- Ireland offers up to €34,000 (₹35.5L) annually through government scholarships that cover complete tuition, living expenses, and research costs for international students.
- Ireland scholarships enable students to graduate with master’s or PhD degrees without accumulating any educational debt.
- Many Irish universities like Trinity College Dublin, automatically consider international students for merit scholarships without requiring separate applications.
- Government of Ireland Scholarships
- Trinity College Dublin Scholarships
- University College Cork Scholarships
- University of Galway International Student Scholarships
- Maynooth University Scholarships
- Trust and Organisational Scholarships
- Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland
- Application Strategy and Success Tips
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Ireland has steadily positioned itself as a sought-after destination for international students seeking world-class education at affordable costs. The Irish government, universities, and various organisations now offer attractive scholarship programmes to aspiring scholars worldwide who wish to pursue higher education in this culturally rich nation. The diverse funding ecosystem creates multiple pathways for international students to access quality Irish education.
Government of Ireland Scholarships
The Irish government provides substantial funding opportunities through two distinct scholarship programmes designed to attract global talent.
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme
This established national initiative is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and managed by Research Ireland. The programme awards prestigious scholarships to talented students pursuing master’s or PhD programmes in any academic field.
Scholarship Amount:
Programme includes an annual stipend of €25,000 (₹26.1L) for successful applicants, along with a fee contribution of up to €5,750 (₹6L) and €3,250 (₹3.4L) for research expenses, for a total of €34,000 per year. (₹35.5L)
Eligibility Criteria:
- First postgraduate degree or in Year 1 of the programme
- First-class/upper second-class Bachelor’s (or equivalent) or a Master’s
- Provisional offers possible if results pending
- Affiliation with an eligible Irish university/research body
- Primary Supervisor from host institution required
- Deadline: October 23, 2025
- Official Website: https://research.ie/funding/goipg/
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) programme supports high-calibre international students who wish to study at NFQ levels 9 or 10 (master’s, postgraduate diploma or PhD) in Ireland.
Scholarship Amount:
- A Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship consists of a stipend of €10,000 (₹10.4L) for one year of full-time study at NFQ levels 9 or 10.
- The awardees’ host higher education institutions are required to give a full fee waiver to the awardees for the year of their scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have domicile of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK
- Apply to an eligible master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programme at an Irish higher education institution
- Hold a conditional or final admission offer at the time of scholarship application
- Not previously awarded a GOI-IES scholarship
- Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible
- Deadline: March 5 2025
- Official Website: https://hea.ie/policy/internationalisation/goi-ies/
Trinity College Dublin Scholarships
Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin offers a number of scholarship opportunities for prospective and current international students interested in study or research at Ireland’s leading university. The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialised research scholarships.
Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships:
Scholarship Amount: The Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships provide a one-time tuition fee reduction of €2,000 – €5,000 (₹2 – 5.2L) for full-time taught master’s programmes.
- Applicants must hold non-EU status and pay tuition at the non-EU rate.
- Business programme applicants are excluded, though they may enquire separately about available bursaries.
- The deadline for non-EU European students is 15 June every year, with late applications reviewed on a rolling basis if funds remain.
- Official Website: https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/scholarships/postgraduate/gexpg.php
AQ Scholarship:
- This scholarship is offered to students pursuing an M.Sc. in Quantum Science and Technology.
- It is given to 2 outstanding postgraduate students, given that they are not the holders of other scholarships in Ireland offered by Trinity.
- The holder is also expected to have an undergraduate degree in physics, maths, computer science or equivalent experience.
- The deadline for non-EU European students was 30 June 2025.
- Official Website: https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/scholarships/postgraduate/aq-scholarships/
Irish Research Council Scholarships:
- This scholarship funds research towards master’s or doctoral degrees in all areas. Any candidate eligible for the postgraduate program can apply. This scholarship provides various funding programs. To know more about this Ireland scholarship for international students, visit their official website.
- Deadline: October 23 2025
University College Cork Scholarships
University College Cork provides various scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with automatic and merit-based awards available to international students.
SEFS International Student Merit-Based Scholarship:
Scholarship Amount: 20% fee reduction for UCC first-class honours graduates and 10% fee reduction for UCC second-class honours graduates
- Available for College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science students
- Automatically awarded without separate application required
- High-achieving international students eligible based on academic merit
- Deadline: May 20 2025
- Official Website: https://www.ucc.ie/en/scholarships/internationaltable/sefsinterntschismbs/
College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences International Merit-Based Scholarships:
- Automatically granted at offer stage for taught master’s programmes
- Available for students in respective academic fields
- Cannot be combined with other UCC scholarship offerings
University of Galway International Student Scholarships
The University of Galway offers merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, with particular strength in research funding and business education.
Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarship:
Scholarship Amount: 50% tuition coverage awarded for most programmes
- Offered by J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics
- Supports business-taught master’s programmes
- One scholarship available per programme
- Deadline: April 30, 2025
- Official Website: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/business-public-policy-law/cairnes/scholsprizes/businesspostgraduatemeritscholarships/
Maynooth University Scholarships
Maynooth University offers diversified scholarship opportunities ranging from external research to taught master’s programmes, helping students manage their living costs effectively in Ireland.
Maynooth University Graduate Teaching Studentships:
Scholarship Amount: Fully funded tuition fee support and fixed amount of €9,007 (₹9.4L) per annum
- Funded student teaching assistant opportunities
- Self-financed by each department
- Five years duration to complete PhD programmes
- Applications accepted on rolling basis throughout year
- Official Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sociology/news/graduate-teaching-studentship-gts-2020-2021
Taught Master’s Scholarships:
Scholarship Amount: €2,000 (₹2L) contribution to full-time taught master’s students
- Selection based on academic excellence
- Application deadline: 30 June each year
- Minimum requirement: 2.1 honours in undergraduate degree
- Official Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships
Trust and Organisational Scholarships
Private trusts and organisations play a vital role in supporting international students pursuing their degrees in Ireland. These scholarships often target specific fields or geographical regions, providing specialised funding opportunities.
Trust scholarships frequently offer additional benefits beyond financial support, including mentorship programmes and professional development opportunities.
The Walsh Fellowship Programme
The Walsh Scholarships Programme, administered by Teagasc as a postgraduate development initiative, concurrently supports approximately 140 students enrolled in PhD programmes. This comprehensive fellowship covers agriculture, horticulture, food production, agricultural economics, rural development, and rural environment sectors.
Programme Coverage:
- All facets of agricultural and food sciences
- Particular areas designated for priority funding annually
- PhD programmes typically lasting three to four years
- Rare cases of MSc funding approved for up to two years
- Deadline: Mar 31 2025
- Official Website: https://teagasc.ie/about/research-innovation/the-walsh-scholars-programme/
- Centenary Scholarship Programme
The Centenary Scholarship Programme operates as a charitable organisation dedicated to enhancing skills and abilities of future leaders whilst expanding the global workforce talent pool through education promotion.
Programme Benefits:
- Available for students from India, Brazil, China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and USA
- Reduction of one year’s tuition fees for eligible recipients
- Focus on developing global leadership capabilities through educational excellence
- Deadline: May 5 2025
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland
Irish scholarships provide transformative opportunities that extend far beyond financial support. The nature of these scholarships addresses multiple aspects of the student experience, like professional development and international networking opportunities.
Financial Freedom: Scholarships cover tuition fees and often provide stipends for living expenses, eliminating substantial financial burdens and allowing complete focus on academic pursuits without accumulating student debt.
World-Class Education: Ireland’s prestigious education system consistently ranks high globally, with scholarships providing access to this high-quality education without financial constraints.
Career Advancement: Degrees from top Irish universities significantly enhance professional profiles, with international experience and specialised knowledge opening exciting career opportunities worldwide.
Research and Networking Potential: Many Irish scholarships link to specific research projects, providing valuable research experience and opportunities to network with leading academics in respective fields.
Application Strategy and Success Tips
Successful scholarship applications require careful planning, thorough preparation, and strategic timing. Early preparation and attention to detail are essential for creating competitive applications that stand out in highly competitive selection processes.
Research the Selection Committee: Identify who evaluates applications (academic panels vs. industry professionals) and adjust your language accordingly. Academic committees value methodological precision, whereas industry panels focus on practical applications and market potential.
Quantify Your Track Record: Replace vague statements with specific metrics – “increased lab efficiency by 30%” rather than “improved processes.” Include concrete achievements like publications, presentations, and awards.
Craft a Compelling Narrative Arc: Structure your application around a clear progression story – what problem you’ve identified, why you’re uniquely positioned to address it, and how this specific program/funding will enable the next step in your development.
Strategic Timing Coordination: Submit applications 3-5 days before deadlines when servers are stable, but more importantly, plan your application calendar to avoid overlapping deadlines that could compromise quality.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship offers €34,000 annually (₹35.5L) – includes €25,000 (₹26.1L) stipend plus €5,750 (₹6L) fee contribution and €3,250 (₹3.4L).
- GOI-IES scholarships provide €10,000 (₹10.4L) stipend plus full fee waiver – available for non-EU international students pursuing NFQ levels 9-10 programs in Irish universities.
- University College Cork offers automatic 20% fee reduction – available for first-class honors graduates pursuing postgraduate studies.
- University of Galway focuses on five priority research areas – Enhanced Policy, Enriching Culture, Health Wellbeing, Data Technology, and Sustaining Planet.
- Quantify achievements with specific metrics in applications. Replace vague statements like with concrete data to impress selection committees.
- Match application language to evaluators – use research terminology for academic panels, business impact language for industry-sponsored scholarships.
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FAQs
What is the highest scholarship amount available for international students in Ireland?
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme offers the highest funding at €34,000 (₹35.5L) annually. This includes a €25,000 (₹26.1L) stipend, €5,750 (₹6L) fee contribution, and €3,250 (₹3.4L) for research expenses, covering master’s or PhD programmes in any academic field.
Which Ireland government scholarships are available for international students in 2026?
Two main government scholarship programmes are available: the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme offering €34,000 (₹35.5L) annually for master’s/PhD students, and the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) providing €10,000 (₹10.4L) stipend plus full fee waiver for NFQ levels 9-10 programmes.
Are Trinity College Dublin scholarships automatically awarded to international students?
Yes, Trinity College Dublin automatically considers international students for merit scholarships without requiring separate applications. The Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships provide €2,000-€5,000 (₹2-5.2L) tuition fee reduction for non-EU students pursuing full-time taught master’s programmes, excluding business programmes.
What are the eligibility criteria for Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships?
Applicants must have domicile of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK. They need conditional or final admission offers for eligible master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programmes at Irish institutions. Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible, and previous GOI-IES scholarship recipients cannot reapply.
Which University College Cork scholarships offer automatic fee reductions for international students?
UCC offers SEFS International Student Merit-Based Scholarships with automatic 20% fee reduction for first-class honours graduates and 10% reduction for second-class honours graduates. The College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences also provides automatic merit-based scholarships granted at the offer stage.
How much funding do University of Galway Hardiman Scholarships provide?
Hardiman Scholarships offer fully funded opportunities for four years, providing €22,000 (₹23L) per annum stipend plus complete tuition fee waiver. These scholarships focus on five priority research areas: Policy and Society, Creativity and Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Data Technology, and Sustaining Planet and People.
What is the application deadline for Maynooth University taught master's scholarships?
The application deadline for Maynooth University Taught Master’s Scholarships is 30 June each year. These scholarships provide €2,000 (₹2L) contribution to full-time taught master’s students, with selection based on academic excellence and minimum requirement of 2.1 honours in undergraduate degree.
Which trust scholarships are available for international students studying in Ireland?
The Walsh Fellowship Programme supports approximately 140 PhD students in agriculture, food sciences, and rural development sectors. The Centenary Scholarship Programme offers one year’s tuition fee reduction for students from India, Brazil, China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and USA, focusing on developing global leadership capabilities.
Can international students graduate debt-free with Ireland scholarships?
Yes, Ireland scholarships enable students to graduate with master’s or PhD degrees without accumulating educational debt. Government scholarships cover complete tuition, living expenses, and research costs, whilst university scholarships provide substantial fee reductions and automatic merit-based awards for qualifying international students.
What are the key benefits of fully funded scholarships in Ireland for international students?
Fully funded Ireland scholarships provide financial freedom through complete tuition coverage and living stipends, access to world-class education from globally ranked Irish universities, significant career advancement opportunities, and valuable research experience with networking opportunities alongside leading academics in respective fields.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
