Investing in Global Relationships: Ireland’s International Education Strategy 2010 - 2015

1. Investing in Global Relationships:Ireland’s International Education Strategy 2010 - 2015 Presentation to Information Day on Irish International Education Strategy & European Programmes 22nd February 2011

2. OUTLINE Introduction Vision Objectives and Targets Ten strategic Actions Statistics & Conclusion

3. 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 2010-2015 published September 2010

4. 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”

5. 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

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

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. Investing in Global Relationships:Ireland’s International Education Strategy 2010 - 2015 Presentation to Information Day on Irish International Education Strategy & European Programmes 22nd February 2011