Delhi, 10th April 2026: As global education destinations face increasing scrutiny around visa policies, safety concerns, and rising costs, Ireland is increasingly being recognised as a safe, stable, and outcome-driven destination for Indian students. According to the Student Perception Study 2025 by OneStep Global, Indian interest in Ireland grew by 38% in 2024, the latest full-year period for which comparative trend data is available, even as overall outbound mobility declined by nearly 15%, signalling a clear shift in how students and families are evaluating global education choices.
The study highlights that students strongly associate Ireland with personal safety, cultural inclusiveness, predictable career progression, high return on investment, and a safe, welcoming environment. For students and families, safety is increasingly becoming one of the first filters in destination selection, alongside employability and post-study work opportunities. This growing preference is already translating into enrolment momentum, with Indian student numbers in Ireland rising from 700 to more than 9,000 over the past decade.
“We are witnessing a defining shift in how Indian students approach global education. Safety has become a primary decision-making factor, alongside employability and long-term outcomes. The 38% rise in interest towards Ireland reflects growing confidence in destinations that offer both stability and strong career pathways,” said Aritra Ghoshal, Founder & CEO, OneStep Global.
Ireland’s positioning as the second safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index 2026, combined with its inclusive environment and expanding Indian student community, is emerging as a key differentiator. For many students and families, safety is no longer a secondary consideration but a decisive factor in choosing a study destination. Students increasingly see Ireland as a place where they can feel secure, welcomed, and supported both inside and outside the classroom. Students are also increasingly looking for destinations where they can experience a sense of belonging, benefit from strong Indian student communities, and settle into a culturally welcoming environment.
At the same time, strong employment outcomes are shaping decision-making. With over 1,800 global companies operating in Ireland, including Google, Apple, Pfizer, Microsoft, Meta, and Dell, students are increasingly confident about career opportunities across sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance. The study further highlights that 80% of graduates secure employment within nine months, reinforcing Ireland’s credibility as a career-focused destination.
Ireland’s one-year Master’s programmes, along with living and tuition costs that are 30–40% lower than several other major study destinations, are also making it an attractive option for students seeking faster returns on investment.
This perception of Ireland as a safe and welcoming destination is also being reinforced by universities, many of which are seeing growing interest from students who are looking for not just academic quality, but also a sense of belonging and personal security.
“It’s hugely encouraging to see Ireland continuing to grow as a study destination, and, more importantly, to see students around the world actively choosing it. That’s being driven by the clear alignment between our education system and industry, alongside the strong post-study opportunities available to graduates. Students today are making very deliberate choices; they’re not just looking for a qualification, they’re looking for a pathway to a successful career. At TUS, that’s exactly what we focus on: delivering career-oriented programmes that are closely connected to industry and consistently lead to strong graduate outcomes,” said Fiona McKie, Director of Global Recruitment at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
Adding to this, Robert Ward, Director of International at NCI, said, “NCI is in the heart of Ireland’s financial and technology sector in Dublin and offers programmes created to match industry needs. Ireland is a place of strong economic growth with significant skills gaps in technology and business. Ireland as a country is home to leading multinationals and has always given a warm welcome for international students. Ireland is ranked as the second safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index 2026, and we know from working with our students from over 85 countries the rich and rewarding experience they have enjoyed studying and living in Ireland.”
“Dublin is a multicultural, vibrant and lively city. DCU offers students a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment, as well as a world-class education. International students coming to DCU will feel a strong sense of community and belonging and will be supported at every step of their journey to become a DCU graduate,” said Fiona Reynolds, Director of Student Recruitment, Dublin City University, Ireland.
Professor Patrick McCole, Vice President International, Maynooth University, said, “Ireland continues to distinguish itself as a safe, reliable, and career-focused destination for international students, who in turn play a pivotal role in Ireland’s economic innovation landscape. Programmes such as the Maynooth University Summer Pathways initiative emphasise employability by connecting learners with over 100 Irish industry partners through consulting projects and work placements. This initiative provides hands-on skills for career success while enabling organisations to benefit from research-driven insights and globally diverse talent. Programmes such as these accelerate student career outcomes and position Maynooth University as one of Ireland’s leading destinations for education and employability.”
A significant trend emerging from the study is the growing participation from Tier-II and Tier-III cities such as Guwahati, Coimbatore, Kochi, Indore, and Vizag, where improved access to education loans, digital awareness, and counselling support is enabling students to explore international opportunities with greater confidence This trend is particularly visible among families from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where parents are becoming increasingly open to international education but remain highly focused on safety, affordability, and career outcomes. This trend is also being observed by institutions working closely with students across regions.
Students also indicated that peer referrals, alumni experiences, and counsellor guidance now play a more influential role than traditional advertising, reflecting a broader shift towards trust-led, experience-driven decision-making. While the outlook for Ireland remains strong, students and families continue to closely evaluate factors such as accommodation availability, cost of living, and visa clarity before making final decisions. Addressing these concerns will be important in strengthening the overall student experience further.
As global education dynamics continue to evolve, this growing confidence is reinforcing Ireland’s positioning as a safe and reliable destination, where strong employability outcomes and rising enrolments are shaping the next phase of India’s outbound education landscape. Its reputation for safety, cultural belonging, employability, and student support is helping it stand out as a trusted destination for Indian students and families.
