Dublin's Alpha College of English has been acquired by UK-based Twin Group, in a deal which allows the company to expand its operations in Ireland.

The number of international students at Irish third-level institutions has surged over the last three years, with the majority feeling generally positive about their educational experiences, a new survey has found.

As many as 8,000 non-EEA students who live in Dublin will be able to renew their immigration registration through a new online system from August 26.

Plans to introduce a long-awaited International Education Mark in Ireland can finally be realised as part of newly-passed legislation by the Irish government, the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Bill.

Brazilian agency Time2 Travel has cited financial difficulties for its sudden closure, meaning many of its customers will not travel despite having paid, and impacting students staying in residences it operated in Ireland.

An increasing number of non-EEA students are choosing Ireland for their higher education, with numbers rising by 45% between 2013 and 2017. But concerns remain over immigration procedures, accommodation and employment.

After 2017 marked the third year of strong growth for English language student numbers in Ireland, last year saw total enrolment in Irish ELT programs reach 121,462, a decline of 4.8%. However, total student weeks reached a record high.

International students attending Ireland's seven universities contributed an estimated €386 million to the economy during 2017/2018, helping under-resourced, "cash-strapped" institutions to plug the shortfall in state funding.