Ireland is still open to international students and they may be encouraged to study in the country due to its handling of coronavirus, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has said.
Mr Harris said it remains his department’s priority to get as many students back to college as possible, but public health concerns may mean students study online.
“The priority now is getting people back into college and getting as much face-to-face time as possible,” he said.
He also said international students can come to the country to study despite the current two week quarantine rules for travelers.
“I am hearing from some universities that some international students will be able to travel into Ireland, quarantine for the two weeks. Maybe link in with the colleges online during that period of time and they will be happy to do that because they will be here for a year, not just a week or two.
“Ireland is absolutely open to international students and there is no travel ban, but let’s be clear – if you’re coming to Ireland for any reason we expect you to self-isolate for two weeks.”
Mr Harris had previously said that despite the expected shortfall in third level and international student numbers,
“Let me be very, very clear. The Program For Government is crystal clear on that. There will be no increase to student fees in the lifetime of this Government.”