The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) programme is a prestigious, fully supported opportunity for high-achieving international students who wish to pursue postgraduate study in Ireland. The programme supports students enrolling in NFQ Level 9 or Level 10 programmes, including master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and PhD programmes, at eligible Irish higher education institutions.
The GOI-IES programme is funded by the Government of Ireland, delivered in partnership with Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Each year, 60 scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates for one year of full-time study, making this one of Ireland’s most competitive international scholarship schemes.
About the Programme
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship programme was established under Ireland’s International Education Strategy 2010–2015 and expanded under subsequent national strategies, including Irish Educated, Globally Connected, Global Citizens 2030, Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025, and Global Ireland. The programme reflects Ireland’s long-term commitment to international education, talent development, and global engagement.
What the Scholarship Covers
A Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship provides substantial financial support to help international students focus fully on their studies.
Each award includes:
- A €10,000 stipend for one academic year
- A full tuition fee waiver for the scholarship year, provided by the host Irish higher education institution
The scholarship is designed to cover living expenses while studying in Ireland, while the fee waiver removes the cost of tuition for the duration of the award.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the GOI-IES programme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
- Apply for admission to an eligible master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programme at an Irish higher education institution
- Hold a conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible Irish HEI at the time of submitting the GOI-IES application
- Submit proof of admission as part of the online scholarship application
Applicants who have previously received a GOI-IES scholarship are not eligible to reapply. In addition, Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible to apply under the 2026 call.
Candidates are strongly advised to confirm the eligibility of their chosen programme directly with the relevant higher education institution. Contact details for eligible institutions are provided in Appendix 1 of the 2026 GOI-IES Call Document, which is available on the official programme webpage.
How to Apply
Before applying, candidates should carefully review the 2026 GOI-IES Call Document and FAQs to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
Applications must be submitted through the official 2026 GOI-IES online application portal, accessible via the link below:
👉 https://hea.ie/policy/internationalisation/goi-ies/
Important application notes:
- Only one application per candidate is permitted in the 2026 cycle
- All applications must include two uploaded references submitted through the online portal
- Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues caused by high traffic
- Applications cannot be edited or resubmitted once submitted
- Late applications will not be accepted
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Assessment and Selection Process
Applications are assessed through a competitive, multi-stage process. Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- A strong record of academic excellence
- Excellent communication skills
- Active participation in extracurricular activities, such as community service, humanitarian work, leadership, politics, arts, or sports
- A compelling statement explaining why they wish to study in Ireland and how the GOI-IES scholarship aligns with their long-term academic and career goals
Eligible applications are first reviewed by the relevant higher education institutions to confirm eligibility and alignment with institutional priorities. Shortlisted applications are then evaluated by an independent panel of assessors. Full details of the assessment process are outlined in the 2026 Call Document.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5:00 pm (Irish time), 12 March 2026
- Outcome Announcement: Early June 2026
Further Information and Contact
Detailed information about the 2026 GOI-IES call, including the Call Document, FAQs, and a sample application form, is available on the official programme webpage. Additional information specific to individual higher education institutions may also be found on their respective websites.
If you are unable to find the information you need, general enquiries may be directed to:
📧 goi-ies@hea.ie
Questions related to specific institutions or academic programmes should be addressed directly to the relevant higher education institution using the contact details provided in Appendix 1 of the 2026 GOI-IES Call Document.