International students call for more rights from next Irish government

In the run up to an election that must be called before March 2025, ICOS is urging all political parties to commit to its proposals on housing, immigration, racism and employment, with a view to enhancing international students’ experience in Ireland. 

“International students play a critical role in Ireland’s academic, social and economic landscape; yet they continue to face significant challenges, many of which go unnoticed,” said Brian Hearne, policy and communications manager at ICOS.  

Many of ICOS’s manifesto demands relate to Ireland’s acute student housing shortage, calling on the next government to increase funding for more purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and to draw up a new national strategy with revised targets on affordable student housing. 

After a 2023 survey found that 5% of international students had either received an offer or seen an advert to rent a room in exchange for sex, ICOS is demanding the government pass urgent legislation prohibiting sex for rent exploitation.  

ICOS, which advocates for international students in Ireland and represents 27 Irish member institutions, also emphasised the need to strengthen tenants’ rights against “unscrupulous landlords”, after 2023 local authority data revealed that 67% of private properties did not meet minimum standards.  

“International students are a low political priority and have no voting rights, except for the local elections. ICOS believes that everyone residing in Ireland should be treated equally in relation to their economic, social and human rights,” the manifesto stated. 

According to the Council, international students contribute more than €2 billion to the Irish economy, and work in key areas such as healthcare, the service industry, business and technology.  

In 2022, an annual deficit of €307m was identified across Irish higher education, which, despite successive government commitments, has not been addressed. ICOS is calling for greater investment to meet the growing demands placed on HEIs.  

ICOS believes that everyone residing in Ireland should be treated equally in relation to their economic, social and human rights

Irish Council for International Students

As traditional study destinations such as Australia and Canada grapple with international student restrictions, an increasing number of students are looking to emerging host countries such as Ireland and Germany.  

With the launch of Ireland’s new globalisation strategy this year, ICOS has welcomed modernisation efforts to the immigration system including a new website and the extension of online visa services. 

However, it believes that investment must go further to ensure that all non-EEA international students living in Cork and Limerick can register with immigration from their area of study.  

The manifesto also calls for an increase in working hours from 20 to 30 hours a week for non-EEA international students, and greater measures to address hate speech and discrimination.  

“A large proportion of food delivery drivers working in Ireland via platforms such as Deliveroo and Just East are English language students working to fund their studies,” the manifesto stated, calling for the establishment of a workers’ directive to enhance their employment rights.