Fine Gael today unveiled International Horizons the Party’s plan to revolutionise the international education sector by doubling our market share and, as a result, generating an additional €900 million annually and creating 6,000 jobs.

Party Education Spokesman, Brian Hayes TD, and Immigration & Integration Spokesman, Denis Naughten TD, said that Ireland has an unprecedented opening to capitalise on the international education sector and that this opportunity must be grasped.

The Fine Gael Spokespeople said:

“Expanding the international student market in Ireland is an economic, educational and cultural opportunity which cannot be ignored.

“Around the world there are an estimated three million students studying outside their country of citizenship. In comparison to other English speaking countries, Ireland has not capitalised fully with our market share estimated to be a disappointing 1% of the global international education market.

“The sector currently generates €900 million annually - €400 million from the higher education sector and €500 million by the English Language Sector - so increasing our market share would have huge benefits, not only in terms of revenue but also in relation to the creation of jobs. It is estimated that each international student can spend up to €26,000 per annum while studying abroad, and an estimated 15 local jobs are created for every 100 students.

“There are 40,000 non-EEA students currently studying in Ireland and Fine Gael believes that with real joined up thinking and political leadership, Ireland’s market share could be doubled within five years. This will generate an additional €900 million annually, bring the value of the sector to €1.8 billion and create 6,000 jobs. Amongst other measures, we want to see the following measures implemented:

International Education Office and a new student visa procedure: We will establish an International Education Office (IEO) within the Department of Education and Science.. The IEO will create a user-friendly student visa information website without delay.
Fast Track Visa System in Key Markets: The IEO will identify target markets and a fast track visa system for international students in those key markets will be introduced.
International Education Scholarship Fund: Following on the success of the George Mitchell Scholarship Programme, we will develop a scholarship programme targeting key Asian markets. We will introduce an International Scholarship Fund which will pay for international students from key markets to study in Ireland.
Issue green cards automatically to PhD graduates in sectors of the economy where shortages exist: This would be in such areas as sciences, engineering and technology. We will establish an entrepreneurship programme, to support foreign students that wish to set up businesses and create new jobs to stay in Ireland.
Range of Language Courses: We will develop the range of English language courses available here to differentiate the Irish market from other international education destinations.
Training Centre of Excellence: Fine Gael will make Ireland a specialised centre of excellence for English language teacher training.
Diaspora Education Initiative: We will develop a network with Ireland’s Diaspora worldwide, led by Enterprise Ireland.

“Fine Gael has already led the way with our ‘Third Way’ strategy for third level education which will radically improve standards and quality at third level.

“The international education sector offers real benefits for the economy and for society. It challenges the education sector to compete with its international peers. The improved performance as a consequence will benefit every stakeholder in the sector.

“A thriving international education sector will also inject resources into the third level sector at a time when the primary source of funding – the Irish State – is under severe fiscal pressure. It will improve the standard of education for Irish students and will stimulate other sectors such as the tourism industry.

“Fine Gael is committed to delivering on our targets for the international education sector and in government will lead an ambitious international education agenda forward with focused vision and ambition, doubling international education market share in five years.”

Ends
Note: For a copy of International Horizons see here