Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026
The Ireland Education Scholarship, officially known as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), supports outstanding international students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland. This prestigious scholarship enables high-calibre students to study at NFQ levels 9 or 10, including master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and PhD programmes.
Funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the programme awards 60 scholarships each year for one year of full-time study.
What Is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship?
The Ireland Education Scholarship aims to attract exceptional global talent while strengthening Ireland’s international education sector. Through this initiative, Ireland provides financial support and academic opportunities to students who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential.
Moreover, the programme promotes global engagement by welcoming students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
A Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship offers substantial financial benefits that significantly reduce the cost of studying in Ireland.
Scholarship Benefits
- A €10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study
- A full tuition fee waiver provided by the host Irish higher education institution
As a result, successful applicants can focus fully on their studies and academic development without heavy financial pressure.
Eligibility Criteria for the Ireland Education Scholarship
Before applying for the Ireland Education Scholarship, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Have a domiciliary origin 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 scholarship application
- Submit proof of admission with the GOI-IES application
However, candidates who previously received a GOI-IES award are not eligible to apply again. Additionally, Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible under the 2026 call.
How to Apply for the Government of Ireland Scholarship
Applicants should carefully review the official call documentation before submitting an application. Because competition is high, early preparation is strongly advised.
Application Process
- Submit your application through the 2026 GOI-IES online application portal
- Only one application per candidate is allowed
- Upload two references via the online portal
- Submit all documents before the deadline, as late applications are not accepted
Furthermore, applicants cannot edit their submissions once they complete the process.
👉 Apply here:
https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/heagrantapplication_26
Assessment and Selection Process
The selection process for the Ireland Education Scholarship is highly competitive and merit-based.
Assessment Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Active participation in extracurricular activities such as volunteering, politics, arts, or sports
- A clear and compelling motivation for studying in Ireland
- Alignment between long-term goals and the scholarship’s objectives
Initially, higher education institutions review applications for eligibility and strategic fit. Afterwards, an independent assessment panel evaluates shortlisted candidates.
Key Dates for GOI-IES 2026
Important Deadlines
- Application Deadline: 5:00 pm (Irish time), 12 March 2026
- Scholarship Results: Early June 2026
Therefore, candidates should plan well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Contact and Further Information
Applicants can find full details in the 2026 GOI-IES Call Document, FAQs, and sample application form available on the official webpage. In addition, each eligible institution may publish specific guidance on its website.
For general enquiries, contact:
📧 goi-ies@hea.ie
However, questions related to specific institutions should be directed to the respective HEIs using the contact details listed in Appendix 1 of the call document.