If you are an international student looking for a fully funded scholarship to study abroad in 2026, Ireland has opened a major opportunity that you shouldn’t miss. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI‑IES) is one of the most prestigious awards for students from outside the European Union and offers financial support and tuition coverage for one year of full‑time study. (SETU)
In this complete guide, you will learn what the scholarship offers, how to apply, who can apply, key dates, and official application links to get started as soon as possible. (www.ndtv.com)
📍 What Is the GOI‑IES Scholarship?
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is funded by the Irish government in partnership with universities across Ireland. Each year, the programme awards around 60 scholarships to high‑performing international students who want to pursue postgraduate education at Irish higher‑education institutions. (SETU)
This scholarship is designed to support graduate‑level study at NFQ Level 9 (Master’s or postgraduate diploma) or NFQ Level 10 (PhD) for one full academic year. (Higher Education Authority)
🎓 What Does the Scholarship Cover?
If you are selected, the GOI‑IES Scholarship provides:
✔️ Full Tuition Fee Waiver
All tuition and registration fees for your scholarship year are covered by the programme, meaning you won’t have to pay the often high non‑EU fees charged by Irish universities. (Scholarship Union)
✔️ Annual Stipend of €10,000
In addition to the fee waiver, recipients receive a €10,000 stipend to help cover living expenses, books, accommodation, and day‑to‑day costs in Ireland. (en_US)
Together, these benefits make Ireland one of the most accessible destinations for postgraduate study in Europe. (Opportunities Radar)
🗓 Important Dates for 2026
Here are the key dates you need to know: (SETU)
- Applications Open: 29 January 2026
- Deadline to Apply: 12 March 2026 (Typically by 5:00 PM Irish Time)
- Results Announced: Early June 2026
Be sure to submit all your documents well before the deadline, as late applications will not be accepted. (en_US)
🎯 Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria:
✔️ International Students
You must be from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom and be charged non‑EU tuition fees. (Higher Education Authority)
✔️ Offer Letter Required
You must have a conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible Irish university before applying for the scholarship. Applications without an offer will not be considered. (en_US)
✔️ Study Level
The scholarship is open to postgraduate students in:
- Master’s programmes
- Postgraduate diplomas
- PhD research programmes
(All full‑time for one academic year) (SETU)
Each university also has its own eligibility requirements and lists of accepted programmes, so you should check specific details with the institution you want to attend. (University College Cork)
🏫 Which Universities Participate?
Several Irish universities and higher education institutions accept applications under the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship. Some of the common ones include: (Mastere.tn)
- Atlantic Technological University
- Dublin City University
- Dublin Business School
- University of Limerick
- Independent College
- Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
- Griffith College
- ICD Business School
- (And others depending on availability)
Each of these institutions may offer different programmes eligible for the scholarship, so be sure to check the specific courses on their websites.
🧑💼 How to Apply Step‑by‑Step
1️⃣ Apply to a University First
Before you can submit your scholarship application, you must first apply for admission to a recognised Irish university and receive either a conditional or final offer letter. (KFPlanet English)
2️⃣ Access the Scholarship Portal
Once the call opens (from 29 January), you will need to use the official scholarship portal to start your application. (en_US)
👉 Official Application Link:
https://www.education.ie/en/Learners/International‑Education‑Scholarship/ (SETU)
3️⃣ Prepare Your Documents
Typical documents include:
- Admission offer letter
- Academic transcripts
- CV/Resume
- Motivation or personal statement
- Two academic or professional recommendation letters (Tech School Info)
4️⃣ Submit Before the Deadline
Upload all required documents and submit your application before the 12 March 2026 deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.
💡 Tips for a Stronger Application
Because only about 60 awards are given each year, competition can be strong. Here are some tips to improve your chances:
✅ Apply to more than one program or university
✅ Write a clear motivation letter explaining why you are a strong candidate
✅ Make sure your academic transcripts and references are complete
✅ Plan your application early (aim to finish at least 2–3 weeks before the deadline) (Tech School Info)
🌍 Why Studying in Ireland Is Worth It
Ireland is known for its high‑quality education, vibrant culture, and welcoming international student community. Studying here not only gives you a respected degree from a European institution, but also exposure to global networks and potential career opportunities in the EU and beyond. (www.ndtv.com)
📌 Final Thoughts
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 is one of the best fully funded opportunities for international students aiming for postgraduate study. With a full tuition fee waiver and a €10,000 living stipend, this scholarship can make studying in Europe affordable and rewarding.
If you are organized, ambitious, and ready to take on a new academic challenge, start by applying for admission to an eligible Irish university — and then submit your scholarship application before 12 March 2026. (SETU)
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