Fully Funded Scholarship in Ireland for International Students

For ambitious international students, Ireland offers a wealth of opportunities to pursue higher education without the financial burden. The country is home to a number of prestigious, fully funded scholarship programs that cover more than just tuition. These scholarships, provided by the Irish government, universities, and other private organizations, are designed to attract top global talent across various fields. They typically cover full tuition fees, provide a generous annual stipend for living expenses, and may include additional allowances for research or travel. This blog will serve as your comprehensive guide to navigating these incredible opportunities, providing a detailed look at the programs offered, their specific coverage and benefits, and how you can apply to make your dream of studying in Ireland a reality.

Types of Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland

Fully funded scholarships in Ireland for international students are primarily offered through three main sources: the Irish government, individual universities, and various external organizations. These scholarships are highly competitive and are usually awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic and research potential.

Government-Funded Scholarships

The Irish government, through its various agencies, provides some of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships. The most notable is the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, which supports research-focused students at the master’s and doctoral levels. This scholarship is highly sought after and covers a wide range of disciplines. It provides a generous stipend for living expenses, a full tuition fee waiver (including non-EU fees), and a yearly allowance for research expenses. Another important government scholarship is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), which is specifically for international students from non-EU/non-EEA countries. It offers a one-year scholarship that includes a full tuition fee waiver and a stipend.

University-Specific Scholarships

Most Irish universities, including top institutions like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the University of Galway, offer their own fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are often merit-based and are designed to attract high-achieving applicants. They may be named as “Global Excellence Scholarships” or “International Student Scholarships” and can provide a full or partial tuition fee waiver. Some university scholarships also include a stipend or a contribution towards living expenses. The eligibility criteria and application processes for these scholarships vary greatly by university and program.

External and Private Scholarships

A number of external organizations, foundations, and private companies also offer fully funded scholarships for students in Ireland. These are often targeted at specific fields of study or demographics. Examples include:

• The Fulbright Scholarship: A highly prestigious program for students from the US to study, teach, or conduct research in Ireland. It provides comprehensive financial coverage for academic programs.
• The Walsh Fellowships: These fellowships are managed by Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority in Ireland. They are aimed at postgraduate students undertaking research in areas like food science, agriculture, and the environment.
• The Naughton Scholarships: Funded by the Naughton Foundation, these scholarships support exceptional students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.

List of Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland

Here are some of the important fully funded scholarships in Ireland for international students, including their coverage and eligibility criteria.

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Eligibility
Irish Research Council Govt. of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme	Full Coverage: An annual stipend of EUR 25,000, a fee contribution of up to EUR 5,750 (with an additional EUR 4,000 for non-EU students), and a research allowance of EUR 3,250.	Academic Excellence: Must have a first-class or upper second-class honors bachelor’s degree. Nationality: Open to all nationalities. Study Level: New entrants or first-year students of a research master’s or PhD program.
Govt. of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)	Full Coverage: A EUR 10,000 stipend and a full tuition and registration fee waiver for one academic year.	Nationality: Open to non-EU/EEA, Swiss, and UK nationals. Academic Status: Must have a conditional or final offer of admission to a full-time master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program.
Walsh Fellowships	Full Coverage: An annual stipend of approximately EUR 25,000 and a contribution to university fees of up to EUR 6,000.	Academic Excellence: Strong primary degree or master’s degree in a relevant field. Field of Study: Focused on research in agriculture, food, and environmental science.
Trinity College Dublin – Entrance & Global Excellence Scholarships	Varies: The Trinity Research Doctorate Award is fully funded with a EUR 25,000 stipend and a full fee waiver. Other Global Excellence scholarships typically offer partial fee reductions (EUR 2,000-EUR 5,000).	Academic Excellence: Merit-based, requiring a strong academic record. Study Level: Varies by scholarship. The TCD Doctorate Award is for PhD students. Global Excellence scholarships are for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
University College Cork (UCC) – President’s & Excellence Scholarships	Varies: President’s Scholarships are often comprehensive for PhD students, covering fees and a stipend. Excellence Scholarships for taught master’s students may offer a fee reduction.	Academic Excellence: Merit-based, requiring a strong academic record. Study Level: Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Application: Eligibility and application processes are specific to each scholarship.
Fulbright Scholarships (Ireland)	Full Coverage: Comprehensive financial support, including a generous stipend, tuition fees, and a travel allowance.	Nationality: Primarily for U.S. citizens to study in Ireland, but there are also awards for Irish citizens to study in the U.S. Academic Excellence: Highly competitive, requiring a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a detailed project proposal.
DAAD Scholarships (Ireland)	Varies: Primarily for German students to study or research abroad, or for international students to study in Germany. Coverage varies depending on the specific program.	Nationality: Primarily for German citizens. Some programs are open to international students, but for study in Germany. Study Focus: Academic exchange and research in Germany. These scholarships are not a primary source of funding for study in Ireland.

Also Read: Study in Ireland for Free : List of Scholarships in Irealnd

Details of the Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland

Amongst the list mentioned above, here are the top 5 fully funded scholarships in Ireland for International students:

1. Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme

This is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships available in Ireland, open to all international students for postgraduate research. It’s a merit-based award that provides a comprehensive financial package to support outstanding students in any discipline. The scholarship provides an annual stipend of EUR 25,000, along with a contribution to tuition fees of up to EUR 5,750 per year. For non-EU students, an additional EUR 4,000 may be requested to help cover the higher fees. Recipients also receive a yearly allowance of EUR 3,250 for research expenses. Eligibility is strict, requiring a first-class or upper second-class honors bachelor’s degree, and applicants must be new entrants or in the first year of a research master’s or PhD program.

Benefits	An annual stipend of EUR 25,000, a fee contribution of up to EUR 5,750, and a research allowance of EUR 3,250.
Eligibility	Open to all nationalities. Must have a strong academic record (first-class or upper second-class honors bachelor’s degree) and be a new or first-year postgraduate research student.
Application Process	Submit an application with a detailed research proposal via the Research Ireland online portal.
Deadline	October 23, 2025 (for applicants)
Official Link	https://research.ie/funding/goipg/

2. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)

This scholarship is a great option for non-EU students who want to pursue a one-year program or the first year of a longer program in Ireland. It is funded by the Irish government in partnership with Irish higher education institutions and is aimed at attracting high-caliber students from around the world. The scholarship covers a full tuition and registration fee waiver for one academic year and provides a EUR 10,000 stipend to help with living expenses. Applicants must have a conditional or final offer of admission to a full-time master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program at an eligible Irish institution.

Benefits	A EUR 10,000 stipend and a full tuition fee waiver for one academic year.
Eligibility	Open to non-EU/EEA, Swiss, and UK nationals. You must have a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish university for a full-time master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program.
Application Process	Apply through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) online portal. Requires references and a personal statement.
Deadline	Expected in early 2026 (for the 2026-2027 academic year).
Official Link	https://hea.ie/policy/internationalisation/goi-ies/

3. The Walsh Fellowships

For students interested in research in the agri-food sector, the Walsh Fellowships are a standout opportunity. Administered by Teagasc, Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority, these fellowships fund postgraduate research projects in fields like agriculture, food science, and the environment. Successful candidates receive an annual stipend of approximately EUR 25,000 and a contribution to university fees of up to EUR 6,000 per year. To be eligible, applicants must have a strong academic background in a relevant discipline and must apply to a specific advertised research project.

Benefits	An annual stipend of approximately EUR 25,000 and a fee contribution of up to EUR 6,000 per year.
Eligibility	Must have a strong primary or master’s degree in a relevant field. The scholarship is specifically for research in agriculture, food, and environmental science.
Application Process	You must apply directly to a specific, advertised research project.
Deadline	Deadlines are project-specific and are announced throughout the year.
Official Link	https://teagasc.ie/about/research-innovation/the-walsh-scholars-programme/

4. Fulbright Scholarships (Ireland)

The Fulbright Program is a highly prestigious international exchange program that operates in over 160 countries. In Ireland, it provides grants to U.S. citizens to study, conduct research, or teach. While not exclusively for international students in the traditional sense, it is a key pathway for U.S. students seeking fully funded opportunities in Ireland. The scholarship offers full financial support, which includes a generous stipend, tuition fees, and a travel allowance, making it one of the most comprehensive awards. The application process is rigorous, and applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to cultural exchange.

Benefits	Full financial support including a generous stipend, tuition fees, and a travel allowance.
Eligibility	Primarily for U.S. citizens to study or conduct research in Ireland. It’s a highly competitive, merit-based program.
Application Process	The application is made online through the Fulbright program’s portal and requires a detailed proposal, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Deadline	The application period for U.S. citizens for the 2026-2027 academic year closed in mid-October 2025.
Official Link	https://fulbright.ie/coming-to-ireland/

5. University College Cork (UCC) President’s & Excellence Scholarships

University College Cork offers various scholarships for international students, with some being fully funded. The President’s Scholarships, for example, are highly comprehensive and are typically awarded to PhD students, covering full fees and a stipend. UCC also has other awards, like the Excellence Scholarships, which can provide significant tuition fee reductions. Eligibility is generally merit-based, requiring a strong academic record, and the specific application requirements can vary widely depending on the faculty or program, so students should check the university’s official scholarship listings for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Benefits	Varies, but President’s Scholarships for PhD students are fully funded, covering fees and a stipend. Other scholarships offer significant fee reductions.
Eligibility	Merit-based, for high-achieving international students. Eligibility criteria vary widely by college and program.
Application Process	You must have an offer of a place at UCC before you can apply. Some scholarships are automatic, while others require a separate application via the university’s online portal.
Deadline	Deadlines vary by program
Official Link	https://www.ucc.ie/en/scholarships/internationaltable/

Also Read: Public University in Ireland

How to Apply for a Fully Funded Scholarship in Ireland

Applying for a fully funded scholarship in Ireland is a rigorous process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. While the specific steps vary for each scholarship, a general approach can be followed to maximize your chances of success.

• Identify suitable scholarships from the Irish government, universities, and external organizations. Pay close attention to eligibility criteria, deadlines, and the specific application requirements for each scholarship.
• Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, a compelling personal statement, a detailed research proposal (for research scholarships), a CV, and strong letters of recommendation. You will also need proof of English language proficiency.
• Application:
  • University Admission: For many scholarships, you must first secure an offer of admission from an Irish university.
  • Online Application: Complete and submit the online application form for the scholarship, uploading all required documents.
  • Secure References: Ensure your referees submit their letters of recommendation on time.
  • Submit: Double-check all information before submitting to avoid disqualification due to late or incomplete applications.
• Be prepared for a competitive selection process that can take several months. If successful, accept the scholarship offer and begin preparing for your studies in Ireland.

Tips for a Successful Fully Funded Scholarship Application

Winning a fully funded scholarship in Ireland is all about presenting a compelling application that showcases your strengths and potential. A successful application hinges on thorough preparation, attention to detail, and a clear narrative that connects your past achievements with your future goals.

1. Craft a Powerful Personal Statement

• Tell a story: Go beyond a list of accomplishments. Use specific anecdotes to demonstrate passion and skills.
• Align with the mission: Tailor your statement to the scholarship’s values.
• Proofread: Check for typos and grammatical errors.

2. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation

• Choose wisely: Select professors or advisors who know your work well.
• Ask in advance: Give them plenty of time.
• Provide materials: Supply your CV, personal statement, and details about the scholarship to help them write a strong, targeted letter.

3. Develop a Targeted CV

• Be concise: Use strong action verbs and quantify achievements.
• Highlight relevance: Tailor your CV by placing the most relevant experiences at the top.
• Keep it clean: Use a professional, easy-to-read format.

4. Prepare for the Interview (If Applicable)

• Know your application: Be ready to discuss every detail of your submitted materials.
• Research: Understand the scholarship and the organization’s goals.
• Practice: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to practice answering common interview questions.

Also Read: How Much Study Gap is Acceptable in Ireland?

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