From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced significant progress in the development of the International Education Mark (IEM). A new suite of policy documents for the IEM has now been launched for public consultation by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
The IEM is a quality mark that will be awarded to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet national standards to ensure a high-quality experience for international students, from enrolment to completion of their programme of education and training.
The IEM will be administered by QQI, the national agency with responsibility for external quality assurance and qualifications across the further and higher education sectors. It will be introduced from early 2023.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“Ireland has a reputation for offering a high-quality educational experience to international students and this is a reputation that we are proud to have and one which we intend to build upon.
“We have a real opportunity, as an English speaking country in the EU in the aftermath of Brexit, to attract more international students and to enrich our reputation as a destination of choice.
“The IEM, and the new International Education, Research and Innovation Strategy which is currently being developed by my Department, will be key to promoting public confidence in the quality of the educational experience.
“I am pleased to announce that the application process for the IEM will open in 2023.”
The new IEM policy documents, which include codes of practice for the provision of programmes of higher education and English language education to international learners, are now available online for consultation.
All relevant stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback to QQI by 16 December 2022.
The codes of practice under the IEM set out principles and criteria relating to: