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Dreaming of pursuing a Master’s degree in Ireland? The Emerald Isle is not only a hub of world-class education but also offers a vibrant culture and growing career opportunities, particularly in high-demand fields like Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, FinTech, and Business Analytics. To help international students realize this dream for the 2026-2027 academic year, numerous scholarship opportunities are available from the Irish government and individual universities. These awards offer substantial support, ranging from partial tuition fee waivers to fully-funded packages that include a generous stipend for living expenses (e.g., the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship offers a full tuition fee waiver plus a €10,000 stipend). Benefits of these scholarships often extend beyond financial aid, including a two-year post-study work visa and valuable industry connections.
In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide to the top Master’s scholarships in Ireland for 2026-2027, detailing their specializations, coverage, and benefits to help you navigate your application journey.
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Types of Masters Scholarships in Ireland
Ireland offers a variety of Master’s scholarships, primarily falling into three main categories for both domestic and international students. Here are the main types of Master’s scholarships you can find in Ireland:
| Category | Scholarship Type | Important Characteristics |
| Government-Funded | International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) | Targets high-calibre non-EU/EEA students for a one-year program (Master’s or PhD). |
| Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (IRC) | Focuses on funding students pursuing research-oriented Master’s or PhD degrees across all disciplines. | |
| Irish Aid Fellowships | Specifically for students from designated developing countries for development-related studies. | |
| University-Funded | Global Excellence Scholarships | Merit-based awards offered by universities (e.g., TCD, UCD) to attract academically outstanding non-EU students. |
| Discipline/School Specific | Scholarships tied to a particular College, School, or Subject (e.g., Business, Engineering, Law). | |
| Country/Regional Specific | Awards reserved for students from specific international regions (e.g., Asian, North American scholarships). | |
| External/Global | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | Fully-funded scholarships for specific joint Master’s programs across a European consortium. |
| Fulbright Awards | Scholarships for US citizens to study in Ireland (and vice-versa for Irish citizens to study in the US). |
List of Masters Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
The main Master’s scholarships in Ireland for international students fall into three categories: Government-Funded, University-Specific, and Targeted Development Programs. Here is a table detailing some of the most prominent ones, including their coverage and important eligibility criteria:
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Important Eligibility Criteria |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) | Full Tuition Fee Waiver and a €10,000 stipend for one academic year. | Must be a Non-EU/EEA national (including UK/Switzerland). Must have a conditional or final offer from a participating Irish Higher Education Institution (HEI) for a full-time, one-year Master’s program (NFQ Level 9). |
| Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (GOI-PG) | Annual Stipend of €22,000, a contribution to tuition fees up to €5,750 per year, and €3,250 for direct research expenses. | Open to EU and Non-EU applicants. Primarily for research Master’s (M.Litt, M.Sc by Research) or PhD programs. Must have a first-class or upper second-class honours Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). Must secure a supervisor at an eligible Irish HEI. |
| Irish Aid Fellowships | Full financial support, including tuition fees, flights, accommodation, and living costs. | For students from eligible developing countries (e.g., in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific) to pursue specific, development-related Master’s programs. Programs are focused on areas like development, climate, and public health. |
| UCD Global Excellence Scholarships | Varies, typically covering 50% or 100% of the tuition fees. | Must be an international student liable for non-EU fees. Must have a strong academic background and an offer (conditional or final) for an eligible full-time Master’s program at University College Dublin (UCD). Requires a separate scholarship application. |
| Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Global Excellence Scholarships | Varies, generally a fee reduction of €2,000 to €5,000 on tuition fees. | Must be an international student (non-EU) applying to an eligible full-time postgraduate program at TCD. Awarded based on academic merit. Varies by faculty/school. |
Also Read: Scholarships in Ireland: Full and Partially Funded
Details of Top Masters Scholarships in Ireland
Here are the details of three of the top Masters scholarships in Ireland, with each scholarship described in a detailed way:
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is a prestigious, highly competitive award managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) that supports high-calibre non-EU/EEA students intending to undertake a full-time, one-year master’s (taught or research) or one year of a PhD programme in an eligible Irish higher education institution. Each successful scholar receives a generous package valued at approximately €20,000, which includes a €10,000 stipend for one year of study and a full tuition fee waiver for the scholarship year, which is contributed by the host institution. Applications are judged based on academic merit (40%), a personal statement detailing the benefits to the student, Ireland, and the home country (15%), a proposal for active involvement in Irish society beyond studies (15%), and a statement on long-term interest in promoting links with Ireland (15%), along with two references (15%). This scholarship is aimed at promoting Ireland as a center for international education and fostering strong global links.
| Benefits | €10,000 stipend for one year, plus Full Tuition Fee Waiver from the host HEI. |
| Eligibility | Must be a Non-EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland national. Must have a conditional or final offer for a one-year Master’s (taught or research) at an eligible Irish HEI at the time of application. Must show outstanding academic record and strong rationale for studying in Ireland. |
| Application Process | Apply online via the HEA’s dedicated portal. Requires a strong personal statement and two references. |
| Deadlines | Early March (e.g., March 5, 2026, for the 2026/27 academic year). |
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (GOI-PG)
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (GOI-PG), managed by the Irish Research Council (IRC), is a distinguished and competitive national initiative that offers full funding for outstanding research master’s or doctoral candidates across all academic disciplines, providing them with the opportunity to pursue bottom-up, non-directed research projects of their own design in collaboration with an academic supervisor. The award package, typically tenable for one year for a research master’s, is valued at up to €31,000 per annum and consists of a stipend of €22,000 per annum, a contribution to fees (including non-EU fees) up to a maximum of €5,750 per annum, and eligible direct research expenses of €3,250 per annum. To be eligible, applicants must generally hold a first-class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and must not have already held a similar Council scholarship; the scheme is open to all nationalities and aims to develop world-class future research leaders.
| Benefits | €22,000 annual stipend, up to €5,750 fee contribution (including non-EU fees), and €3,250 annual research expenses. |
| Eligibility | Open to all nationalities (EU/Non-EU). Must hold a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). Must be a new entrant or in the first year of a Research Master’s. For Research-based Master’s in any discipline. |
| Application Process | Secure a willing Academic Supervisor, read the official call document, and submit a detailed research proposal via the Irish Research Council’s online system. |
| Deadlines | Mid-to-Late October (e.g., October 23, 2025, for the 2026/27 academic year). |
Ireland Fellows Programme (formerly Irish Aid Fellowships)
The Ireland Fellows Programme, funded by the Irish Government and offered under the Department of Foreign Affairs (Irish Aid), is a fully funded development-focused scholarship designed to support early to mid-career professionals from eligible developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to undertake a one-year, full-time master’s degree in Ireland. The Fellowship is entirely comprehensive, covering programme fees, return international flights, accommodation, a monthly allowance (stipend), and other necessary living costs, and is specifically for study in areas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as agriculture, health, education, and human rights. Applicants must be national and resident of an eligible country, possess a strong academic background, have a minimum of two or three years of substantial work experience relevant to the proposed course, and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to return home to contribute to development and capacity building.
| Benefits | Fully Funded: Covers programme fees, return flights, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for living costs. |
| Eligibility | National and resident of an eligible developing country (varies by strand/Embassy, e.g., certain countries in Africa/Asia/SIDS). Must be an early to mid-career professional with 2-3 years’ relevant work experience. Applying for a one-year Master’s in a development-focused field from an eligible course directory. |
| Application Process | Application is often a multi-stage process (Stage 1 Preliminary, Stage 2 Detailed, Interviews) and is usually managed through the local Irish Embassy or a dedicated office. |
| Deadlines | Varies significantly by country/Embassy, but often in July/August for the following academic year (e.g., late July 2025 for 2026/27). |
Tips for a Successful Masters Scholarship Application in Ireland
Successful Masters scholarship applications in Ireland for international students require a strategic approach, focusing on preparation, personalization, and attention to detail.
- Research and apply for scholarships immediately after receiving your course offer. Many are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Carefully check all criteria (nationality, academic field, GPA) before spending time on an application to ensure you qualify.
- Set up a comprehensive timeline for all application and scholarship deadlines. Never miss a deadline.
- Customize your application and essays for each scholarship, demonstrating a clear fit with the provider’s mission and values. Avoid generic “copy-paste.”
- Tell a compelling story using specific examples of your achievements and motivations, not vague claims.
- For major scholarships (like GOI-IES), clearly explain how you will contribute to Irish society and promote ongoing links between Ireland and your home country.
- Ask referees who know you well and can provide specific, detailed accounts of your academic and leadership potential. Give them ample time.
- Go beyond grades; include relevant work experience, volunteering, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership and community involvement.
- Eliminate all spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. A flawless application reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
- Adhere strictly to word counts, document formats (e.g., PDF), and submission methods to avoid automatic disqualification.
Why Study in Ireland for International Students?
Ireland is an excellent choice for international students due to a unique blend of high-quality education, strong career opportunities with global companies, and a safe, welcoming culture.
Here are the primary reasons why you should consider studying in Ireland:
- Global Employment Hub: European headquarters for giants like Google, Apple, Meta, and Pfizer offer vast career opportunities.
- Post-Study Work Visa: Graduates (Master’s: 2 years; Bachelor’s: 1 year) can stay to seek employment via the Third-Level Graduate Scheme.
- High-Quality Education: Degrees are internationally recognized, with Irish institutions consistently ranked among the world’s top 3%.
- English-Speaking Country: Ireland is the only primarily English-speaking member of the Eurozone, offering seamless integration.
- Innovation and Research: A globally recognized center for high-level research, particularly in STEM, IT, and Pharmaceuticals.
- Friendly and Safe: Renowned for its friendly, welcoming people and consistently ranked as one of the safest countries globally.
- Work While Studying: Students can work 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during holidays to gain experience and fund studies.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Experience a vibrant culture, deep literary history, and traditional Irish music and arts.
- Gateway to Europe: Excellent travel links allow for easy exploration of the rest of the UK and continental Europe.
- Stunning Landscapes: Offers an unforgettable experience amidst beautiful green countryside, dramatic coastlines, and ancient castles.
Also Read: Study in Ireland for Free : List of Scholarships in Irealnd
FAQs
To secure a Masters scholarship in Ireland, focus on academic excellence (minimum 2.1 or equivalent undergraduate degree) and actively research the three main types: Government of Ireland (GOI) scholarships, university-specific awards (often merit-based fee reductions), and external third-party scholarships. You must typically have an offer of admission from an Irish institution before applying for most major funding, and your application should be submitted well before the deadline with a compelling personal statement.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to secure a full scholarship to study in Ireland, though they are highly competitive. The most prestigious option is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), which provides a full tuition fee waiver plus a substantial €10,000 stipend for living expenses. Additionally, certain university-specific and research-focused scholarships, like the Irish Research Council grants, also offer full funding packages for exceptional candidates.
Yes, receiving a 100% scholarship for a Master’s degree in Ireland is possible, though highly competitive. Key fully-funded options include the prestigious Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), which covers the full tuition fee and provides a living stipend, and various university-specific Global Excellence Scholarships offering up to a full fee waiver for outstanding international students. You must meet rigorous academic and application standards to secure these rare awards.
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