The Irish Government Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded postgraduate opportunity that allows international students to study in Ireland with major financial support. The scholarship offers a €10,000 annual stipend, full tuition fee coverage, student visa support, and post-study work opportunities in Europe.
If you are planning to study in Ireland with no application fees and no tuition costs, this is one of the most competitive and respected government scholarships available.
Introduction
The Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) 2026 is designed for high-achieving international students who want to pursue postgraduate education in Ireland. It supports students at Master’s and PhD levels, helping them gain world-class education while building strong academic and professional networks in Europe.
Each year, a limited number of scholars are selected, making this program highly competitive and prestigious.
Scholarship Overview
The GOI-IES programme is funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in partnership with Irish universities and higher education institutions.
The scholarship aims to position Ireland as a global education hub while attracting talented students who can contribute academically and professionally during and after their studies.
Host Country
Ireland
Study Level
Applicants can apply for:
- Master’s Degree
- PhD (Doctoral Degree)
(Programs correspond to Levels 9 and 10 of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.)
Scholarship Duration
- 1 academic year
- Renewable depending on academic progress and program structure
Benefits (Fully Funded)
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- €10,000 stipend per year to cover living expenses
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Registration fee coverage
- Student visa support
- Post-study work opportunities under Irish immigration rules
- Access to Ireland’s international academic and professional networks
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants from all countries worldwide
Applicants must normally be resident outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the UK at the time of application.
Participating Universities
The scholarship is valid at many recognized Irish institutions, including:
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- University College Cork
- Dublin City University
- University of Limerick
- Technological University Dublin
- Atlantic Technological University
- Shannon University of Technology
- Dublin Business School
- American College Dublin
- And many other approved institutions
Available Fields of Study
All academic disciplines are eligible
This includes (but is not limited to):
- Science and Technology
- Engineering
- Business and Economics
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Health and Life Sciences
- Education and Innovation
Field availability depends on the chosen university and program.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Irish Government Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must have an offer (conditional or final) from an eligible Irish institution
- Final-year undergraduate students may apply
- Master’s students who have completed at least one year may apply
- PhD students who have completed one year of a multi-year program may apply
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance
- Show strong leadership, communication, and innovation skills
- Demonstrate commitment to extracurricular and community activities
- Provide clear reasons for choosing Ireland as a study destination
Required Documents
Applicants are advised to prepare the following documents:
- Personal biography
- Offer letter from an Irish university
- Motivation letter / statement of purpose
- Professional letter of recommendation
- Language proficiency certificate (if required by the institution)
All documents must be uploaded through the official application portal.
Apply Also:
- Amiri Grant 2026 in Qatar | Fully Funded Bachelor’s Scholarship
- Volunteer Opportunity in Austria 2026 | Fully Funded (Schengen Visa + Monthly Allowance)
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Apply to an Irish University
Submit an application and obtain an offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
Apply for the Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarship through the official scholarship portal before the deadline.
Applications without a university offer will not be considered.
Application Deadline
12 March 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Results Announcement
June 2026
Official Application Link
Apply through the official Government of Ireland scholarship announcement and portal
Apply Now
Official Website
Final Tips for Applicants
- Secure your university offer early
- Write a strong motivation letter with clear study goals
- Highlight leadership, innovation, and extracurricular involvement
- Apply early due to high competition
- Double-check all uploaded documents before submission
