Scholarships in Ireland for international students can help reduce the cost of tuition and, in some cases, provide financial support for living expenses. Funding options include government scholarships, university merit awards, research funding, and scholarships offered by external organisations. The amount you can receive depends on your nationality, academic record, study level, and chosen programme.
If you plan to study in Ireland in 2027, start by comparing scholarship eligibility, application deadlines, and the costs each award covers. Some scholarships offer substantial funding, while others provide a one-time tuition discount or a reduction in fees for each year of study.
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Important: Scholarship availability, values, and eligibility can change each academic year. As of October 2026, the official Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship page lists the 2026/27 call, which is closed. Confirm the next application cycle and its requirements through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and your chosen university before making financial plans.
Types of Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
International students can explore several types of scholarships in Ireland. The right option depends on whether you are pursuing an undergraduate degree, a taught master's, a research master's, or a PhD.
- Government scholarships: Competitive awards funded or supported by the Irish government, such as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES).
- University merit scholarships: Awards based on academic achievement, nationality, subject area, or other institutional criteria. They often reduce tuition fees.
- Research funding: Students pursuing research degrees may find funding through universities, research projects, doctoral programmes, and research funding initiatives.
- External and country-specific awards: Scholarships offered by home-country governments, foundations, and international organisations.
The HEA's list of other bursaries and scholarships is one starting point for exploring funding opportunities. You should also check the scholarship pages of individual institutions because eligibility and award values differ.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland
Fully funded scholarships can provide more support than tuition discounts, but you should check exactly what each award covers. A scholarship may pay tuition and provide a stipend without covering every expense, such as travel, accommodation deposits, insurance, or other personal costs.
For international students, one prominent option is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship. Research students should also explore university-funded doctoral positions and other research opportunities. Do not assume that an award is fully funded unless its official terms confirm the funding package.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) supports high-achieving international students undertaking eligible postgraduate study at participating Irish higher education institutions. The programme is managed by the Higher Education Authority in partnership with the Irish government and host institutions.
What does the GOI-IES scholarship cover?
Under the published 2026/27 call, 60 scholarships are expected to be awarded. Each scholarship provides:
- A €10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study.
- A full tuition and registration fee waiver from the host institution for the scholarship year.
The stipend is intended as a contribution toward student costs and living expenses. It should not be treated as a guarantee that all living expenses will be covered. The award lasts one academic year; whether a host institution extends its fee waiver beyond that period depends on the institution's arrangements.
Who can apply for GOI-IES?
Under the published 2026 call, applicants must meet the programme's nationality and residence criteria, have an eligible offer of admission, and satisfy the other conditions set out in the call documents. Eligible programmes include qualifying full-time, in-person master's degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and research master's or PhD programmes at participating institutions.
The 2026 call excludes applicants who have previously held a GOI-IES scholarship and Russian and Belarusian citizens. The published rules also require applicants to have a domicile of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Check the official call documents carefully because these requirements should not be assumed to remain unchanged for the next cycle.
Review the official GOI-IES page, call documents, and FAQs for the latest eligibility criteria, participating institutions, required references, and application dates. The 2026 deadline was March 12, 2026, so applicants targeting 2027 entry should monitor the page for the next call rather than rely on the previous deadline.
Plan ahead: You need an eligible offer of admission before applying for GOI-IES. Check the university's admissions timeline as well as the scholarship deadline, and confirm that your chosen course is eligible.
Research Funding and PhD Scholarships in Ireland
If you plan to pursue a research master's or PhD, investigate funding offered by your prospective university, doctoral programme, research supervisor, or an externally funded research project. The availability and value of funding depend on the project, institution, discipline, and application cycle.
The former Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is now closed and has been integrated into the Research Ireland Empower Programme. The previous scheme's funding package should not be advertised as a currently open individual scholarship.
The Research Ireland Empower Programme is a new institutional funding initiative that includes support for PhD studentships and postdoctoral fellowships. It operates through eligible higher education institutions rather than the previous direct individual application model. Contact your prospective university to learn whether it offers relevant funded research positions and how candidates are selected.
For other opportunities, consult your university's graduate research office and official funding pages. Before accepting an offer, confirm the stipend, tuition contribution, funding duration, research expenses, and any remaining fees you must pay.
University Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
Many Irish universities offer scholarships or tuition discounts to international students. Some are awarded automatically based on academic results, while others require a separate application. Awards may be restricted by nationality, subject, degree level, or intake.
The examples below have published terms for the 2026/27 academic year. They are useful starting points for students planning ahead, but they are not a guarantee that the same awards will be available in 2027/28.
Trinity College Dublin: Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship
Trinity College Dublin's Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship offers eligible international students a one-time tuition fee reduction of €2,000 to €5,000, depending on the applicant's region.
For the published 2026/27 terms, applicants must have non-EU fee status and an offer for an eligible full-time postgraduate taught programme. Certain areas, including business, engineering, natural sciences, and computer science and statistics, are excluded from this particular scholarship. Other awards may be available for those subjects.
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, and deadlines vary by region. Check the Trinity international postgraduate scholarships page for other awards and the latest requirements.
University College Cork: College of Business and Law International Undergraduate Scholarship
The UCC College of Business and Law International Undergraduate Scholarship offers eligible non-EU international students a €2,000 fee reduction per academic year.
The published 2026/27 terms apply to eligible full-time undergraduate students in Cork University Business School and the School of Law. The scholarship is automatically assessed based on previous academic results, so a separate scholarship application is not required. Students must have an accepted offer in the UCC application portal, and the award cannot be combined with another UCC scholarship.
UCC lists other awards for international undergraduate and postgraduate students, including scholarships for particular colleges and taught master's programmes. Explore the UCC international scholarships directory to check the awards relevant to your course.
Remember: A scholarship's headline value may not represent your total funding. Check whether the award is a one-time discount or recurring annual reduction, whether it applies to your programme, and whether you can combine it with other funding.
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Comparing Scholarship Options in Ireland
| Scholarship type | What it may cover | Example or value | Important considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship | Stipend and tuition/registration fee waiver for the scholarship year | 2026/27 call: €10,000 stipend plus fee waiver | Highly competitive; postgraduate study only under the published call. Check the next call for updated terms. |
| Trinity Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship | One-time tuition fee reduction | €2,000–€5,000 under published 2026/27 terms | Eligible regions and programmes vary; exclusions and regional deadlines apply. |
| UCC College of Business and Law International Undergraduate Scholarship | Annual tuition fee reduction | €2,000 per academic year under published 2026/27 terms | Restricted to eligible programmes; cannot be combined with another UCC scholarship. |
| University-funded research positions | May include a stipend, tuition support, or research costs | Varies by project and institution | Check the funding package, duration, remaining fees, and application requirements. |
| External or country-specific scholarships | Varies by awarding organisation | Depends on the programme | Confirm nationality requirements, eligible destinations, deadlines, and whether funding can be combined. |
These are examples, not a complete list of scholarships in Ireland. Browse the official scholarship portal of each university you are considering, and check the terms for your intended intake.
External and Country-Specific Scholarships
Your home country's government, foundations, or international scholarship organisations may fund study abroad, including eligible programmes in Ireland. Some awards are restricted to citizens of particular countries, fields of study, or career stages.
For example, US students can explore the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, but eligibility and the availability of Ireland-related opportunities depend on the specific award and current programme rules. Do not assume that every international scholarship can be used at an Irish institution.
Check your home country's official scholarship agency and the awarding organisation's website for eligible destinations, funding amounts, application procedures, and deadlines. If an award is described as a bilateral scholarship, confirm that the relevant scheme is active for your country and intended year of study.
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in Ireland
Follow these steps to identify suitable scholarships and prepare a strong application.
- Choose your course and study level. Decide whether you plan to pursue an undergraduate degree, taught master's, research master's, or PhD. Scholarship eligibility often depends on the level and type of programme.
- Check official university scholarship pages. Review awards for your intended course, nationality, academic background, and intake. Start with the university's international admissions and scholarship pages.
- Review government funding. Check the GOI-IES page for its current call, participating institutions, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
- Explore research funding if you are applying for a research degree. Contact university graduate research offices and prospective supervisors. Ask about funded PhD positions, stipends, tuition contributions, and any remaining fees.
- Prepare your documents. Depending on the scholarship, you may need academic transcripts, references, a personal statement, a research proposal, or proof of admission. Follow the specific award's checklist.
- Submit your application before the deadline. Some awards require a separate application, while others are assessed automatically during admission. Keep copies of your application and any confirmation emails.
- Calculate your remaining costs. After accounting for the award, budget for any unpaid tuition, accommodation, food, transport, insurance, travel, and other expenses.
How to Avoid Scholarship Scams
Use official university, government, and awarding-organisation websites to verify scholarship opportunities. Be cautious of unsolicited messages, guaranteed awards, or requests for unusual payments or sensitive information.
Watch for these warning signs:
- The scholarship cannot be found on the official website of the named university or awarding body.
- Someone promises a guaranteed award without explaining eligibility or selection criteria.
- You are pressured to transfer money to a personal account to secure a scholarship.
- The sender uses an unofficial email address or requests sensitive financial information without a clear reason.
- The award amount or eligibility details conflict with the official scholarship terms.
A fee request does not, by itself, prove that an opportunity is fraudulent, because university admission and other services may have separate charges. However, verify any payment request independently through the official organisation before paying or sharing personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, some scholarships provide substantial funding. Under the published 2026/27 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship call, successful applicants receive a €10,000 stipend and a tuition and registration fee waiver for one scholarship year. Eligibility is restricted to qualifying postgraduate programmes, and the stipend may not cover all living expenses. Check the official HEA website for future calls.
Yes. Some Irish universities offer scholarships or tuition reductions to eligible international undergraduate students. For example, UCC's published 2026/27 College of Business and Law International Undergraduate Scholarship provides €2,000 per academic year to eligible students. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships, however, do not cover undergraduate study.
Funding depends on the scholarship. Some awards provide a one-time tuition reduction, while others reduce fees each year or include a stipend. For example, Trinity College Dublin's published 2026/27 Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship ranges from €2,000 to €5,000. Always check the award's official terms for the amount, duration, and eligible costs.
It depends on the scholarship. The published GOI-IES rules require an eligible conditional or final offer of admission before you apply. Other university scholarships may require an offer, a separate application, or automatic assessment during admissions. Check the instructions for each award.
Sometimes, but not every scholarship can be combined with other awards. For example, UCC's published College of Business and Law International Undergraduate Scholarship cannot be used with another UCC scholarship. Read the terms of each award and ask the university's scholarship office if you are unsure.
When should I apply for scholarships in Ireland for 2027?
Start researching as early as possible. University scholarship deadlines may fall before the start of your programme, and government scholarships have their own annual application cycles. The 2026 GOI-IES deadline was March 12, 2026; the next cycle's deadline should be confirmed on the official HEA website.
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