1. Information Day on Irish International Education Strategy
Ireland: Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Expenditure on Tertiary Education
Investing in Global Relationships: Ireland’s International Education Strategy
Presentation to
Information Day on Irish International Education Strategy
& European Programmes
22nd February 2011
J. Lynch, HEA, April 2010

2. OUTLINE Introduction Vision Objectives and Targets
Ireland: Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Expenditure on Tertiary Education
OUTLINE
Introduction
Vision
Objectives and Targets
Ten strategic Actions
Statistics & Conclusion
J. Lynch, HEA, April 2010

3. Ireland: Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Expenditure on Tertiary Education
Introduction
Ireland as a small, open European economy relies on international engagement
An internationalised education system has a crucial role to play in our international profile and attractiveness
In context of national strategy for economic renewal, the government established High level Group on international education in 2010 to:
Develop a national strategy
Co-ordinate a national approach
Report Investing in Global Relationships: Ireland's International Education Strategy published September 2010
J. Lynch, HEA, April 2010

4. Ireland: Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Expenditure on Tertiary Education
Vision
The most compelling rationale for internationalisation is investment in future global relationships with
Students educated in Ireland – our future advocates overseas
Educational institutions – our teaching and research partners
Countries – our business and trading partners
Internationalisation enhances the quality of learning, teaching and research
And will contribute to Ireland ambition to become “a global innovation hub”
J. Lynch, HEA, April 2010

5. Ireland: Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Expenditure on Tertiary Education
Vision
International students need high-quality education, integration with local students & a great experience
Within context of ambitious targets for local student access and access for non-traditional learners
Demands collaboration between institutions and agencies &
Expansion of the education system
A long-term & sustainable process, based on high-quality engagement with international partners
Recognition that the European dimension is crucial to Irish education and commitment to active participation in the EU programmes
J. Lynch, HEA, April 2010

6. Objectives Primary Objective:
“Ireland will become internationally recognised and ranked as a world leader in the delivery of high-quality international education by providing a unique experience and long-term value to students”

7. Objectives and Targets to 2015
Increase:
Total international HE students 50% by >12,000 to 38,000
Full-time int’l HE students 50% by 8,500 to 25,500
Int’l students doing advanced research by 50% to 3,800
Taught postgraduate int’l students from 13% to 20% to 5,100
Exchange and JYA from outside EEA to 6,000 from 3,600
English-language students by 25% to 120,000
Offshore students by 50% to 4,500
Economic impact by €300 m to €1.2 bn
Strengthen institutional links with priority partner-countries
Increase outward staff and student mobility

8. Ten Strategic Actions (1)
Partnership and collaboration – greater collaboration within & between government, HE sector and English language sector, coordinated by High Level Group, with 4 Working Groups:
Implementation, market development & access (Chair: DES)
Sectoral Development (Chair: HEA)
Quality Assurance and Student Experience (Chair: NQAI/QQAI)
Branding and Promotion (Chair: Enterprise Ireland)
Monitoring & Benchmarking – HEA & EI to develop database & Annual Report
Renew Education Ireland Brand and strengthen marketing
Quality – Quals & QA Bill, Quality mark, Code of Practice
Strengthened immigration and visa regime
Comprehensive HEI internationalisation strategies
Develop relevant international education offerings, based on HEI capacity and student needs

9. Ten Strategic Actions (2)
Consistent & supportive government policies and actions
High Level Group as key mechanism
Small Strategic Fund
Three new Scholarship programmes:
The Government of Ireland International Scholarships
The New Frontiers Programme
The Government of Ireland English Language Educators Scholarship
Strengthen networks of influence – alumni associations and contacts; HEI’s with embassy & EI support
Outward mobility by staff and students – part of HEI’s strategic plans
North-South and EU co-operation

10. International HE Students in Ireland 2009/10
Country
2009/10
2006/7
USA
4467
4408
China (+HK)
3355
3573
France
2068
1536
UK & Northern Ireland
1512
1992
Germany
1450
1431
Spain
1187
1395
Malaysia
1094
1289
India
1125
Canada
710
500
Italy
674
1253
Nigeria
618
482
Poland
512
539
……. …
Sweden
143
126
Not Specified
1033
984
Other countries
3408
2955
25781
26295

11. International Students in Ireland 2009/10

14. Conclusion
Strategy on International Education comes as part of wider response to need for economic renewal in Ireland
Focus is on Ireland's international relationships, particularly on international student mobility and on educational links with future long-term trading partners
Nevertheless
There is recognition of the wider perspectives of the internationalisation process, including collaborative institutional and research links, internationalisation of curricula and engagement in multilateral initiatives, such as the Bologna process.
There is also recognition that the European dimension is crucial to the Irish education system and an active ongoing commitment to the EU programmes.

15. Information Day on Irish International Education Strategy
Ireland: Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Expenditure on Tertiary Education
Investing in Global Relationships: Ireland’s International Education Strategy
Presentation to
Information Day on Irish International Education Strategy
& European Programmes
22nd February 2011
J. Lynch, HEA, April 2010