Fine Gael has launched an ambitious new programme to bring international students to Ireland which it says could create 6,000 new jobs.
Under the plan, the party says it could double revenue from international education to €1.8 billion within five years.
The Fine Gael move comes amid claims that Ireland is “punching below its weight’ on international education . While various studies have pointed to the potential of the sector , there has been criticism that visa requirements and other restrictions are inhibiting growth.
At a news conference in Dublin, Fine Gael’s education spokesman ,Brian Hayes said the party in Government will provide the political leadership to develop Ireland's reputation globally as a prime international education destination.
Key features of the new plan include;
- The establishment of an International Education Office (IEO) within the Department of Education and Science. This office will drive the international education agenda and will produce a five year plan within six months of its establishment.
The IEO will also facilitate a partnership approach between all agencies, departments and organisations working in the sector, to share information and resources and to adopt a uniform approach in developing the international education market.
- The appointment of a Minister of State with the direct responsibility for the sector;
- A new student visa procedure;
The IEO in conjunction with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) will create a user-friendly student visa information website without delay.
This website will provide the international student with simple guidelines on how to apply for a visa, the cost involved and processing time. This information will be available in the languages of the key markets identified in the international education strategy.
- A new fast track visa system in key markets
The IEO will identify target markets as part of its five year plan for the sector- including China, United States, India, Russia and Taiwan.
- Part time employment
International students, in specified full-time education courses of more than 18 months duration, will continue to be permitted to work here for 20 hours part-time basis for the duration of their stay.
- Post Graduate Opportunities
Currently, PhD graduates are entitled to a six months residency permit following completion of their studies. A Fine Gael government will issue green cards automatically to PhD graduates in sectors of the economy where shortages exist in such areas as sciences, engineering and technology.
Fine Gael says it will establish an entrepreneurship programme for international graduates with strong entrepreneurial business ideas. This business support programme will support international students with start-up businesses in creating new jobs in Ireland.
In order to raise quality and improve Ireland's reputation, Fine Gael will also regulate the provision of education services to foreign students through a new licensing system. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland will become the licensing authority, taking a specific role in monitoring, inspecting and regulating international education.
Fine Gael says it will also radically enhance standards and quality at third level by implementing its third level reform policy, The Third Way, which will radically improve standards and quality at third level by overhauling the quality assurance system in place and introducing a graduate contribution scheme for improving educational services.