Warning for Indian Students: Studying in Ireland on Loans Could Lead to Bankruptcy

Ireland has emerged as a popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education. However, aspiring students must carefully assess the job market before pursuing studies, as securing employment after graduation has become increasingly challenging.

A former Indian student who completed a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Galway in 2025 shared his experience on Reddit, offering a cautionary tale for prospective students.

Technical Jobs Are Scarce
Despite completing his degree, the student revealed that out of a batch of 130 graduates, only 15 secured jobs in the technical sector. The remaining students ended up working in supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and other non-technical fields.

Even for those with work experience, visa sponsorship is difficult to obtain. The student explained, “I got a job only because I already had five years of work experience in London and Dubai. Still, my employer did not provide visa sponsorship, and none of the 15 technical hires in my batch had it either.”

Education Loans Could Become a Burden
The former student also highlighted the financial risks involved: hundreds of Indian students are forced to return to India after their visas expire, often without securing a well-paying job to repay their education loans. He noted that recent increases in minimum salary requirements for visa sponsorship have made companies even less willing to hire non-EU graduates.

He warned, “The situation is serious. Students coming with education loans face a high risk of bankruptcy. Even if parents act as co-sponsors, their financial security during retirement could be compromised. Over 95% of non-EU graduates are forced to leave Ireland within three years.”

Advice for Students
Given the difficulties in finding technical employment and the complexities around visa sponsorship, Indian students are urged to carefully evaluate the costs and career prospects before committing to studying in Ireland. Staying in India or exploring alternative countries with clearer pathways to employment may be a safer choice.