Leading businessmen from Paypal, Vodafone and Tesco IT spoke highly of their experience working in Ireland at two symposiums held at education fairs in three cities, delegates got to meet with potential students and several memorandums of understanding were signed between Irish and Indian institutions.

Speaking before his departure for India, Minister Cannon said, “This is a huge opportunity for Ireland. Indian students are highly sought after by top-class education institutions around the world and we want more of them to choose Ireland.”

The Minister also highlighted the economic benefits for the country, “In addition to being future ambassadors for Ireland, international students also help to generate jobs here in Ireland. It is estimated that every 100 additional international students who come to Ireland support the creation of 15 local jobs, through spending on tuition, accommodation and other living expenses.”

Delegates received almost 1000 enquiries from potential students at education fairs planned in Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai

Over 60 executives, including many senior academics from 16 HE institutions, participated on the trade mission under the Education in Ireland brand, the umbrella brand for promoting Ireland’s higher education sector in overseas markets, managed by Enterprise Ireland.

Organisers say delegates received almost 1000 enquiries from potential students at education fairs planned in Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. To promote Ireland as a hub for global education and global business, two symposiums on “Future Skills & Innovation” were organised with the support of Science Foundation Ireland, IDA Ireland, and leading multinational companies, Paypal, Vodafone, Tata, Biocin and Tesco India.

“The reaction from the audience was very positive in giving a broader understanding of the business, science, research and investment landscape in Ireland which add to Ireland’s attractiveness as a destination for International education,” a spokesperson from Enterprise Ireland told The PIE News.

A number of deals were secured during the trip, such as National College of Ireland signing an MOU with Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi as well as Blanchardstown I.T. and Trinity College Dublin with their local Indian partners. Trinity college also announced a partnership with Biocin, Asia’s premier biotechnology company, to provide scholarships to students in genetics research.

“It is safe to say that Ireland is building a strong presence in India”

The spokesperson said the delegates were confident confident further collaboration with Indian counterparts will result from the mission. “They are all committed to further travel to the market in the coming months.  Ireland has an attractive offer for Indian students, with its scholarship programmes and one year stay back option for students when they qualify,” she said.

“The Education in Ireland mission was very successful, together with brand ambassador Kevin O’Brien and Minister Ciaran Cannon’s engagement with India during this trip it is safe to say that Ireland is building a strong presence in India,” Senior Administrator for Full Degree Programmes at The University of Limerick Aofie Mathews told The PIE News.

“The University of Limerick was delighted to participate in this trip and to announce our scholarship initiative for Indian applicants, with 50% merit scholarships available in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.”

There are currently almost 1,000 Indian students studying in Ireland, mainly in post-graduate degree courses in engineering, pharma, business, accounting, computer sciences and hospitality management.