Ireland offers a wide range of scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes. Funding may be provided by the Irish Government, universities, academic departments, research organisations or external sponsors.
Some scholarships cover the full tuition fee, while others provide a partial fee reduction, annual stipend or contribution towards research expenses. However, awards are competitive, and students must usually demonstrate strong academic performance, clear career goals and the ability to contribute to the university community.
Government scholarships are generally intended to attract academically strong students from different parts of the world. These awards can be highly competitive and may consider academic ability, communication skills, leadership potential and the applicant’s long-term goals.
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is one of the most recognised options for non-EU students.
Many Irish universities provide merit-based scholarships to applicants with excellent academic records. These awards normally reduce tuition fees and may be available for selected undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.
Some universities automatically assess eligible applicants when reviewing their admission applications. Others require students to complete a separate scholarship form.
Individual faculties may provide scholarships for students entering areas such as:
Eligibility, scholarship value and application procedures can vary considerably between faculties.
Research scholarships may include a tuition fee contribution, annual stipend and funding for eligible research costs. These opportunities are commonly linked to a particular research project, department or academic supervisor.
Applicants may need to submit a research proposal and demonstrate that their qualifications and research interests match the available project.
Certain Irish institutions provide scholarships for students from particular countries or regions. These awards may be created to support international diversity or strengthen educational relationships with specific markets.
Country-specific opportunities can change from one intake to another.
Students with a strong record in sport, music, performance or other recognised activities may qualify for talent-based support. These awards may include financial assistance, specialist coaching, academic flexibility or access to training facilities.
Applicants will normally need to provide evidence of achievement at a recognised competitive level.
| Scholarship or institution | Study level | Indicative support | Important point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship | Postgraduate diploma, master’s or PhD at NFQ Levels 9 or 10 | €10,000 stipend and full fee waiver for one year | Applicants must normally hold an offer from an eligible Irish institution |
| UCD Global Excellence Scholarship | Eligible undergraduate and taught graduate programmes | Limited 50% and 100% tuition fee scholarships | Separate application and regional deadlines may apply |
| Trinity Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship | Eligible taught postgraduate programmes | Commonly €2,000 to €5,000 towards tuition fees | Applicants must hold an offer for an eligible full-time programme |
| DCU International Scholarships | Selected undergraduate and postgraduate programmes | Partial tuition fee reductions | Some awards are granted through automatic consideration |
| University of Galway Global Scholarships | Selected undergraduate and postgraduate programmes | Merit awards and programme-specific fee reductions | Values and eligible courses vary by college or school |
| University College Cork Scholarships | Selected undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes | Merit-based fee support varies | Applicants should check the relevant college or programme |
| University of Limerick International Scholarships | Selected undergraduate and postgraduate programmes | Partial merit-based tuition fee reductions | Many students are considered during the admission assessment |
| Maynooth University International Scholarships | Selected undergraduate and postgraduate programmes | Partial tuition fee awards | Some opportunities require a separate application |
| RCSI International Scholarships | Selected medicine, pharmacy and health science programmes | Partial or substantial financial support | Course-specific eligibility and selection conditions apply |
| University-funded PhD scholarships | Doctoral research | May include fees, an annual stipend and research expenses | Often connected to a specific project or supervisor |
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, commonly known as GOI-IES, supports high-calibre international students undertaking postgraduate study in Ireland.
The scholarship is available for eligible programmes at NFQ Level 9 or 10, including master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas and PhD programmes. An institution may apply its own restrictions to eligible courses.
University College Dublin provides several funding opportunities for international students. Its Global Excellence Scholarships offer a limited number of 50% and 100% tuition fee awards for eligible undergraduate and graduate taught programmes.
Applicants usually need an offer or conditional offer before completing the scholarship application. Deadlines may differ according to the applicant’s country, region and study level.
Trinity College Dublin offers scholarships for international undergraduate, postgraduate and research students.
Its Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships generally provide a one-time tuition fee reduction of between €2,000 and €5,000 for eligible full-time taught postgraduate programmes. Selection is based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential contribution to the Trinity community.
Dublin City University offers partial merit scholarships and faculty-specific awards for selected non-EU applicants.
Some scholarships are considered automatically during the admission process. Others may be limited to particular programmes within engineering, computing, business, humanities, science or health. Award values therefore depend on the course and academic year.
The University of Galway provides Global Scholarships and college-level awards for high-achieving non-EU students.
Opportunities may be available in business, law, science, engineering, computing, health and other disciplines. Some awards provide standard fee reductions, while selected excellence scholarships offer higher levels of support.
University College Cork offers academic merit scholarships through its colleges, schools and research departments.
The availability and value of funding depend on the applicant’s programme, study level and academic profile. Students applying for taught master’s programmes normally need an accepted admission offer before they can receive a scholarship.
The University of Limerick provides partial merit-based scholarships for eligible non-EU undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
For several programmes, applicants are automatically reviewed for available scholarships when their admission application is assessed. Successful students generally receive scholarship information with their course offer.
Maynooth University offers international, faculty-specific and programme-based scholarships.
Some awards require a separate application, while others have course-specific eligibility conditions. Students should check whether an admission offer, personal statement, academic references or additional supporting documents are required.
Begin by choosing a programme that matches your academic background, interests and long-term career plans. A scholarship application is more convincing when there is a clear connection between previous study, the proposed course and future goals.
Many major scholarships require applicants to hold a conditional or unconditional offer. Students should therefore complete their university application well before the scholarship deadline.
Choose referees who understand the applicant’s academic ability, professional performance or research potential. Provide them with enough time and clear information about the scholarship.
Do not wait until the final day. Online portals can become busy, documents may require correction, and referees may need additional time.
Universities may request clarification, missing documents or an interview. Applicants should check their email and online application account regularly.
Our Ireland study consultants help students find suitable scholarship opportunities based on their academic profile, preferred course and financial needs. We provide personalised support with university selection, eligibility checks, applications, scholarship statements and supporting documents.
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