Government of Ireland Scholarships 2026 Fully Funded
Ireland ranks among the top 10 countries worldwide for education quality, offering world-class universities, an English-speaking environment, a welcoming culture, and strong post-study work opportunities (up to 2 years for master’s graduates and 3 years for PhD). The Government of Ireland Scholarships (GOI-IES) is one of the most prestigious and generous fully funded scholarship programs available to international students. Also apply for University of Copenhagen Scholarships 2026 in Denmark
For the 2026/27 academic year (programs starting September/October 2026), the Irish government plans to award approximately 60 scholarships to exceptional non-EU/EEA students pursuing full-time one-year master’s degrees or full-time PhD programs across all disciplines at eligible Irish higher education institutions. Also apply for University at Buffalo Scholarships 2026 in USA
What Is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship?
The GOI-IES program, managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, aims to:
- Strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a center of excellence in higher education
- Attract outstanding international talent
- Promote diversity in Irish universities
- Support high-achieving students from non-EU/EEA countries
Key facts:
- Fully funded one-year master’s or full PhD duration
- 60 awards annually (≈ 40 master’s + 20 PhD)
- Open to all nationalities outside EU/EEA/Switzerland
- All academic disciplines eligible
- No application fee
- Deadline: Expected March–April 2026 (exact date announced late 2025)
- Results: June–July 2026
Scholars join a prestigious alumni network and receive ongoing career and networking support.
Scholarship Coverage
The GOI-IES scholarship includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver (up to €10,000 per year for non-EU fees)
- Annual stipend for living expenses: €10,000 per year
- No contribution required from the student
Additional benefits (university-dependent):
- Health insurance support
- Research/conference travel allowance (PhD level)
- Orientation and integration support
- Access to university facilities, libraries, and career services
Living costs are not fully covered, but the €10,000 stipend is realistic for most Irish cities (excluding Dublin).
Related Opportunities:
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if you meet all of these:
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Have been offered (or will be offered) a place on a full-time taught master’s (level 9) or research master’s/PhD (level 9/10) program at an eligible Irish higher education institution
- Have achieved excellent academic results (usually first-class honours or equivalent)
- Not currently hold or have previously held a full Irish government scholarship
- Not be receiving another full scholarship covering tuition and living costs
- Intend to return to your home country after graduation (or contribute to global development)
- Meet university-specific entry requirements (including English language proficiency)
No strict age limit. No work experience required.
Strong opinion: The “excellent academic record” criterion is taken seriously and most successful applicants have first-class honours or equivalent (≈ 3.7+/4.0 GPA).
English Language Requirements
Most universities require:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 63
- Duolingo English Test: 110+
Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate if your previous degree was taught and assessed in English and confirm with your chosen university.
Eligible Universities & Fields
Participating universities include (2025/26 list – 2026/27 expected similar):
- University College Dublin (UCD)
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
- University College Cork (UCC)
- University of Galway
- University of Limerick
- Maynooth University
- Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
- Dublin City University (DCU)
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
- And others
All academic disciplines are eligible, including:
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Data Science)
- Engineering & Technology
- Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Business & Economics
- Law
- Social Sciences & Humanities
- Education
- Environmental Sciences
- Arts & Design
Required Documents
Standard university application + scholarship consideration:
- Passport copy
- Bachelor’s degree certificate & transcripts (master’s applicants)
- Master’s degree certificate & transcripts (PhD applicants)
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI certificate)
- CV/resume
- Personal statement / motivation letter
- 2 academic recommendation letters
- Research proposal (PhD applicants)
Living Costs in Ireland (Beyond Scholarship)
Varies by city (Numbeo Jan 2026):
- Dublin: €1,500–2,200/month
- Cork/Galway/Limerick: €1,000–1,500/month
Rent €600–1,000 shared, food €300–400. Stipend €10,000/year covers most costs outside Dublin.
Application Checklist
- Confirm your country is eligible (list updates late 2025)
- Choose 1–2 eligible programs at partner universities
- Prepare strong motivation letter (impact focus)
- Secure strong academic references
- Apply directly to university before their deadline (Jan–April 2026)
- Track application status
How to Apply for Government of Ireland Scholarships?
- Choose 1–2 eligible programs at partner universities
- Apply directly to the university via their postgraduate portal
- Indicate interest in the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
- Submit all required documents (including financial need evidence if required)
- University nominates top candidates to HEA
- HEA final selection panel reviews
- Results: June–July 2026
Tip: The motivation letter and academic references are critical. Highlight academic excellence, leadership, and how you will contribute to your home country after graduation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying to non-partner universities. Generic motivation letter. Incomplete academic references. Late submission. Not meeting program entry requirements.
