Six of the 10 fastest-growing student populations were European, highlighting the impact of EU freedom of movement and programs like Erasmus+.

Non-European markets also continued to gain ground. Brazil, India and Mexico were among the fastest-growing source countries over the past two academic years, each recording growth of more than 25% across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 cycles.

There were also shifts in subject choices, with business, administration, and law becoming the most popular field among international students, attracting nearly 20% of enrolments, while arts, natural sciences, and ICT saw double-digit growth.

Despite strong enrolment numbers, challenges remain. Ireland’s higher education minister James Lawless has welcomed international students, but long visa processing times continue to raise concerns, with speakers at The PIE Live Ireland event warning that delays could undermine Ireland’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

Student accommodation remains another pressure point. High demand, limited supply and rising rents have long been cited as constraints on growth, with sector leaders urging the government to address housing shortages if Ireland is to sustain its international momentum.

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