International courses

Studying in Ireland

i-studentadvisor Ireland is the ultimate guide to studying in Ireland for overseas students. i-studentadvisor Ireland brings you up-to-date and compelling information on every aspect of studying overseas in Ireland, from choosing the right Irish college, university or institute of technology to opening an Irish student bank account. The Republic of Ireland is a country rich in history offering international students one of the best education systems in Europe.

John Lynch from Education Ireland says: "Ireland is a dynamic, lively, modern country with a young population, a country where music, conversation, culture, traditions, time to relax, listen and make friends matter. It is renowned for its beautiful, unspoiled countryside and scenery as well as its cultured, cosmopolitan and lively cities."

The Irish have always had a very high regard for education. In the absence of mineral or other natural resources, or of wealth gained through colonial conquest, the key to wealth for Ireland is through its people and their knowledge and skills. Education and training have been seen always as key to success and wealth.

For over 40 years the Irish government has invested heavily in education as a key element in our economic development. Educated Irish people at home were seen as a key factor in attracting inward multinational investment into Ireland; educated Irish people who emigrated to the major economic centres were not only well placed to get rewarding jobs and but also often became key influencers in promoting Ireland as an excellent destination for corporate investment.

Ireland's economic success from the 1980's on has been based primarily on such inward investment, particularly from the large American corporations. The main factors influencing inward investment were seen as : young English- speaking educated population, large European market, pro-business fiscal policies, attractive location for expatriate staff.

As Irish policy makers developed economic growth plans for the 21st century they focused on education and research as key areas for investment. They also realised the need develop new links and networks with the new growing economies in Asia.

Under the National Development Programme (NDP) [2007-13], the Irish government has committed €6 billion to develop research capacity in key areas; much of that funding will go to the education institutions. Despite the global economic downturn of 2008/9, the government has reiterated its commitment to the implementation of the National Development programme as a key element in our recovery and future growth and has continued to roll out research programmes under the NDP. This plan envisages the recruitment of top class international researchers into Irish programmes, as well as the doubling of PhD output of the higher education colleges.

Apart from the direct investment in education and research, the government also sees the need for Irish education to forge new international links and networks and is working closely with universities and colleges to encourage the development of new academic and research links in key Asian countries, as well as maintaining and deepening traditional European and American links.

Irish universities and colleges have always welcomed and valued their international students. They know the importance of having a good international mix of students and staff and are committed to increasing their international student and staff numbers in the coming years.