Countries worldwide are investing heavily in education, transforming themselves into major global education hubs. Among these, one rapidly emerging destination for higher studies is Ireland. Known for its world-class universities, innovative research programs, and industry-aligned courses, Ireland has become a top choice for students seeking quality education and career opportunities. Every year, students from all over the world come to study in Ireland, drawn by its excellent academic reputation and welcoming environment. However, while planning their education, they often have several concerns—one of the most common being financial assistance. Many students in Ireland wonder: Does Ireland offer scholarships for international students? If you have the same question, you’re in the right place! In this blog, we’ll clear all your doubts by exploring the various scholarships available, their eligibility criteria, and how you can apply. Stay with us to discover how studying in Ireland can be both affordable and rewarding.
Scholarships offered by Ireland for International Students
Yes! Ireland offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, ensuring that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of quality education. From government-funded scholarships to university-specific grants and financial aid provided by private and public institutions, students in Ireland have multiple opportunities to ease their study expenses. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, provide support to those in need, and attract talented individuals from across the world. With so many options available, finding the right scholarship can be a game-changer for students planning to study in Ireland. Now, let’s take a closer look at the different scholarships offered, their eligibility criteria, and how you can apply to make your education in Ireland more affordable.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
As we just discussed, Ireland offers a wide range of scholarships to help international students achieve their academic dreams. One of the most sought-after financial aid programs for students in Ireland is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES). This scholarship is aimed at high-achieving international students who wish to study in Ireland at the postgraduate level—specifically at NFQ levels 9 or 10, which include Master’s, Postgraduate Diplomas, and PhD programs. This prestigious scholarship is funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions and is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Every year, 60 outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK are awarded this scholarship for one year of full-time study at an Irish university. The program is designed to not only support students financially but also to strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a global education hub. The GOI-IES scholarship provides a EUR 10,000 stipend for one year, helping students cover their living expenses while they pursue their studies in Ireland. Additionally, one of the biggest benefits of this scholarship is that the awardee’s host university provides a full tuition fee waiver for the entire year. This makes it an excellent opportunity for students looking to reduce their financial burden while gaining a world-class education in Ireland.
Are you eligible?
Before applying, it’s important to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria:
- You must be an international student from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or the UK.
- You must have applied for a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or PhD program at an eligible Irish university.
- At the time of application, you need to hold either a conditional or final offer of admission from an Irish institution.
- Students who have previously been awarded the GOI-IES scholarship are not eligible to apply again.
- Due to ongoing geopolitical circumstances, Russian and Belarusian nationals are currently ineligible for this scholarship.
How to Apply?
The application process is straightforward but highly competitive, so it’s important to prepare well in advance. Applications are submitted online through the official scholarship portal. As part of the application, you will need to provide two reference letters, which must be uploaded by you before the deadline. Make sure to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Many students face website crashes or slowdowns due to high traffic on the final day, so submitting early ensures your application goes through smoothly. Once the deadline has passed, no further applications or modifications can be made, so double-check all details before submitting. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is just one of the many funding opportunities available for students in Ireland. Now, let’s take a look at more scholarships that can help make studying in Ireland affordable and accessible.
University-offered Scholarships for International students
While the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is a fantastic funding opportunity, it’s not the only option available. Many universities in Ireland also provide scholarships for international students, helping them manage tuition fees and living costs. These scholarships are often based on academic merit, leadership qualities, extracurricular achievements, or financial need. Let’s explore some of the top university-offered scholarships in Ireland that can help make your educational journey more affordable and rewarding.
Trinity College Dublin – India Undergraduate Scholarships
As we continue exploring scholarships for students in Ireland, let’s take a look at one of the top universities offering financial aid to international students—Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Known for its academic excellence and rich history, Trinity College Dublin attracts talented students from all over the world. To support high-achieving Indian students, TCD offers the India Undergraduate Scholarship, which helps ease the financial burden for those planning to study in Ireland. The India Undergraduate Scholarship provides a one-year financial award valued between EUR 3,000 and EUR 5,000, which is applied as a reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study. This scholarship is available to students enrolling in a full-time undergraduate program, except for courses in Medicine, Dental Science, and Acting.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Have received a conditional or unconditional offer for an undergraduate program at Trinity College Dublin.
- Be a non-EU student and pay tuition fees at the non-EU rate. Be a resident of India and have completed high school education in India.
- Have achieved (or be predicted to achieve) one of the following academic scores: International Baccalaureate: Minimum 36 points, A-levels: Minimum AAB or similar, and Indian Grade XII: Minimum 90% overall
Applicants will be assessed based on their academic achievements and their potential to contribute to the Trinity College Dublin community. The university also considers regional and program diversity when allocating scholarships.
How to apply?
Applying for the India Undergraduate Scholarship is simple but requires attention to detail. Follow these steps:
- Email your application to Nilanjana.shihn@tcd.ie , Subject Line: Your Name + Trinity Application Reference Number + India Undergraduate Scholarship.
- Attach the following documents: Trinity Offer Letter, A 300-word statement on “How I will contribute to Trinity College Dublin’s community”, and Your CV/Resume. Make sure all documents include your name and Trinity Application Reference Number before submitting.
Once submitted, your Regional Manager will review your application and inform you if you’ve been selected. They will also guide you through the process of formally accepting the scholarship.
University College Dublin – Global Excellence Scholarships
UCD is one of Ireland’s leading universities, known for its diverse academic programs and strong global reputation. To attract outstanding international students, UCD provides the Global Excellence Scholarship, which helps students ease the financial burden of studying in Ireland. This scholarship is designed for high-achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. The Global Excellence Scholarship is an annual award that covers either 100% or 50% of tuition fees, making it a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship. It is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate-taught students enrolling in eligible programs at University College Dublin.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Have received one of the following admission statuses for an eligible program at UCD: Offer (Unconditional Offer), Conditional Offer (Conditional on meeting certain requirements), Accept (Accepted Offer), or Conditional Accept (Accepted Conditional Offer).
- Be a non-EU student and pay tuition fees at the non-EU rate.
- Be a self-funding student, meaning you are not receiving any other tuition fee scholarship.
- Apply for an eligible undergraduate or graduate taught program at UCD.
- Meet the citizenship and residency requirements outlined in the UCD Regional Information guidelines.
How to apply?
The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps:
- Submit your admission application to an eligible UCD program and obtain an Offer, Conditional Offer, Accept, or Conditional Accept status.
- Follow the Global Excellence Scholarship Application Instructions provided by UCD.
- Complete the online scholarship application form within the given deadline.
- Submit all required supporting documents, which may include academic transcripts, a personal statement, and reference letters.
The Global Excellence Scholarship cannot be combined with any other UCD tuition fee scholarship, so applicants must choose their funding source carefully. The University College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for students in Ireland who wish to reduce their tuition costs while pursuing a world-class education. This scholarship not only makes studying at University College Dublin more affordable but also rewards students for their academic excellence and leadership qualities.
University of Limerick – Kemmy Business School Scholarships
For students planning to study in Ireland, the University of Limerick (UL) offers generous scholarships to help ease the financial burden. Known for its strong academic programs and industry connections, UL is a top choice for international students. Among its various funding opportunities, the Kemmy Business School (KBS) ‘Jim Kemmy India Scholarship’ is specifically designed for high-achieving Indian students pursuing undergraduate business degrees. This merit-based scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of approximately EUR 4,000 per year, meaning recipients will pay only EUR 8,000 per year in tuition fees. The scholarship is renewable for all four years of the undergraduate program, provided students maintain the required academic performance. This makes it an excellent opportunity for students in Ireland who want to receive a world-class education at an affordable cost.
Are you eligible?
To qualify for this scholarship, you must:
- Be an Indian student applying for an undergraduate degree at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick.
- Have an average score of 75% or above in Standard X & XII, including English and Mathematics.
- Meet the university’s English language requirements.
- Be enrolled in an eligible business program (interdisciplinary programs are not covered). The Jim Kemmy India Scholarship is a fantastic option for students who want to study in Ireland while benefiting from reduced tuition fees.
How to apply?
Applying for this scholarship is simple. Follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility – Ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements.
- Apply for an eligible undergraduate business program at UL – Programs covered under this scholarship include: BA International Business, AND Bachelor of Business Studies
- Submit your application for the scholarship – Once you receive an offer from UL, apply for the scholarship by providing the necessary academic documents.
This scholarship offers an incredible opportunity for students in Ireland to gain a top-tier business education at a significantly reduced cost. By studying at Kemmy Business School, students will not only receive financial support but also benefit from UL’s strong industry partnerships and global career opportunities.
University College Cork – SEFS International Student Merit-Based Scholarship
For students looking to study in Ireland, University College Cork (UCC) is another excellent choice, offering strong academic programs and global career prospects. To support international students financially, UCC provides a range of scholarships, one of the most notable being the SEFS International Student Merit-Based Scholarship. This scholarship is designed for international (non-EU) students enrolling in taught Master’s programs within the College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science (SEFS). One of the best things about this scholarship is that it is automatically awarded based on previous academic performance—there’s no separate application required! The scholarship provides significant tuition fee reductions, making it a great opportunity for students in Ireland who want to pursue a Master’s degree in a STEM-related field without financial stress.
Are you eligible?
To qualify for this scholarship, you must:
- Be an international (non-EU) student enrolling in a taught Master’s program at UCC’s College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science (SEFS).
- Have an accepted offer in your UCC Application Portal (CRM).
- Meet the academic merit requirements, which determine the level of tuition fee discount. The scholarship is automatically awarded at the offer stage, meaning eligible students don’t have to go through an additional application process.
How to apply?
Unlike other scholarships, this one requires no separate application. Here’s how you can qualify:
- Apply for a taught Master’s program at UCC’s College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science.
- Receive an offer of admission – The scholarship is awarded automatically at this stage. Accept your offer and enjoy reduced tuition fees based on your academic performance.
This merit-based scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students in Ireland who are looking for financial support while pursuing a STEM Master’s degree at one of Ireland’s top universities. It removes the hassle of a lengthy application process while still offering significant tuition fee reductions to reward academic excellence.
More Scholarships for International Students in Ireland
Ireland offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities for international students, making quality education more accessible and affordable. From government-funded programs to university-specific awards, students can find financial support based on merit, need, and academic excellence. In addition to the scholarships mentioned, many other institutions offer funding, such as:
- University of Galway – Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships, College of Arts and Sciences Scholarships
- Technological University – Shannon Midland Midwest Merit Scholarship
- Griffith College – Automatic Merit-Based Scholarship
- National College of Ireland – Automatic Scholarship
With numerous options available, Ireland continues to be a top destination for globally ambitious students.
Application Process for Ireland Student Visa
Securing an Ireland student visa is an essential step for international students planning to pursue their studies in Ireland. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly:
- Select Course and University – Choose your desired program and institution in Ireland, ensuring it meets visa eligibility requirements. Apply for Admission – Submit your application to the university along with the necessary academic and English language proficiency documents.
- Get an Offer Letter – Once accepted, you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer letter from the institution. Pay Tuition Fee – Complete the required tuition fee payment to secure your place in the university.
- Prepare Visa Documents – Gather all necessary documents, including proof of tuition payment, financial statements, passport, and medical insurance.
- Apply for Visa Online – Complete and submit your Ireland student visa application through the official online portal. Visit the Application Centre for Biometrics – Attend an appointment at your nearest visa application center to provide biometrics and submit supporting documents.
- Wait for Decision – The Ireland study visa processing time is typically 8 weeks, but it may extend during peak application periods. By carefully following these steps and ensuring all requirements are met, students can enhance their chances of securing an Ireland student visa and beginning their academic journey in Ireland without delays.
West Highlander Immigration
Ireland offers numerous scholarship opportunities for international students, making it a highly attractive study destination. From government-funded programs to university-specific scholarships, students can access financial support to ease their tuition and living costs. For expert guidance on securing your Ireland study visa, trust West Highlander Immigration, a highly experienced consultancy that has personally visited Irish universities to assist students in their study abroad journey.