This chapter focuses on policy information relating to mobility and internationalisation which is specific to Northern Ireland. Information on UK-wide strategies and programmes is provided in the article on ‘Mobility and Internationalisation’ for England. This includes information on the European Union Erasmus+ umbrella programme, running from 2014 to 2020, which brings together programmes for education, training, youth and sport to promote international mobility and partnerships.

The Department for the Economy (DfE) has a focus on mobility in higher education, as set out on its website and in the 2012 higher education strategy, Graduating to Success, which spans the period 2013-20. The strategy includes measures to enhance international opportunities, and a pledge that every student will have the opportunity to participate in an international mobility programme, which is either government-funded or provided by an individual higher education institution. It also addresses the need both to improve Northern Ireland’s share of the international student market and increase international engagement through collaborative teaching and research arrangements.

Global and intercultural dimensions are integrated within the Northern Ireland Curriculum at primary and secondary level. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are free to decide which subjects and combinations of subjects to offer, and how to incorporate the global dimension.

Article last reviewed November 2019.