Indian students are playing a big role in Ireland’s international education boom. According to data from ApplyBoard, enrolments from India jumped by nearly 30% in 2024/25 compared to the previous year, making them the largest group of international students in Irish higher education.
You might find it interesting that this growth comes as Ireland’s total international student population continues to rise steadily. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) data shows that Ireland has sustained over 10% yearly growth in international enrolments for the past four academic years, reaching a record 44,535 students in 2024/25,
ApplyBoard reported.
Indian students lead international growth in IrelandThe organisation highlighted that Indian students now account for just over 20% of all international enrolments in Ireland. “India continues to be the largest source of international students here, with enrolments rising nearly 30% year-on-year,” ApplyBoard quoted.
Undergraduate enrolments from India also rose significantly, contributing to a total of 22,825 undergraduate international students, while postgraduate Indian enrolments reached 21,710, according to the HEA data. Total international enrolments have grown steadily from 26,470 in 2017/18 to 44,535 in 2024/25, showing a consistent upward trend.
Programme popularity and STEM growthBusiness, administration, and law programmes were among the most popular fields, while ICT, natural sciences, and arts programmes also recorded double-digit growth, ApplyBoard noted. “The strong uptake in STEM- and tech-aligned fields reflects both student interest and Ireland’s labour market demands,” ApplyBoard explained in conversation with the HEA.
Postgraduate enrolments also saw a rise, increasing by 11%, signalling continued interest in advanced qualifications among Indian students, the ApplyBoard report stated.
Ireland remains attractive for Indian studentsIreland’s English-language education system and access to EU-wide career opportunities remain major draws. ApplyBoard quoted that access to post-study work options is an important factor for many Indian students and their families when choosing Ireland as a study destination.
Largest Student Populations in Irish Higher Education Courses (2024/25)| S. No. | Country
| Enrolled Students (2024/25)
| Change from 2023/24 |
| 1 | India | 9,175 | 29.80% |
| 2 | Italy | 1,145 | 13.40% |
| 3 | Spain | 915 | 13.00% |
| 4 | USA | 6,125 | 8.30% |
| 5 | Canada | 2,115 | 6.80% |
| 6 | Germany | 1,225 | 1.20% |
| 7 | China | 4,390 | -0.30% |
| 8 | France | 1,105 | -2.20% |
| 9 | Kuwait | 770 | -4.90% |
| 10 | UK | 2,950 | -5.10% |
According to ApplyBoard’s Fall 2025 Student Pulse Survey, Ireland had the lowest rate of negative perception among major study destinations. Students viewed the country as safe, open, and welcoming. You can see why India continues to lead in sending students here.
Continued international growthOverall, 70% of Ireland’s 30 largest international student populations grew in 2024/25, indicating a diversified and stable international education environment, ApplyBoard highlighted. The combination of India’s rapid enrolment growth and Ireland’s sustained over 10% yearly growth for four years shows a clear upward trajectory in the country’s higher education sector.
International Enrolment in Ireland (2017/18–2024/25)Academic Year
| Undergraduate
| Postgraduate
| Total Enrolments
| % Change from Previous Year |
| 2017/18 | 16,895 | 9,580 | 26,470 | — |
| 2018/19 | 18,180 | 10,900 | 29,080 | 9.86% |
| 2019/20 | 17,435 | 12,420 | 29,855 | 2.66% |
| 2020/21 | 15,280 | 11,505 | 26,785 | -10.28% |
| 2021/22 | 17,615 | 14,105 | 31,720 | 18.42% |
| 2022/23 | 19,415 | 15,725 | 35,140 | 10.78% |
| 2023/24 | 20,895 | 19,505 | 40,400 | 14.97% |
| 2024/25 | 22,825 | 21,710 | 44,535 | 10.24% |
Sanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of e...
Read MoreSanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in the media industry. Currently serving as Assistant Editor - Education at TimesofIndia.com, he specializes in education-related content, including board results, job notifications, and studying abroad. Since joining TOI in 2006, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s digital presence and spearheading major education events. Previously, Sanjay held leadership positions in sports journalism, covering high-profile events such as the Cricket World Cup and Olympics. He holds a PG Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan and is proficient in various content management systems.
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