Thinking of Studying Abroad? Here’s why Ireland is the new favourite for Indian students

Study in Ireland

Amidst popular global study destinations, Ireland is steadily gaining traction among Indian students. Known for its globally recognised education, friendly visa policies, and a welcoming atmosphere for international students, Ireland has become an increasingly attractive option.

Ireland's reputation as a global destination for higher education is rapidly gaining momentum, attracting students from across the globe. As per recent data, the number of foreign students reached 40,400, passing the 40,000-student benchmark for the first time and representing a 15% increase over the previous year. For IDP Education, female enrolments in Ireland rose by over 60% in 2024 compared to the previous year, signalling growing trust in Ireland's inclusive and student-friendly ecosystem. This surge reflects not just Ireland's growing academic reputation but also the success of its student-centric policies and deepening ties with countries like India.

Ireland’s rising popularity is also driven by the strong career prospects it offers. The destination has positioned itself as a hub for high-growth sectors such as IT, Pharmaceuticals, Gaming, and MedTech. With European headquarters of global giants like Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft, along with companies such as Pfizer, Indeed, and Stripe, Ireland provides a launchpad for students aiming to build careers in some of the world’s most innovative and in-demand industries.

World-class institutions with global rankings

Ireland is home to several high-performing universities that consistently feature in global rankings, offering students strong academic and research opportunities across disciplines. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, six Irish universities University College Dublin (#118), University of Galway (#289), University College Cork (#292), Dublin City University (#436), University of Limerick (#436) are listed among top 500, with Trinity College Dublin leading the way at #75 globally. Trinity College Dublin’s membership with the prestigious League of European Research Universities (LERU) reflects its strong academic foundation and focus on high-quality research.

These institutions offer high-quality programmes across fields like Data Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Business Analytics, Investment Banking and Finance — making Ireland a destination of choice for students seeking globally recognised, industry-relevant education.

Attractive post-study work rights In 2023, over 7,000 international students received post-study work visas in Ireland, with Indians among the largest recipients. Indian graduates in Ireland are eligible for up to two years of post-study work rights, offering them a valuable opportunity to gain international work experience. Ireland's "Third Level Graduate Scheme" allows international graduates to stay and work for a period after completing their studies.

Affordable living and education costs

Ireland offers comparatively affordable tuition fees, especially when looking at undergraduate and doctoral programmes, where costs can be lower than in destinations like the UK or Australia. Indian students can work part-time up to 20 hours during term time and 40 hours during holidays, which makes it easier for the students to manage their living expenses. Living costs are also notably lower in cities outside Dublin, making the experience more affordable for students on a budget.

Strong bilateral ties

India and Ireland share a growing education partnership, with over 30 active academic collaborations, including full MOUs and research-specific agreements. The Ireland-India Affinity Diaspora Network further strengthens the people-to-people and institutional links between the two nations.

Inclusive environment for all

Ireland's safe, friendly environment and ease of integration have made it an increasingly attractive choice for Indian students. The Irish government recently announced the Global Citizens 2030 International Talent and Innovation Strategy, positioning the country as a first-choice destination for international students and researchers.