New independent research has provided fresh insights into student
and graduate mobility in Northern Ireland.
It suggests that local students are no more likely to leave their
home region to study than their counterparts in Britain. Lower
students fees in Northern Ireland compared to England and Wales
may be a factor in retaining students locally.
However, the research identifies a greater challenge in
attracting students from elsewhere to study in Northern Ireland
the Brain Gain'.
Launching the research Economy Minister Dr said:
This research gives us a more comprehensive understanding
of student flows into and out of the north. It highlights the
opportunities presented by the Brain Gain and encourages us to
focus more on attracting students here.
We have internationally renowned universities and relatively
lower living costs, so we have a strong pitch to students from
outside this region.
To attract more students we need to create more good jobs that
offer well-paid careers here after graduation. We need the
British Government to remove the new restrictions it has imposed
on international students and we are asking the Irish Government
to help fund the students we are welcoming from the south of
Ireland."
The Minister concluded:
My Department will now work with our universities, businesses,
students and trade unions to create a Brain Gain for the north.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Economy Minister Dr is pictured at the
launch of new independent ESRI research - Student mobility into
and out of Northern Ireland: What brain drain? with researchers
Dr Anne Devlin, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI),
Mrs Maureen O'Reilly (independent economist) and Dr Áine
Doran, Ulster University (UU).
- The research Student mobility into and out of Northern
Ireland: What brain drain?' can be found on the ESRI website.(external
link opens in a new window / tab)
