The IRISH Government Scholarship (GOI-IES) 2025 supports high-achieving students from non-EEA countries, including Switzerland, to pursue master’s or Ph.D. studies in Ireland. The program is funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and managed by the Higher Education Authority. Under the initiative, 60 scholarships are awarded each year for one year of full-time study at NFQ levels 9 or 10. The IRISH Government Scholarship (GOI-IES) 2025 is Awarded for Master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD
The IRISH Government Scholarship (GOI-IES) 2025 consists of a stipend amounting to €10,000 for one year of full-time study. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship covers one year of study in eligible programs, providing full tuition waivers and financial support. Successful scholars are expected to begin their studies in September or October 2025.
Applications for 2024 close on 05 March 2025
Participating Institutions at the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
Leading Irish universities and institutions, such as, offer the scholarship.
- American College Dublin
- CCT College Dublin
- Dublin City University
- Dublin Business School
- Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
- Dundalk Institute of Technology
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
- Galway Business School
- Griffith College , Dublin
- ICD Business School , Dublin
- Institute of Technology, Sligo
- Independent College , Dublin
- Institute of Technology, Carlow
- Letterkenny Institute of Technology
- Munster Technological University
- Mary Immaculate College , Limerick
- Maynooth University
- National University of Ireland, Galway
- National College of Art and Design , Dublin
- National College of Ireland , Dublin
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin
- Technological University Dublin
- Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
- University of Limerick
- University College Cork
- University College Dublin
- Waterford Institute of Technology
For a complete list of eligible institutions, please refer to the official scholarship site
Study Areas
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) supports various fields of study at eligible universities. These include but are not limited to:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
- Business, Economics, and Law
- Medicine, Health Sciences, and Public Health
Students can choose from a range of taught and research-based master’s or PhD programs
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver (including registration charges) for one year.
- Consists of a stipend amounting to €10,000 for one year of full-time study at NFQ levels 9 or 10
Not Included
- Travel expenses to and from Ireland.
- The policy does not explicitly include health insurance coverage.
Scholarship Eligibility
To qualify for the GOI-IES, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Nationality: Must have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
- Academic Merit: Demonstrated excellence in previous academic performance.
- Admission Requirement: Candidates must first apply for admission to a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program at an eligible institution following its admission procedures.
- Offer of Admission: Applicants must have a conditional or final offer of admission when applying for the scholarship and provide proof of this.
- one year of a taught master’s degree program
- A postgraduate diploma at NFQ level 9
- one year of a research program
- Ineligibility:
- Former GOI-IES scholarship holders cannot apply.
- Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Required Documents
You need the following documents to complete the application:
- Admission Offer Letter: From an eligible Irish institution (can be conditional or final).
- Personal Statement: Outlines academic achievements, professional goals, and reasons for studying in Ireland.
- Two Recommendation Letters: Submitted via the online application portal.
- Proof of Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrating active involvement beyond academic achievements (if applicable)
Selection process
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- a record of outstanding academic achievement;
- excellent communication skills;
- participation in extracurricular activities, for example humanitarian work, politics, arts or sport;
- a strong rationale for pursuing their study in Ireland that indicates how a Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship would align with their longer-term goals.
Application Process of Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
- Applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements in the call documentation before applying.
- Apply for Admission: Apply to the desired Irish university available through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) website.
- Prepare the Required Documents
- Submit applications through the online portal and upload two references directly.
- The selection committee will notify successful candidates via email after completing evaluations.
- Submit applications well before the deadline to prevent technical issues.
- You cannot submit or edit applications after the deadline.
Tips for Successful Application
- Highlight your academic and personal achievements.
- Clearly explain your motivation for studying in Ireland and your long-term goals.
- Engage in community or extracurricular activities to strengthen your application.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Ireland
The monthly living expenses for international students in Ireland vary depending on their lifestyle and location. Here is a breakdown of the essential costs students can expect:
- Accommodation:
- On-campus housing typically costs between €1,000 and €1,500 per month.
- Off-campus shared apartments range from €700 to €1,424 per month, depending on location and amenities. Renting early can help secure better deals.
- Food:
- Grocery expenses average around €200 to €300 per month. Cooking at home is more economical than eating out regularly.
- Transportation:
- A student Leap card helps cut transportation costs, with public transport ranging from €50 to €70 monthly. For short commutes, walking or cycling is a viable option.
- Utilities and Internet:
- Internet and mobile phone plans cost approximately €60 to €80 monthly. Some accommodation options may include utilities, but otherwise, students should budget around €50 to €100 per month for electricity, water, and gas.
- Books and Personal Care:
- Academic supplies like books and photocopying cost about €100 to €150 monthly.
- Personal care, including toiletries and clothing, may require a budget of €150 to €250 per month.
- Miscellaneous and Healthcare:
- A buffer of €100 to €150 per month is advisable for unforeseen expenses such as medical needs.
- Health insurance, required for visa renewal, costs between €160 and €670 annually. An Irish Residence Permit also costs €300 yearly.
Living costs are generally higher in Dublin than in other parts of Ireland. However, students can reduce expenses through careful planning, such as choosing shared housing or cooking meals at home.
FAQs
- Can I apply for multiple programs? Yes, you can submit up to three applications, provided you have offers from different institutions.
- Is the scholarship renewable? No, it covers only one academic year.
- What criteria are used for selection? Academic qualifications, personal statement, and references are key factors.
- Can I work part-time during my studies? Yes, students are allowed part-time work, subject to visa regulations.
- What happens if I defer my admission? The scholarship cannot be deferred to the next academic year