Ireland government scholarship for international students

Ireland government scholarship for international students

The Ireland Government Scholarship for International Students has been designed to allow talented students from all over the world to pursue their desired courses of study in Ireland, known to be one of the most elite and friendly countries. Due to its academic reputation, advanced research facilities, and rich cultural heritage, Ireland has always had a place in the world’s education and innovation map. The scholarship helps fund the international goodwill and excellence in education for international students studying at the renowned educational institutions in Ireland. As part of earning their degree in Ireland, the scholarship winners enjoy not only the high quality of education but also a multicultural society focused on grooming them professionally as future leaders.

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Program- Detailed Overview

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) program is meant for exemplary international applicants wishing to pursue educational training at NFQ levels 9 or 10 (Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or Doctorate) in Ireland. The Government of Ireland sponsors the program in cooperation with Irish Higher Education Institutions, with supervision from the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Every year, they give away 60 scholarships for one year of full-time study at NFQ levels 9 or 10.

Ireland government scholarship for international students
  • What the Scholarship Covers: A Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship covers €10,000 for one year of full-time study at NFQ levels 9 or 10. Also, the grant must be given a scholarship by the higher education institution for full tuition for the year of study. It is anticipated that successful candidates will be able to commence their studies by September or October 2025.
  • Eligibility Criteria To have a valid application for a Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements: Be living outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Have applied to and received an unconditional or conditional offer of admission from an eligible higher education institution into a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program. They must provide proof of this offer with their application.
  • Have not held a GOI-IES scholarship before.
  • Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, citizens of Belarus and Russia are not eligible.
  • How to Apply: Please review the documentation before submitting to ensure that you meet all requirements. All applications, as well as references, must be submitted through the designated online portal. As slot availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, all users are recommended to apply well before the submission deadline. Application changes post-submission are strictly prohibited, and submission of ‘grace period’ applications is not allowed.
  • Application Evaluation: Applicants will be assessed based on:   Demonstrable record of academic achievements and accolades Applicants with extensive social or political involvement, including volunteerism, artistic pursuits, or sports.   Compelling reasons demonstrating how receiving this scholarship will help them achieve their career goals, particularly how studying in Ireland offers them that unique opportunity.   Applications will be sent to the participating higher education institutions, where they will conduct an initial assessment of applicants’ eligibility to gauge the level of alignment with the strategic institutional goals. An independent panel of assessors will evaluate pre-qualified applicants, who will then be selected through a competitive process.

Scholarships in Ireland for Pakistani students

These scholarships usually take care of tuition, living costs, and associated expenses, although eligibility guidelines differ, typically assessing academic record, nationality, or field of study. 

scholarship for Pakistani

Important Dates

  • Deadline for Application: By 5 PM on the 5th of March, 2025 (Irish Time) 
  • Announcement of the Outcomes: In Early June 2025 

Ireland Scholarships for Pakistani Students 

Pakistani students wishing to study in Ireland are offered numerous scholarships, such as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships, which give full tuition and stipend for international master’s and PhD students, and numerous scholarships for international students at Trinity College Dublin, which cover undergraduate and postgraduate merit scholarships.

UCD (University College Dublin) also awards scholarships to international students, such as the UCD Global Excellence Scholarship, which is given for commendable performance that results in reduced tuition fees. The Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) also provides scholarships for Pakistani students in a variety of programs. The academic diversity and reputation of Irish universities are significant attractions for overseas students.

ireland goverment scholarship

Pakistani students ought to find time to peruse the specific university webpages for more details concerning the scholarship guidelines, the application guidelines, and other relevant dates. Ireland has numerous scholarships for overseas students, a lot of which cover tuition fees, living costs, and other educational expenses. One of the best-known is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), alongside other funding from Irish colleges and universities.

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)  

  • Financial Aid: €10,000 stipend plus full tuition fee waiver for one year’s full-time postgraduate study at NFQ levels 9 or 10.  
  • Eligibility: Non-EU/non-EEA international students with good academic standing are eligible to apply.  
  • Application Requirements: Applicants must present academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose portraying their accolades and leadership roles.  
  • Timing: Selected candidates usually commence their studies in September or October of the year they were awarded the scholarship.

Other Scholarship Opportunities in Ireland  

Trinity College Dublin Scholarships  

Trinity College Dublin has multiple scholarships for international students. Such scholarships are often linked to certain academic programs and can include full or partial funding.

University Scholarships Tailored To Students

Most Irish universities offer their scholarships, usually centered around academic achievement or particular programs of study. The amount of funding offered can vary from partial to complete, depending on the university and the course of study.

Scholarships Provided By Other Organizations

Some external bodies, like the Central Bank of Ireland and Fulbright, sponsor scholarships for international students. Such scholarships are typically focused on particular areas of study or specific research fields.

African Fellows Programme For Ireland

This is part of the Ireland Fellows Programme, which provides full scholarships to citizens from certain African countries. The aid covers educational, travel, and living expenses for the duration of their studies in Ireland.

Free Fees Initiative

This scheme grants eligibility to certain non-EU students who meet residency requirements to pursue specific undergraduate degrees in Ireland without tuition fees. Though mainly aimed at EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, some non-EU students also qualify under special conditions.

More Scholarships Can Be Found Here

Look up individual websites of Irish universities for information related to funding opportunities offered by scholarships directly. Check online sites such as the Master’s Portal for comprehensive listings of scholarships available for international students studying in Ireland. Embassy and Educational Advisors: Contact an Irish Embassy that is relevant to your region or a local educational advisor to find out specific scholarships available for students from your area. Students from abroad have the opportunity to seek out financial support through scholarships that allow them to study in Ireland, effectively gaining access to advanced learning institutions.

Scholarship ProgramDegree LevelFunding TypeEligible CoursesDeadlineEligible NationalitiesScholarship Location
Humane Studies Fellowship – GMUPhD, Post DocPartial FundingHumanities, Social Sciences (focus on IHS areas)10 May 2025Open to all nationalsAny top research institution worldwide
Cancer Research Institute Irvington FellowshipPost DocFull FundingCancer Immunology01 Sep 2025Open to all nationalsNon-profit institutions worldwide
Wenner-Gren Foundation Dissertation GrantPhDPartial FundingAnthropology01 May 2025Open to all nationalsAny research institution worldwide
Wellcome Early Career AwardsPost DocFull FundingVarious subjects offered by the institutions22 May 2025UK, Ireland, and Low/Medium-income countriesUniversities abroad or in the home country
Ramboll ScholarshipsBachelors, MastersPartial FundingEngineering, Natural Science, Political Science, Economics, Architecture01 Jun 2025Open to DenmarkAnywhere worldwide
NAC Arts ScholarshipMastersPartial FundingArts03 Apr 2025Singapore citizens and permanent residentsRecognized universities in Singapore or overseas
Jeff Schell Fellowships – Bayer FoundationMasters, PhDPartial FundingAgricultural Sciences11 Apr 2025Open to all nationalsInstitutions in Germany and abroad
The Leakey Foundation Research GrantsPhD, Post DocPartial FundingArchaeology, Biological Anthropology, etc.15 Jul 2025Open to all nationalsAny university/research institution worldwide
Donald and Barbara Mozley Scholarship – SAE Intl.Bachelors, MastersPartial FundingEngineering28 Feb 2025Open to U.S nationalsABET-accredited colleges/universities
German Medical Students’ Association ExchangeBachelorsFull FundingMedicine31 Mar 2025Open to all nationalsHost institution/university worldwide
Royal Society International Exchange ProgrammePhDPartial FundingNatural Sciences12 Mar 2025Open to all nationalsUK and overseas institutions
Richard A. Freund International ScholarshipMasters, PhDPartial FundingQuality control, quality assurance, TQM01 Apr 2025Open to international applicantsUniversities abroad or in home country
ISC2 Graduate Scholarships – Center for Cyber SafetyMasters, PhDPartial FundingCybersecurity, Info assurance-related fields03 Mar 2025Open to all nationalsAny university worldwide
ISC2 Undergraduate ScholarshipsBachelorsPartial FundingCybersecurity, Info assurance-related fields03 Mar 2025Open to all nationalsAny university worldwide
ISC2 Associate ScholarshipsBachelorsPartial FundingCybersecurity, Info assurance-related fields03 Mar 2025Open to all nationalsAny community college worldwide
Erasmus Mundus-MaMaSELF ScholarshipsMastersFull FundingMaterial Science10 May 2025Open to all nationalitiesUniversities in EU
Wellcome Career Development AwardsPost DocFull FundingDiscovery Research, Climate & Health, etc.03 Apr 2025Open to all nationalsUK, Republic of Ireland, Low/Medium-income countries (except India, China)
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds MD FellowshipsResearch FellowPartial FundingBiomedicine Research10 May 2025Open to students studying in GermanyRenowned research labs worldwide (except home institution and city)


Final Thoughts:

The Irish Government Scholarship for International Students is a gateway to world-class education, personal growth, and professional success. Steeped in history and culture, Ireland is ready to offer ambitious students best-in-class experiences. This is a treasure for international students who can fully realize their potential to impact global knowledge and build a sustainable future. Students looking for alternative challenges that broaden their perception will find this HEA Ireland scholarship to be the optimal jet stream towards their education and career goals.

Those seeking to obtain fully funded scholarships to Ireland should pay particular attention to the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) program, which is targeted at master’s or PhD students. Follow these steps:

  • Apply for Admission: Select a participating Irish university and apply for a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program.
  • Get an Offer: Receive a conditional or final offer of admission from the university.
  • Eligibility Criteria: You must be domiciled outside the EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, or the UK and have not previously received a GOI-IES scholarship. Applicants from Russia and Belarus are not eligible.
  • Apply for the GOI-IES: If you have the offer and meet the eligibility criteria, apply for the scholarship.
  • Look into other scholarships: Explore other scholarships from other universities, for example, the University of Galway.
  • Check Program Requirements: Ensure you check the individual requirements and procedures for every scholarship alongside the deadlines.
  • Some Important Considerations: The GOI-IES program has a competitive nature with only around an 18 percent success rate. Accepted applicants are usually recognized as having high potential as a research leader in the future. A scholarship pays for tuition fees, a stipend, and expenses related to research.  

These are the steps to get an Ireland Government Scholarship for International Students scholarship to study in Ireland in 2025:  

  • Conduct Adequate Research on Available Scholarship Programs  
  • Search for scholarship options that align with your academic disciplines of interest. Some other options include:  
  • The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) is a good option for international students.  
  • University Scholarships – These are Available for Irish universities and have more defined requirements.  
  • Other Scholarships – Look into the Irish Research Council (IRC) Government of Ireland (GOI) Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme.  
  • Confirm the Eligibility Criteria. Make sure to check the prerequisites relating to each scholarship and confirm that you meet the basic academic qualifications, nationality, and area of research that you intend to pursue.  
  • Collect All Necessary Documentation  
  • Draft the following policy documents:  
  • Academic Transcripts – Certification from your previous institutions should be provided.  
  • Letters of Recommendation – Academic or professional referees to provide two endorsements.  
  • Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement – About your area of research interest, provide a nominated candidate.  
  • Research Proposal – In case that applies, give a planned topic and strategy for research.
  • Additional Documents: For some scholarships, you might also have to provide scores for language proficiency tests, like IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Online Submission of Applications:  Most scholarships are submitted online, so ensure you meet the deadline. Remember, all scholarship applications are submitted online.
  • Post Application Submission Actions:  Be proactive concerning your application’s progress. For updates, reach out to the provider or scholarship sponsor if you need any more information. These suggestions could improve your chances of receiving a scholarship to study in Ireland in 2025.

Ireland does have free educational opportunities under specific circumstances. The Free Fees Initiative subsidizes education and helps with tuition fees if specific conditions are met.

  • Basic Requirements 
  • Citizenship: Candidates must either be EU/EEA/Swiss citizens or non-EU students meeting residency requirements.
  • Residency: Non-EU individuals need to have lived in an EU/EEA/Swiss nation or the UK for a minimum of three years out of the last five.
  • Type of Program: Only first-time, undergraduate, full-time programs that last at least two years qualify for the initiative.
  • Operational Procedures
  • Under the Free Fees Initiative, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) pays eligible students’ tuition fees directly to the universities on their behalf.
  • Other Financial Aid Options
  • While the Free Fees Initiative does not encompass all students, the Irish government does provide noteworthy financial aid subsidies to reduce the overall cost of higher education in Ireland. Furthermore, universities also provide scholarships alongside financial aid to help students with tuition fees.

Studying in Ireland is considered affordable, especially for students from the EU/EEA region who qualify for free tuition. International students may have to pay tuition fees, which are subject to variation but still remain lower than in most other English-speaking countries like the UK and the US.

  • Tuition Fees:
  • EU/EEA and Swiss Students: Free
  • Irish and EU/EEA significant other students enrolling in undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degrees enjoy free tuition within the country.
  • Non-EU/EEA Students:
  • Undergraduate tuition fees range from €9,850 to €55,000 per year.
  • Postgraduate Master’s and PhD courses tend to lie between €9,950 to €35,000.
  • Fees depend on the course type, institution, and field of study.
  • Living Costs:
  • Accommodation: Costs for student accommodation are higher than the European average, making housing difficult to secure.
  • Food: Monthly grocery expenses of around €250 – €350 make Ireland affordable compared to other places in Europe.
  • Transportation: Students benefit from discounts like the Student Leap Card or Bus Éireann, which cuts down the cost significantly for students.
  • Other Expenses: Students should also consider expenses like health insurance, entertainment, and personal shopping. 

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is open to foreign students who satisfy the following eligibility requirements: 

  • Nationality: Applicants must be living outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
  • Admission Offer: Applicants must possess a conditional or final offer of admission for a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD from an eligible Irish higher education institution.
  •  Previous Scholarship: The scholarship will only be awarded to applicants who have not received a GOI-IES scholarship previously. 
  •  Exclusions: Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The scholarship aims to help students from other countries who wish to pursue further studies in Ireland.
  • High-Quality Education: The country is known to house globally recognized world universities and colleges with multifarious options of programs available for both undergraduates and postgraduates. The education system is widely acclaimed owing to its high standards.
  • English Language: International students can adjust comfortably because the medium of instruction in these institutions is English, as it is within Ireland’s borders.
  • Safe and Welcoming: Ireland is comparatively safer than most countries and experiences very little crime. The hospitable and exceptional nature of the Irish people is known globally, enabling international students to make the transition much easily.
  • Work Opportunities: Students of foreign nationality studying in Ireland have the opportunity to work part-time while they study. After completing their studies, further full-time work opportunities may become available depending on work permit eligibility.
  • Diverse and International: With a colorful Ireland student population, it provides a great scope for networking, support, and building strong bonds that last a lifetime.
  • Learn Irish Culture While Enjoying Nature: Ireland has rich cultural music and literature which are celebrated in its festivals. Its natural beauty is nothing short of Ireland’s green hills, cliffs, and inviting coastal scenery, making it one of the most appealing places to study.  
  • Post Study Career Opportunities: The economy of Ireland is especially hard-hitting in the technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance sectors, which makes it appealing for graduates looking for opportunities. In addition, there are a lot of international companies that have their European headquarters in Ireland, meaning that attending college has a lot of job opportunities waiting after studies.  
  • Cost Efficient: Ireland is cost-effective, especially for EU/EEA students who don’t have to pay tuition compared to other UK study absorbing costs.
  • Possible Challenges:
  • Studying abroad does have its challenges and costs. Although other major study cities are expensive, Ireland is cost-efficient. This makes studying abroad more appealing. On the accommodation end, Dublin’s living cost is higher than average.  
  • Weather: Ireland’s pattern of travels and rain cool temperatures can take a period to get used to.  
  • In a nutshell, Ireland provides positive, clear studying benefits that are accompanied by endless opportunities, making it appealing to international students.

To get an All-Ireland Government Scholarship for International Students, you need to meet the following criteria:  

  • Prerequisite for a Non-Fee Paying School: You have to attend a non-fee-paying school.
  • SUSI Maintenance Grant: You need to apply and get the maintenance grant awarded.
  • Academic Requirements as per Scholarship Trusts: You need to fulfill the minimum academic requirements as dictated by the scholarship trustees.
  • Eligibility for Leaving Certificate Examination: There is a requirement that you must have attempted the Leaving Certificate Examination at least once.
  • SUSI Grant: As a rule, you should qualify for the SUSI grant. When all these conditions are satisfied, you can make an application for the scholarship that assists students financially.

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