New data reveals €817.6 million economic contribution as sector navigates structural shift and policy challenges
Dublin, 17th June 2026 — English Education Ireland (EEI), the national trade association representing quality-accredited English language education providers in Ireland, yesterday launched its 2025 Annual Sector Report at Leinster House. The event was hosted by Barry Ward TD and brought together members of the Oireachtas, EEI member schools, and sector stakeholders to examine the findings and discuss the road ahead for English language education in Ireland.
The report, prepared by international education research firm BONARD, draws on data from 56 EEI member schools and provides a comprehensive picture of the sector in 2025.
Ireland welcomed 124,789 international students in 2025, a 2% increase on the previous year, and remains one of only two destinations globally — alongside Malta — to have exceeded pre-pandemic student activity levels. The sector contributed €817.6 million directly to the Irish economy, rising to €1.4 billion when broader economic impacts are included, and supports approximately 8,000 jobs nationwide.
The report also highlights significant pressure points. Average programme duration fell from 6.4 weeks in 2024 to 4.9 weeks in 2025, and total student weeks declined by 18%. The report identifies visa policy as the primary driver, with 46% of member schools citing visa refusals as their top operational challenge.
Among the areas of growth, Italy consolidated its position as Ireland’s largest source market and Japan delivered an exceptional year, with adult enrolments up 47% and junior enrolments up 59%.
Speaking at the launch, Lorcan O’Connor Lloyd, CEO of English Education Ireland, said:
“2025 confirmed Ireland’s underlying strength as a destination for English language education — but it also showed us clearly what is holding the sector back. Students want to come to Ireland and stay longer. We are asking government for a coordinated strategy for this sector and for direct, sustained engagement on the policy issues that matter most.”
The 2025 Annual Sector Report was sponsored by LanguageCert by PeopleCert.
The full report is available to download here: English Education in Ireland 2025 Annual Report
