As 2024 unfolds, countries around the world are reassessing their approaches to international study. Despite uncertainty elsewhere, Ireland is stepping up to provide international students with high-quality educational opportunities. On January 15, the Irish government released Global Citizens 2030, its new talent and innovation strategy. This strategy outlines a positive outlook for those interested in studying in Ireland, especially as the country plans to welcome 10% more international students over the next several years.
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What Does Ireland’s New Strategy Entail?
Ireland’s new Global Citizens 2030 strategy plans to “confirm Ireland’s place as a first choice destination for international talent.” To achieve this, the strategy set up six core pillars and seven flagship initiatives.
Core Pillars
The Global Citizens 2030 strategy is based on the following six core pillars, or concepts:
- Talent and innovation at the heart of Ireland’s global footprint
- A first choice destination for international learners, researchers, and innovators
- Global citizens in multinational, multicultural, and diverse workforces
- Enhanced European influence in education and research
- A new era of collaboration between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
- Thought leadership in talent, innovation, and science policy
Flagship Initiatives
The seven flagship initiatives help show how the government plans to act on the strategy’s six core pillars. Read on to learn a bit about each one:
1. Talent and Innovation as part of Ireland’s Global Footprint
By 2030, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science (DFHERIS) will collaborate with the Department of Foreign Affairs to designate Talent and Innovation Attachés at strategic locations in Ireland.
2. International Education Mark (IEM):
DFHERIS plans to launch the International Education Mark (IEM) early this year. The IEM draft was published for consultation at the end of 2022, and the overall project aims to promote public confidence in the quality of Irish higher education providers, as part of the Global Citizens 2030 talent and innovation strategy.
3. European Universities
DFHERIS will provide continued support to Irish higher education institutions as they deepen their engagement in the European Universities Alliance (EUA). This network aims to boost excellence in higher education, while promoting gender equality, inclusiveness, and equity of universities across Europe.
4. Innovate for Ireland
This partnership between industry and the Government of Ireland is set to attract high-calibre PhD students. Innovate for Ireland encourages these students to undertake research and innovation in priority locations across Ireland. This will foster a global perspective that empowers students to tackle national and global challenges.
5. Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Ireland will take up the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026. This is an unparalleled opportunity to promote Ireland’s own initiatives and to lead the European education, skills, research, innovation, and science agendas.
6. Shared Island Mobility and Exchanges
The DFHERIS will engage with the Department of Education in London to examine the feasibility of Shared Island mobility and exchange programmes between Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain.
7. Thought Leaders in Talent and Innovation Policy
DFHERIS will create a research program focused on talent and innovation policies in small advanced economies. It will also assess Ireland’s membership in international research and scientific organizations to guarantee optimal returns on investment.
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The International Education Mark
Of the above flagship initiatives as part of Ireland’s Global Citizens 2030 strategy, the IEM stands out as likely to have the most positive impact on international student recruiters. The initiative is set to launch this year, and its primary aim is to enhance public trust in the quality of Irish higher education and English language education providers for international students.
Institutions in Ireland looking to recruit international students outside the EU/EEA must apply for the IEM. The IEM contains two codes of practice: for higher education providers, and for English language education. These codes cover fair marketing, clear admissions, high-quality courses, and support for students, ensuring international students receive an unparalleled educational experience in Ireland.
Ireland’s Student Growth Target
Ireland’s Global Citizens 2030 strategy has not yet confirmed an exact growth target. However, it’s aiming for an increase of around 10% in international student recruitment in higher education by 2030. This growth trajectory acknowledges capacity concerns, and is built upon the 35,140 international students enrolled in Irish higher education institutions in 2022 and 2023.
What Does This Mean for Students?
Studying in Ireland comes with a wide range of benefits, such a variety of pricing levels, a world class education and a vibrant cultural experience in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology hubs. Plus, Ireland is currently presenting itself as one of the best destinations for international students.
The country’s new Global Citizens 2030 talent and innovation strategy emphasizes this outlook. It outlines multiple ways that Ireland is encouraging opportunities for international students’ personal and academic growth. Amidst evolving policies and challenges facing international recruiters in other destinations, Ireland stands firm in its commitment to international students. This dedication is shown through ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education and enrich the international student experience.
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As these policies evolve, keep an eye on our blog for the latest updates and insights on Ireland’s new Talent and Innovation Strategy. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Government of Ireland’s official website.
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