Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2026
About this scholarship
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships support high-achieving international students for one year of master's, postgraduate diploma, or PhD study in Ireland with a stipend and full tuition waiver.
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) is a national scholarship programme designed to attract outstanding international students to Irish higher education. It is funded by the Government of Ireland and managed by the Higher Education Authority in partnership with eligible Irish higher education institutions.
The programme supports one year of full-time study at NFQ levels 9 or 10, which typically includes master's, postgraduate diploma, and PhD programmes. Scholarships are available across all academic disciplines, provided the applicant holds an offer from an eligible institution in Ireland.
Successful applicants receive a €10,000 stipend for one academic year, and the host institution provides a full tuition fee waiver for that year. This makes the award especially attractive for students seeking advanced study in Ireland while reducing both tuition and living-cost pressures.
The scholarship is aimed at high-achieving students domiciled outside the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants are generally expected to show strong academic results, excellent communication skills, and evidence of leadership, extracurricular engagement, or a clear sense of how studying in Ireland will support their future goals.
To apply, students normally first apply for admission to an eligible Irish higher education institution and obtain a conditional or final offer for an eligible programme. The scholarship application then typically requires supporting materials such as references, academic records, and a personal statement. Selection is competitive and based on academic excellence and the overall quality of the application.
Because the award is linked to participating Irish institutions, applicants should review the current call guidance from the Higher Education Authority and confirm institutional eligibility before applying.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Open to high-achieving international students domiciled outside the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants must be applying for full-time study at NFQ level 9 or 10 at an eligible Irish higher education institution and must hold a conditional or final offer of admission at the time of scholarship application. Strong academic merit, communication skills, and evidence of leadership or extracurricular engagement are typically considered.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships.
