Ward attributed this surge in popularity to the diverse academic offerings available in Ireland. The country provides over 5,000 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, attracting Indian students from various fields. Aside from the courses in IT, data science, and medical fields, there is also a growing interest in marketing, design, medicine, nursing, tourism, hospitality, as well as emerging subjects like sustainability, filmmaking, and equine sciences.
Indian students are increasingly opting for Ireland as their preferred destination for higher education, with a strong preference for courses in IT, data science, and medical fields, Ambassador Brendan Ward said.
Since 2018, the number of Indian students studying in Ireland has steadily risen, reaching 5,000 in 2022, and the Irish government claims an even higher figure of 6,500 students pursuing higher studies in the country, the Indian Express reported.
Ward attributed this surge in popularity to the diverse academic offerings available in Ireland. The country provides over 5,000 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, attracting Indian students from various fields.
Aside from the courses in IT, data science, and medical fields, there is also a growing interest in marketing, design, medicine, nursing, tourism, hospitality, as well as emerging subjects like sustainability, filmmaking, and equine sciences.
“Ireland has much to offer Indian students, be it the high standard of education, renowned faculty, a plethora of programs to study from with affordable tuition,” Ward said in an exclusive interview with the Indian Express.
The availability of industry-led modules and internship opportunities enhances the appeal of Irish education institutions. These opportunities allow students to gain practical experience and improve their employability.
Ireland’s reputation as the “Silicon Valley of Europe” with a thriving job market filled with multinational companies further entices Indian students to explore their career prospects in the country, Ward added.
To support Indian students’ aspirations, Ireland offers various scholarships and grants. Scholarships range from fee reductions of €2,000 ($2,249) to significant tuition fee waivers of up to 50 percent.
Exceptional international students may also be eligible for prestigious Global Excellence scholarships, covering either 50 percent or the entire tuition.
Additionally, the Government of Ireland scholarship for international students, awarded based on merit, provides full fee waivers for one year’s tuition and an additional stipend of €10,000 ($11,246) for living expenses.
Despite the increasing number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, Ward believes that studying in another country is an opportunity for personal growth and exposure to different cultures, rather than a reflection of any shortcomings in the Indian higher education system.
Regarding the possibility of Irish universities establishing campuses in India, Ward said that there are currently no concrete plans for such expansions.
However, he pointed out that the National Education Policy offers opportunities for collaboration between Irish and Indian institutions of higher learning, laying the groundwork for potential future growth and partnerships.
