Ireland is one of the leading destinations in Europe for international students. Ireland is renowned for its high-quality education, welcoming atmosphere, job opportunities, 2-year post-study work visas and top universities.
Studying abroad comes with many benefits and challenges. One of the biggest challenges international students face is managing their expenses far from home. Ireland offers a variety of scholarships to international students. Read the article to learn about them.
Table of Contents:
- Top 10 Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
- Overview table for the scholarships in Ireland
- Detailed Breakdown of the Top 10 Ireland Scholarships
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
Top 10 Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
Ireland offers many scholarships to support local and international students who are among the best and most talented. Based on the program, some scholarships might pay for everything, and others for part—this depends on the criteria, course, and selected institution.
Overview Table for the Scholarships in Ireland
The table below showcases the details of the scholarships:
| Scholarship Name | Benefits/amount | Degree level |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) | Stipend of €10,000 | Master’s or PhD studies |
| The Walsh Fellowship | €31,000 per annum | PhD program |
| Trinity College Dublin | UG: €5,000 PG: €2,000 to 5,000 | Undergraduate DegreePostgraduate Degree |
| University of Limerick | worth approx. €4,279 | Bachelors |
| University of Galway | UG: €1500 to €2,000MSc: Upto €10,000 | Undergraduate DegreePostgraduate DegreeResearch candidates |
| Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships For International Students | 29,500 EUR annually | Bachelor’s |
| Fullbright Scholarships | 100% tuition fee waiver | Bachelor’sMaster’sPh.D |
| University Taught Master’s Scholarships | €2,000 | full-time Taught Masters students. |
| Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme | €31,000 per annum | Postgraduate Programme |
| Mayhoot | €2,000 | Masters |
Detailed Breakdown of the Top 10 Ireland Scholarships
Ireland offers a variety of scholarships to international students. Here is a detailed list:
1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) supports outstanding international students who wish to undertake a master’s or PhD degree at an Irish higher education institution.
Eligibility Criteria:
- For someone to have a chance of getting the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship, they must not be living in the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.
- Students must be ready to apply or already carry the admission confirmation from an Irish higher education institution to a master’s or PhD program.
- At the point of applying, you need to include the university’s conditional or final offer letter. The letter points out that the applicant is doing a full-time course as an international student, needing to pay the higher fees.
- No. of this Ireland government scholarships for international students: 60 places
Deadlines
- The applications start from March
Amount/ benefits
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship offers a stipend of €10,000 for one year of full-time master’s or PhD study.
2. The Walsh Fellowship
The Tom Walsh Fellowship supports postgraduate students involved in research closely connected to the Teagasc Research and Knowledge Transfer Programme. The fellowship strongly emphasizes vital areas such as food systems, crop and livestock research, grassland management, environmental sustainability, agricultural economics, and rural community development. It receives partial government funding.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The MSc course lasts up to two years, while the PhD program lasts a maximum of four years. The preferred location for both is the Teagasc Research Centre.
- No. of this Ireland government scholarships for international students: 35 places
Deadlines:
- The application begin from March 31st
Amount/ benefits
- €31,000 per annum, which includes a flat rate stipend of €25,000 per annum
3. Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin is well known for providing fully funded scholarships to international students pursuing undergraduate and master’s programs in Ireland. These scholarships vary in terms of funding amount, application deadlines, and who is eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Undergraduate Degree
- Postgraduate Degree
Deadlines:
- Applications begin from April – June
Amount/ benefits
- Undergraduates: Receive up to 5,000 EUR for the first year of full-time study.
- Postgraduates: Receive between 2,000 to 5,000 EUR for the first year of full-time study.
4. University of Galway
Galway’s prestigious and highly esteemed university offers this merit-based scholarship, available to international students who align with strategic policies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Undergraduate Degree
- Postgraduate Degree
- Research candidates
Deadlines:
- The application starts from June 10 every year.
Amount/ benefits
- A€1500 to €2,000 deduction in tuition fees for their initial year of undergraduate study.
- For MSc, scholarships are available up to €10,000
5. University of Limerick
Applicants from India looking to study at Kemmy Business School can apply for the ‘Jim Kemmy India Scholarship’ during undergraduate studies. A minimum mark of 75% in Class 10 and 12 is required, with top marks in English and Math, and proficiency in English, for anyone wishing to pursue the engineering program.
Eligibility Criteria:
- For Bachelors
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Academic Standing: Average grade of 75% or above in Standard X & XII, including English and Math.
Deadlines:
- Dates varies for applications
Amount/ benefits
- This generous scholarship is worth approx. €4,279
6. University Taught Master’s Scholarships
Open to both EU and non-EU students, these scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic excellence. To qualify, applicants typically need at least a 2.1 Honours degree or an equivalent qualification.
Eligibility Criteria:
- For postgraduate programmes
- Age Limits: Some scholarships, such as being under 30 years old, may have age restrictions
- Some scholarships are only open to students who hold citizenship or permanent residency in specific countries.
Deadlines:
- Varies depending on the type of scholarship
Amount/ benefits:
- €2,000 scholarships to full-time Taught Masters students.
7. Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships For International Students
This programme is a collaborative initiative between the Central Bank of Ireland and Griffith College Dublin. It allows selected students to undertake a part-time honours degree while working full-time at the Central Bank. The programme is designed to provide financial support, practical experience, and academic advancement over a four-year period.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Requirements: Students must have accomplished high school recently and should be able to enter an honours degree at Griffith College.
- Open to International Students: The scholarship is for international students who are permitted to live, study, and work in Ireland..
Deadlines:
- The applications generally starts in August.
Amount/ benefits:
- € 29,500 annually
8. Fullbright Scholarships
Fulbright Awards in Ireland open up a unique opportunity for international students to be part of academic, cultural, and professional exchange. Through the Fulbright Program, these grants help build valuable bonds among countries by allowing people to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the start of the grant.
- Strong academic background.
- A well-defined study/research proposal aligned with Irish institutions.
- Demonstrated leadership and cultural adaptability.
- For U.S. applicants: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Deadlines:
- Starts from August to October
Amount/ benefits:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
9. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is a country-wide scheme, supported by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and administered by the Irish Research Council.
Eligibility Criteria:
- For master’s applicants: Must not hold or have previously held a Council scholarship.
- For doctoral applicants: Must not hold or have previously held any Council scholarship other than that which enabled them to obtain a research master’s degree.
Deadlines:
- Starts from August till October
Amount/ benefits:
- Stipend of €22,000 per annum
- Contribution to fees up to a maximum of €5,750 per annum
- Direct research expenses of €3,250 per annum
10. Mayhoot
Maynooth University, located in Ireland, offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing full-time taught master’s programs. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to deserving candidates.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Achievement: Hold a minimum of a 2.1 honors undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
- Number of Scholarships: 60 awards available across various disciplines.
- Program Admission: Have applied for a full-time taught master’s program at Maynooth University through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC)
Deadlines:
- Starts in June
Amount/ benefits:
- Value: €2,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.
Conclusion
By picking Ireland as your place of study, you join an active academic environment that is pro-innovation, offers premium quality education, and an open international society. And if you add a scholarship in the equation, the journey inspires you and makes it financially viable.
If you’re exploring your options for funding your studies in Ireland, you’re not alone. At Nomad Credit, our team is here to help you find the right education loan to study in Ireland—whether from Indian banks or global lenders—to ensure money doesn’t stand in the way of your goals.
Reach out today and let us help you take the next confident step toward your future in Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I obtain a full scholarship to study in Ireland?
If you’re aiming to apply for the Government of Ireland scholarship, the best place to start is by getting in touch with the international office at your chosen university. They’ll guide you through the process based on your course and eligibility. Here’s a general path most students follow:
- Check if your academic qualifications are accepted by Irish institutions.
- Secure admission to a recognised and eligible programme.
- Apply for a student visa well in advance to avoid delays.
- Look into tuition costs, and make sure to ask about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including the Government of Ireland Scholarship.
Is Ireland costly in terms of tuition fees?
No, Ireland has affordable tuition fees, but the cost of living in Ireland is high with per month.
How much is provided in scholarships by Ireland?
Ireland provides various scholarships, the amount of which depends on the university and the program you are applying for.
Can I apply for scholarships in Ireland if I am an international student?
Yes, you can apply for scholarships in Ireland if you are an international student.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Scholarships in Ireland?
Academic Records, Financial Needs, Nationality, and Specific Programs are some eligibility criteria for the Scholarships in Ireland.
Can I apply for multiple Scholarships in Ireland?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships in Ireland. However, you need to ensure the terms and conditions of the scholarships to avoid any issues.
