fbpx
Market intelligence for international student recruitment from ICEF
4th Apr 2018

Ireland to create new technological universities

The Irish government has passed legislation that will lead to the creation of a new category of higher education institution within Ireland’s post-secondary system. The Technological Universities Act was passed into law on 21 March 2018, and, as the name suggests, it provides for new technological universities to be created by merging two or more existing institutes of technology. There are currently 14 institutes of technology (IOTs) in Ireland, nearly all of which were initially founded as regional technical colleges beginning in the 1960s. The IOTs were first established to offer certificate and diploma-level programmes, and mainly in business, engineering, and science. In the late 1970s and after, they also began to introduce full undergraduate degrees and then advanced degrees as well. The strategy to create new technological universities out of the IOT system is enshrined in Ireland’s National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030. The government envisions that these new institutions will be based in different regions around the country, and will focus on science and technology programmes that are “vocationally and professionally oriented.” An accompanying statement from Ireland’s Higher Education authority sets out that, “A technological university will be distinguished by a mission and ethos that is aligned and consistent with the current mission and focus of institutes of technology with an emphasis on programmes at levels 6 to 8 [editor: this refers to advanced certificates and undergraduate degrees] and industry-focused research. A technological university will also be expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating access and progression particularly through relationships with the further education and training sector.” “This is a transformative piece of legislation and I am delighted that it is now enacted. The Technological Universities legislation has been a high priority for this Government and will radically change the higher education landscape,” added Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor. “The creation of technological universities provides the opportunity to drive regional development and provide more opportunities for individuals, enterprise and the community. These institutions will have significant impact and influence regionally, nationally and internationally.”

The first technological unis

With the legislation in place, the government expects to move quickly to establish the first new technological universities later this year, perhaps as early as September. Ten of Ireland’s 14 IOTs have already joined consortia that are actively engaged in the process to be designated as technological universities. The two consortia that have progressed the farthest along this path are:

  • TU4Dublin, which is made up of the Dublin Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Tallaght and Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
  • Munster Technological University (MTU), consisting of Cork Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Tralee

Many observers expect these will be the first two groups to successfully complete the designation process. Two other consortia covering a total of five additional IOTs are coming behind them as well:

  • Technological University for the South-East (TUSE), consisting of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow
  • Connacht Ulster Alliance (CUA), consisting of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo, and Letterkenny Institute of Technology

This group of up to four new technological universities will be a significant addition alongside the ten universities operating in Ireland today. On the one hand, the formation of the new technological universities will address a few issues in the Irish system, including merging smaller institutions to create improved economies of scale. The new institutions will also provide for more balanced regional linkages for Irish universities, and will provide more communities across the country with a university of their own. On the other hand, this is a move that could also strengthen recruiting, and for international students in particular. As the Irish Times recently reported, “Cash-strapped institutes of technology have become increasingly reliant on international students who pay big money to study abroad, especially US and Chinese students. Many of these students do not immediately understand what an ‘institute of technology’ is, says DIT president Brian Norton. The term ‘university’ in ‘technological university’, on the other hand, is known to all.” For additional background, please see:

Most Recent

  • What is happening with Indian enrolments abroad this year? Read More
  • ICEF Podcast: How are schools and agents adapting to rising visa rejection rates? Read More
  • Full-year data highlights decline in foreign enrolment in UK universities in 2023/24 Read More

Most Popular

  • Which countries will contribute the most to global student mobility in 2030? Read More
  • Research shows link between study abroad and poverty alleviation  Read More
  • Beyond the Big Four: How demand for study abroad is shifting to destinations in Asia and Europe Read More

Because you found this article interesting

What is happening with Indian enrolments abroad this year? Just a couple of years ago, Indian students were flocking to a number of attractive study abroad destinations,...
Read more
Full-year data highlights decline in foreign enrolment in UK universities in 2023/24 For the first time in ten years, the total number of students enrolled in UK universities fell in...
Read more
Analysis shows impact of immigration settings on international tuition fees at Australian universities Keri Ramirez, managing director of sector data specialist Studymove, hosted a fascinating webinar recently that looked at the...
Read more
US: Trump administration actions creating an uncertain outlook for international students So far this year, research indicates that international students still have a mainly positive view of study in...
Read more
Germany recovers an 8x return on investment in international students A new analysis from the German Economic Institute (IW), and commissioned by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD),...
Read more
New Zealand resource aims to connect prospective international students with qualified agents Faced with an ever-more complex international student recruiting environment, many educational institutions are becoming more strategic and selective...
Read more
Asian universities continue to rise in latest QS subject rankings The 15th annual edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject was released today. While it still...
Read more
International degree graduates of Canadian colleges no longer have to meet “field of study” requirements for post-study work permits Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised its requirements so that international students in degree programmes delivered...
Read more
What are you looking for?
Quick Links