The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) 2026 is one of the most prestigious and competitive funding opportunities available for international students seeking to pursue advanced studies in Ireland. Designed to attract high-calibre global talent, this scholarship enables outstanding students from outside Europe to study at leading Irish higher education institutions while benefiting from generous financial support and academic recognition.
Funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the GOI-IES programme supports full-time study at NFQ levels 9 and 10, which include master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and PhD programmes. Each year, 60 scholarships are awarded to exceptional candidates across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Overview of the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
The GOI-IES programme reflects Ireland’s commitment to international education and academic excellence. By welcoming talented students from around the world, the initiative aims to strengthen global collaboration, enhance Ireland’s international reputation, and foster long-term academic and professional relationships.
Scholarships are awarded for one year of full-time study at an eligible Irish HEI. Successful applicants are selected through a highly competitive process that evaluates academic merit, leadership potential, extracurricular engagement, and alignment with Ireland’s educational and strategic priorities.
Scholarship Summary
- Country: Ireland
- Sponsor: Government of Ireland
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Eligibility: International students outside EU/EEA
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Application Deadline: 12 March, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered eligible for the GOI-IES programme, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Nationality and Residency Requirements
- Applicants must have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
- Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible to apply
- Candidates who have previously held a GOI-IES scholarship are not eligible
Academic and Admission Requirements
- Applicants must apply for admission to a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programme at an eligible Irish HEI
- At the time of submitting the GOI-IES application, candidates must hold a conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible institution
- Proof of admission must be uploaded in the relevant section of the GOI-IES application form
Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact their chosen HEI directly to confirm whether their selected course is eligible under the GOI-IES scheme. A list of eligible institutions, along with contact details, is provided in Appendix 1 of the 2026 GOI-IES call document, which may be updated periodically.
Why Study in Ireland with the GOI-IES Scholarship?
Ireland is home to a dynamic and globally connected higher education system, offering world-class teaching, cutting-edge research, and strong industry links. Studying in Ireland provides international students with access to innovative learning environments, rich cultural experiences, and excellent post-study opportunities.
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 not only offers financial support but also serves as a mark of academic distinction that can significantly enhance future career prospects.
Benefits
Students selected for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 receive a comprehensive financial package designed to significantly reduce the cost of studying in Ireland which include:
- €10,000 stipend to cover living expenses for one year of full-time study at NFQ level 9 or 10
- Full tuition fee waiver provided by the host Irish higher education institution for the duration of the scholarship year
- Opportunity to study at globally recognized Irish universities and institutes of technology
- Enhanced academic profile through association with a prestigious, government-funded scholarship
This combination of financial support allows recipients to focus fully on their academic and research goals while experiencing Ireland’s vibrant educational environment.
How to Apply for Government of Ireland International Scholarship 2026
The application process for the GOI-IES programme is fully online and requires careful preparation.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Review the 2026 GOI-IES call documentation thoroughly to ensure eligibility
- Apply for admission to an eligible programme at an Irish HEI and secure a conditional or final offer
- Access the 2026 GOI-IES online application portal via the “Apply here” link on the official webpage
- Complete and submit the application form, including all required supporting documents
- Upload two references through the online portal
Applicants may submit only one application per candidate during the 2026 GOI-IES cycle. It is highly recommended to submit applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues caused by heavy server traffic. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited, and late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Assessment and Selection Process
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is highly competitive, and applicants are assessed through a multi-stage evaluation process.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- A strong record of outstanding academic achievement
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Active participation in extracurricular activities, such as humanitarian work, politics, arts, leadership initiatives, or sport
- A compelling rationale for studying in Ireland, clearly explaining how the GOI-IES scholarship aligns with long-term academic and career goals
Initially, applications are shared with the relevant HEIs, which verify eligibility and shortlist candidates based on alignment with their institutional strategic objectives. Shortlisted applications are then reviewed by an independent panel of assessors, who make final recommendations. Detailed information on the assessment framework is provided in the 2026 GOI-IES Call document.
Important Dates for GOI-IES 2026
- Application Deadline: 12 March 2026
- Programme Start Date: Early June 2026
Applicants are advised to begin preparations early, particularly securing admission offers and references, to ensure a strong and complete application.