Record Number of Students Hosted by English Education Ireland

Dublin, 2025 – English Education Ireland (EEI), the national association for English language education providers, has announced that 2024 was a record-breaking year for the industry. A total of 128,761 international students came to Ireland to study English, the highest figure ever recorded. This surge generated an estimated €792 million in direct economic impact, cementing Ireland's reputation as a leading hub for English language learning.

Reaching Beyond Pre-Pandemic Levels

The figures represent a significant rebound from the disruptions of the pandemic years. Compared to 2023, student enrolment grew by around 2 percent, pushing the sector to 109 percent of its pre-COVID size. However, while the number of students reached new heights, the average duration of courses fell. Total student-weeks declined by 8 percent compared to the previous year, highlighting a global trend toward shorter, more intensive study programs.

Shorter Stays, Higher Numbers

The decline in student-weeks was attributed mainly to the rising popularity of “mini-stays”  short, immersive group courses, often taken by younger learners. These programs, which usually last one to three weeks, have grown steadily over the past few years and now account for a substantial share of enrolments.

While this trend increases the total number of learners, it also reshapes the financial dynamics of the sector. Shorter courses mean schools earn less per student, even as overall enrolment grows.

Junior vs. Adult Learners

The EEI report shows that junior students, typically under the age of 18, made up 55 percent of all international enrolments in 2024. Despite being the majority in headcount, juniors accounted for just 16 percent of student-weeks, underscoring the shorter nature of their programs.

Adult students represented 45 percent of enrolments but contributed an overwhelming 84 percent of total student-weeks. Adults typically pursue longer-term general English courses, averaging around 12 to 13 weeks. These longer stays translate into higher tuition fees, accommodation costs, and local spending, making the adult market the financial backbone of the industry.

Economic Impact

On average, each student contributed more than €5,500 to the Irish economy during their stay. Around 39 percent of this went to accommodation, another 39 percent to living expenses such as food and transport, and 22 percent to tuition fees. Tuition remains the single largest source of revenue for schools, accounting for just over half of their annual income.

The ripple effects extend far beyond classrooms. Local businesses, from cafes to cultural attractions, benefit significantly from student spending. Seasonal employment also rises, with nearly 3,000 staff members working at EEI schools during peak summer months.

Key Source Markets

Students came to Ireland from over 125 countries in 2024, highlighting the country's global reach.

• Junior markets were dominated by European countries, with Italy and Spain together accounting for 80 percent of all junior enrolments. Germany and France also contributed, though on a much smaller scale.
• Adult markets were more diverse. Brazil remained a powerhouse, generating more than 250,000 student-weeks on its own. Mexico and other Latin American countries also featured strongly.
• China showed one of the fastest growth rates, with student numbers rising by 74 percent compared to the previous year. This marked China as one of the most promising growth markets for the sector.
• Students from Mongolia and Panama recorded some of the most extended stays, averaging around 22 weeks, far above the global average.

Dublin at the Core

Over 60 percent of EEI member schools are located in Dublin, making the capital the epicenter of English language learning in Ireland. While regional cities such as Cork, Galway, and Limerick are gaining recognition, Dublin remains the first choice for most students, thanks to its international transport links, cultural life, and employment opportunities.

Challenges Behind the Success

Despite the record numbers, the sector continues to face significant challenges. Chief among them are visa delays and increasingly strict financial requirements for non-EU students. These hurdles have made it more difficult for schools to recruit learners from key markets in Asia and Latin America.

Schools also warn that rising costs, including accommodation shortages in Dublin — could discourage some students from choosing Ireland over competitor destinations like the UK, Canada, or Malta.

The EEI leadership has urged the government to take a more coordinated approach, aligning immigration, education, and economic policies to support the industry. They argue that predictability in policy and efficiency in visa processing are crucial to sustaining growth.

Balancing Growth with Stability

Another concern highlighted by EEI is the changing balance between juniors and adults. While mini-stays boost enrolment figures, adult learners remain essential for financial sustainability. Without a strong adult market, the sector risks overreliance on short-term, seasonal programs that bring less revenue per student.

Industry experts stress that Ireland must continue to attract long-term learners while also catering to the junior market. Investment in accommodation, flexible visa policies, and strong ties with overseas partners are all viewed as essential to achieving this balance.

International Competition

Ireland's success cannot be taken for granted. Other English-speaking destinations are aggressively competing for the same markets. The UK, despite post-Brexit challenges, remains a powerful competitor with its longstanding reputation. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have all expanded their English language offerings in recent years, while Malta offers a lower-cost European alternative.

Ireland's strengths include high-quality education, a welcoming environment, and its position as an EU member state. However, without strategic planning, rising costs and policy hurdles could undermine these advantages.

Voices from the Sector

Speaking about the 2024 results, EEI's chief executive described the achievement as both a milestone and a warning. "The numbers show the resilience of our schools and the continuing appeal of Ireland as a destination," he said. "But they also highlight where we are vulnerable, shorter stays, growing competition, and policy unpredictability. To remain strong, we need to act now.”

Teachers and administrators echoed similar concerns, noting that while classrooms were full, staff faced mounting pressures to adapt to shorter courses, fluctuating student numbers, and administrative hurdles.

Students themselves praised Ireland for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly culture, but pointed to high living costs, especially in Dublin, as a challenge.

Looking Ahead

As the sector reflects on a record year, the future remains cautiously optimistic. EEI expects continued demand for both junior and adult programs, with mini-stays likely to remain a strong growth area. However, sustaining long-term success will require careful policy coordination and investment.

If Ireland can balance its strengths, high-quality education, cultural appeal, and EU access, with solutions to housing shortages and visa delays, the country could continue to grow as one of the world's leading English language education destinations.

Conclusion

The record-breaking 2024 figures are a testament to the resilience and appeal of Ireland's English language education sector. Yet, they also serve as a reminder that growth alone is not enough. Sustained success will depend on balancing short-term gains with long-term strategy, ensuring that Ireland remains competitive, affordable, and accessible for students from around the world.

In the words of one industry analyst: "Numbers matter, but what matters more is what they represent. Ireland's challenge now is to turn record enrolments into lasting strength for the sector and the economy.”