The influx of Indian students to Ireland has been steadily increasing, buoyed by expanding research opportunities and promising job prospects. Irish academic institutions maintain robust connections with over 30 universities in India, fostering collaborations across various disciplines including engineering, law, social sciences, computer science, and hospitality. Kevin Kelly, Ireland’s Ambassador to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, underscores the growing presence of Indian students in Ireland, highlighting the burgeoning academic partnerships between the two countries.
In an interview, Ambassador Kelly elaborated on Ireland’s strategies to enhance the Study in Ireland program, which has seen over 8000 Indian students pursuing higher education in the country. He emphasized Ireland’s reputation for educational excellence and its efforts to promote Irish higher education institutions in India through engagement with schools, partnerships, and awareness-building initiatives.
Ireland boasts a diverse range of over 5000 programs leading to internationally recognized qualifications, positioning graduates as highly skilled professionals in the global market. The Ambassador reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to accommodating Indian students across various disciplines, matching their interests and capacities with the offerings of Irish institutions.
Regarding employment opportunities, Ambassador Kelly highlighted the presence of over 75 Irish companies in India, which primarily recruit locally to meet specific job requirements. This trend signifies the potential for Indian job seekers to find employment opportunities within Irish companies operating in India.
In terms of strengthening academic collaborations, Ambassador Kelly stressed the deepening bilateral relations between India and Ireland, both economically and culturally. Academic partnerships continue to flourish, with Irish institutions actively engaging with their Indian counterparts in research, faculty exchange, and cross-border collaboration.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Kelly expressed optimism about the evolving academic ties between India and Ireland. He noted the significant increase in Indian student enrollment in Ireland over the past decade, with collaborations between universities and colleges on the rise. Notable partnerships, such as the memorandum of understanding between Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) and University College Dublin, signify a promising future for academic exchanges and collaborative research endeavors between the two countries.
