Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) 2026/2027

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The Government of Ireland has just opened applications for its Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) 2026 programme. This scheme targets high-achieving international students who wish to pursue a master’s, a postgraduate diploma or a PhD full time in Ireland for one academic year. The deadline to apply for the 2026 intake is set for 12 March 2026 at 5:00 pm (Ireland time).

Each year, the programme plans to award around 60 scholarships across all disciplines, for studies at NFQ levels 9 and 10. Each scholarship includes funding of €10,000 for one year and a full tuition fee waiver. This amount represents the minimum funding; some participating institutions may offer additional benefits, including extending the fee waiver for three-semester programmes.

The GOI-IES programme is open to students from countries outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or the United Kingdom. Applicants must submit a separate admission application to an eligible Irish higher education institution (HEI) and obtain a conditional or final offer of admission before submitting their scholarship application. Applicants who have already received a GOI-IES scholarship, as well as Russian or Belarusian nationals, are not eligible.

About the Government of Ireland scholarships

• LEVEL : Master’s (taught or research), Postgraduate Diploma, PhD (NFQ 9 or 10).
• DEADLINE : 12 March 2026 (5:00 pm, Ireland time).
• FUNDING : €10,000 + tuition fee waiver for one year.
• TARGET GROUP : students whose home domicile is outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
• HOST COUNTRY : Ireland.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants for the GOI-IES scholarships must meet the following requirements:

1. Be domiciled outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or the United Kingdom.
2. Obtain a conditional or final offer of admission to a Master’s, postgraduate diploma or PhD programme (at least one year) at an eligible Irish higher education institution for the 2026-2027 academic year.
3. Have never previously received a GOI-IES scholarship and not be of Russian or Belarusian nationality.
4. Demonstrate an excellent academic record, strong communication skills, and participation in extracurricular activities (humanitarian, political, arts or sport).
5. Submit a single application and provide two letters of recommendation via the online portal.

Benefits and duration of the GOI-IES scholarship

The Government of Ireland GOI-IES scholarship includes:

• Funding of €10,000 for one academic year, paid by the Government of Ireland and intended to cover part of the living and stay costs in Ireland.
• A full waiver of registration and tuition fees for the scholarship year. Some universities may extend this fee waiver if the programme lasts three semesters.
• Potential access to additional benefits offered by the host institution (accommodation, additional financial support, etc.).

Awardees must begin their programme in September or October 2026 and reside in Ireland for the full duration of the scholarship. If the student wishes to continue studying in Ireland beyond the funded year, they will be responsible for the remaining costs.

Institutions eligible for the GOI-IES 2026 scholarship

GOI-IES scholarships are available only at Irish higher education institutions recognised by the programme. Below is the list of eligible institutions for 2026:

• Atlantic Technological University
• CCT College
• Dublin Business School
• Dublin City University
• Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• Griffith College
• ICD Business School
• Independent College Dublin
• Mary Immaculate College
• Maynooth University
• Munster Technological University
• National College of Art and Design
• National College of Ireland
• RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
• South East Technological University
• Technological University Dublin
• Technological University of the Shannon – Midlands Midwest
• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Cork
• University College Dublin
• University of Galway
• University of Limerick

Application procedure

To apply for this scholarship in Ireland, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Apply to a Master’s, postgraduate diploma or PhD programme (minimum duration of one year) at an eligible higher education institution. Consult the list above and each institution’s pages to check available programmes and admission procedures.
• Step 2: Once you have received an admission offer, submit your GOI-IES scholarship application via the online portal: heagrantapplication. You will need to create an account, complete the online form, and upload all required documents (proof of admission, CV, references, personal statement, etc.).

Applicants must provide two recent references, and only one application is permitted per cycle.

Contact and information

For any questions regarding the GOI-IES programme, consult the 2026 call document , the 2026 FAQ , or contact: [email protected] .

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The application deadline is 12 March 2026. Results will be communicated in early June 2026. Scholarship holders must begin their studies in September or October 2026 and will be invited to an official ceremony in spring 2027.

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