Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

183. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of international students studying here during 2010 and 2013; the number of those students from India, China and the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11389/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

International students studying in the State comprise both EEA and non-EEA nationals. There are no statistics available to my Department with regard to EEA nationals as by virtue to EU Freedom of Movement rights such persons are not required to register for permission to remain in the State.

Non-EEA nationals whose course of study exceeds 3 months are required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). There are currently approximately 34,800 non-EEA national students with permission to remain in the State. The corresponding figure for 2010 was approximately 32,900.

In relation to the country/region specific statistics requested by the Deputy records indicate that there are at present approximately 2,150 students from India registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau, 5,300 from China and 2,680 from the Middle East (includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman and Qatar). The corresponding figures for 2010 were approximately 2,500, 8,100 and 800 respectively.

The Deputy may also wish to note that in 2013, study visa applications from India increased from 662 for 2012 to 1,887 in 2013, of which 1,334 were approved. The comparative number of study visa approvals for India in 2012 was 550. This represents a 142% increase in the number of study visas granted to Indian students. India has been identified as a key development market and the strong increase in the levels of applications made and the number of approvals recorded in 2013 is very encouraging.

In addition study visa applications and visa approvals from China increased in 2013 when compared to 2012. Overall the total number of study visa approvals from China increased by 9% to 1,392 in 2013 with an overall visa approval rate of 92%.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

184. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if non-EU postgraduate students are allowed to work here for a year after they have completed their studies. [11390/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to inform the Deputy that it is possible for a non-EEA student to stay in Ireland after they complete their studies for the purpose of seeking employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This scheme exists to allow legally resident non-EEA third level graduates to remain in Ireland for the purpose of seeking employment and applying for a green card or work permit.

The duration of the Third Level Graduate Scheme can be either for six months or one year depending on the level of qualification obtained. To be eligible for a one year permission under the third level graduate scheme a student is required to have studied in Ireland and obtained a qualification at Level NFQ 8-10, an award granted by a recognised Irish awarding body (overseas accreditation will not be accepted), i.e:

- Dublin Institute of Technology;

- Higher Education Training and Awards Council;

- Institutes of Technology with delegated authority;

- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland;

- Universities;

- Other bodies that have statutory award making powers in Irish law.

During the period of permission under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme a student can work full time (up to 40hrs per week). There are a number of conditions attached to the Third Level Graduate Scheme such as the recipients permission will remain that of a student, it is a non renewable permission and it can only be availed of once.

A six month permission under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme is available to students who have graduated a course at Level 7 of the NFQ.

In general, upon the expiry of the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme the only way a student can remain in Ireland is by way of an employment permit or Green Card Employment Permit which are issued by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Holders of the Third Level Graduate Scheme are eligible to apply for an employment permit or Green Card Employment Permit without first having to leave the State.