University of Limerick has ranked first in Ireland for international student satisfaction and happiness, according to a new global survey.
UL continues to be a leading higher education institute globally for attracting and supporting international students, with over 2,700 students from 100 countries enrolled this academic year (23/24)
According to the I-Graduate International Student Barometer (ISB), a global benchmark for the international student experience, UL was ranked first out of every participating institution in Ireland for International Student Happiness and International Student Satisfaction.
UL was also ranked first in Ireland and second overall in Europe in the Arrival category - which includes airport pick up, orientation programme, introduction to services, enrolment and more.
Likewise UL ranks first in Ireland in the Living category, which include areas such as accommodation quality, social activities, campus environment and the Support category, which covers the UL Global Division, Library and IT Support.
UL was also first in Ireland in the Value for Money and Career Goal Preparation categories and placed second in Ireland overall in the Learning category.
The International Student Barometer survey was conducted by I-Graduate, and is the biggest survey of its kind, which tracks and compares the decision-making, expectations, perceptions and intentions of international students from application to graduation.
Since 2005, over four million international students from 40 countries and 1,400 institutions have been surveyed about their international study experiences.
“University of Limerick is a melting pot of cultures, ideas and perspectives, and at its heart are the invaluable contributions of our international students,” said UL Vice President Global and Community Engagement Professor Nigel Healey.
“International education is a cornerstone of our commitment to academic excellence and global understanding and remains a key strategic goal for the next decade and beyond.
“Year after year, students from diverse corners of the world choose UL as their academic home, seeking not only quality education but also a vibrant community that celebrates diversity.
“We take pride in the fact that UL is not merely a place of education but a home away from home for our international students. International education creates a unique partnership between this institution and the student’s home country – it is a partnership that is bolstered by our excellent performance in the I-Graduate International Student Barometer.
“International students also create important cultural and economic links between Limerick and the world. The international students at UL today are tomorrow’s leaders and they engage with the city and wider region through tourism, business and investment. By attracting talent from around the world, UL ensures a culturally rich setting for Irish students to prepare for the global work environment.
“We understand the challenges of adjusting to a new culture, and we are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment that enables every student to reach their full potential.
“International students bring the world to our doorstep, and we are grateful for the unique perspectives and experiences that are shared with us to create an environment where every student, regardless of their origin, can flourish academically, culturally, and personally,” Professor Healey added.
The UL Global Division was ranked first in Ireland for international student supports, which is a testament to the service provided to international students each year.
Speaking about the results of the survey, the Director of UL Global Caitriona Conway said: “The University is proud of its long tradition of welcoming international students from all over the world to Limerick. UL offers students an outstanding, work-relevant education and an exceptional student experience in a friendly, supportive environment on a beautiful campus.
“UL’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and enriching academic environment ensures that our international students thrive both personally and academically. The collaborative efforts of our Faculty and the Global Division support services contribute greatly to our students’ success and to the reputation of UL internationally.”