Government Moves To End Use Of Colleges As "Back Door" To Jobs Market For International Students

Wednesday, 4 February 2026 10:47

By Martin Osborne

The providers must meet certain minimum standards around attendance and compliance with immigration laws.

New regulations are being introduced on the international student sector, to end the use of college as a "back door" to the labour market.

A quality mark will be awarded to schools and universities which ensure a high quality education is being provided to students from outside the EU, and the course is their main reason for being here.

The providers must meet certain minimum standards around attendance and compliance with immigration laws.

Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless said international students must stick to their legal 20 hours of work a week.

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