Ireland Government Scholarships

Ireland is a sought-after destination for international students, offering a range of government-backed scholarship programs to support talented individuals pursuing education in its world-class institutions. These scholarships cater to a variety of academic levels and disciplines, making Ireland an attractive option for students worldwide. Here’s an overview of the major scholarship programs provided by the Irish government:

1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)

This prestigious program, managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), is aimed at high-caliber students from non-EU/EEA countries. It provides one year of study opportunities at the undergraduate, master’s, or PhD level.

• Benefits: €10,000 stipend for one year, full tuition, and registration fee waivers.
• Eligibility: Outstanding academic and personal achievements, a clear rationale for studying in Ireland, and demonstrated leadership and social commitment.
• Application Timeline: Opens in November and closes in March.

2. Irish Research Council Postgraduate Scholarship Program

Focused on promoting high-quality research, this program supports international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in Ireland.

• Benefits: Annual stipend of €18,500, fee contribution up to €5,750/year, and a research expense allowance of €3,250/year.
• Eligibility: Open to students from any discipline with strong academic and research potential.
• Application Timeline: Opens in September/October.

3. Fulbright Ireland-USA Program

This program fosters cultural exchange by offering scholarships to U.S. citizens pursuing master’s, PhD studies, or research in Ireland.

• Benefits: Variable stipends depending on the program/field, along with networking opportunities and program support.
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens with strong academic records and proposals aligned with Fulbright’s mission.
• Application Timeline: Opens in April and closes in October.

4. Erasmus+ Program

Designed to facilitate exchange programs within the EU and associated countries, Erasmus+ supports international students enrolled at Irish universities.

• Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and additional travel grants.
• Eligibility: Open to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students enrolled in partner institutions.
• Application Timeline: Varies by country and institution.

5. Irish Aid Fellowship Training Program

This program aligns with Ireland’s foreign policy priorities, supporting students from eligible developing countries pursuing master’s degrees in areas like sustainable development, climate change, and public health.

• Benefits: Covers tuition, travel, accommodation, and a living allowance.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be from eligible developing countries and apply through Irish embassies.
• Application Timeline: Varies; applications are managed through Irish embassies.

6. IDEAS Scholarship Program

Targeted at Vietnamese professionals, the IDEAS Scholarship Program builds capacity in postgraduate fields.

• Benefits: Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.
• Eligibility: Open to Vietnamese professionals in eligible fields.
• Application Timeline: Varies.

7. GREAT Scholarships

A collaborative initiative with the British Council and Irish universities, the GREAT Scholarships program supports international students in select fields.

• Benefits: Scholarship amounts vary depending on the partnered universities and programs.
• Eligibility: Open to students applying for specific fields and institutions.
• Application Timeline: Varies.

With these scholarship opportunities, Ireland continues to strengthen its position as a hub for international education. Students aspiring to study in Ireland can explore these programs to fulfill their academic goals and gain invaluable global exposure.