GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND, MANAGED BY THE HIGHER EDUCATION AUTHORITY (HEA)
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)
full · bachelors, masters, phd
- €10,000 + fee waiverAward (1 year)
- Study in IrelandHost country
- ~60 / yearAwards
- Bachelor’s–PhDStudy levels
- Non-EU/EEA studentsEligibility
- HEA-managedAdministration
At a glance
full
Funding
€10k
Max amount
Mar 26, 2027
Deadline
Non-EU/EEA countries
Country
Government of Ireland, managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA)
Provider
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) are funded by the Irish Government and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to attract talented non-EU/EEA students to study in Ireland. Around 60 scholarships are awarded each year across 3 levels: undergraduate, master's, and PhD. Each scholarship provides a €10,000 stipend for 1 year of study, together with a full fee waiver from the host Irish higher education institution. The award is intended to support 1 year; students on longer programmes receive the €10,000 benefit and fee waiver for a single year of their course. Applicants must already hold, or be about to receive, an offer of a place on an eligible full-time programme of at least 1 year at a participating Irish institution. Applications are made online during an annual window that commonly closes in late March, and selection is based on academic merit, the personal statement, and the contribution the applicant would make.
What's covered
- Stipend — A €10,000 stipend for one year of study.
- Fee waiver — A full tuition-fee waiver for that year, provided by the host Irish institution.
- One-year benefit — The award supports one year; on longer programmes it applies to a single year of the course.
How to apply
Apply online through the HEA's GOI-IES application system during the annual window, after securing or while securing an offer from an eligible Irish institution.
- Secure an Irish offer — Apply to and obtain (or be about to obtain) an offer for an eligible full-time programme of one year or more.
- Prepare your application — Draft your personal statement and gather academic records and offer details.
- Apply via the HEA system — Submit the GOI-IES online application before the deadline (~late March).
- Provide supporting details — Include your programme/offer information and academic merit evidence.
- Selection — The HEA evaluates applications on academic merit and the personal statement.
- Award — Around 60 successful applicants are notified and take up the award in the new academic year.
Eligibility
NationalityA non-EU/EEA national, liable for non-EU fees in Ireland.
OfferHold (or be about to hold) an offer for an eligible full-time programme of one year or more.
InstitutionThe programme must be at an eligible Irish higher education institution.
LevelUndergraduate, master's, or PhD study all eligible.
CommencementBeginning the programme in the upcoming academic year.
You apply for the scholarship yourself (not via the institution), but you must already be engaging with the admissions process and hold/expect an offer. Around 60 awards are made across all levels.
Eligible countries
Non-EU/EEA countries
Deadlines
2027 entry2027-03-26
Selection
The Higher Education Authority assesses applications on academic merit, the quality of the personal statement, and the contribution the applicant would make to the institution and to Ireland's international education profile. Around 60 awards are made across all levels each year.
Verified sources
About the provider
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is the statutory body responsible for the governance and funding of higher education in Ireland. On behalf of the Irish Government, it manages the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships to promote Ireland as a study destination and attract talented international students.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships?
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Irish-Government-funded scholarships managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to attract non-EU/EEA students to Ireland. Around 60 are awarded each year across undergraduate, master's, and PhD level.
What does the scholarship provide?
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A €10,000 stipend for one year of study plus a full tuition-fee waiver from the host Irish institution for that year.
Who is eligible?
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Non-EU/EEA nationals who hold (or are about to hold) an offer for an eligible full-time programme of one year or more at a participating Irish higher education institution.
How many scholarships are awarded?
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Around 60 each year, spread across undergraduate, master's, and PhD applicants from non-EU/EEA countries.
Does it cover my whole degree?
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No — the award supports one year. On longer programmes, the €10,000 stipend and fee waiver apply to a single year of your course.
How do I apply?
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You apply yourself through the HEA's online GOI-IES system during the annual window (closing ~late March), after securing or while securing an offer from an eligible Irish institution.
When is the deadline?
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The application window typically closes in ~late March for study beginning the following September. Confirm the exact date with the HEA each year.
Do I need an offer before applying?
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You must hold or be about to hold an offer for an eligible programme — you should already be engaging with the admissions process when you apply for the scholarship.
Which institutions are eligible?
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Eligible Irish higher education institutions participating in the scheme — including the major Irish universities and institutes. Check the current list with the HEA.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive — with only ~60 awards across all levels and countries, selection is based on academic merit and a strong personal statement.
What levels are eligible?
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Undergraduate, master's, and PhD study are all eligible, provided the programme is full-time and at least one year long.
Can EU students apply?
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No — the scholarship is specifically for non-EU/EEA students who would otherwise pay non-EU fees in Ireland.