Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
2601. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the number of foreign students in Ireland for each of the past ten years, by sector, including English language colleges; the details of the State's target number up to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1015/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below, in respect of international students* who studied in Irish Higher Education Institutions over the last ten years.
(*includes UK, EU and non EEA students)
My Department does not collate data on the number of English language schools or the number of students studying English language courses in Ireland.
Ireland's international talent and innovation strategy, Global Citizen's 2030 sets the objective of promoting Ireland as a first choice destination for international learners, by ensuring an excellent multicultural, inclusive and culturally rich learning and living experience. It highlights the goal of balancing international students across programme levels, delivery modes, regions and through diversification of target countries, as well as by aligning international recruitment with institutional planning frameworks.
The Global Citizens Implementation Forum chaired by my Department will play an important role in securing these objectives within the framework of other Government Strategies relating to this important area.
International students in Irish Higher Education Institutions 2015-2025
