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The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) 2026 opens its application on 29 January 2026, offering a unique opportunity for high-achieving international students to study in Ireland. The programme supports master’s, postgraduate diploma, and PhD students at NFQ levels 9 and 10 with fully funded scholarships for one year.
What the Scholarship Offers
Each GOI-IES scholarship provides:
- €10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study
- Full tuition fee waiver at the host Irish higher education institution
This makes the GOI-IES an attractive pathway for talented international students seeking world-class education in Ireland.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK nationals
- Hold a conditional or confirmed offer for a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD at a participating Irish institution
- Not have previously held a GOI-IES scholarship
- Note: Nationals of Russia and Belarus are not eligible
Candidates are encouraged to confirm course eligibility directly with their chosen institution. A full list of participating universities and colleges is available in the 2026 GOI-IES call document.
Application Process
Applications will be submitted exclusively through the 2026 GOI-IES online portal, which will go live on 29 January 2026. Key requirements include:
- One application per candidate
- Two reference letters uploaded via the portal
- Submission of proof of admission to a qualifying Irish institution
Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues caused by high server traffic. Once submitted, applications cannot be modified.
Selection Criteria
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Participation in extracurricular or community activities, such as arts, humanitarian work, sports, or leadership roles
- Clear motivation for studying in Ireland and alignment with long-term career or personal goals
Shortlisted applications are reviewed by the host institutions and assessed by an independent panel based on academic and personal excellence.
Key Dates
- Application opens: 29 January 2026
- Deadline: 12 March 2026, 5pm Irish time
- Results announced: Early June 2026
Need Help or More Information?
For detailed guidance, download the 2026 GOI-IES Call document and FAQs from the official portal. Specific queries regarding institutions should be directed to the universities themselves, while general scholarship inquiries can be sent to goi-ies@hea.ie.
This scholarship program is part of Ireland’s broader strategy to attract global talent and strengthen international education partnerships, in line with initiatives such as Global Citizens 2030 and Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025.
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