The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship programme that supports outstanding international students to pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland. The scholarship is funded by the Government of Ireland and administered by the Higher Education Authority in partnership with eligible Irish higher education institutions.
This initiative aims to attract high-achieving students from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) to undertake one year of full-time study at Master’s or PhD level in Ireland.
The GOI-IES scholarship provides an opportunity for academically excellent students to study at internationally recognized Irish universities and institutes of technology. Scholars benefit from Ireland’s strong academic reputation, vibrant research environment, and welcoming multicultural society.
The award supports one year of full-time postgraduate study and encourages scholars to contribute to academic excellence, cross-cultural exchange, and global collaboration.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
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A full tuition fee waiver from the host institution
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A €10,000 stipend for living expenses for one academic year
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Recognition as a Government of Ireland Scholar
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Access to academic, research, and professional networks across Ireland
This financial support allows scholars to focus fully on their academic and professional development.
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship supports a wide range of disciplines across:
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Science and Technology
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Engineering
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Humanities and Social Sciences
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Business and Economics
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Health Sciences
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Creative Arts and Innovation
Applicants must apply to a recognized Irish higher education institution offering eligible postgraduate programmes.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
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Be a non-EU/EEA national
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Have a conditional or final offer of admission to an eligible Irish postgraduate programme
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Meet all academic and English language requirements set by the host institution
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Demonstrate strong academic achievement and leadership potential
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Present a clear and compelling study plan aligned with long-term career goals
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
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Academic excellence and previous achievements
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Quality of personal statement and communication skills
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Relevance of the proposed programme to future career plans
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Potential contribution to academic and societal impact
The selection process is highly competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year.
Why Study in Ireland?
Ireland is known for:
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World-class universities and research institutions
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A strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
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A safe, welcoming, and English-speaking environment
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Global connections in technology, business, and research
Students studying in Ireland gain international exposure and opportunities to build professional networks across Europe and beyond.
Application Deadline
12 March 2026
Prospective applicants are encouraged to secure admission to an eligible Irish institution early and prepare strong supporting documents well in advance of the deadline.
https://hea.ie/policy/internationalisation/goi-ies/