Ireland Scholarships for International Students 2026

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland. Funded by the Government of Ireland and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), this programme supports high-achieving students enrolling in Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or PhD degrees at eligible Irish universities.

Each year, 60 scholarships are awarded to outstanding non-EU/EEA students for one year of full-time study. The scholarship covers a full tuition fee waiver along with a €10,000 stipend to help with living expenses, making it one of the most competitive government-funded scholarships in Europe. It is open to all academic disciplines, allowing students from diverse fields to apply.

If you are planning to study in Ireland in 2026, this scholarship offers both financial support and international recognition. With a clear application process and a defined deadline, early preparation is essential for candidates aiming to secure admission and strengthen their scholarship application.

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Table of Contents

Scholarship Overview

Host Country: Ireland
Degree Level: Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, PhD
NFQ Level: 9 or 10
Duration: 1 year (full-time)
Number of Awards: 60 scholarships

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Scholarship Benefits

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship offers financial support and academic prestige. Below are the key benefits:

Full tuition fee waiver (covered by the host Irish university)
€10,000 stipend for one academic year
Opportunity to study at leading universities in Ireland
Access to world-class research facilities
International exposure and networking opportunities
Government-backed recognition that strengthens your CV

Important Note:
The €10,000 stipend is a contribution toward living costs. Students must cover:

Visa and immigration expenses
Travel costs
Medical insurance
Additional accommodation and living expenses

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Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, applicants must ensure they meet the official eligibility requirements. The main criteria include:

Must be from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK
Must have a conditional or final offer letter from an eligible Irish Higher Education Institution
Must apply for a full-time programme at NFQ Level 9 (Master’s/Postgraduate Diploma) or Level 10 (PhD)
Previous GOI-IES scholarship holders are not eligible
Only one application per candidate is allowed
Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible in the 2026 cycle

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Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents before submitting their application:

Conditional or final admission offer letter from an Irish university
Academic transcripts and certificates
Personal statement (clearly explaining academic goals and career plans)
Two reference letters (submitted via the online portal)
Valid passport copy
Proof of English language proficiency (if required by the university)

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

Applying for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 requires completing both the university admission process and the scholarship application. Follow these simplified steps:

1: Select an Eligible Programme