Study in Ireland : Apply now for the fully funded Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026
So you are a high-achieving student from a country outside the European Union and you want to study in Ireland? If that sounds like you, then you should definitely look into the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship for the year 2026.
Managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, this scholarship is a prestigious opportunity.
The HEA selects a limited number of students every year based on the quality of their applications. These scholarships are designed for exceptional students from non-EU/EEA countries who wish to study in Ireland for one year. If you want to enhance your education while living in one of the world's most friendly and welcoming countries, this scholarship is your gateway.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: Ireland
- Managed By: Higher Education Authority (HEA)
- Target Audience: Non-EU/EEA Students
- Degree Level: Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, PhD
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded (Fee Waiver + €10,000 Stipend)
- Deadline: March 12, 2026
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship provides substantial financial support, allowing scholars to focus on their learning and academic performance without financial stress.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Living Stipend: A stipend of €10,000 is awarded to the student for one year of study to assist with living costs.
- Full Fee Waiver: The scholarship provides a complete waiver of all tuition and registration fees at the higher education institution.
Eligibility Requirements
This scheme is highly competitive, and applicants must strictly meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Domicile: Your home country (domicile) must be outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
- Admission Application: You must have applied for admission to a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or PhD program at an eligible Irish higher education institution.
- Offer Status: You must possess an offer of study (conditional or final) from the institution at the time of application. You will be required to submit a copy of this offer.
- Previous Scholars: If you have previously been awarded this scholarship (or similar government-funded international education scholarships), you are generally not eligible to apply again.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application process is conducted entirely online. It is crucial to be precise and attentive to detail.
- Review the Documentation: Read the official call documentation carefully to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before starting.
- Use the Online Portal: All applications must be submitted via the official Online Portal. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your profile.
- Upload References: You are required to submit two references with your application. Applicants must upload these references themselves via the portal.
- Timing: Submit your application early. The online system may experience heavy traffic near the deadline, leading to slowdowns or server issues.
- Final Submission: Once submitted, you cannot make any changes to your application. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.