An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D., recently attended the Education in Ireland International Student Ambassador Awards Ceremony which took place in Farmleigh. This event honoured the Student Ambassadors for their contribution in supporting the work of Enterprise Ireland in attracting international students to study in this country. The Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn T.D. was also present and presented the Student Ambassadors with Certificates of Recognition. Also honoured at this ceremony were the HEA Government of Ireland Scholars, on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills.

The Student Ambassador programme, managed by Education in Ireland, is aimed at attracting top students from priority markets to study in Ireland and is part of a Government led International Scholarship Scheme. This programme is only in its third year and has already more than doubled its size. This year the programme included almost 50 international students from ten countries including USA, India, Canada, China, Brazil, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia representing 23 higher education institutions across Ireland. This programme is another key part of Ireland’s promotional efforts to raise awareness of Ireland as a centre of international education.