TrustED Ireland: New International Education Mark Opens for Applications in Sep '24

On August 23, 2024, the Irish Government announced the upcoming launch of TrustEd Ireland, a new international education quality mark designed to ensure a high standard of education and learner protection for international students planning to study in Ireland. The application process for this mark will open in September 2024, marking a significant advancement in Ireland's efforts to position itself as a top destination for global learners, researchers, and innovators.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Mr Patrick O’Donovan TD, introduced TrustEd Ireland as a critical step in strengthening the country’s educational infrastructure. “The introduction of TrustEd Ireland is a significant milestone in our mission to position Ireland as a destination of choice for international learners,” Minister O’Donovan stated. He emphasized that the new quality mark would enhance existing quality assurance frameworks in higher education and, for the first time, place the English language education sector on a statutory footing.

What is TrustEd Ireland?

TrustEd Ireland is a quality assurance mark that will be awarded to Irish higher education and English language education providers meeting stringent national standards. These standards are designed to ensure international students receive a high-quality education experience from enrolment to completion of their studies. The Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the state agency responsible for overseeing the quality and reputation of the country’s tertiary education system, will administer and authorise the TrustEd Ireland mark.

Key Features of TrustEd Ireland

TrustEd Ireland will be supported by new statutory processes that include:

• Codes of Practice: There will be separate Codes of Practice for higher education and English language education providers. These codes will outline the criteria that institutions must meet to ensure quality education and student support.
  
• Due Diligence Evaluation: A rigorous evaluation process to assess the capacity and capability of private and independent education providers to deliver and assure the quality of their programs.
  
• Learner Protection Fund: A new statutory fund and scheme to protect students enrolled in private or independent higher education and English language education institutions. This will provide financial security and safeguard students' investment in their education.

Minister O’Donovan highlighted the global significance of TrustEd Ireland, describing it as one of the most robust regulatory frameworks for international education worldwide. He also noted that it will be the only statutory English language education inspection scheme to include a due diligence evaluation, ensuring that international students can trust the quality and security of their education in Ireland.

Implications for International Students

The introduction of TrustEd Ireland comes at a time when Ireland is experiencing a surge in international student enrolments. The country has become increasingly popular as a study destination for higher education abroad, with record-high numbers of students in the 2022/23 academic year.

As the application process for TrustEd Ireland opens in September 2024, international students will have even more assurance that the education they receive in Ireland is both secure and of the highest standard. So, if you're considering higher education in Ireland, KC Overseas Education’s country experts are ready to guide you through a smooth application process and help you gain admission to your dream university.