Ireland has introduced the new International Education Mark to ‘strengthen quality assurance’.

In order to guarantee that students receive the greatest experience possible when using an International Education Mark, the new regulations are intended to emphasise which programmes have fulfilled national quality standards.

Since at least 2017, there have been discussions on the possibility of a statutory quality mark. The nation’s new International Education and Innovation Strategy, which Cabinet ministers approved last week, includes it.

According to the Irish Mirror, in addition to the quality mark, they have decided to hire six new department heads who will be responsible for expanding their company in important target markets, creating plans to solve the cost of Erasmus mobility, and promoting increased involvement from underrepresented groups.

Prior to the Irish government’s three-day trade mission to South Korea, the daily quoted Minister Harris as saying, “It is essential to our international reputation and vital to the integrity of our education system.”

He claimed that there is increasing rivalry on the global scene to draw overseas students to English-taught courses, especially from nations that were once major suppliers of students. As a result of the increased competition, Ireland must enhance its offerings in all areas, including programme quality and the overall student experience beginning with visa application.

He continued, “The mark seeks to improve Ireland’s reputation as a reliable location with excellent standards offering high-quality education experience.”

Two categories of IEM, one for higher education providers and one for English language schools will be given out under government plans. According to local media, those looking to hire non-EU/EEA students must ask for permission to use the logo.

One industry group that is ready to help its members attain the IEM in the upcoming months is MEI. Harris will visit several universities during the three-day journey, and he will also be pushing Ireland’s new International Education and Innovation policy.