Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland 2026

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered by the Irish government to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies in Ireland. Designed to promote academic excellence, global cooperation, and cultural exchange, this scholarship enables talented students from around the world to study at Irish higher education institutions with financial support.

What Is the GOI-IES Scholarship?

The GOI-IES Scholarship aims to attract high-achieving international students to Ireland by offering a tuition waiver and living allowance for one academic year of postgraduate study. It covers either:

• A taught master’s degree, or
• A research-based PhD programme

The scholarship encourages global talent and helps build educational ties between Ireland and the international academic community.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful recipients of the GOI-IES Scholarship enjoy comprehensive financial support, including:

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

The scholarship covers full tuition fees at the host Irish university for the academic year of award.

Living Allowance

Recipients receive a living stipend to contribute toward day-to-day expenses during their study period in Ireland.

Study in an English-Speaking Environment

Studying in Ireland provides exposure to high-quality education delivered in English, one of the world’s leading languages for global careers.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

The GOI-IES Scholarship is open to international students who:

• Are citizens of countries outside EU/EEA/Switzerland
• Have achieved strong academic results in previous studies
• Have applied or been accepted for a full-time postgraduate programme (master’s or PhD) at an Irish higher education institution
• Meet academic and language requirements of the institution and the scholarship

Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and the capacity to act as cultural and educational ambassadors for Ireland.

Types of Eligible Programmes

The scholarship supports international students pursuing:

1. Taught Master’s Degrees

Programmes that involve structured coursework and examinations, typically 1–2 years in duration.

2. Research-Led PhD Programmes

Doctoral research awards that focus on independent research and scholarship, often spanning multiple years.

Students in a wide range of academic fields — including science, engineering, humanities, business, arts, and social sciences — may be eligible, subject to institution approval.

Application Process and Timeline

The GOI-IES Scholarship application process generally follows this schedule:

• Application opens: Autumn/Winter of the year prior to study
• Submission deadline: Typically in late November or early December
• Award decisions: Published in early the following year
• Programme start: September of the academic year

Candidates must submit all required documents — including academic transcripts, personal statements, and references — before the deadline. Applications are usually made through the host institution in Ireland.

Documents Required

Typical application requirements include:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement outlining academic goals and motivation
• Two letters of recommendation
• Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• Proof of offer/acceptance to an Irish institution (if available)

Early preparation and careful documentation help ensure a competitive application.

Why the GOI-IES Scholarship Matters

The GOI-IES Scholarship offers several important advantages:

Global Academic Experience

Study in Ireland — a country known for high-quality education and vibrant research communities.

Fully Funded Support

With tuition and living support, financial barriers are greatly reduced for international students.

Cultural & Professional Opportunities

Gain exposure to a multicultural environment and build networks across academia and industry.

Career Advancement

Graduates from Irish institutions with scholarship experience often pursue successful international careers or further study.

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 represents a remarkable opportunity for international students seeking world-class postgraduate education with strong financial support. Whether you are pursuing a taught master’s or research-based PhD, this fully funded scholarship helps elevate your academic journey while immersing you in the rich cultural and educational landscape of Ireland.