Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for students from all over the world. Ireland is an English-speaking country with a long tradition of providing education for international students. The education system in Ireland is one of the best in the world according to the 2006 independent IMD World Competitiveness Report. Almost 1 million people are in full time education. The friendliness and hospitality for which Irish people are renowned, contribute to the ease with which overseas students adapt to the way of life and in particular, student life.

Ireland has recently undergone rapid transformation into an advanced first world economy. While the very speed of this transformation presents great economic, cultural and educational challenges, the universities in Ireland occupy a lead position in the transformation to a sophisticated knowledge based society. Over 45% of the population of the Republic of Ireland is under 30 years of age so it is country for young people. As a member of the European Union, it is outward looking and anxious to build relationships with other countries, both inside and outside the EU. Ireland is at the forefront of international technological innovation: over 1100 overseas companies have chosen Ireland as their European base and are involved in a wide range of activities in sectors as diverse as e business, engineering, information communications technologies, financial and international services, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals. Ireland is the number one location in Europe for the pharmaceutical industry in particular, with 83 companies located here, producing €34 billion worth of exports in 2002. Biotechnology and biomedical R & D is another growth area with large multi nationals (e.g. Boston Scientific etc.,) and many new start up companies establishing themselves in the region. With GDP per capita currently greater than any other European economy, the USA or Japan, Ireland is in the top three competitive economies in the world. The educated workforce produced in Ireland by the education system has been a key factor in attracting international investment to the country and in the growth of the modern technological industries which have helped make Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world. There are approximately 25,000 international students studying at third level in Ireland, with about 15,000 of these from non-EU countries. The Irish Minister for Education recently visited South and South-East Asia, and is developing strong links between the Irish education sector and institutions and organisations in other countries. Ireland offers a modern and multifaceted education system, which combines the best parts of Ireland’s rich heritage with its thriving, technologically adept society and a unique perspective on the future. All of this adds up to a rewarding and valuable experience for any student who decides to come to Ireland to study.