Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
283. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to encourage greater participants by Mexican students in third level institutions and continuing educational opportunities in Ireland. [15447/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Higher Education Authority estimates that there were approximately 360 students from Mexico enrolled in Ireland's publicly funded higher education institutions (HEIs), in the 2024/25 academic year.
Enterprise Ireland, under the Education in Ireland brand, promotes Ireland as a location for higher education as well as supporting Irish HEIs in, inter alia, the establishment of their brand globally. Mexico is one of the key markets where Education in Ireland is currently building brand awareness of Ireland as a higher education destination. The activity includes managing targeted social media campaigns in for Mexican students, participation in student fairs (postgraduate) in Mexico, engaging with key stakeholders (education agents, school counsellors, funding bodies) and providing market intelligence, for HEIs, on trends and opportunities in Mexico.
Furthermore, in October 2023, my Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretariat of Innovation, Science and Technology of the State of Jalisco of the United Mexican States for the purposes of academic and student mobility and exchange of information in the higher education field.
Making Ireland a first-choice destination for international learners, researchers and innovators is a key pillar of Global Citizens 2030, Ireland’s international Talent & Innovation strategy.
