Overview
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) programme supports high-achieving international students who wish to pursue full-time postgraduate study in Ireland at NFQ Level 9 or 10 (master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD).
The programme is funded by the Government of Ireland, delivered in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs), and administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
Each year, 60 one-year scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The 2026 call will open on 29 January 2026.
What the Scholarship Includes
Each Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship provides comprehensive financial and institutional support for one academic year:
- €10,000 stipend to contribute toward living costs
- Full tuition fee waiver for the scholarship year, provided by the host HEI
- Access to world-class Irish higher education and research environments
- Recognition as a Government of Ireland scholar, enhancing academic and professional profiles
The scholarship applies to one year only, even if the programme of study is longer in duration.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the GOI-IES programme, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be domiciled outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
- Apply for admission to a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programme at an eligible Irish HEI
- Hold a conditional or final offer of admission at the time of submitting the scholarship application
- Submit proof of admission as part of the online application
- Not have previously held a GOI-IES scholarship
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Russian or Belarusian nationals
- Applicants submitting more than one application in the 2026 cycle
Applicants are strongly advised to confirm course eligibility directly with their chosen HEI. Contact details for eligible institutions are listed in Appendix 1 of the 2026 GOI-IES Call document, available on the programme webpage.
How to Apply
Applicants must carefully review the official call documentation before submitting an application. The process is fully online.
Key application requirements include:
- Submission via the 2026 GOI-IES online application portal
- A maximum of one application per candidate
- Upload of two references through the portal
- Upload of proof of admission from an eligible HEI
Once submitted, applications cannot be edited or withdrawn. Late submissions are not accepted. Candidates are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues caused by high server traffic.
A sample application form is provided for guidance only and should not be submitted.
Assessment and Selection Process
Applications are assessed through a competitive, multi-stage process. Candidates are expected to demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Excellent communication skills
- Active participation in extracurricular activities, such as:
- Community or humanitarian engagement
- Arts, culture, or sport
- Leadership, advocacy, or public service
- A clear and compelling rationale for studying in Ireland, including how the scholarship aligns with long-term academic and professional goals
Eligible applications are first reviewed by the relevant HEIs for eligibility and strategic alignment. Shortlisted applications are then evaluated by an independent panel of assessors. Full details of the assessment methodology are outlined in the 2026 Call document.
Key Dates for 2026
- Call opens: 29 January 2026
- Application deadline: 5:00pm (Irish time), 12 March 2026
- Outcome notification: Early June 2026
Further Information and Contact Details
Comprehensive information about the 2026 GOI-IES programme is available in the Call document, FAQs, and institutional webpages linked in Appendix 1. Applicants should consult their chosen HEI directly for institution-specific queries.
For general programme enquiries, applicants may contact:
- Email: [email protected]
Queries relating specifically to course eligibility or institutional processes must be directed to the relevant higher education institution.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE
Programme Background
The GOI-IES programme was established under Ireland’s International Education Strategy 2010–2015 and expanded through subsequent national strategies, including Irish Educated, Globally Connected (2016–2020) and Global Citizens 2030 – Ireland’s Talent and Innovation Strategy. The initiative reflects Ireland’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and international talent development.
