A European nation with emerald landscapes is now a top choice for Indian students' study abroad plans

Ireland has become a top choice for international students, with a record 40,000 enrolments in 2023-24, a 15% rise. Indian students now form the largest group, growing by 50% year-over-year. Popular fields include ICT, Business, and Health, with I...

By ET Online | Jan 16, 2025, 12.44 PM IST

Ireland has become a top destination for international students, with enrolments reaching a record 40,000 in 2023-24—a 15% rise from the previous year—fueled by its affordable education and strong post-study work opportunities.

As per the latest report by ApplyBoard, Indian students have become the largest international student population in Ireland, reflecting shifting preferences and the country’s increasing appeal as a study abroad destination. The report is based on based on insights from Ireland’s Higher Education Authority (HEA).

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Indian student enrolment grew by nearly 50 per cent year-over-year, accounting for 18 per cent of all international students. This marks the first time Indian students have become the largest international population in Ireland.

Health and Welfare, Business, Administration and Law, Arts and Humanities, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction, Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Social Sciences, Journalism and Information, Education, Generic Programmes and Qualifications, and Services were the most popular fields of study among international students in Ireland in 2023-24.

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International enrolments in ICT programs soared by 65 per cent, making it the fastest-growing field. If this trend continues, ICT could soon become the most popular field of study for international students, aligning with Ireland’s strong demand for tech talent.

Postgraduate enrolments, particularly in master’s programs, now represent nearly one-third of all international students—a significant increase from just 21% in 2016-17.

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Ireland’s affordability, high employability rates, and the two-year post-study work visa for master’s graduates are making it a compelling alternative to destinations like the US, UK, and Canada, the report says. For Indian students, the country’s thriving tech sector, world-class education, and diverse fields of study further enhance its appeal.

Rent, Internet, clothes, movie tickets, coffee, public transportation, fast food, medicines: Cost of living for students studying abroad

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Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar): £7; 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk: £1.142; 12 eggs, large: £4.35; Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area: AU$3,371; Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area: £3,640; Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio: £212; Internet 8 mbps (1 month): £28; 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar): £73; 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers): £33; 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands): £94; Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles): £19; Monthly ticket public transport: £144; Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands): £5.87; Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes): £76; Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub: £47; 2 tickets to the movies: £28; Cappuccino in expat area of the city: £3.67; 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.): £7.