Mumbai: Ireland has recorded a historic high in international student numbers, enrolling around 44,500 overseas students in the 2024–25 academic year, according to a new report by education platform ApplyBoard.
The figure marks the fourth consecutive year of growth, at a time when global student mobility is being reshaped by policy changes and visa restrictions in several traditional study destinations.
Indian students have emerged as the strongest driver of this expansion. Their numbers rose by nearly 30 per cent compared with the previous year, making Indians the largest international student group in Ireland for the second year running. They now account for just over one-fifth of all international enrolments. Growth was seen across levels of study. Postgraduate enrolments increased by 11 per cent, while undergraduate numbers also continued to rise, reflecting sustained demand for Irish higher education institutions.
Course choices point to a strong focus on employability. Business, administration and law remained the most popular disciplines, while programmes in information and communication technology, natural sciences and the arts recorded double-digit growth, highlighting Ireland’s expanding technology and research base. The increase was broadbased, with nearly 70 per cent of Ireland’s top 30 source countries registering higher enrolments, suggesting a widening global appeal. Ireland also scored strongly on perception.
ApplyBoard’s Fall 2025 Student Pulse Survey found it had the lowest negative sentiment among major English-speaking destinations, with students frequently citing safety, openness and post-study work opportunities as key attractions. As competition for international students intensifies worldwide, the report suggests Ireland is consolidating its position as an increasingly favoured destination.
