The study, which surveyed students, parents, and counsellors across India, highlights how Ireland’s mix of academic excellence, affordability, safety, and employability is reshaping perceptions and driving enrolments.
Ireland’s rise as a destination
The report shows that while India continues to lead globally in outbound student mobility, sending more than 760,000 students abroad in 2024, Ireland’s growth has been particularly striking. From just 700 Indian students in 2013, enrolments crossed 9,000 in 2023/24 a 120% increase in five years. Even in 2024, when overall outbound mobility dipped by nearly 15%, interest in Ireland grew by 38%.
What makes this growth significant is that it is not driven by marketing or advertising alone, but by the trust created through authentic student experiences, alumni voices, and counsellor guidance. Families see Ireland as a country that delivers not just degrees, but outcomes.
Key highlights from the student perception study 2025
- India leads in global outbound mobility: 7.6 lakh Indian students went abroad in 2024, compared to 2.6 lakh in 2020.
- Ireland’s rapid growth: Indian enrolments rose from 700 in 2013 to over 9,000 in 2023/24 a 120% jump in five years.
- Academic excellence: Six Irish universities now rank among the world’s top 500.
- Affordable pathways: Tuition and living costs are 30-40% lower than in the US or UK; one-year Master’s programs add time and cost efficiency.
- Employability outcomes: 80% of graduates secure employment within nine months; 1,800+ global companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Pfizer offer strong career pathways.
- Safety and community: Ireland ranks as the world’s third safest country, with over 60,000 Indians already settled.
- Tier II/III interest rising: Students from Coimbatore, Guwahati, and Kochi are increasingly choosing Ireland, aided by education loans and growing awareness.
A new student mindset
The report underscores a fundamental shift: Indian students are increasingly outcome-oriented. Decisions are now guided by employability, post-study work opportunities, affordability, and return on investment, rather than prestige alone.
Peer and alumni referrals, counsellor guidance, and authentic word-of-mouth are the strongest drivers of choice. Ireland’s reputation in STEM, AI, sustainability, data science, and cybersecurity is particularly resonant with this new generation of aspirants.
Decisions are now guided by employability, post-study work opportunities, affordability, and return on investment, rather than prestige alone
This aligns with India’s own reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) and UGC guidelines, which are actively encouraging student exchange, internationalisation, and the establishment of foreign campuses within India. Together, they signal a new era where India is not just an outbound source market but also a global partner in talent and education.
Why Ireland matters
Ireland’s rise as a destination of choice reflects more than just academic strength. It represents trust – the trust of students who see real employability outcomes, of parents who value safety and affordability, and of institutions worldwide who view India as a critical partner in shaping global education.
As global higher education undergoes transformation, Ireland’s expanding reputation, student-first approach, and strong industry linkages position it uniquely. It is not a “Plan B” market; it is becoming a first-choice destination for Indian students.
For families making one of the most important decisions of their lives, the message is clear: Ireland is where ambition meets opportunity.
About the author: Aritra Ghosal is the Founder & CEO of OneStep Global, a market entry firm specialising in higher education. With deep expertise in student mobility and institutional strategy, he has worked with global universities to expand their presence across Asia. Under his leadership, OneStep Global has partnered with leading institutions to build authentic student connections, support internationalisation, and shape the future of global education.
