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:
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Master’s Degree (NFQ Level 9)
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Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ Level 9)
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PhD (NFQ Level 10)
Value / Benefits:
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€10,000 stipend for one year
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100% tuition fee waiver for the scholarship year (covered by the host institution)
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Covers one full academic year of full-time study
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
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Be domiciled outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK
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Apply for an eligible programme at an approved Irish HEI
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Hold a conditional or final offer of admission at the time of scholarship application
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Demonstrate strong academic performance
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Have excellent communication skills
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Show participation in extracurricular activities (e.g. leadership, volunteering, sports, arts, humanitarian work)
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Clearly explain how studying in Ireland aligns with long-term career goals
Not Eligible:
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Previous GOI-IES award holders
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Russian and Belarusian nationals
Application Deadline:
12 March 2026 – 5:00 PM (Irish time)
How to Apply:
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Apply for admission to an eligible Irish higher education institution
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Secure a conditional or final offer letter
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Apply online via the 2026 GOI-IES application portal
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Upload:
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Proof of admission
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Two references
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Submit only one application (multiple submissions are not allowed)
Assessment Criteria:
Applications are assessed based on:
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Academic excellence
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Communication and leadership potential
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Extracurricular involvement
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Strong motivation and study rationale
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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:
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Application deadline: 12 March 2026
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Scholarship results announced: Early June 2026
Additional Notes / Requirements:
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Only 60 scholarships are awarded each year
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Scholarship is valid for one year only
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Early application is strongly advised to avoid portal congestion
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Eligible HEIs are listed in Appendix 1 of the official 2026 GOI-IES call document
For more information and application: