Economic Impact for region estimated at €5 million
Just over 250 international students from across the globe have travelled to Sligo to take up courses at IT Sligo this year – a 70 per cent increase on last year’s intake and the largest in the Institute’s history.
The Mayor of Sligo Councillor Marcella McGarry welcomed the students to Sligo on Tuesday, (September 3rd) pointing to the importance of community in their new-found home; “As Mayor I have great faith in the value of community, and tonight I welcome you here as the newest members of the Sligo community, and particularly the special community of IT Sligo. Among them you will find a spirit of friendship and a collective ambition to represent your families and your college with loyalty and pride.
It has been our experience that many students come to Sligo and are very reluctant to leave,” she said.
Students from Oman, Kuwait, the USA, Canada, China and all over Europe are amongst the international contingent at the Institute, as well as almost 100 from Brazil funded through the inaugural Brazilian Government funded Science without Borders scholarship programme.
President of IT Sligo, Professor Terri Scott, said that attracting international students is a priority for the Institute; “ Our International Strategy is about developing links with university partners overseas and attracting additional students to study in Sligo. We are delighted with the progress to date and look forward to continued expansion and growth“.
Commercial and International Sales Manager at IT Sligo, Patrick Lynch said the estimated economic value to the region is estimated at €5 million; “We are conscious that these students are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and decision makers,” he said. “We’re putting Sligo on the map internationally as a destination that can provide skilled graduates who have developed the languages and soft skills that IDA Ireland and Forfás cite as the key skills necessary for all successful graduates.”
Not all of the Institute’s international strategy is about incoming students. IT Sligo is also an accredited member of the European Transfer Scheme and a participant in the Erasmus Programme which provides valuable opportunities for our students to experience both study and internship periods abroad
Some 1,300 first year students took up courses at IT Sligo this week. Limited places still remain on a small number of courses at IT Sligo through Vacant Places. For more information click here.
