Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 is now open for international students who want to pursue a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or PhD in Ireland. Funded by the Irish government and higher education institutions, this scholarship offers full support for one year of study.
A total of 60 scholarships will be awarded for full-time programs starting in September 2026. Students from any field, including final-year undergraduates, are eligible to apply online at an approved Irish university before the application deadline. This is an excellent opportunity to study in Ireland with complete financial backing.
Benefits
The Irish Government GOI-IES Scholarship will cover:
- Stipend: Scholars will receive a €10,000 stipend to cover living expenses and other study-related costs.
- Tuition Waiver: Full tuition and registration fees will be waived by the University.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Open to all Nationals except Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK citizens.
- University Offer: Must have received an offer from a university.
- Program Application: Must apply to a relevant master’s or PhD program at an eligible institution.
Duration
- One-Year Scholarship: The scholarship is awarded for one academic year only.
- No Extensions: The scholarship cannot be extended beyond the initial one-year period.
- Single Award: Once you have received funding for one year, you are not eligible to reapply for a second year.
List of Eligible Universities Under the GOI-IES 2026 Scholarship
- Atlantic Technological University
- CCT College
- Dublin City University
- Dublin Business School
- Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
- Dundalk Institute of Technology
- Griffith College
- ICD Business School
- Independent College
- Mary Immaculate College
- Maynooth University
- Munster Technological University
- National College of Art and Design
- National College of Ireland
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
- South East Technological University
- Technological University Dublin
- Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Cork
- University College Dublin
- University of Galway
- University of Limerick
How to Apply?
- Carefully read the eligibility requirements and scholarship details before starting your application.
- Secure a conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible Irish higher education institution.
- Wait for the application portal to open for the 2026 call, then begin your online application.
- Complete the online form with accurate personal and academic details as required.
- Upload two reference letters, ensuring both are properly formatted and submitted on time.
- Submit proof of your university offer with your scholarship application to confirm eligibility.
- Review your application carefully before submitting, as changes cannot be made afterward.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 awards 60 international students a €10,000 stipend and full fee waiver for one year of full‑time study in Ireland. Applicants must be non‑EU/EEA citizens with an offer from an eligible Irish institution.
What is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026?
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 is a competitive programme for high‑calibre international students to study full‑time in Ireland. It supports master’s, postgraduate diploma, and PhD study at NFQ levels 9 or 10 for one academic year.
Who is eligible to apply for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026?
To be eligible for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026, applicants must be from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. They also need a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution at the time of application.
What courses are covered by the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026?
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 covers full‑time study at NFQ levels 9 and 10. These include master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and PhD programmes offered by eligible Irish higher education institutions.
How many Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships are available?
For 2026, a total of 60 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships will be awarded. These scholarships are distributed each year to support international students in Ireland for one year of full‑time study.
What funding does the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 provide?
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 includes a €10,000 stipend for one year of full‑time study in Ireland. In addition, the host higher education institution must offer a full fee waiver for the scholarship year.
What are the key dates for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026?
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 call opens on 29 January 2026. Applicants must submit their applications before the deadline at 5pm Irish time on 12 March 2026.
What application materials are required for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026?
For the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026, applicants must complete the online application and upload two references. They must also provide proof of a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish institution.
Can previous scholarship holders apply again for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026?
No, candidates who have previously held the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship are not eligible to apply for the 2026 round. Repeat applications are not permitted.
How are applications for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 assessed?
Applications are assessed based on academic achievement, communication skills, extracurricular participation, and a clear rationale for studying in Ireland. Shortlisted applications are reviewed by relevant institutions and an independent panel.
Do applicants need an offer before applying for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026?
Yes, applicants must have a conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible Irish higher education institution before applying for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026. Proof of this offer is submitted with the application.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
