“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” These words by Nelson Mandela resonate deeply when considering the transformative power of education. The Government of Ireland Scholarship offers an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue this transformative education at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Ireland is known for its innovative research, rich history, and world-class universities like University College Cork and Trinity College Dublin.
The Ireland Government is committed to creating an environment where students can receive world-class education, enhance their research capacity, network, and learn from brilliant minds. Every year, the Ireland Government partners with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) to provide up to €31,000 to support excellent international students who wish to study in Ireland. This scholarship covers tuition fees, a generous stipend, and additional benefits.
Meanwhile, the Irish Government scholarship is highly competitive, with an average success rate of 18% over the last five years. Thus, you need to be ahead of your competition to be among the few who will receive this scholarship award. This post will walk you through everything you need about the scholarship program. From the sponsors, application requirements, and procedures, to how you can enhance your chances of being among the few applicants that will be selected for this year’s scholarship. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to every detail of this post, so you won’t miss any important information.
Scholarship Summary
Summary
About the Host of the Government of Ireland Scholarship
The Irish Government believes that a high-performing education system is essential for the development of creative, entrepreneurial people and the creation of knowledge to support social, cultural, and economic development. In this regard, they are committed to empowering students from various backgrounds to create a network of global ambassadors who will contribute to academic, cultural, and economic exchanges.
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The country is dedicated to inclusivity and international collaboration, offering scholars a transformative experience that prepares them for leadership roles worldwide. Today, the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) program supports high-performing international students who wish to study for a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD in Ireland.
The program is funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Under the initiative, 60 scholarships are awarded each year for one year of full-time study at NFQ levels 9 or 10. The HEA leads the strategic development of the Irish higher education and research system to create a coherent system of diverse institutions with distinct missions. This organization is responsive to the social, cultural, and economic development of Ireland and its people and supports the achievement of national objectives.
Why Apply for the Government of Ireland Scholarship?
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship offers significant benefits for prospective students. It provides a full tuition waiver, a generous stipend of €10,000 for one year of full-time study, and €3,250 annually for research expenses, with additional recognition for outstanding research.
Likewise, scholars will have the opportunity to study at Ireland’s leading universities, gaining world-class qualifications that open doors to exciting job opportunities globally. With no age limit for eligibility, this scholarship is accessible to a wide range of applicants, supported by Ireland’s robust education system.
How Much is the Government of Ireland Scholarship Worth?
The Government of Ireland Scholarship is valued at about €31,000 per annum in any approved year. It also consists of an annual stipend of €22,000, a contribution to fees, including non-EU fees, up to a maximum of €5,750 per annum. They also offer €3,250 per annum for direct research.
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How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
Every year, the Government of Ireland provides about 60 scholarships for one year of full-time study for master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programs. This means that out of the thousands of students who’ll apply, only a few will be selected. So, read on to learn how you can make your application stand out.
Eligible Nationality
The scholarship is open to international students from non-EU/EEA countries, or from outside of Switzerland and the United Kingdom with exclusions for Russian and Belarusian nationals due to ongoing conflicts.
Host Nationality
The scholarship is hosted in Ireland.
Which Course of Study is Eligible for the Government of Ireland Scholarship?
The scholarship is available for a wide range of disciplines across various Irish higher education institutions. Some of these disciplines include Engineering and Technology, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Business and Management, Health Sciences, and Arts and Design.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
Which Level is Eligible for the Government of Ireland Scholarship?
The Government of Ireland Scholarship is available for postgraduate studies, specifically at NFQ levels 9 and 10, which include Master’s programs, Postgraduate diplomas, PhD programs, and Research programs.
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Age Requirements
There is no specific age requirement for the Government of Ireland Scholarship. The scholarship focuses on domiciliary origin, program admission, and nationality restrictions, but does not include an age limit. Therefore, applicants of any age who meet the other eligibility requirements are welcome to apply.
How to Apply for the Government of Ireland Scholarship?
The Government of Ireland Scholarship program is a very tough one, selecting only a few extraordinary students for its scholarship. Hence, to apply for this scholarship, you need to carefully follow these steps:
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Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Irish Government Scholarship program:
Sign Up on Scholarship Website
Create an account on the scholarship application portal and complete the registration form. Submit it to receive a confirmation email with your login details.Upload Documents
Complete the application by logging in to the portal, accurately fill out the application form, and upload all required documents.Submit Your Application
Review your application for completeness and submit it before the deadline. Accepted candidates will receive notification of their admission and scholarship status.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
For enquiries, please feel free to email goi-ies@hea.ie.
What are the Documents Required for the Government of Ireland Scholarship Application?
To apply for a Government of Ireland scholarship, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
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Is the Government of Ireland Scholarship Application Ongoing Now?
The GOI-IES application process for the 2026 academic year will soon open. Ensure to start preparing so you can jump in once the call for application is made.
What Can I Do To Win a Government of Ireland Scholarship This Year?
As we earlier said, the Irish Government Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship program, with only a few applicants selected each year. Thus, you need to craft a compelling application that stands out to the selection committee. To enhance your chances of winning the scholarship, consider the following strategies:
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission is usually in 5 March at 5 pm Irish time and the application outcomes are usually announced in early June.
Selection Procedures
After submission, candidates are evaluated based on a marking scheme that assigns scores out of 100, with a minimum threshold of 60 points required for consideration. This scoring system ensures that only the most qualified candidates proceed in the selection process. Following the initial scoring, applications are sent to higher education institutions (HEIs) for feedback.
In the second round, an International Assessment Panel reviews the applications that have received recommendations from HEIs. This panel plays a critical role in ensuring that the selection process is fair and transparent. In the final round, the panel compiles reports and creates a ranked list of candidates. Results will be announced several months after the application deadline and all successful candidates will receive a formal scholarship offer.
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Does the Government of Ireland Scholarship Have Past Questions?
The Government of Ireland International Scholarship does not provide specific past questions for applicants. They focus on applicants’ prior experience, personal statements, and references, which are scored by an independent panel. Therefore, be ready to demonstrate a strong rationale for pursuing your study in Ireland, and your longer-term goals. You should also be ready to talk about your experience and how it aligns with the Irish Government’s goals.
Check Out these International Scholarships
If you’re looking for other scholarship opportunities to further your study and make things easy for you in any country of your choice, we’ve complied a list of international scholarship programmes. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you can go through these list and start applying. You can learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below:
FAQs About the Government of Ireland Scholarship
Can I get a full scholarship in Ireland?
Yes, you can get a full scholarship in Ireland. There are over 50 scholarship programs in Ireland, offered by organizations, universities, and government bodies.
Is Ireland good for international students?
Yes, Ireland is notable for attracting students from various parts of the world. Its universities are globally recognized, offering a wide range of programs in various fields. The country also has a rich cultural history, diverse communities, and a strong international student support system.
Which university gives the most scholarships to international students in Ireland?
Some of the best universities in Ireland for international students include Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, National University of Ireland Galway, and Dublin City University.
Can I work while studying abroad in Ireland?
Yes, international students in Ireland are allowed to work while studying. Non-EU/EEA students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. Meanwhile, the work must comply with the conditions set by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
How long does Ireland student visa approval take?
The processing time for an Irish student visa takes around 1 to 3 months. It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 3 months before your intended travel date to allow enough time for processing and any additional documentation requests.
Conclusion
The Government of Ireland scholarship program is a gateway to exploring the Irish cities, learning their language, pursuing your passion, contributing to research, and enhancing your career prospects. If you’re an international student who wishes to undertake excellent research in the Irish higher education and research system, the Government of Ireland scholarship is your launchpad.
Successful applicants who become scholars under the program are recognized as demonstrating world-class potential as future research leaders. Meanwhile, potential applicants should read the call documentation carefully to ascertain whether they are eligible to apply. It is recommended that candidates submit their applications well before the deadline, to avoid technical issues due to heavy server traffic on the respective day. This is because applications cannot be submitted once the deadline has passed.