The Irish government has announced the availability of fully funded scholarships for the 2026 academic year, offering international students a chance to pursue their studies in Ireland. These scholarships are designed to support high-calibre individuals seeking to undertake Masters or PhD programs at Irish universities.

Scholarship Details

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) program aims to attract top-tier international students to study full-time in Ireland. For the 2026/2027 academic year, approximately 60 scholarships will be awarded under the GOI-IES program. These scholarships are for one year of full-time, in-person study at NFQ levels 9 or 10, which includes Master's Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, or PhDs. The scholarships are available across all disciplines, depending on the availability of places.

The Government of Ireland Scholarship provides recipients with substantial financial support. This includes a stipend of €22,000 to €25,000 per year, a contribution to tuition fees (including non-EU fees) up to €5,750 per year, and eligible direct research expenses of €3,250 per year. Some scholarships may amount to €10,000 for one year of study, intended as a contribution towards student costs and living expenses. Furthermore, the host higher education institution (HEI) will provide a full fee waiver for the scholarship year, covering tuition and registration charges.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Government of Ireland Scholarship, applicants must meet certain criteria:

• Applicants must be international students from non-EU/EEA countries.
• They must have a first-class or upper second-class honors bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
• Applicants for a PhD degree scholarship must not currently hold or have previously held any Council Postgraduate Scholarship other than those enabling them to obtain a research master's degree.
• Applicants must be new entrants to the degree program for which they are to receive funding and have been formally accepted by the relevant department or school.
• Successful scholars are expected to commence their studies in September/October 2026.

How to Apply

International students interested in applying for the Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026 should apply through the official scholarship portal. The application process typically involves submitting an online application along with supporting documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Applicants must meet the entry requirements of their chosen Irish institution, including demonstrating English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

The deadline for applications is December 28, 2025.

This scholarship program represents a significant investment in global education and provides a valuable opportunity for international students to pursue their academic aspirations in Ireland. The GOI-IES program is linked to various national strategies, including the International Education Strategy 2010–2015, Irish Educated, Globally Connected (2016-2020), Global Citizens 2030, Ireland's National Skills Strategy 2025, and Global Ireland: Ireland's Global Footprint to 2025. By supporting high-calibre international students, the Irish government aims to foster global relationships and enhance Ireland's reputation as a hub for education and innovation.