International students receive scholarships to study in Ireland from various government sources, higher education institutes, NGOs, and private organisations that wish to provide financial and funding support.
Tuition costs at universities in Ireland average between €15,000-30,000, whereas living costs in Ireland are an estimated €7,000-12,000 per year. Full scholarships to study in Ireland are provided to eligible international students to cover tuition and living expenses but often depend upon the choice of course and the specific institution. Universities in Ireland and various Irish government programmes also help students get substantial scholarships on tuition fees.
For detailed information on available scholarships and their eligibility requirements, arrange a free consultation with SI-Ireland today. As the authorised Ireland university consultant, our counsellors will guide you in choosing the right course and university in Ireland and help you apply for scholarships.
Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
The major intake at Irish universities is in September. International students who wish to apply for scholarships to study in Ireland should begin the application process as early as 10-12 months in advance. The criteria for awarding scholarships differs between universities, and students should check directly with the university before applying.
The government of Ireland is taking special measures to increase the number of non-EU students in Ireland by providing financial assistance. International students can also apply to study in Ireland under such national programmes, which offer a full waiver on tuition fees and scholarships up to €10,000 for living expenses. To apply for such scholarships, students need to have an offer for a full-time master's programme taught by an Irish university.
Government Scholarships for International Students in Ireland
1. Government of Ireland Scholarships
Ireland’s Higher Education Authority manages the scholarship and applies to students from India, Brazil, China, and the USA who want to study in Ireland. The scholarship is valid for one year, and upto 60 students can avail of the scholarship for one academic year.
Highlights
|
Accepted study level |
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD |
|
Duration |
One year |
|
Benefits |
100% tuition fee waiver, 100% waiver on all registration costs, and €10,000 stipend for one year’s study |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Higher education from eligible Irish higher educational institutions Excellent academic record in all sectors (educational, personal, professional, and innovation) and excellent communication skills. |
|
Who can apply? |
Final-year undergraduate students or students who have completed one year of study in a master’s or PhD program |
|
Mode of registration |
Online |
2. The Walsh Scholarship
The Walsh Scholarship is an Irish Government Scholarship that targets graduates pursuing research studies in agriculture, environmental science, horticulture, and related disciplines. It offers scholarships to 140 Ph.D. graduates at any given time. Applicants are assessed based on the following criteria: scientific background (50%), tasks (20%), expected benefits (10%), and supervision and resources (20%).
Highlights
|
Accepted study level |
MSc and PhD programs |
|
Duration |
Three to four years (for PhD) and two years (for MSc) |
|
Benefits |
€24,000 grant to qualifying international students. |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
First and upper-class honours primary degree or equivalent and a master’s degree |
|
Who can apply? |
MSc or PhD graduates |
|
Mode of registration |
Online |
3. Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme
This government scholarship is designed to support exceptional students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in Ireland. The Irish Research Council administers it and funds it across various disciplines.
Highlights
|
Accepted study levels |
MSc and PhD |
|
Duration |
One year |
|
Benefits |
A stipend of €19,000 per annum, a contribution to fees upto €5750 per annum, and direct research expenses of €3250 per annum |
|
Eligibility criteria |
Candidates who have accepted the offer letter from the university |
|
Mode of Registration |
Online |
University Scholarships for International Students in Ireland
Ireland is home to a world-class education with many career opportunities in different fields. From humanities to engineering, Ireland Universities have programs curated for everyone. So, whatever subject you choose, Irish colleges have programs and curricula designed based on your interests and many international scholarships.
1. Trinity College Dublin Scholarships
Trinity College Dublin Scholarships is a one-year global excellence scholarship offered by Trinity University, Dublin. It provides scholarships to international students pursuing bachelor's or graduate programs. The university also offers country-specific scholarships (for students residing in China, India, Brazil, and the USA) on all three-degree levels.
Highlights
|
Accepted study levels |
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and E3 (engineering, environment, and emerging technologies) scholarships |
|
Duration |
One year |
|
Benefits |
For undergraduates: Upto €5000 for the first year of study in a full-time course only For postgraduates: €2000 to €5000 for the first year in a full-time course only |
|
Eligibility criteria |
Students with an accepted offer letter from Trinity College Dublin |
|
Who can apply? |
International students pursuing higher education for full-time |
|
Mode of registration |
Online application form or emailing application form to the regional officer with supporting documents |
2. University of Galway International Student Scholarships
The University of Galway, Ireland, offers various merit-based scholarships to attract potential students worldwide. Students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the university can apply for these scholarship programs. They also provide country-specific scholarships for regions like Central Asia, North and Central America, East Asia, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Students wishing to apply for this scholarship must be studying in the following courses-
- College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies
- College of Business, Public Policy & Law
- College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences
- College of Science and Engineering
Highlights
|
Accepted study levels |
UG, PG, and country-specific scholarships |
|
Duration |
Varies (depending on the degree) |
|
Benefits |
For some schemes, tuition fees are exempted For UG and PG: upto €1000 to 50% of tuition fee waiver Research students get an allowance of €16,000 annually |
|
Eligibility criteria |
Based on academic merit, a personal scholarship statement of 500 words must be submitted |
|
Who can apply? |
International applicants who have accepted an offer letter from the university |
|
Mode of registration |
online |
3. Maynooth University Scholarships
Maynooth University Scholarships are partially funded scholarships for international students. The university offers students various scholarships and grants based on their academic performance, finances, and other factors.
Highlights
|
Accepted study levels |
Undergraduate and postgraduate |
|
Duration |
One-year |
|
Benefits |
€2000 for the first year (UG) and €2500 for the first year (PG) |
|
Eligibility criteria |
Varies (depending on the course and specialisation) |
|
Who can apply? |
Applicants who have accepted the offer letter and deposited a specific fee amount before the deadline |
|
Mode of registration |
online |
Third-Party Scholarship in Ireland
Here is the list of full external scholarships for international students studying in Ireland:
|
Scholarship |
Benefit |
Eligibility |
|
Fullbright Scholarships |
100% tuition fee waiver and a yearly stipend of €10,000 |
Candidates enrolled for Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs in any recognised Irish universities |
|
Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students |
€29,500 annually, 24 days annual leave, and educational, assistance, and paid leaves |
International applicants enrolled in a fully-funded part-time honours degree in any accredited Ireland universities |
|
The Walsh Scholarship |
€24,000 annually |
MSc or PhD graduates in food, agriculture, crops, and rural development |
|
Naughton Scholarships |
varies |
STEM-related UG and PG degrees |
Other Scholarships for International Students
If you are an international applicant enrolled in a university and looking for university-specific scholarships, check out the following. These scholarships range from fully funded scholarships for undergraduate international students to partially financed scholarships.
1. University of Galway International Scholarships
The University of Galway is committed to producing high-calibre students around the globe. Here is the list of scholarships available for international students -
|
Scholarship name |
Award value |
Eligible programs/study levels |
|
Global Achievement Scholarship |
€2000 reduction in tuition fees |
Bachelor degrees offered by the College of Arts, Social Science, and Celtic Studies and JE Cairnes School of Business and Economics |
|
Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships |
50% reduction in tuition fees |
Master in Accounting, MSc management and sustainability, MSc Human Resource Management, and MSc Digital Marketing |
|
Excellence and Merit Scholarships |
Upto €10,000 and merit scholarships available upto €7640 |
Science and engineering postgraduate students |
|
Shannon College of Hotel Management “High School Star” Competition Scholarship |
Upto €6000 |
Hotel management undergraduate students |
|
Hardiman Scholarships |
€22,000 per annum plus a tuition fee waiver |
PhD applicants |
2. Maynooth University International Scholarships
Maynooth University offers different scholarship programs for international students based on academic merit at various degree levels. The university also provides external scholarships, such as Intel Women in Technology, Google Women Techmakers, and The Denham Fellow. Here is a list of popular scholarships available at Maynooth University.
|
Scholarship name |
Award value |
Eligible programs/study levels |
|
Sports scholarships |
varies |
UG and PG excelling in their sports and academic studies |
|
W.A Barrett Scholarship in Engineering |
€3000 |
Engineering |
Some other highly-rewarding Ireland university scholarships are as follows -
|
University |
Scholarships available |
|
CASSS Scholarship and SEFS Scholarships |
|
|
University of Limerick- International Student Scholarships, Jim Kemmy India Scholarship |
|
|
UCD Global scholarships for international students, UCD Global excellence UG Scholarships, and Smurfit Business Scholarships |
|
|
Centenary Scholarship Program |
Overview of Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
Below are some major scholarships available to international students to study at universities in Ireland.
- Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship: This is one of Ireland's most prestigious scholarship programmes that supports outstanding students pursuing research-based postgraduate studies. Administered by the Irish Research Council, it aims to attract high-calibre individuals across various disciplines by funding fees, stipends, and research-related expenses.
- Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme: A competitive initiative designed to support exceptional candidates pursuing master's or doctoral research in Ireland. The Irish Research Council administers this scholarship and funds scholars across diverse disciplines.
- Fulbright Scholarships: The Fulbright Scholarships provide Indian students with the opportunity to study in Ireland through an exchange programme that fosters cultural understanding and academic collaboration.
- Maynooth University Sports Scholarships: This scholarship programme recognises and supports talented athletes pursuing higher education. Recipients who have excelled in various sports receive financial assistance, specialised training support, and access to top-notch facilities at Maynooth University.
- J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics Scholarships: The J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at the University of Galway offers various scholarships to support students' academic pursuits. These scholarships are designed to reward excellence in business and economics disciplines and may cover tuition fees and living expenses or provide additional financial support to deserving candidates.
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Programme: This scholarship provides financial support to high-achieving international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Ireland.
- The Walsh Fellowships is one of Ireland's most prominent research-focused scholarship initiatives. It is specifically administered by Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority. It offers opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing agricultural and food research by giving them a grant of €22,000 annually.
- Naughton Scholarships: These scholarships support exceptionally talented students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees. Established by the Naughton Foundation, these scholarships typically provide financial support for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, covering tuition fees and offering additional allowances.
- UCD Global Excellence Scholarship: This prestigious award, offered by University College Dublin, is given to outstanding international students across various disciplines.
- Jim Kemmy India Scholarship- This is a specific scholarship programme for Indian students by the University of Limerick. Aiming to attract undergraduate students, this scholarship is available for candidates who study at the Kemmy Business School to pursue a BA in International Business and a Bachelor of Business Studies.
Study in Ireland
Book a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to start your application process for admissions to the September intake at Irish universities and apply for scholarships with the assistance of trusted university partners.
FAQ
Does Ireland give full scholarships to international students?
Although Ireland offers scholarships to international students, full scholarships covering all expenses, including tuition and living costs, are relatively rare. However, some organisations provide merit-based scholarships to cover all the costs of studying in Ireland for students with strong academic backgrounds and research proposals.
Who is eligible for the Ireland Government Scholarship 2024?
Students from all countries having proficiency in English and a first-class or upper-second-class honours bachelor’s degree can apply for studying postgraduate programmes through the Ireland Government Scholarship 2024.
How competitive is the Government of Ireland scholarship?
The Government of Ireland scholarship is competitive, as the seats might be limited, and applicants worldwide can apply. Candidates must also have a strong academic record to be eligible for the scholarship, making it even more competitive.
What are the best scholarships available to international students from India studying in Ireland?
Some of the most prominent scholarships for international students from India to study in Ireland are:
- Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
- Fulbright Scholarships
- Centenary Scholarships
- Maynooth University Sports Scholarships
- J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics Scholarships
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Programme
- The Walsh Fellowships
- Naughton Scholarships
- UCD Global Excellence Scholarship
- Smurfit Business School Scholarships
- Kemmy Business School India Scholarship
