Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships – Fee Waiver + €10,000 Stipend

Last reviewed: September 28, 2026, against the official scholarship sources listed below.

Current status: The Higher Education Authority (HEA) lists the 2026 call as closed (the deadline was 12 March 2026). The HEA has not yet published dates for the next call on its scholarship page, so check that page regularly. Because you need an offer of admission before you can apply, the best preparation is to apply to Irish universities well ahead of the call.

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) programme supports high-calibre international students who wish to study at master’s, postgraduate diploma or PhD level in Ireland. Each year, 60 scholarships are awarded across Irish higher education institutions.

This scholarship is particularly attractive because it combines a full tuition fee waiver with a €10,000 stipend for one year of study.

Scholarship Benefits

A full tuition fee waiver, including registration charges, for one year of full-time study
A €10,000 stipend for the year

The host institution provides the fee waiver, while the stipend is part of the Government of Ireland programme managed by the HEA. The scholarship lasts one year only and cannot be extended.

Eligibility Criteria

Your domiciliary of origin must be outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
You must already hold a conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible Irish higher education institution for a full-time programme at NFQ Level 9 (Master’s/Postgraduate Diploma) or Level 10 (PhD)
You must not have previously received a Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

Only programmes that lead to a higher education award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications at levels 9 or 10 are eligible.

Application Timeline

2026 call (closed): deadline 12 March 2026 at 5pm Irish time, with outcomes expected in early June 2026
Next call: not yet announced on the HEA page at the time of review

Calls have followed a similar annual pattern, but never assume dates. Read the call document on the HEA website when the next call is published.

How to Apply

First secure an offer of admission from an eligible Irish higher education institution.
Once you have the offer, submit your scholarship application through the official GOI-IES online portal.
Upload the required documents, including your offer letter and other supporting materials as specified in the call documentation.

Applications without a valid offer from an eligible institution will not be considered.

Tips for Applicants

Apply early for admission to Irish universities so that you have an offer in time for the scholarship deadline.
Prepare a strong personal statement that clearly explains your academic goals and how studying in Ireland will benefit your future career and home country.
Carefully read the official call document and FAQs before starting your application.

Official website: https://hea.ie/policy/internationalisation/goi-ies/

Disclaimer: Always confirm the latest call documentation, eligible institutions, and deadlines on the official Higher Education Authority website.