Government of Ireland GOI-IES Scholarship 2025-2026

Application for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is now open for 2025-2026. The Government of Ireland GOI-IES Scholarships are awarded to outstanding international students from non-European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries, United Kingdom or Switzerland to pursue a Masters’s or PhD Degree in Ireland.

This Scholarship to study in Europe is tenable at selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and in any disciplines for a period of one year. The GOI-IES scholarship aims to reflect Ireland’s engagement to support partner countries. Scholarships may be approved for study across all disciplines, subject to the availability of places. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) will seek to ensure that, overall, there is a gender balance in the cohort of students to whom scholarships are awarded

The scholarship aims to highlight Ireland’s strengths as a centre for international education, to promote links with target markets globally, and to strengthen the internationalization strategies of HEIs, especially in the context of the system performance framework. The scheme is operated in the higher education sector and is funded in partnership between the Government of Ireland and the higher education institutions (HEIs). Scholarships are branded as prestigious awards reflecting the core messages about Ireland as a centre of international education, research, and innovation.

Program Details

• Host institutions: Higher Educational Institution in Ireland.
• Fields of Study: Fields of study available at chosen universities.
• Number of Awards: Up to 60.
• Duration : one year.
• Eligible countries: Open to citizens of all nationalities with the exception of candidates having legal permanent residency in European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries, United Kingdom or Switzerland.

Government of Ireland GOI-IES Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates for this government scholarship will have the following benefits:

1. An amount of €10,000 for one study year. This fund is directed at covering student costs and living expenses. The scholarship may be for:
   • one year of a taught Masters’s degree program or;
   • one year of a research program (i.e. one year of a 2-year research masters or a 3-4-year PhD program).
2. The HEI will be required to give a full fee waiver to the student for the scholarship year (i.e. tuition and registration fees are waived).

Government of Ireland GOI-IES Scholarship Eligible Institutions for 2025

Scholarships will only be approved for programs that lead to a higher education award that is included in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) at Levels 9 or 10. The following is a list of all institutions eligible under the GOI-IES 2025 program:

1. Atlantic Technological University
2. CCT College
3. Dublin Business School
4. Dublin City University
5. Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
6. Dundalk Institute of Technology
7. Griffith College
8. ICD Business School
9. Independent College
10. Mary Immaculate College
11. Maynooth University
12. Munster Technological University
13. National College of Art and Design
14. National College of Ireland
15. RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
16. South East Technological University
17. Technological University Dublin
18. Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
19. Trinity College Dublin
20. University College Cork
21. University College Dublin
22. University of Galway
23. University of Limerick.

Government of Ireland GOI-IES Scholarship Eligibility

To apply for the Government of Ireland GOI-IES scholarships, applicants must have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland/ United Kingdom.

Russian and Belarussian nationals are not eligible to apply.

Candidates will need to apply for admission to a relevant master’s or PhD programme offered by an eligible HEI as per that institution’s admission procedures. Applicants must have a conditional or final offer of admission to that HEI at the time of application and will be required to submit a copy of same. The offer letter must confirm that the student has been offered a place on a full-time programme as an international, paying student.

Should an applicant be in receipt of more than one offer, separate applications may be submitted for each course offer. A maximum of three applications can be submitted. Final offers will be subject to admission to the relevant HEI. Applicants should make enquiries directly to the relevant institution prior to submission of an application on the online system.

Candidate profile

Applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• a record of outstanding academic achievement;
• excellent communication skills;
• evidence of participation in extracurricular activities. For example, humanitarian work, politics, arts or sport;
• a strong rationale for pursuing their studies in Ireland that indicates how this scholarship would align with their longer-term goals.

Evaluation criteria

A marking system (total 100 marks) is part of the call, with the relevant scores shown in brackets after the key selection criteria below. Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves fully with the evaluation criteria prior to making an application. An application must cover the following:

1. Academic qualifications, achievements and work experience(40 marks).
2. Personal statement (refer to the Candidate profile), where applicants will be required to demonstrate:
   • the benefit of becoming a GOI-IES scholar: to themselves (personally and professionally), to the HEI, to Ireland (economically and societally), as well as to their country of origin (15 marks).
   • how they will extend themselves beyond their project/studies to become actively involved in Irish society, in order to maximise their academic and cultural exchange experience and to raise awareness of the GOI-IES programme in Ireland and beyond (15 marks).
   • the extent to which they have a long-term interest in Ireland and how they will promote links with Ireland during their time as scholars and alumni (15 marks).
3. Two references uploaded via the online application portal. Please note that the HEA will not accept references submitted outside of the online application portal (15 marks).

Similar opportunities

1. Government of Romania Scholarship;
2. Taiwan Government Scholarship.
3. Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship.

Why study in Ireland?

With its vibrant culture, incredible scenic views, and educational opportunities, studying in Ireland has become an increasingly popular choice for students around the world. The country is known for providing high-quality education and a safe, welcoming environment for foreign students. The Irish education system has a long history of excellence and innovation, with many of the country’s universities being some of the oldest in Europe.

From the stunning natural beauty of its countryside to the vibrant cities and towns, studying in Ireland provides a chance to explore the varied and stunning landscape that the country has to offer. Additionally, the relaxed and open atmosphere of the Irish people makes it a perfect place for students to learn and grow in their studies.

How to Apply for the Government of Ireland GOI-IES Scholarship

Eligible applicants who would like to apply for this scholarship to study in Europe should hit the apply button below to access the online application platform and follow the given instructions to submit their applications.

Applicants will need to apply for admission to a relevant Master PhD program offered by an eligible Higher Education Institution. Applicants are expected to have a conditional or final offer of admission to the HEI at the time of application and will be required to submit a copy of the same.

Any questions regarding the call for applications should be submitted to [email protected] no later than February 26, 2025.

The deadline to submit applications for this scholarship program is March 5, 2025 at 5pm (Irish Time). For more information on the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.