The sector demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, welcoming 128,761 international students from over 125 countries.
The findings come from English Education Ireland (EEI) through its annual report which is conducted with market intelligence firm, BONARD, using data collected through a sample-based survey of EEI member schools.
Lorcan O’Connor Lloyd, CEO of EEI, commented: “This report demonstrates the ongoing strength and value of the English Language Education sector in Ireland. The €792 million figure reflects only the direct economic impact – tuition, accommodation, and immediate spend – but the true value is far greater.
“International students boost local economies, support tourism and public transport, and enrich Ireland’s social and cultural life,” he added.
While total student numbers grow slightly (+2% year-on-year), the number of total student weeks declined by 8%, reflecting a broader global trend towards shorter stays. This was largely driven by the increasing popularity of “mini-stays” – short-term group programs for juniors, which surged by 12% in student numbers and 10% in student weeks.
Despite increasing competition from emerging destinations including Dubai and the Philippines, Ireland’s ELE sector has recovered to 109% of its pre-pandemic student numbers.
Adult learners, who represented 45% of students but accounted for 84% of student weeks, remain the financial backbone of the sector. In comparison, juniors made up 55% of all students, reflecting Ireland’s appeal as a short-term destination for younger learners.
Among all programs for adult international students, General English remains to be the most popular course type, with 90% of reported students enrolling in this program and an average duration of 12.7 weeks.
“This year’s data tells a story of cautious stability,” said Lloyd. “The increase in mini-stays signals strong demand for groupbased, immersive experiences, while adult learners continue to choose Ireland for longer-term study, driven by quality education, cultural appeal, and the warmth of our welcome.”
He added: “The data suggests that future growth may increasingly come from juniors and more compact programs.”
LATAM countries continue to dominate the adult segment, with Brazil and Mexico leading the way. Brazil, a top source market in Ireland since 2014, alone accounted for over 251,000 student weeks despite a slight drop in student numbers primarily in the junior segment.
Meanwhile, China showed positive momentum across both junior and adult segments in 2024, with a +74% increase in student numbers and +64% growth in student weeks.
Junior students came mainly from Europe, with Italy and Spain accounting for 80% of the student numbers, followed by Germany (2%) and France (3%). Mini-stays proved especially popular among Austrian, Mexican, and Chinese juniors, while adult learners from Mongolia (22.0 weeks) and Panama (21.9 weeks) had the longest average course duration.
On average, each international student spent over €5,500 per stay, with 39% of that going toward accommodation and another 39% toward living expenses. Tuition accounted for 22% of the spend and continues to be the primary revenue stream for schools, contributing 52% of total annual income.
In terms of employment, in 2024, EEI member schools reported employing nearly 3,000 staff during the peak season (June–August). Notably, Dublin has the highest concentration of EEI member schools, with over 60% of premises based in the capital.
“The sector contributed almost €800 million to the Irish economy in 2024, which is remarkable given that most providers are small or medium-sized businesses,” said Lloyd.
“The economic impact stretches far beyond tuition fees, encompassing accommodation, transport, tourism, and even labour support in sectors like hospitality and homecare.
There is real work to do in raising awareness of the role international students play in Ireland’s economy and society
Lorcan O’Connor Lloyd, EEI
“Yet despite this, the sector remains underappreciated in public and political conversations. There is real work to do in raising awareness of the role international students play in Ireland’s economy and society.”
The report also mentions mounting pressures, such as student visa processing delays, tightening immigration regulations, and a highly competitive global market. EEI member schools emphasised the need for continued government support, clearer visa regulations, and sustained marketing efforts to maintain Ireland’s competitiveness.
Lloyd pointed out that despite Ireland remaining a very attractive place to study, the position is not guaranteed.
“In 2024, schools experienced more visa refusals, delays in processing, and uncertainty around policy changes,” he said.
“These challenges are already starting to affect student recruitment, particularly from non-EU countries. The recent decision to double the financial proof requirement for non-visa students is a clear example of how policy shifts can have unintended consequences, especially for key growth regions like Latin America and Asia.
“To remain competitive, Ireland needs greater policy alignment across immigration, education, and economic planning, as well as regular and meaningful engagement with the sector.”
