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The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship helps students from outside the EU/EEA understand this special opportunity. This scholarship gives a full tuition fee waiver and stipend for one year of study in Ireland. It is for master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD students who have a conditional or final offer from an Irish university. In this blog, you will learn who can apply, what benefits you get, how to apply, and the important deadlines.
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Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships: Quick Highlights
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is one of the most popular funding options for international students who want to study a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD in Ireland. Here is the quick overview of everything.
| Scholarship Name | Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) |
| Study Level | Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, PhD (NFQ Level 9 or 10) |
| Number of Scholarships | 60 per year |
| Coverage Amount | EUR 10,000 stipend for 1 year + full tuition fee waiver |
| Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA, Switzerland, UK nationals with an offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution |
| Application Mode | Online Portal |
| Application Deadline | 05 March 2025 |
| Result Announcement | Early June 2025 |
| Course Start Date | September or October 2025 |
| Managing Authority | Higher Education Authority (HEA), Government of Ireland |
Why Choose the Government of Ireland Scholarship?
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship values academic excellence, good communication skills, and involvement in activities like sports, arts, or volunteering. Here are other key benefits also.
- The scholarship provides a stipend of EUR 10,000 for one academic year.
- The host university gives a 100% tuition fee waiver for the same year.
- The award strengthens a student’s academic profile and career opportunities.
- Students get a chance to connect with professors, peers, and professionals in Ireland.
- Living in Ireland helps students learn about Irish culture and grow personally.
Also Read: How to Shortlist Universities For MS in USA?
Eligibility Criteria for the Government of Ireland Scholarship
The scholarship is designed for outstanding students. To apply, students must first secure admission to an eligible Irish higher education institution. You are eligible if,
- You have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK.
- You hold a conditional or final offer of admission to a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program (NFQ Level 9 or 10).
- You have a strong academic record and meet the entry requirements of the chosen institution.
- You have not received this scholarship before.
- You are not a citizen of Russia or Belarus due to current restrictions.
Also Read: How To Study in Ireland for Free?
How to Apply for the Scholarship
Let’s understand the process from application to final selection.
Step 1: Eligibility Check
Applicants must have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK. The chosen programme must be at NFQ Level 9 or 10 (master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD).
Step 2: Programme Admission
A conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible Irish higher education institution is required at this stage.
Step 3: Document Preparation
Each applicant needs a valid offer letter and two reference letters before accessing the portal.
Step 4: Online Application Submission
The complete application is submitted via the official online portal before the stated deadline. Early submissions help avoid technical issues close to the closing date.
Step 5: Institutional Review
Each application is reviewed by the chosen higher education institution to confirm eligibility and alignment with its priorities.
Step 6: Shortlisting and Assessment
Shortlisted applications are forwarded to an independent panel for evaluation. The panel considers academic achievements, communication skills, extracurricular contributions, and the candidate’s motivation for studying in Ireland.
Step 7: Result Announcement
Successful applicants are informed about the outcome in early June 2025, allowing them to prepare for studies starting in September or October.
Key Deadlines for the Scholarship
This scholarship follows a fixed timeline each year. Keeping track of these dates is very important to avoid missing the opportunity.
| Event | Date |
| Application Deadline | 5 PM (Irish time), 05 March 2025 |
| Result Announcement | Early June 2025 |
| Course Start | September or October 2025 |
Also Read: Dean’s Impact Scholarship 2025: Eligibility, Benefits & Deadlines
FAQs
Ans: Yes, the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship covers 100% of your tuition fees for one academic year and also gives a EUR 10,000 stipend. Some Irish universities also offer full tuition waivers and additional funding through their own scholarship programs.
Ans: No, education is not fully free for international students. However, scholarships like GOI-IES and university-based awards can significantly reduce or completely waive tuition fees for one year.
Ans: Yes, the Irish Government funds programs like GOI-IES to support high-achieving international students. It also works with universities to provide guidance, visa support, and access to student services.
Ans: Students usually need to show proof of EUR 10,000 in funds to cover living expenses for one academic year. This amount is in addition to covering your tuition fees.
Ans: Students from outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the UK with a confirmed offer for a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program in an eligible Irish higher education institution can apply. Applicants must also meet academic and other requirements set by the scholarship.
Relatable Reads
That was everything you needed to know about the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, including eligibility, benefits, key dates, and the complete application process to improve your chances of getting selected. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.
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