Study in Ireland for Free: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded) 

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Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) 2026

Summary

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded, one-year scholarship for outstanding international students to study Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or PhD programmes in Ireland. It covers a €10,000 living stipend and provides a full tuition fee waiver from the host Irish university. Applicants must be from outside the EU/EEA, UK, and Switzerland, have an offer of admission from an eligible Irish institution, and demonstrate strong academics, leadership, and clear career goals. Only 60 students are selected each year.

Host/University/Organization:

• Government of Ireland
• Managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA)
• In partnership with eligible Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

Level of Study:

• Master’s Degree (NFQ Level 9)

• Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ Level 9)

• PhD (NFQ Level 10)

Value / Benefits:

• €10,000 stipend for one year

• 100% tuition fee waiver for the scholarship year (covered by the host institution)

• Covers one full academic year of full-time study

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must:

• Be domiciled outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK

• Apply for an eligible programme at an approved Irish HEI

• Hold a conditional or final offer of admission at the time of scholarship application

• Demonstrate strong academic performance

• Have excellent communication skills

• Show participation in extracurricular activities (e.g. leadership, volunteering, sports, arts, humanitarian work)

• Clearly explain how studying in Ireland aligns with long-term career goals

Not Eligible:

• Previous GOI-IES award holders

• Russian and Belarusian nationals

Application Deadline:

12 March 2026 – 5:00 PM (Irish time)

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to an eligible Irish higher education institution

2. Secure a conditional or final offer letter

3. Apply online via the 2026 GOI-IES application portal

4. Upload:

   • Proof of admission

   • Two references

5. Submit only one application (multiple submissions are not allowed)

Assessment Criteria:

Applications are assessed based on:

• Academic excellence

• Communication and leadership potential

• Extracurricular involvement

• Strong motivation and study rationale

• Alignment with Irish institutional and national priorities

Shortlisted applications are reviewed by the host institutions and then evaluated by an independent assessment panel.

Key Dates:

• Application deadline: 12 March 2026

• Scholarship results announced: Early June 2026

Additional Notes / Requirements:

• Only 60 scholarships are awarded each year

• Scholarship is valid for one year only

• Early application is strongly advised to avoid portal congestion

• Eligible HEIs are listed in Appendix 1 of the official 2026 GOI-IES call document

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Study in Ireland for Free: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

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