Ireland offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students through government programmes, higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations, and private foundations committed to global education access. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or course-specific, and are designed to support students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels.
Tuition fees at Irish universities for 2026 typically range from €15,000 to €30,000 per year, depending on the institution and programme. *Living costs* vary by location and lifestyle, but students can expect to spend *€7,000 to €12,000 annually* on accommodation, food, transport, and other essentials.
While fully funded scholarships covering both tuition and living expenses are competitive and relatively rare, they are available to high-achieving students through schemes such as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarships, and Walsh Fellowships. Many universities also offer partial tuition fee waivers and country-specific awards to attract talented students from around the world.
To explore your options and determine eligibility, book a free consultation with StudyIn. As an authorised Ireland university consultant, our expert counsellors will help you identify the right course and institution, and guide you through the scholarship application process.
Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
The main intake at Irish universities is in September. International students interested in applying for scholarships should begin the process 10–12 months in advance. Scholarship criteria vary by institution, so it’s important to check directly with your chosen university before applying.
The Government of Ireland continues to expand financial support for non-EU students through national programmes that offer full tuition waivers and living expense scholarships of up to €10,000. To be eligible, students must hold an offer for a full-time master’s programme at an Irish university.
Government Scholarships for International Students in Ireland
Government of Ireland Scholarships
Managed by Ireland’s Higher Education Authority, this scholarship is open to students from India, Brazil, China, and the USA who wish to study in Ireland. Up to 60 students are selected annually for one academic year.
| Accepted study level |
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD |
| Duration |
One year |
| Benefits |
100% tuition fee waiver, full registration fee waiver, and €10,000 stipend |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Enrolment at an eligible Irish higher education institution; outstanding academic, personal, and professional achievements; strong communication skills |
| Who can apply? |
Final-year undergraduate students or those who have completed one year of a master’s or PhD programme |
| Mode of registration |
Online |
The Walsh Scholarship
This Irish Government scholarship supports graduates pursuing research in agriculture, environmental science, horticulture, and related fields. Up to 140 PhD students are funded at any given time. Applications are evaluated based on scientific background (50%), project tasks (20%), expected impact (10%), and supervision/resources (20%).
| Accepted study level |
MSc and PhD programmes |
| Duration |
Three to four years (PhD); two years (MSc) |
| Benefits |
€24,000 grant for qualifying international students |
| Eligibility Criteria |
First-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent), plus a relevant master’s qualification |
| Who can apply? |
MSc or PhD graduates |
| Mode of registration |
Online |
Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme
Administered by the Irish Research Council, this scholarship supports outstanding students pursuing master’s and PhD programmes in Ireland across a wide range of disciplines.
| Accepted study levels |
MSc and PhD |
| Duration |
One year |
| Benefits |
€19,000 annual stipend, up to €5,750 contribution to fees, and €3,250 for research expenses |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Applicants must have accepted an offer from an Irish university |
| Mode of registration |
Online |
University Scholarships for International Students in Ireland
Ireland offers a world-class education system and abundant career opportunities across diverse fields. From humanities to engineering, Irish universities provide programmes tailored to a wide range of interests. No matter your chosen subject, Irish institutions offer well-designed curricula and numerous international scholarships to support your academic journey.
Trinity College Dublin Scholarships
Trinity College Dublin offers a one-year Global Excellence Scholarship to international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. The university also provides country-specific scholarships for students from China, India, Brazil, and the USA across all degree levels.
| Accepted study levels |
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and E3 (engineering, environment, and emerging technologies) |
| Duration |
One year |
| Benefits |
Undergraduate: Up to €5,000 for the first year of full-time study
Postgraduate: €2,000 to €5,000 for the first year of full-time study |
| Eligibility criteria |
Students must hold an accepted offer letter from Trinity College Dublin |
| Who can apply? |
International students enrolling in full-time higher education programmes |
| Mode of registration |
Online application form or email submission to the regional officer with supporting documents |
University of Galway International Student Scholarships
The University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to attract talented students from around the world. These scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with additional country-specific awards for applicants from Central Asia, North and Central America, East Asia, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Eligible students must be enrolled in one of the following colleges:
- 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
| Accepted study levels |
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and country-specific scholarships |
| Duration |
Varies depending on the programme |
| Benefits |
Tuition fee waivers for select schemes
UG and PG: €1,000 to 50% tuition fee waiver
Research students: €16,000 annual allowance |
| Eligibility criteria |
Academic merit and submission of a 500-word personal scholarship statement |
| Who can apply? |
International students with an accepted offer letter from the university |
| Mode of registration |
Online |
The University of Galway also offers a variety of scholarships to support high-achieving international students. Here are some of the key awards:
| Scholarship Name |
Award Value |
Eligible Programmes/Study Levels |
| Global Achievement Scholarship |
€2,000 tuition fee reduction |
Bachelor’s degrees in Arts, Social Sciences, Celtic Studies, and Business & Economics |
| Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships |
50% tuition fee reduction |
Master’s in Accounting, Management & Sustainability, HRM, and Digital Marketing |
| Excellence and Merit Scholarships |
Up to €10,000; merit awards up to €7,640 |
Postgraduate students in science and engineering |
| Shannon College “High School Star” Scholarship |
Up to €6,000 |
Undergraduate students in hotel management |
| Hardiman Scholarships |
€22,000 per annum plus tuition fee waiver |
PhD applicants |
Maynooth University Scholarships
Maynooth University offers partially funded scholarships to international students based on academic performance, financial need, and other criteria. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
| Accepted study levels |
Undergraduate and postgraduate |
| Duration |
One year |
| Benefits |
€2,000 for the first year (UG) and €2,500 for the first year (PG) |
| Eligibility criteria |
Varies by course and specialisation |
| Who can apply? |
Applicants who have accepted an offer and paid the required deposit before the deadline |
| Mode of registration |
Online |
Maynooth University offers a range of scholarships based on academic merit across different degree levels. The university also supports external scholarships such as Intel Women in Technology, Google Women Techmakers, and The Denham Fellow.
| Scholarship Name |
Award Value |
Eligible Programmes/Study Levels |
| Sports Scholarships |
Varies |
UG and PG students excelling in both academics and sports |
| W.A. Barrett Scholarship in Engineering |
€3,000 |
Engineering programmes |
Additional high-value scholarships offered by Irish universities include:
Third-Party Scholarships in Ireland
Below is a list of fully funded external scholarships available to international students studying in Ireland:
| Scholarship |
Benefit |
Eligibility |
| Fulbright Scholarships |
100% tuition fee waiver and an annual stipend of €10,000 |
Students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programmes at recognised Irish universities |
| Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships |
€29,500 annually, 24 days of annual leave, plus educational assistance and paid leave |
International students enrolled in a fully funded part-time honours degree at an accredited Irish university |
| The Walsh Scholarship |
€24,000 annually |
MSc or PhD graduates in food, agriculture, crops, or rural development |
| Naughton Scholarships |
Varies |
Students pursuing STEM-related undergraduate or postgraduate degrees |
Overview of Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
Here are some of the most prominent scholarships available to international students wishing to study at universities in Ireland:
- Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship: Administered by the Irish Research Council, this prestigious programme supports research-based postgraduate studies by funding tuition, stipends, and research expenses.
- Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme: A competitive initiative for master’s and doctoral research students across various disciplines.
- Fulbright Scholarships: Offers Indian students the opportunity to study in Ireland through a cultural and academic exchange programme.
- Maynooth University Sports Scholarships: Supports talented student-athletes with financial aid, training, and access to elite facilities.
- J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics Scholarships: Awards for excellence in business and economics at the University of Galway, covering tuition and living costs.
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Programme: Provides financial support to high-achieving international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- The Walsh Fellowships: Administered by Teagasc, this programme funds agricultural and food research with grants of €22,000 annually.
- Naughton Scholarships: Supports exceptional students in STEM fields with tuition coverage and additional allowances.
- UCD Global Excellence Scholarship: A prestigious award for outstanding international students across disciplines at University College Dublin.
- Jim Kemmy India Scholarship: Offered by the University of Limerick for Indian students pursuing business degrees at Kemmy Business School.
Study in Ireland
Book a free consultation today to begin your application for the 2026 intake at Irish universities and apply for scholarships with guidance from trusted university partners.
FAQs
Does Ireland offer full scholarships to international students?
While Ireland offers a wide range of scholarships to international students, fully funded scholarships that cover both tuition and living expenses are relatively rare. However, select government programmes and private organisations do offer merit-based scholarships to exceptional students with strong academic records and research proposals.
Who is eligible for the Ireland Government Scholarship?
Students from any country who demonstrate proficiency in English and hold a first-class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for postgraduate programmes under the Ireland Government Scholarship scheme.
How competitive is the Government of Ireland Scholarship?
The Government of Ireland Scholarship is highly competitive due to limited availability and global demand. Applicants must present a strong academic profile and meet rigorous eligibility criteria, making it one of the most sought-after scholarships for international students.
What are the top scholarships for Indian students to study in Ireland?
Here are some of the most notable scholarships available to international students from India:
- 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
