The government of Ireland scholarships are a gateway for foreigners to achieve their academic aspirations. Alongside its captivating culture and stunning landscape, Ireland’s robust higher education system attracts students from all walks of life.
Many students depend on government scholarships to finance their education and living expenses. In this article, you will find details you need for the Government of Ireland scholarships and how to apply.
Overview of Government of Ireland scholarships for international students
As the name suggests, the Government of Ireland scholarships is an initiative launched by the Irish government in partnership with Irish institutions. This scholarship is administered by the Higher Education Authority.
Each year, 60 students receive scholarships under this program. The duration of these benefits is determined by their study program. The awards are based on gender equality ensuring that eligible applicants are selected without regardless to gender.
The government aims to support a diverse population of students from across the globe. However, applicants must be enrolled for studies at the National Framework Qualifications (NFQ) levels nine or 10 (PhD, Master’s, and postgraduate diploma) in Irish universities to qualify.
List of approved institutions
- Athlone Institute of Technology
- Cork Institute of Technology
- College of Computing Technology, Dublin
- Dublin City University
- Dublin Business College
- Dundalk Institute of Technology
- Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design, and Technology
- Griffith College, Dublin
- Galway Business School
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
- Institute of Technology, Tralee
- ICD Business School
- Institute of Technology, Carlow
- Independent College, Dublin
- Institute of Technology, Sligo
- Limerick Institute of Technology
- Letterkenny Institute of Technology
- Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
- Maynooth University
- National University of Ireland, Galway
- National University of Art and Design, Dublin
- National College of Dublin
- The National University of Ireland, Maynooth
- Royal College of Surgeons
- Trinity College Dublin
- University of Limerick
- University College Cork
- University College Dublin
- Waterford Institute of Technology
Who is eligible?
- Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
- Apply for admission to a master’s and PhD program for
- Have a final offer of admission to an Irish educational institution
- Excellent communication skills
- Superior academic standing
- Demonstrable participation in extracurricular activities
- Strong motivation for pursuing studies in Ireland
- Russian and Belarussian nationals are ineligible due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
- Applicants for a master’s degree should not be current or previous recipients of the council postgraduate awards.
- Awardees from previous years are not eligible to apply
Assessment process
Study rationale
Write extensively on how the scholarship can positively impact your long-term goals.
Academic qualifications
Only applicants with outstanding academic records from their previous study program will be considered. Applicants for master’s will be evaluated based on their bachelor’s degree results, and postdoctoral or research students will be assessed through their master’s degree performance.
Extracurricular engagement
Proof of participation in arts, works, sports, politics, or other humanitarian activities is preferred.
What do you stand to gain from Government of Ireland scholarships?
- Value: €31,000
- Tuition fee waiver
- Opportunity to experience Irish’s high-quality education system
- Annual allowance of 22,000 Euros
- Direct research expenses of €3,250
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How to apply for Government of Ireland scholarships
- Visit the official website and create an account to access the online application portal
- Fill out the application form and attach the required documents
- Submit your application and wait for a confirmation email which will be sent to the email address you have provided.
- This email will also contain your login details (username and password) required for the online system.
Required documents for the Government of Ireland Scholarship
- Language proficiency certificate
- Academic certificates
- Copy of passport
- Recommendation forms
- Statement of purpose/study plan
- Research proposal
- Additional documents if any
Closing date: All applications must be submitted before March 5, 2025. Note that no alterations will be allowed after the deadline.