Scholarships to Study in Ireland for International Students
An overview of scholarships for international students in Ireland — the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships and university-run awards — with secular eligibility and where to verify the official details.
Last updated
Key facts
- Flagship scheme
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
- Funded by
- Government of Ireland with HEIs; managed by the HEA
- Study level
- Postgraduate (NFQ 9/10 — master's or PhD)
- Aimed at
- Students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, UK
- Verify at
- hea.ie and each university's scholarships page
How funding works for study in Ireland
Scholarships for international students in Ireland come from two main directions. There is a national, government-backed scheme aimed at high-calibre international students, and there are scholarships and bursaries that individual Irish universities and institutions run for their own applicants.
Most named scholarships are at postgraduate level, while undergraduate support tends to come directly from individual institutions. Knowing which type an award is tells you where and how to apply.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) are the flagship national scheme. They are funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
The scheme supports a year of postgraduate study (master's or PhD level, at NFQ levels 9 or 10) at participating Irish institutions and is aimed at international students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK. The exact eligibility, number of awards, value, and deadline are set each cycle and published on the official HEA page — confirm them there.
University and institutional scholarships
Beyond the national scheme, Irish universities and colleges run their own scholarships and fee reductions for international students. These can be merit-based, country-specific, or subject-specific, and they vary considerably between institutions.
The most reliable place to find them is each university's official international or scholarships page. Read the current eligibility, value, and deadlines there, since they change each year and differ from one institution to another.
Eligibility is secular and official
As with UK awards, legitimate Irish scholarships set out clear, secular eligibility — typically based on academic merit, your chosen course, your country of origin or residence, and sometimes financial need. Read each programme's official eligibility page, because criteria differ between awards and are updated each cycle.
For general information on studying in Ireland as an international student, the official Education in Ireland resource is a useful starting point, but always confirm scholarship specifics on the relevant official programme or university page.
Apply safely — no guarantees
Genuine Irish scholarships are applied for through official government or university channels and are free to apply for, and no service can guarantee you an award. Be cautious of anyone charging a fee for a "guaranteed" scholarship or place.
This guide is a general overview. It does not state amounts or deadlines, because those change each cycle — verify all current details on the official HEA, Education in Ireland, or relevant university website before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main scholarship to study in Ireland?
The flagship national scheme is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES), funded by the Government of Ireland with Irish higher education institutions and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). It supports postgraduate study at participating institutions.
Who is eligible for the Government of Ireland scholarships?
They are aimed at high-calibre international students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK, for postgraduate study at NFQ levels 9 or 10. Confirm the exact current eligibility on the official HEA page.
Are there university scholarships in Ireland too?
Yes. Most Irish universities and colleges run their own scholarships and fee reductions for international students. Check each institution's official international or scholarships page for current eligibility and deadlines.
How do I avoid scholarship scams in Ireland?
Apply only through official government or university channels, which are free to apply for, and verify every detail there. Never pay a third party for a "guaranteed" scholarship or place — no service can guarantee an award.
Official sources
This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.
Verified against: Higher Education Authority — Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships; Education in Ireland — official information for international students.
Last verified: 14 June 2026.
Related / Next steps
Explore studying in United Kingdom & Ireland →Still have questions?
Ask GSB AI for guidance tailored to your situation.
Ask GSB AI →🔗 Quick links — popular topics