The Student Perception Study 2025 — conducted by OneStep Global in collaboration with BORBHAG — reveals a remarkable insight: Ireland is now one of the fastest-growing global destinations for Indian students, recording an impressive 38% surge in interest even as overall outbound mobility from India declined in 2024. This growth is not accidental; it is the product of trust, strong employability outcomes, and a rapidly evolving student mindset focused on ROI, safety, and long-term opportunities.
Ireland’s Rise Among Indian Students
India continues to lead the world in outbound student mobility, with 760,000+ students going abroad in 2024. Yet, within this massive movement, Ireland stands out for its extraordinary growth trajectory.
- Indian enrolments in Ireland rose from 700 in 2013 to over 9,000 in 2023/24.
- This represents a 120% increase in just five years.
- Even in 2024 — when overall outbound mobility fell by ~15% — interest in Ireland still grew by 38%.
What makes this surge significant is that it is not fueled by flashy marketing alone. According to the study, authentic student experiences, alumni voices, and counsellor recommendations are shaping perceptions more deeply than advertisements. For Indian families, Ireland is not just another degree destination — it is a place that consistently delivers results.
Key Findings from the Student Perception Study 2025
The report highlights several core strengths driving Ireland’s rising popularity:
- Global outbound leadership: India sent 7.6 lakh students abroad in 2024, up from 2.6 lakh in 2020.
- Academic excellence: Six Irish universities rank among the top 500 globally.
- Affordability: Tuition and living costs are 30–40% lower compared to the US or UK.
- Efficient degrees: One-year Master’s programs offer speed, value, and strong ROI.
- Employability: 80% of graduates find jobs within nine months, backed by 1,800+ global employers including Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Pfizer.
- Safety & community: Ireland ranks as the 3rd safest country in the world, with a growing Indian diaspora of over 60,000.
- Tier II/III growth: Students from Coimbatore, Guwahati, and Kochi are driving fresh demand, supported by education loans and rising awareness.
A New Indian Student Mindset
One of the most significant insights from the study is the shift in how Indian students make decisions. The new generation of applicants is outcome-driven.
- Employability and career pathways dominate decision-making.
- Value for money and post-study work options are critical priorities.
- Authentic peer, alumni, and counsellor guidance carry more weight than advertisements.
- Interest in STEM, AI, sustainability, data science, and cybersecurity continues to grow.
This aligns with reforms introduced under India’s NEP and evolving UGC guidelines that promote internationalisation, exchanges, and even the establishment of foreign campuses in India.
Today’s Indian student chooses destinations that offer clarity, safety, strong graduate outcomes, and reliable returns — and Ireland is increasingly meeting all four.
Why Ireland Matters for Indian Families
The rising appeal of Ireland represents more than a shift in preference — it represents trust. Indian students and parents see Ireland as:
- Academically strong with globally ranked universities.
- Career-aligned through industry-integrated learning and robust hiring networks.
- Financially accessible compared to other Western destinations.
- Safe and welcoming with a thriving Indian community.
Importantly, the study concludes that Ireland is no longer a “Plan B” market. It is increasingly becoming a first-choice destination for thousands of Indian families seeking world-class education and long-term opportunities.
Looking Forward
As global higher education undergoes rapid transformation, Ireland’s student-first policies, affordability, and strong industry linkages position it uniquely. For Indian students, it represents a place where ambition meets opportunity.
How T&A Consulting Supports Students, Institutions & Partners in the Ireland Pathway
With Ireland becoming a preferred study destination for Indian students, navigating this dynamic landscape requires structured planning, clarity on processes, and trusted advisory support. T&A Consulting helps students, universities, and counsellors align their decisions with Ireland’s rising opportunities highlighted in the Student Perception Study 2025.
- Market Intelligence & Destination Strategy: T&A provides data-backed insights on Ireland’s education ecosystem, job market, affordability, and sectoral trends, enabling families and institutions to make informed, outcome-driven decisions.
- Student Counselling Support: From program selection and budget planning to understanding Ireland’s unique value — one-year Master’s, employability, safety — T&A ensures students receive clear, accurate, and personalised guidance.
- University Partnerships: T&A facilitates engagement between Irish universities and Indian institutions, including pathway programs, joint initiatives, and targeted outreach, especially in Tier II/III cities highlighted in the study.
- Compliance, Visa & Documentation Expertise: As interest in Ireland grows, T&A provides structured assistance on visa requirements, financial documentation, and eligibility pathways to minimise uncertainty for students and counsellors.
- End-to-End Internationalisation Support: Aligned with India’s NEP vision, T&A enables Indian institutions to build Ireland-linked articulation programs, exchanges, and collaborative research partnerships.
- Outcome-Focused Advisory: Reflecting modern student expectations, T&A emphasises ROI, employment pathways, and long-term outcomes — ensuring families receive guidance rooted in real opportunities.
As Ireland evolves into a first-choice destination for Indian students, T&A Consulting ensures that every step — from aspiration to admission to arrival — is clear, informed, and strategically supported.
Whether you are a student exploring Ireland, a counsellor expanding your destination portfolio, or an institution seeking Ireland-India partnerships, T&A Consulting brings expertise, structure, and execution support.
Contact us at: pnijhawan@taglobalgroup.com to discuss how we can support your Ireland-focused goals.
Source:
The PIE News — Ireland sees 38% surge in Indian student interest: Student Perception Study 2025