List of Scholarships in Ireland for International Students. Ireland has become an increasingly popular study destination for international students who want to earn a degree in an English-speaking European country. Irish universities and higher education institutions offer programmes in business, engineering, computer science, medicine, health sciences, law, social sciences, arts, agriculture, and many other fields.

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One of the biggest concerns for international students, however, is the cost of studying abroad. Tuition fees, accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, and other living expenses can make studying in Ireland expensive. Scholarships can help reduce this financial burden.

There are several types of scholarships in Ireland for international students, ranging from government-funded awards to university-specific tuition reductions and research scholarships.

Some scholarships cover a significant portion of tuition fees, while others may provide a stipend or a percentage reduction in tuition. A small number of programmes can provide very substantial financial support.

Among the most important opportunities is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES). The Higher Education Authority states that this programme supports high-calibre international students at NFQ Level 9 or 10, including Master’s, postgraduate diploma and PhD study. The current programme provides €10,000 for one year, together with a full fee waiver from the host institution for the scholarship year.

Irish universities also operate their own scholarship programmes. For example, Trinity College Dublin offers several scholarships for international undergraduate students, while University College Cork has a broad range of scholarships and prizes for domestic and international students.

This guide provides a detailed list of scholarships in Ireland for international students, including their benefits, eligibility, required documents, application process, deadlines where officially available, and frequently asked questions. Apply for More Fully Funded Scholarships Here.

Scholarships in Ireland for International Students – Quick Summary

Scholarship / Funding Opportunity	Main Benefit / Eligibility
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship	€10,000 stipend + full tuition-fee waiver for one year; Master’s, postgraduate diploma and PhD
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship	Up to €34,000 per year; research Master’s and PhD
Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships	Undergraduate tuition support for eligible international students
Trinity International Scholarships	Several programme/country-specific opportunities
UCD Global Scholarships	Scholarships and tuition support for eligible international students
University College Cork International Scholarships	Various undergraduate and postgraduate fee reductions
UCC Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship	€10,000 stipend + full fee waiver for one year
University of Galway Global Scholarships	Scholarships for outstanding non-EU students
University of Galway University of Sanctuary Scholarship	Full fee waiver plus stipend for eligible applicants
Dublin City University International Scholarships	Merit, country and programme-specific scholarships
TU Dublin Scholarships	Entry and post-entry scholarships across faculties
1916 Bursary	Financial support for eligible under-represented students in Ireland
University Scholarships	Vary by institution, programme and nationality
Research Ireland Funding	Research Master’s, PhD and postdoctoral funding opportunities
External Scholarships	Funding from governments, foundations and organisations

Important: Scholarship amounts, eligibility requirements, and deadlines can change. Always check the official scholarship page before applying.

Government of Ireland Scholarships Fully Funded

Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland offers several advantages for international students.

1. English-Speaking Education

Ireland is an English-speaking country, making it particularly attractive to students who want to study in English in Europe.

Students can complete undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral programmes without having to learn a new language for everyday academic communication.

2. Wide Range of Academic Programmes

Irish institutions offer programmes in many disciplines, including:

Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Engineering
Business
Finance
Medicine
Nursing
Pharmacy
Biotechnology
Data Science
Law
Economics
Psychology
Social Sciences
Agriculture
Environmental Science
Arts and Humanities

3. International Student Environment

Ireland attracts students from many countries.

This creates opportunities to:

Meet people from different cultures
Develop international networks
Improve communication skills
Participate in student societies
Gain international experience

4. Strong Research Opportunities

Ireland has a substantial research ecosystem, particularly in areas such as:

Technology
Pharmaceuticals
Biotechnology
Engineering
Climate research
Data science
Health sciences
Social sciences

Research students can explore funding opportunities through Research Ireland as well as individual universities.

Types of Scholarships in Ireland

Before applying, students should understand that “scholarship” can mean different things.

Fully Funded Scholarships

A fully funded scholarship generally covers most major educational costs and may include:

Tuition fees
Living stipend
Registration fees
Research costs
Other allowances

However, the exact meaning of “fully funded” differs between programmes.

Tuition Fee Scholarships

These scholarships reduce tuition fees.

For example, a university may offer:

10% tuition reduction
20% tuition reduction
50% tuition reduction
Full tuition waiver

The student may still need to pay living expenses.

Merit Scholarships

These are normally awarded based on academic performance.

Selection may consider:

Grades
Academic achievements
Awards
Leadership
Extracurricular activities

Need-Based Scholarships

These are designed to help students who have financial difficulties.

Applicants may need to provide financial evidence.

Research Scholarships

Research funding is particularly important for:

Research Master’s students
PhD students
Postdoctoral researchers

Research Ireland operates the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, which supports full-time postgraduate research across disciplines.

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1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, commonly called GOI-IES, is one of the most important scholarship programmes for international students.

It is funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions and managed by the Higher Education Authority.

The current programme supports high-calibre international students studying at:

Master’s level
Postgraduate diploma level
PhD level

at NFQ Levels 9 and 10.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful candidates receive:

€10,000 stipend for one year
Full fee waiver for the scholarship year

The scholarship supports one year of full-time study. The HEA states that 60 scholarships are awarded each year under the programme.

Eligibility

Applicants generally need to:

Be domiciled outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK
Apply for an eligible Master’s, postgraduate diploma or PhD programme
Have a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution
Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement
Demonstrate excellent communication skills
Have extracurricular achievements
Provide a strong rationale for studying in Ireland

The HEA states that applicants must have an offer of admission when applying for GOI-IES.

Deadline

For the 2026 call, the official deadline was:

12 March 2026 at 5:00 PM Irish time.

The HEA announced the outcome for early June 2026.

For a future intake, students should wait for the new official call rather than assuming the previous deadline will remain unchanged.

Application Process

Select an eligible Irish university.
Select an eligible Master’s, postgraduate diploma or PhD programme.
Apply for admission.
Obtain a conditional or final offer.
Prepare the scholarship application.
Obtain two references.
Complete the online GOI-IES application.
Submit before the deadline.
Wait for institutional and independent assessment.

The HEA requires two references as part of the application.

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2. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is managed by Research Ireland.

It is one of Ireland’s major competitive research funding programmes.

The programme supports research across many academic disciplines and encourages innovative and interdisciplinary proposals.

Study Levels

It can support:

Research Master’s degrees
Doctoral degrees

The current programme allows new entrants to eligible research degrees to seek funding for the full duration of their degree, subject to the programme rules.

Scholarship Benefits

Research Ireland states that the award can be worth up to €34,000 per year, consisting of:

€25,000 annual stipend
Up to €5,750 annual fee contribution
€3,250 eligible direct costs

For non-EU students, an additional fee contribution may be available under the programme’s conditions, although any remaining fee difference may still need to be covered.

Duration

Funding can range from:

1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years

depending on the degree and circumstances.

For new entrants, the 2026 call provides:

2 years for research Master’s
4 years for PhD

subject to the programme conditions.

Who Should Apply?

This scholarship is particularly suitable for students who:

Want to pursue research
Have a strong academic background
Have a clear research proposal
Can identify an appropriate supervisor
Want to build a career in research or academia

Competitiveness

This scholarship is highly competitive. Research Ireland reports an average success rate of approximately 18% over the previous five years.

Therefore, applicants should prepare their research proposal carefully.

3. Trinity College Dublin Scholarships

Trinity College Dublin offers several scholarships for international students.

Its official international undergraduate scholarship page lists opportunities including:

Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships
Brazil Fundação Estudar Scholarship Programme
Claddagh Undergraduate Scholarship
China Undergraduate Scholarship
E3 Balanced Solutions for a Better World Scholarship
Scholarships for Japanese Students
Sports Scholarships
University of Sanctuary Scholarships

Bayer Foundation Fellowships for Master’s, PhD, and Medical Students

Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships

These scholarships are aimed at high-achieving international students.

They can help reduce the cost of studying at Trinity.

Eligibility and application deadlines vary according to the scholarship.

Who Should Consider Trinity Scholarships?

They can be particularly suitable for students who have:

Excellent academic results
Strong extracurricular achievements
Leadership experience
Clear academic goals
A strong reason for choosing Trinity

Students should check each individual scholarship because not every award is available to every nationality.

4. University College Dublin Scholarships

University College Dublin (UCD) offers a variety of scholarships for international students.

These can include:

Global scholarships
Country-specific awards
Programme-specific scholarships
Merit awards
Research scholarships

Students should check the relevant UCD scholarship page for their nationality and chosen programme.

UCD is particularly popular among international students interested in:

Business
Engineering
Computer Science
Data Science
Medicine
Agriculture
Social sciences

Because UCD scholarships vary by programme and intake, students should check the official scholarship conditions before submitting an application.

5. University College Cork Scholarships

University College Cork (UCC) offers a large range of scholarships and prizes.

UCC states that it awards approximately 1,000 scholarships and bursaries annually to domestic and international students across different areas of study.

Its scholarship system includes:

Undergraduate scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships
International scholarships
External scholarships
University awards
College-specific scholarships

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UCC International Undergraduate Scholarships

UCC has several tuition reductions for international students.

For example, the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science offers an international undergraduate scholarship worth €2,000 fee reduction in each year of study for eligible students. The scholarship is automatically awarded at offer stage to qualifying applicants.

UCC’s College of Business and Law also lists a €2,000 per annum international undergraduate scholarship for eligible non-EU students in specified programmes.

6. UCC International Master’s Scholarships

UCC also offers scholarships for international Master’s students.

For example, the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science lists a merit-based scholarship for eligible international non-EU students on taught Master’s programmes.

Students with a UCC First Class Honours equivalent can receive a 20% tuition fee reduction under that particular scholarship. It is automatically awarded at offer stage where the criteria are met.

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7. University of Galway Global Scholarships

The University of Galway offers Global Scholarships for international non-EU students.

The programme is designed to attract and support outstanding students from around the world.

The university states that its Global Scholarships are intended to recognise academic excellence and create a diverse international student community.

The university reports that it awarded more than 280 scholarships in the previous year under its Global Scholarships programme.

Who Can Apply?

Generally, the Global Scholarships programme is aimed at:

International students
Non-EU applicants
High-achieving students
Students applying for eligible programmes

Specific conditions vary by course and scholarship.

8. University of Galway University of Sanctuary Scholarship

The University of Sanctuary Scholarship is a specialised programme for certain students who face barriers to higher education.

The university states that the programme is designed to increase participation among:

International Protection applicants
Refugees
Vulnerable immigrant groups
Irish Travellers

Scholarship Benefits

For the 2026–27 programme, the university states that each scholarship includes:

Full fee waiver, except student levy
€4,000 annual stipend
Academic mentoring

Deadlines

For the 2026–27 cycle, the university announced:

Postgraduate deadline: 14 August 2026 at 12:00 PM
Undergraduate deadline: 28 August 2026 at 12:00 PM

These dates apply to the 2026–27 cycle and should not automatically be treated as future deadlines.

9. Dublin City University Scholarships

Dublin City University (DCU) provides several scholarship opportunities for international students.

Its official international scholarship page lists opportunities including:

DCU International Merit Scholarships
Brazilian Student Ambassador Scholarship
Claddagh Scholarship
Irish Diaspora Education Alliance Scholarship
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
ICOS fellowships
Country-specific funding

DCU International Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships can be particularly attractive to students with excellent academic records.

Eligibility and award amounts depend on the specific programme or scholarship.

Students should check DCU’s official scholarship page before applying.

10. Technological University Dublin Scholarships

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) offers scholarships at different stages of study.

The university categorises its opportunities into:

Pre-entry scholarships
Post-entry scholarships
TU Dublin Foundation scholarships
Athlete support
Other specialist awards

TU Dublin Foundation scholarships can be based on combinations of:

Academic achievement
Financial need
Passion
Potential

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11. TU Dublin International Protection Applicants Scholarship

TU Dublin has a specialised scholarship for eligible International Protection Applicants and certain related categories.

For the 2026–27 programme, the university stated that eligible scholarships cover:

Tuition fees
Registration fees
Other applicable fees

and provide an annual stipend of €3,000.

The 2026 application window was announced as:

17 August 2026 to 4 September 2026.

This is a specialised scholarship and is not available to all international students.

12. 1916 Bursary

The 1916 Bursary Fund is a financial support programme designed to increase participation in higher education among students from groups that are significantly under-represented.

The Higher Education Authority explains that the bursary targets students experiencing socio-economic disadvantage and other under-representation in higher education.

Eligibility

Applicants must satisfy:

Financial eligibility
Priority group criteria
College entry criteria

Participating institutions have a limited number of bursaries, with awards targeted toward eligible applicants demonstrating the greatest need.

This programme is particularly relevant to students already living in Ireland who meet the required criteria.

13. SUSI Student Grants

SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for student grants.

It is important to understand that SUSI is different from an international university scholarship.

Eligibility depends on factors including:

Residency
Nationality/status
Course
Household income
Previous education
Other eligibility conditions

International students should not assume that they qualify simply because they have been admitted to an Irish university.

Students should check the official SUSI eligibility rules before relying on this funding.

14. Maynooth University Scholarships

Maynooth University offers scholarships and funding opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students.

The university provides dedicated information for:

Undergraduate students
Postgraduate students
Research students
International students

Students interested in Maynooth should search the university’s current scholarship listings after selecting their programme.

The university’s official site also provides dedicated international student information and postgraduate funding resources.

15. University of Limerick Scholarships

The University of Limerick (UL) provides various scholarship and award opportunities.

Available funding can differ according to:

Academic level
Faculty
Programme
Academic achievement
Research area
Student background

International students should consult the University’s current international scholarship information and programme pages.

16. Research Scholarships in Ireland

Students interested in postgraduate research should look beyond university scholarships.

Research funding can be available through:

Research Ireland
Universities
Research centres
Government departments
Industry partnerships
International organisations

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship is one of the major national options.

It supports research across disciplines and allows applicants to propose their own research projects within the programme’s rules.

Eligibility Requirements for Ireland Scholarships

There is no single eligibility requirement for every scholarship in Ireland.

However, common criteria include the following.

Academic Excellence

Many merit-based scholarships require excellent grades.

Your academic profile may include:

GPA
Percentage
Class/degree result
Previous qualifications
Academic awards

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Admission to an Irish Institution

Many scholarships require applicants to hold an offer from an Irish university.

For example, GOI-IES applicants must have a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution when submitting the scholarship application.

Nationality

Some scholarships are open to students from around the world.

Others are specifically designed for:

Non-EU students
Students from particular countries
Irish citizens
EU/EEA students
Refugees
International Protection applicants
Students living in Ireland

Always check nationality requirements.

Study Level

A scholarship may be available only for:

Bachelor’s
Master’s
Postgraduate diploma
PhD
Research Master’s
Postdoctoral research

Do not assume that a scholarship available for Master’s students is also available for Bachelor’s students.

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Required Documents

Although requirements vary, international students should generally prepare the following documents.

1. Passport

A valid passport is commonly required for international admission and scholarship applications.

2. Academic Certificates

Depending on the level, these may include:

Secondary school certificate
Diploma
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree

3. Academic Transcripts

Provide complete records showing your previous academic performance.

4. CV or Resume

A good CV should highlight:

Education
Work experience
Internships
Research
Awards
Volunteer work
Leadership
Skills

5. Motivation Letter

A scholarship motivation letter should explain:

Why you want to study in Ireland
Why you chose the university
Why you selected your programme
Your career objectives
Your academic achievements
How the scholarship will help you

6. Personal Statement

Some scholarships require a separate personal statement.

Use it to explain your:

Background
Achievements
Challenges
Goals
Contribution to society

7. Recommendation Letters

Many competitive scholarships require references.

Choose people who can discuss your:

Academic ability
Research potential
Leadership
Professional performance

8. Research Proposal

Research Master’s and PhD scholarships may require a detailed research proposal.

A good proposal should explain:

Research problem
Research objectives
Methodology
Expected contribution
Relevant literature
Timeline

9. Proof of Financial Need

Need-based funding may require financial documentation.

10. English Language Evidence

Depending on the programme, applicants may need evidence of English proficiency.

Accepted tests and minimum scores vary by institution.

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Application Process for Scholarships in Ireland

Step 1: Select Your Degree

First decide:

What do you want to study?
At which university?
At what level?

Step 2: Research Scholarships

Search:

University scholarships
Government scholarships
Research scholarships
External funding
Country-specific awards

The HEA itself notes that many Irish higher education institutions operate their own scholarship and bursary schemes.

Step 3: Check Eligibility

Read the official requirements carefully.

Check:

Nationality
Academic level
Grades
Programme
Age requirements where applicable
Residency
Financial conditions

Step 4: Apply for University Admission

Many scholarships require an offer of admission.

Education in Ireland advises students to select their institution and programme, check entry requirements, and follow the institution’s application process.

Step 5: Prepare Scholarship Documents

Prepare your:

CV
Motivation letter
Personal statement
References
Transcripts
Certificates
Research proposal if applicable

Step 6: Submit the Scholarship Application

Some scholarships require a separate application.

Others are automatically awarded when a student receives an offer.

For example, some UCC international scholarships are automatically awarded at offer stage to students who meet the stated academic criteria.

Step 7: Track Your Application

Regularly check:

Email
University portal
Scholarship portal
Spam/junk folder

Step 8: Respond to Requests

The university may request additional documents or clarification.

Respond before the stated deadline.

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How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

1. Maintain Excellent Grades

Academic performance is particularly important for merit scholarships.

2. Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Do not depend on one scholarship.

Create a list of:

Government scholarships
University scholarships
External awards
Research scholarships

3. Build a Strong CV

Include achievements that demonstrate your potential.

For example:

Academic competitions
Research projects
Internships
Volunteer work
Leadership
Publications
Professional certifications

4. Write a Specific Motivation Letter

Avoid generic statements.

Explain exactly:

Why Ireland?
Why this university?
Why this programme?
Why now?
What will you do after graduation?

5. Develop a Strong Research Proposal

For research scholarships, the proposal can be one of the most important parts of the application.

6. Apply Before the Deadline

Do not wait until the final hours.

Technical problems, missing references, or document issues can prevent successful submission.

The HEA specifically advises GOI-IES applicants to submit well before the deadline because of possible technical issues caused by high traffic.

Scholarship Deadlines in Ireland

There is no single scholarship deadline for Ireland.

Each scholarship has its own timeline.

Examples

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026:
12 March 2026 at 5 PM Irish time.

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026:
Applicant deadline was 23 October 2025, with supervisor and institutional endorsement deadlines following later.

University of Galway University of Sanctuary Scholarship 2026–27:
Postgraduate: 14 August 2026
Undergraduate: 28 August 2026.

TU Dublin IPAS Scholarship 2026–27:
17 August–4 September 2026.

These examples demonstrate why students should always check the individual scholarship page.

Are Ireland Scholarships Fully Funded?

Some are highly funded, but many are not.

For example, the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship provides:

€10,000 stipend
Full tuition fee waiver for the scholarship year

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship can provide up to €34,000 per year under its current structure, including a stipend, fee contribution and eligible direct costs.

However, students should still investigate:

Accommodation
Food
Health insurance
Travel
Visa expenses
Personal costs

before travelling to Ireland.

Scholarships vs Tuition Discounts

Students often confuse these two.

A scholarship might provide a cash stipend.

A tuition discount simply reduces the amount you owe the university.

For example, UCC lists some international scholarships that provide a €2,000 annual fee reduction, while other scholarships provide percentage-based tuition reductions.

Therefore, when comparing scholarships, look at the actual financial value rather than simply the word “scholarship.”

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Ireland Scholarships for Pakistani Students

Pakistani students can explore several categories of Irish funding.

The most relevant options may include:

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

Pakistani students can potentially apply because the programme is open to applicants domiciled outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and UK, provided they satisfy all other requirements.

University Scholarships

Pakistani students should also check:

Trinity College Dublin
UCD
University College Cork
University of Galway
Dublin City University
Maynooth University
University of Limerick
TU Dublin

Research Funding

Students planning a research Master’s or PhD should investigate Research Ireland funding.

Ireland Scholarships Without IELTS

Students sometimes search for “Ireland scholarships without IELTS.”

There is an important distinction.

A scholarship may not explicitly require IELTS as a scholarship requirement, but the university may still require proof of English proficiency for admission.

Some universities may accept alternatives such as:

TOEFL
PTE
Cambridge English
Other recognised tests
Certain previous education in English

The exact policy depends on the university and programme.

Therefore, students should never assume that “scholarship without IELTS” means “admission without English-language requirements.”

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Ireland

PhD applicants have several potential funding routes.

The most important include:

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
University-funded PhD scholarships
Research project funding
Faculty scholarships
Industry-funded research
EU research programmes

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship is particularly significant because it can provide up to €34,000 annually under the current scheme.

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Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Ireland

Fully funded Master’s opportunities are more limited than partial tuition scholarships.

Potential options include:

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
University-specific scholarships
Research Master’s funding
Country-specific scholarships
External government funding

GOI-IES is one of the strongest options for international students because the current programme combines a €10,000 stipend with a full fee waiver for the scholarship year.

Undergraduate Scholarships in Ireland

International Bachelor’s students can explore:

Trinity College Dublin scholarships
UCC international undergraduate scholarships
University of Galway scholarships
UCD scholarships
DCU scholarships
TU Dublin opportunities
Other university-specific awards

However, fully funded undergraduate scholarships are generally more limited than partial tuition awards.

For example, UCC has several international undergraduate scholarships providing fee reductions.

Important Tips Before Applying

Tip 1: Check the official website

Do not rely solely on scholarship blogs or social media posts.

Tip 2: Check the year

A scholarship deadline for 2026 should not automatically be used for 2027.

Tip 3: Read the full eligibility criteria

Some awards are only available to students from specific countries or academic programmes.

Tip 4: Check whether admission is required

Some scholarships require an offer before applying.

Tip 5: Check whether the scholarship is automatic

Some university scholarships are automatically considered at the offer stage.

Tip 6: Calculate remaining costs

Even a 50% tuition scholarship may leave substantial expenses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best Scholarships in Ireland for international students?

Some of the most important options include the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship, Trinity scholarships, UCD scholarships, UCC scholarships, University of Galway scholarships, and DCU international scholarships.

2. Is the Government of Ireland Scholarship fully funded?

The current GOI-IES provides a €10,000 stipend for one year and requires the host institution to provide a full fee waiver for that scholarship year.

3. Can Pakistani students apply for Ireland scholarships?

Yes. Several Irish scholarships are open to international students, including students from outside the EU/EEA, subject to the individual scholarship’s requirements.

4. What is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship deadline?

For the 2026 call, the deadline was 12 March 2026 at 5 PM Irish time. Future deadlines should be checked on the official HEA website.

5. Does Ireland offer fully funded PhD scholarships?

Yes. The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship can provide substantial funding for eligible research Master’s and PhD students. The current maximum value is up to €34,000 per year under the programme structure.

6. How much does the Scholarships in Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship provide?

The current award can be worth up to €34,000 per year, including a €25,000 stipend, fee contribution, and eligible direct costs.

7. Can undergraduate students get scholarships in Ireland?

Yes. Universities such as Trinity College Dublin, UCC, UCD, University of Galway and DCU offer undergraduate scholarship opportunities.

8. Does Trinity College Dublin offer scholarships to international students?

Yes. Trinity’s official website lists several undergraduate scholarships for international students, including Global Excellence and other country- or programme-specific awards.

9. Does University College Cork offer scholarships?

Yes. UCC offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to domestic and international students.

10. Does UCC offer scholarships for international undergraduate students?

Yes. Some UCC colleges offer international undergraduate scholarships, including fee reductions of €2,000 per year for eligible programmes.

11. Does University of Galway offer scholarships to international students?

Yes. The University of Galway operates Global Scholarships for eligible non-EU students.

12. Does University of Galway have a full scholarship?

Some specialised programmes can provide very substantial support. For example, the University of Sanctuary Scholarship for 2026–27 includes a full fee waiver except for the student levy and a €4,000 annual stipend, but it has specific eligibility requirements.

13. Does DCU offer international scholarships?

Yes. DCU lists several international scholarship opportunities, including international merit, country-specific and government-funded scholarships.

14. Can I apply for several scholarships?

Usually, students can explore multiple opportunities, but individual scholarships may restrict combining awards.

Always read the terms and conditions.

15. Do I need an admission offer before applying for a scholarship?

It depends.

GOI-IES requires a conditional or final offer at the time of scholarship application.

Some university scholarships are automatically considered at offer stage, while others have separate application processes.

16. Are scholarships in Ireland available for Master’s students?

Yes.

Master’s students can explore:

GOI-IES
University scholarships
Merit scholarships
Research scholarships
Programme-specific awards

17. Are scholarships available for PhD students?

Yes.

Research Ireland’s Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship is one of the major options for research Master’s and PhD students.

18. Can I study in Ireland without IELTS?

Possibly, depending on the university and programme.

However, applicants must satisfy the institution’s English-language requirements. A scholarship itself does not automatically remove university admission requirements.

19. What documents are normally required?

Common documents include:

Passport
Academic certificates
Transcripts
CV
Motivation letter
Personal statement
References
Admission offer
Research proposal, where applicable
Financial documents, where applicable

20. How can I find new scholarships?

Check the official websites of:

Irish universities
Higher Education Authority
Research Ireland
Education in Ireland
Individual faculties
Government departments
Scholarship foundations

The HEA specifically notes that many higher education institutions operate their own scholarship and bursary schemes.

Final Conclusion

Ireland offers a wide range of scholarships and financial support opportunities for international students. However, there is no single scholarship that is suitable for everyone.

Students should consider their:

Academic level
Nationality
Field of study
Financial situation
Research interests
Career plans

when selecting scholarships.

For Master’s and postgraduate diploma applicants, the Scholarships in Ireland International Education Scholarship is one of the most attractive national opportunities. The current programme provides €10,000 for one year and a full fee waiver for the scholarship year, although it is highly competitive and requires an eligible admission offer.

For research students, the Scholarships in Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship is an important option. Research Ireland currently states that the award can be worth up to €34,000 per year, depending on the approved costs and circumstances.

International undergraduate students should concentrate more heavily on university-specific opportunities. Trinity College Dublin, UCC, University of Galway, DCU and other Irish institutions offer a variety of awards, including merit scholarships and tuition-fee reductions.

The most important strategy is to apply early and check official sources. Scholarship deadlines are different, and some awards are automatically considered while others require separate applications.

Students should also remember that receiving a scholarship does not necessarily mean that every expense will be covered. Before accepting an offer, calculate tuition, accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, visa-related costs, and other living expenses.

For international students, especially applicants from countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria and other non-EU countries, Ireland can be an excellent study destination, but successful scholarship planning requires careful research.