Top Scholarships in Ireland for International Students

The popular scholarships in Ireland are Government of Ireland Scholarships, NUI Galway International Student Scholarships, Trinity College Dublin Scholarships, Walsh Fellowship, Fulbright scholarships, and Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships. Studying in Ireland can be affordable if you plan well in advance and apply for various scholarships offered by Irish universities and colleges. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses. Additionally, the Irish government, along with various private and public establishments, offers many scholarships and bursaries. The government aims to attract eligible students by providing financial aid that can cover partial or full tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs.
The average annual cost of living in Ireland ranges from 7,000 to 12,000 EUR, making studying in Ireland more affordable compared to the US or the UK. The Irish government is dedicated to supporting international students financially, making the country an attractive destination for education. This blog guides you through the best study scholarships in Ireland and provides information such as expenses covered, duration, eligible courses, etc you need to get started.

Table of Contents

• Overview of Ireland Scholarships for International Students
• What is the selection criteria for scholarships to study in Ireland?
• Government of Ireland Scholarships
• Ireland University Scholarships for International Students
• Other Popular Scholarship Programs in Ireland
• FAQ

Overview of Ireland Scholarships for International Students

Ireland provides various scholarships for international students, which may be fully or partially funded depending on criteria, course, and institution. The scholarship money offered and the award you get differ from one institution to another. Some research programs might cover your entire tuition fee and even help with some of your living costs. Applying for government scholarships tends to be more competitive than applying for scholarships from universities. That's why we recommend starting the application process about 8-12 months before the intake begins.

When applying for any of the following Irish scholarships, be sure to review the criteria and the application deadline thoroughly.

• Government of Ireland Scholarships
• University Scholarships
• Scholarships offered by other organizations

What are the selection criteria for scholarships to study in Ireland?

The primary selection criteria for the majority of scholarships are higher academic scores and performance. Certain scholarships also allow for the utilization of extracurricular activities and volunteer work as advantages. However, other considerations include your subject, level, and destination of your choice.

Given the potential for intense competition, it is crucial to thoroughly read the selection criteria prior to applying for a scholarship in Ireland. To be eligible for an Irish scholarship, keep the following in mind:

• Achieving strong academic performance is significant
• Volunteer experience is a prerequisite for students
• Prepare your written proposals in advance, if needed
• Ensure you possess relevant letters of recommendation
• Proficiency in English demonstrated through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc., is mandatory.

Remember that each scholarship has specific requirements for eligibility. While a simple application may be sufficient in certain cases, for others you might need to meet several additional requirements. For instance, you might be required to submit written assignments for programs that focus on research. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with the university admissions office.

Government of Ireland Scholarships

One of Ireland's most prestigious scholarships for non-EU/non-EEA students is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship.

To be eligible for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship:

• Applicants must be from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland/United Kingdom.
• They must apply for admission to a relevant master’s or PhD program at an eligible higher education institution.
• Admission should be sought following the institution’s admission procedures.
• Applicants need a conditional or final offer of admission at the time of application.
• The offer must confirm placement in a full-time international fee-paying student program.
• Russian and Belarussian nationals are ineligible due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Here are a few brief details regarding Ireland government scholarships:

• Administered by Higher Education Authority (HEA): The government of Ireland's scholarships are managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
• Fully Funded Opportunities: Numerous fully funded scholarships are available for eligible students.
• 60 Scholarships Offered: HEA awards 60 scholarships to students from the European Union and other nationalities, irrespective of their chosen discipline.
• Available Course Levels: These scholarships are applicable for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels of study.
• Financial Coverage: Students receive a stipend of 10,000 EUR for one year of study.
• Comprehensive Benefits: The scholarship includes a 100% tuition fee waiver and covers all registration costs at the enrolled university.

Key Dates:

Application deadline	5pm (Irish time) 05 March 2025
Notification of call outcome	Expected in late May or early June 2025

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Program

For overseas students pursuing postgraduate studies, the Irish government provides several scholarships. The Department of Education and Skills provides funding for this scholarship, which is overseen by the Council. International students now have the opportunity to pursue a Direct PhD (MS leading to PhD) or Research MS and PhD.
Here are some basic details regarding the duration and funding of these Irish postgraduate scholarships for students from abroad:

Duration	Research Master’s Degree = 1 Year Structured Research Master’s Degree = 2 years Traditional Doctoral Degree= 3 years Structural Doctoral Degree = 4 years
Financial Coverage	Stipend = 18,500 EUR (INR 16,81,000) per annum. Contribution to fees including non-EU fees = Up to a maximum of EUR 5750 per annum. Eligible direct research expenses = EUR 3250 (INR 2,04,000) per annum.
Eligibility Criteria	EU and non-EU students can apply Result awaiting students can also apply First class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s, or the equivalent degree (equal or above 60% in the percentage scale, equal or above B on the international scale) No age limits

How to Apply for Government Scholarships in Ireland?

Application Process for Irish Scholarships: Simplified Steps

The application process for scholarships in Ireland for Indian students is straightforward and can be completed online. Here's a quick overview:

• Create an account on the Irish Research Council.
• Fill out the online application form.
• Prepare a competent CV showcasing achievements and qualifications.
• Obtain a helpful letter of recommendation from your home university.
• Write an effective letter to a professor expressing interest in a Ph.D. or Postdoctoral position in their lab.
• Communicate thoughts clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
• Clearly state reasons for needing a scholarship and why you should be nominated.
• Include information about the benefits you intend to bring to the host university in your letter of motivation.
• Complete the registration form with accurate information.
• Receive an email confirming your registration for a scholarship program upon completing the application process.

Apart from government scholarships, universities in Ireland also provide various scholarship programs for students. Let's explore these opportunities.

Ireland University Scholarships for International Students

Various scholarships are available at Irish universities to assist international students in managing their financial expenses for studying and living in Ireland. These scholarships, offered by the universities, provide essential funding for both the cost of studying and cost of living in Ireland.

Some of the widely sought-after college scholarships in Ireland include:

NUI Galway International Student Scholarships

The prestigious University of Galway offers a merit-based scholarship for students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs. This scholarship is open to students from various regions, including South Asia, North & Central America, East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central Africa.

A applicant may apply for this scholarship from any of the university's schools., including the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies; the College of Business, Public Policy & Law; the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences; and the College of Science & Engineering.

 Here are some details regarding NUI Galway scholarships: 

Benefits	Students are awarded around 2000 - 4000 EUR per year. In some schemes, tuition fees are exempt, while research candidates get an allowance of 16,000 EUR per year. For Undergraduates: 1,000 EUR to 50% tuition fee waiver For Postgraduates: 1,000 EUR to 50% tuition fee waiver
Names of Scholarships	Undergraduate Merit Scholarship Postgraduate Merit Scholarship Country Specific Scholarships
Application deadline	Varies as per the type of scholarship. Apply for the scholarship here
Degree Level	Undergraduate Merit Scholarship Postgraduate Merit Scholarship Country Specific Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria	International students with an accepted offer letter from the university

Maynooth University Scholarships

Maynooth University, recognized as a top institution in Ireland, extends numerous scholarships to international students pursuing bachelor's and master's programs. These include diverse categories such as sports scholarships, music scholarships, entrance scholarships, Intel Women in Technology scholarships, and more.

Benefits	Awards amounting to EUR 1000- EUR 4000 per year. For undergraduates: 2,000 EUR for the first year For postgraduates: 2,500 EUR for first-year Students may also get various other benefits, depending on the type of scholarship. For example, the sports scholarship may help students with sports-related expenses and other expenses.
Names of Scholarships	MU Sports Scholarships MU Entrance Scholarship Naughton Scholarships for Undergraduate STEM Entrants
Application deadline	April 1, 2025
Degree Level	Undergraduate degree Postgraduate degree
Eligibility Criteria	International students with an accepted offer letter from the university who have paid the deposit amount
Duration	1-year

Trinity College Dublin Scholarships

Trinity College, a widely acclaimed institution in Ireland, provides scholarships to numerous international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The specifics of funding, deadlines, and eligibility criteria differ based on the respective scholarship program.

Additionally, the university offers scholarships tailored to specific countries such as India, Brazil, China, the USA, and others, covering all three degree levels. Let's delve into the details of the scholarships offered by this university.

Benefits	Fee waivers, covering the cost of living, health insurance, etc. Students can expect to be awarded 5000 -10,000 EUR, depending on the type of scholarship. For undergraduates: Up to 5,000 EUR for the first year of study in a full-time course only For postgraduates: 2,000-5,000 EUR for the first year of study in a full-time course only For E3 students: 1-year scholarships valued between 2,000-5,000 EUR each and scholarships valued at 4,000 EUR for all 4 years of study
Names of Scholarships	Undergraduate Scholarships Postgraduate Scholarships E3 Scholarships
Application deadline	March 10, 2025
Degree Level	Undergraduate degree Postgraduate degree
Eligibility Criteria	International students with an accepted offer letter from the university
Duration	1-year

University College Cork Scholarship

University College Cork extends outstanding scholarships to both EU and non-EU students enrolled in various programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. levels.

Benefits	Funding covers EU fees only. Non-EU students have to pay the balance fees. For non-EU students, the cost of living is covered.
Names of Scholarships	SEFS Scholarships CASSS Scholarships
Application deadline	March 10, 2025 Apply for scholarships here
Degree Level	Undergraduate degree Postgraduate degree
Eligibility Criteria	International students with an accepted an offer letter from the university
Duration	Depends upon the course Undergraduate Scholarship is renewable for 3 years (or the duration of the course)

Here are a few more well-known universities scholarships that are offered in Ireland in addition to the ones mentioned above:

Universities	Scholarships
University College Dublin	UCD Global scholarships for international students UCD Global excellence UG scholarships Smurfit Business school Scholarships
Dublin Institute of Technology	Centenary Scholarship Programme
Dublin City University	International Merit Scholarships
University of Limerick	University of Limerick scholarships
Waterford Institute of Technology	International student scholarships

Other Popular Scholarship Programs in Ireland

In addition to the government and Irish university scholarships, numerous organizations provide scholarships to students from other countries.
 Here are a few of the most well-liked scholarship initiatives in Ireland:

The Walsh Fellowship

The Walsh Fellowships are given to postgraduates actively involved in projects aligned with the Teagasc Research and Knowledge Transfer Program, focusing on areas such as food, crops, animal and grasslands, environment, economics, and rural development. The fellowship serves as a tribute to the late Dr. Tom Walsh, acknowledging his impactful contributions to agriculture and food research in Ireland.

Benefits	24,000 EUR (INR 21,80,000) grant per year
Duration	M.Sc. = 2 years Ph.D. programs = 4 years
Eligibility	International students pursuing postgraduate research programs in subject areas of food, agriculture, crops, and rural development
Where to Apply	Apply here

Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships For International Students

A scholarship programme for international students pursuing a fully-funded part-time honours degree has been launched by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Benefits	29,500 EUR (INR 26,80,000) Annual salary 24 days annual leave Educational assistance and paid leave
Duration	Differs as per the course
Eligibility	International students undertaking a fully-funded part-time honors degree in accredited Irish universities
Where to Apply	Apply here

 Fulbright Scholarship

International students can apply for the Fulbright scholarship in Ireland, which is a highly sought-after scholarship. There are six different categories in this programme, all of which focus on particular fields of study and research.

Benefits	100% tuition fee waiver Full reimbursement for all enrolment fees Yearly stipend of 10,000 EUR
Duration	BA Programs: 3-4 years Master’s Programs: 1-year Ph.D. Programs: 3-4 years
Eligibility	Students who are enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. programs in accredited Irish universities
Where to Apply	Apply here

Conclusion

International students who wish to study in Ireland should take advantage of the financial aid and scholarships offered by various organisations to lower their cost of education. This article has addressed every detail regarding scholarship types, application processes, and selection criteria, providing valuable insights for those considering further education.

FAQ

1. What amount of money is available through scholarships?

The amount of money and the award provided through scholarships differ from one institution to another. Some research programs might cover your entire tuition fee and even contribute to your living expenses. Usually, Government scholarships have more applicants, making them more competitive than university scholarships. Hence, it's a good idea to start the application process 8-12 months before your preferred start date.

2. What are all Scholarships in Ireland available for Undergraduates Indian Students?

The following list includes a few UG Irish Scholarships available to Indian students

• Irish Aid IDEAS Scholarship Program
• Higher Education Authority (HEA) International Scholarships
• University College Cork (UCC) International Scholarships
• Maynooth University International Scholarships
• National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) Scholarships

3. What are all Scholarships in Ireland available for International Post graduates?

Some of the PG Irish Scholarships for International Post Graduates along with research scholarships are listed below.

• NUI Galway International Student Scholarships
• Trinity College Dublin Scholarships
• Maynooth University Scholarships
• University College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships
• University College Cork Global Excellence Scholarships

Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarships

• The Walsh Fellowships
• Fullbright Scholarships
• DCU Taught Master’s Program award
• Open study/research award and much more.

4. What are some tips for increasing the chances of being accepted for scholarships in Ireland?

The following are some suggestions to improve your chances of getting your Ireland scholarship accepted.

• Be clear and concise in your application.
• Address all questions posed by the admission committee.
• Start with an engaging introduction to capture the reader's interest.
• Pay attention to formatting for readability.
• Clearly explain why you want the scholarship, how it benefits you, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• Don't neglect optional questions; use them to provide additional insights about yourself and your aspirations.

5. How to get 100% scholarship in Ireland?

Getting a scholarship in Ireland can be tough, so make sure you know the criteria well before applying. Remember, having good grades is crucial, and having volunteer experience is also necessary.

6. Who is eligible for the Ireland scholarship?

Good academic performance is a key requirement, but it can vary based on your academic level and subject. Some scholarships may also consider factors like volunteering and extracurricular activities for eligibility.

7. How much percentage is required for scholarship in Ireland?

EU and non-EU applicants must have a minimum of 70% in their undergraduate studies and a full-time offer letter for an MSc program to be eligible for merit-based scholarships.