WIT News

Taoiseach to launch WIT-led diaspora initiative Posted: Wed, March 10, 2010

Brian Cowen TD, An Taoiseach, will launch a unique education initiative aimed at attracting the offspring of Irish emigrants worldwide to study in Ireland during his forthcoming visit to Washington DC.
 
The Ireland Homecoming Study Programme (IHSP) aims to encourage the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Irish nationals, and non-resident passport holders living outside the European Union to return to Ireland for their higher education studies.

According to the Emigrant Advice Network (EAN), there are over 3.1 million non-resident Irish passport holders.
 
Eight Institutes of Technology (Athlone, Blanchardstown, Carlow, Cork, Dundalk, Galway/Mayo, Sligo and Waterford) will take part in an Enterprise Ireland-supported pilot programme this year with a view to attracting descendants of the Irish diaspora to study in Ireland at significantly discounted rates to those for other non-EU students.
 
The IHSP will offer tuition costs to qualifying students at up to 40 per cent less than the standard rate for non-EU students. The fee for the 2010/’11 intake will be €5,950.
 
Students from overseas will be able to undertake undergraduate degree courses or shorter study courses. All degrees and qualifications in Ireland are globally recognised and fully transferable. Students will emerge will the professional skills needed to embark on a productive career path.
 
The IHSP will let descendants of the Irish diaspora study in the European Union and take advantage of Ireland’s excellent higher education reputation while tapping into their Irish heritage.
 
IHSP creator and co-ordinator, Brían McNamara of Waterford Institute of Technology said: “The ‘Global Irish’ can now obtain very affordable qualifications in Ireland through the IHSP. As a nation, we have long recognised the important role that the Irish diaspora play in promoting Irish culture and trade. This initiative will offer a practical benefit to the off-spring of Irish people abroad by allowing their children obtain an exceptional Irish education at highly competitive rates. The programme aims to attract over 500 students over the next three years - contributing an estimated €10 million to the Irish economy.”

Information on and applications for participation in the IHSP from the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Irish nationals can be accessed at www.irelandhsp.com.