Government of Ireland Scholarships for International Students 2025/26

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme | Fully Funded

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme programme is an esteemed initiative designed to attract highly talented international students who wish to pursue their postgraduate studies in Ireland. This scholarship program supports students enrolling in NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) Level 9 (master’s, postgraduate diploma) or Level 10 (PhD) programs at accredited higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ireland.

Funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the GOI-IES program awards 60 scholarships annually. These awards enable scholars to undertake a one-year full-time program in Ireland while benefiting from financial support and academic excellence at world-class institutions.

Scholarship Benefits

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship provides significant financial and academic benefits to awardees. The key inclusions are:

A full tuition fee waiver for the year of study, granted by the host institution.
The opportunity to experience Ireland's rich academic environment and cultural diversity.
Access to networking opportunities with scholars, academics, and professionals within Ireland’s higher education sector.
Recognition as a Government of Ireland Scholar, enhancing career prospects.

Successful candidates must commence their studies in January or February 2025 at their chosen higher education institution in Ireland.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Non-EU/EEA Applicants: Candidates must have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Application to an Eligible Institution: Candidates must first apply for admission to a relevant master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program at an eligible Irish HEI, following the institution's admission procedures.
Conditional or Final Admission Offer: Candidates must hold a conditional or final offer of admission from an Irish HEI at the time of applying for the GOI-IES.
Previous GOI-IES Awardees: Applicants who have previously been awarded a GOI-IES scholarship are not eligible to apply again.
Exclusions Based on Geopolitical Considerations: Due to the ongoing geopolitical situation, nationals of Russia and Belarus are not eligible to apply.

Application Process

Prospective candidates must carefully review the call documentation to confirm their eligibility before proceeding with the application. The application process involves the following steps:

Online Application Submission: Candidates must submit their applications via the designated online portal.
Upload of References: Applicants are required to upload two reference letters through the online application system.
Timely Submission: It is highly recommended to submit applications well before the deadline to avoid technical difficulties due to high server traffic on the closing day.
Final Submission: Once the application is submitted, no modifications can be made.

Assessment and Selection Process

The selection process for the GOI-IES is highly competitive, with candidates assessed based on their academic merit and potential contributions. Applicants must demonstrate:

Outstanding Academic Achievement: A strong academic record, supported by transcripts and relevant academic qualifications.
Excellent Communication Skills: The ability to articulate ideas effectively in written and spoken form.
Extracurricular Involvement: Active participation in humanitarian efforts, politics, arts, sports, or other extracurricular engagements.
Clear Study Rationale: A well-defined motivation for choosing to study in Ireland and how the scholarship aligns with long-term academic and professional aspirations.

Applications will be reviewed by the relevant higher education institutions to verify eligibility and alignment with institutional objectives. Shortlisted candidates will then be evaluated by an independent panel of assessors.

The full details of the assessment process are outlined in the 2025 Call Document, which can be accessed on the official website.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Application Deadline: 5 PM (Irish time) October 23, 2025

Further Information and Contact Details

Comprehensive details regarding the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2025, including guidelines, FAQs, selection criteria, and application support documents, are available in the 2025 Call Document, which can be downloaded from the official webpage.

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity for highly talented international students to advance their academic careers in Ireland. This prestigious scholarship provides financial support, a full tuition waiver, and access to Ireland’s top-tier educational institutions.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully prepare their applications, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria and submit required documentation before the deadline. With the chance to study in a globally recognized academic environment, successful candidates will not only receive a world-class education but also enrich their professional and personal growth.

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For further details and to submit your application, please visit the official scholarship webpage.

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Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Fully funded postgraduate scholarships in Ireland

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme | Fully Funded