Independent research into student and graduate mobility has offered new insights for Northern Ireland, indicating local students are no more likely to move away for higher education than their peers in Great Britain.

The analysis suggests comparatively lower tuition fees in Northern Ireland, relative to England and Wales, may help retain local learners.

However, the report points to a tougher challenge in attracting students from other regions to study in Northern Ireland — a prospective 'Brain Gain' the Department for the Economy says could strengthen the talent pipeline. Launching the findings, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: "This research gives us a more comprehensive understanding of student flows into and out of the north. It highlights the opportunities presented by the Brain Gain and encourages us to focus more on attracting students here.

"We have internationally renowned universities and relatively lower living costs, so we have a strong pitch to students from outside this region.

"To attract more students we need to create more good jobs that offer well-paid careers here after graduation. We need the British Government to remove the new restrictions it has imposed on international students and we are asking the Irish Government to help fund the students we are welcoming from the south of Ireland"

The Minister concluded: "My Department will now work with our universities, businesses, students and trade unions to create a Brain Gain for the north."

The research, 'Student mobility into and out of Northern Ireland: What brain drain?', was led by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) with academic partners, and is available on the ESRI website.