Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships

Higher Education Authority (HEA), Government of Ireland

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss and non-UK students (not Russian or Belarusian citizens) with an offer for a full-time, in-person taught master's, level 9 postgraduate diploma or research programme (master's or PhD, at least one year) at an eligible Irish university. One application only; no earlier GOI-IES award.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

A highly competitive Irish government scholarship for non-EU students. Assessment is academic record and work experience (40 marks), personal statement (45) and references (15).

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss and non-UK students (not Russian or Belarusian citizens) with an offer for a full-time, in-person taught master's, level 9 postgraduate diploma or research programme (master's or PhD, at least one year) at an eligible Irish university. One application only; no earlier GOI-IES award.
2. Note the deadline. Jan – Mar (annual; the 2026 call closed on 12 Mar 2026 at 17:00 Irish time, results in early June - the next call is expected to open in early 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Offer letter from an Irish university; Personal statement; Two references (dated within the last year); Online application.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

HEA screening, shortlisting by the Irish universities, then an independent panel scoring academic record and work (40), personal statement (45) and references (15); minimum 60 marks

Profile of past winners

Approximately 60 awards per annual call

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Check the HEA page for the next call and confirm the chosen course and institution are eligible
2. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
3. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
4. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
7. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships?

Non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss and non-UK students (not Russian or Belarusian citizens) with an offer for a full-time, in-person taught master's, level 9 postgraduate diploma or research programme (master's or PhD, at least one year) at an eligible Irish university. One application only; no earlier GOI-IES award.

What does Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships cover?

EUR 10,000 stipend for one year (two instalments of EUR 5,000) plus a full fee waiver (tuition and registration) for the scholarship year; around 60 scholarships a year

When is the deadline for Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships?

Jan – Mar (annual; the 2026 call closed on 12 Mar 2026 at 17:00 Irish time, results in early June - the next call is expected to open in early 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships?

Host countries: Ireland.

What documents do I need for Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships?

Offer letter from an Irish university; Personal statement; Two references (dated within the last year); Online application.

How are applicants selected for Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships?

HEA screening, shortlisting by the Irish universities, then an independent panel scoring academic record and work (40), personal statement (45) and references (15); minimum 60 marks

How much work is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships application?

High