International Education: Impact and Contribution
Ireland’s universities are global in outlook and national in impact. International students, researchers and staff enrich our campuses, strengthen Ireland’s talent pipeline, and build lasting global connections for Ireland.
International education is a strategic national asset
International education is central to Ireland’s competitiveness, research strength and global reputation. It brings new perspectives to Irish campuses and prepares graduates for globally connected workplaces.
At a glance
- 30,060 international students out of a total of 44,540 international students in public HEIs studied at IUA universities in 2024/25.
- IUA universities enrolled 67.49% of international students in public higher education.
- IUA universities enrolled 80.26% of international PhD students in public higher education.
Why Ireland’s universities matter globally
- World-class: all seven IUA universities rank among the top 3% globally.
- Globally connected: Ireland is an English-speaking EU member state with strong international links.
- Diverse: international students enrich learning for Irish and international students alike.
- Skills-focused: international graduates contribute to priority areas including STEM, business, research and innovation.
- Research-led: international PhD students, researchers and faculty strengthen Ireland’s research base.
- Long-term impact: international alumni build lasting links with Ireland.
International students in Ireland’s public higher education system
| Indicator | IUA | Total Public HEI | IUA Share |
| Level 8 Undergraduate | 14,615 | 22,835 | 64.00% |
| Level 9 Master’s/Postgraduate | 11,765 | 17,120 | 68.72% |
| Level 10 PhD | 3,680 | 4,585 | 80.26% |
| Total | 30,060 | 44,540 | 67.49% |
Supporting openness, quality and trust
A fair, transparent and efficient policy environment, supported by quality assurance through TrustEd Ireland, is essential to sustaining Ireland’s reputation as a high-quality destination for international education. The TrustEd Ireland mark is intended to promote confidence, both nationally and internationally, in the quality of the Irish education system. It will ensure that international learners enrolled on programmes with higher education (HE) and English language education (ELE) providers are protected and receive a quality, consistent learning experience.
IUA Global Engagement portfolio
The IUA Global Engagement portfolio supports the internationalisation efforts of its member universities through implementation of the IUA’s Strategy 2026-2030 and Global Citizens 2030. This is achieved through sector-wide representation and advocacy, the development of thought leadership and technical expertise, and the sharing of best practice across the sector.
The portfolio also supports international mobility and European collaboration. IUA member institutions account for around 75% of outgoing higher education Erasmus+ mobilities in Ireland, and all IUA member universities actively participate in European University Alliances.
Our IUA Strategy 2026 -2030, commits to:
- Work with government and other relevant stakeholders to promote balanced and effective immigration and employment policies that enable Ireland’s ability to attract and retain global student, staff and researcher talent.
Our Global agenda commits to:
- Strive to build the reputation of Ireland as an attractive provider of higher education and research in liaison with Education in Ireland and the HEA.
- Promote student and staff mobility through enhanced participation in Erasmus+ and other mobility programmes.
- Participate in relevant European projects and initiatives through the European University Association and other networks.
- Nurture the growth and impact of alliances through the European Universities Initiative.
Global Citizens 2030
Global Citizens 2030 – Ireland’s Talent and Innovation Strategy sets out Ireland’s ambition to be the country of choice for the brightest scholars from around the world. This reflects the value that international students, researchers and staff bring in strengthening the academic excellence of our third-level sector, diversifying our communities on and off campus, and enriching our intercultural experiences.
International students, researchers and staff actively contribute to our knowledge economy and engage as global alumni, further enhancing Ireland’s footprint, influence and presence on the world stage.
IUA’s Head of International Affairs is Jennifer Cleary.
Each university has a dedicated international office:
Dublin City University
Maynooth University
Trinity College Dublin
University College Cork
University College Dublin
University of Galway
University of Limerick
IUA Global Engagement portfolio
The IUA Global Engagement portfolio supports the internationalisation efforts of its member universities through the implementation of the IUA’s Strategy to 2025 and Global Citizen’s 2030. This is achieved via sector-wide representation and advocacy, the development of thought leadership and technical expertise, and the sharing of best practices across the sector.
Our IUA Strategy to 2025 Pillar 5 -Connection & Engagement at Home and Abroad commits to:
- Strive to build the reputation of Ireland as an attractive provider of higher education and research in liaison with Education in Ireland and the HEA.
- Promote student and staff mobility through enhanced participation in Erasmus+ and other mobility programmes.
- Participate in relevant European projects and initiatives through the European University Association and other networks.
- Nurture the growth and impact of alliances through the European Universities Initiative.
Global Citizens 2030
Global Citizens 2030 – Ireland’s Talent and Innovation Strategy sets out ambitions that Ireland should be the country of choice for the brightest scholars from around the world. This reflects the value that international students, researchers, and staff can bring to strengthen the academic excellence of our third level sector, to diversify our communities on and off campus, and enrich our intercultural experiences.
International students, researchers and staff are actively contributing to our knowledge economy and are engaged as active global alumni further enhancing Irelands’ footprint, influence, and presence on the world stage.
IUA’s Head of International Affairs is Jennifer Cleary.