The Ireland Government Scholarship 2026, officially known as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), is a premier opportunity for high-caliber international students. Managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, this program awards 60 prestigious scholarships annually. Consequently, successful applicants from non-EU/EEA countries can pursue one year of full-time postgraduate study at some of the world’s most innovative institutions. This initiative not only supports individual academic excellence but also strengthens Ireland’s global academic cooperation and international engagement.
Program Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Official Name | Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) |
| Funding Body | Government of Ireland & Higher Education Authority (HEA) |
| Number of Awards | 60 Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year |
| Degree Levels | Taught/Research Master’s, PG Diploma, and PhD (NFQ Levels 9 & 10) |
| Mode of Study | Full-time, On-campus in Ireland |
| Call Outcome | Results typically announced in early June 2026 |
Program Overview
The Ireland Government Scholarship 2026 is anchored in Ireland’s international education strategy, promoting innovation and global collaboration. Specifically, the scholarship is tenable for one year of study at an eligible Higher Education Institution (HEI). For PhD or multi-year Master’s students, the award covers one year of the program, with the remaining years typically funded by the host institution or other sources. Furthermore, the program emphasizes equality and inclusiveness, seeking a diverse cohort of scholars who can act as future ambassadors for Irish education.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Ireland Government Scholarship 2026, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Domicile: Must be domiciled in a country outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
- Academic Status: Must possess a conditional or final offer of admission to an eligible Irish HEI at the time of application.
- Program Type: Must be applying for a full-time Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or PhD program.
- Merit-Based: Selection is based on a record of outstanding academic achievement, excellent communication skills, and participation in extracurricular activities.
- Non-Eligibility: Citizens of Russia and Belarus are currently not eligible to apply.
Benefits & Financial Support
The Ireland Government Scholarship 2026 offers a comprehensive financial package to support international students:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Host institutions provide a 100% waiver of tuition and registration fees for the scholarship year.
- Living Stipend: A stipend of €10,000 is provided to contribute toward living expenses, usually paid in two equal installments.
- Prestige: Scholars gain international recognition, enhancing their professional and academic profiles significantly.
- Networking: Opportunities to engage with a global community of scholars and industry leaders in Ireland.
Application Process & Selection
The application for the Ireland Government Scholarship 2026 is conducted entirely online through the official HEA portal. Specifically, the process involves:
- Secure an Offer: First, apply directly to an eligible Irish university or institute of technology and obtain a conditional or final offer.
- Portal Registration: Create an account on the official GOI-IES online application portal.
- Submission: Fill out the indicative application form, ensuring you do not exceed the word limits for personal statements and rationale.
- References: Upload two letters of reference directly via the portal.
- Assessment: Applications are marked out of 100, focusing on academic qualifications (40 marks), personal statement/rationale (45 marks), and references (15 marks).
Eligible Institutions (Partial List)
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
- University College Dublin (UCD)
- University College Cork (UCC)
- University of Galway
- Dublin City University (DCU)
- Maynooth University
- Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for the Ireland Government Scholarship 2026 if I am already studying in Ireland?
Generally, the scholarship is for new students entering a program. However, students in the middle of a multi-year PhD or Research Master’s may be eligible for a single year of funding; always check the latest HEA call document for specific year-on-year rules.
Is an English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) required?
While the scholarship portal might not ask for it directly, the Higher Education Institution (HEI) where you hold your offer will require proof of English proficiency for admission.
What is the deadline for the GOI-IES 2026?
The official deadline is 5:00 PM (Irish time) on March 12, 2026. Late submissions are strictly not accepted.
How many scholarships are available for each country?
There are no fixed quotas per country; the 60 awards are distributed based on academic merit and strategic alignment with Ireland’s international education goals.