Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026: The Ultimate Guide

The Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026 (GOI-IES) is a prestigious, fully funded program aimed at attracting exceptional non-EU/EEA students—including students from all over the world—to undertake a full-time master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD at Irish higher education institutions. Each year, 60 scholarships are awarded, reflecting Ireland’s commitment to international education excellence .

Basic Information and Application Deadline

Scholarship Level: Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ Level 9), and PhD (Level 10)
Duration: One academic year
Scholarship Opens: Late August 2025
Application Deadline: 5 March 2026, 5:00 PM (Irish time)
Results Announcement: Early June 2026
Scholarship Start Date: September 2026

Universities and Institutions

Eligible applicants can study at any of the following top-ranked Irish universities and institutes :

University College Dublin
University of Galway
Trinity College Dublin
University College Cork
University of Limerick
Maynooth University
Dublin City University
Technological University Dublin
Atlantic Technological University
Munster Technological University
South East Technological University
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
And several specialist institutions across Ireland

Study Areas and Programs

The GOI-IES covers all academic disciplines offered by host institutions, subject to their availability. You can apply for:

Business and Management
Engineering and IT
Natural and Social Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Medicine and Healthcare
Law, Education, Human Rights, Agriculture, and more

Scholarship Benefits

What’s Included:

€10,000 stipend for living expenses for one academic year (approx. $10,600 USD)
100% tuition fee waiver for one academic year (covers all program fees)
Research costs covered in some programs (for PhD/research master’s)
Opportunities to study at highly ranked Irish universities with world-class facilities and global networking potential

Exclusions (What’s Not Included)

Visa application and immigration costs
International and domestic travel expenses (flights, airport transport)
Additional living costs beyond the €10,000 stipend
Personal study materials, books, and supplies
Medical insurance (often required separately)
Funding is for one year only—for longer programs, only one year is covered

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

Hold non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK citizenship and residency
Have a conditional or final offer to study full-time at an eligible Irish institution (for a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD)
Not have previously received the GOI-IES award
Meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen program
Demonstrate strong academic performance, communication skills, extracurricular achievement, and motivation for studying in Ireland
Meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), if applicable
Russian and Belarussian nationals are not eligible

Required Documents for Application

Completed online application form
Academic transcripts and certificates
Statement of Purpose (motivation and academic plan)
Offer letter (conditional or final) from Irish university
Two letters of recommendation/reference
Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
CV/Resume
Copy of passport (valid for entire study period)
Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Medical certificate (sometimes requested)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Research Programs: Explore Irish universities and eligible study programs.
Apply for Admission: Apply and secure a conditional or final offer of admission to your preferred Irish institution/program.
Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, including academic records, references, SOP, and proof of English proficiency.
Online Scholarship Application: Complete the official GOI-IES scholarship application through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) portal before the deadline.
Upload Documents: Attach all supporting documents in the correct format.
Submit Application: Review your application carefully and submit before 5 March 2026 (Irish time).
Interview/Assessment: Some candidates may be shortlisted for an interview.
Notification: Await outcomes in early June. Successful candidates proceed to Irish visa application and preparations for travel .

Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Begin research and prepare documents well in advance.
Be Original: Write genuine personal statements—avoid generic templates.
Maintain Consistency: Ensure all application details are accurate and consistent.
Apply to Multiple Universities: Increases admission and funding chances.
Proofread: Check essays and forms for errors. Seek feedback from mentors.
Highlight Unique Achievements: Show both academic and extracurricular excellence in your essays and CV .
Select Strong Referees: Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide insightful references.
Meet All Deadlines: Submit applications and recommendation letters on time.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)

Expense	Amount (EUR)	Equivalent (USD, Aug 2025)
Accommodation	€500–€900	$530–$955
Food and Groceries	€150–€300	$160–$320
Utilities	€80–€100	$85–$105
Transportation	€50–€120	$53–$128
Miscellaneous	€100–€250	$106–$265
Total/Month	€880–€1,670	$935–$1,773

Annual living costs typically range from $11,200 to $21,200, depending on city and lifestyle. Dublin is the most expensive city in Ireland .

Why Choose the Government of Ireland Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)

Prestigious, Highly Selective Award: Marks you as a top international scholar.
Full Tuition Coverage: Relieves major financial burden.
Substantial Living Allowance: €10,000 goes a long way in Ireland .
Access to World-Class Universities: Institutions like Trinity College, UCD, and Galway are globally ranked .
Expand Global Network: Join an elite group of international scholars and like-minded peers.
Boost Career Prospects: Irish qualifications are renowned in business, tech, medicine, and beyond.
Discover Irish Culture and Innovation: Experience the vibrant Irish way of life and a progressive academic environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I apply for the scholarship?
A: First secure an admission offer from an eligible Irish university, then apply for GOI-IES through the HEA online portal before the deadline (5 March 2026).

Q: Can I apply for more than one program/institution?
A: Yes. If you have multiple admission offers, rank your preferences in your application.

Q: Is the scholarship renewable?
A: No. The GOI-IES provides funding for one academic year only .

Q: What costs do I still need to pay?
A: Students are responsible for visa, health insurance, travel, and any living expenses above the €10,000 stipend .

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Q: What is considered strong eligibility?
A: Academic excellence, clear motivation for study in Ireland, leadership qualities, and strong references .

Q: Can current students in Ireland apply?
A: Existing international students in eligible programs may apply if they have not received GOI-IES before, and meet all requirements.

Q: What if my documents are not in English?
A: Attach certified English translations of all academic documents and references .

Q: Who can I contact for help?
A: Contact the Higher Education Authority (HEA) at goi-ies@hea.ie or your chosen Irish institution for specific guidance.

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll maximize your chances to win the Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026—and embark on a transformative academic journey in Ireland!