Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland for International Students 2025 – Study in Ireland

Ireland is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education and vibrant culture. For 2025, several fully funded scholarships are available for non-EU students to pursue master’s and PhD programs.

1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) 2025

Overview: Funded by the Irish government and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), GOI-IES offers 60 scholarships for one year of full-time master’s or PhD study at NFQ levels 9–10, starting September/October 2025.

Benefits

• Full tuition and registration fee waiver.
• Stipend: €10,000 for one year.
• Access to top universities and research networks.
• Cultural and professional exposure in Ireland.

Eligibility Requirements

• Non-EU/EEA, Switzerland, or UK resident (3 of last 5 years).
• Conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish HEI (e.g., University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin).
• Strong academic record (minimum 70% or equivalent in prior studies).
• Not previously awarded a GOI-IES scholarship.
• Russian/Belarusian nationals ineligible due to Ukraine conflict.

Application Process

1. Secure a conditional/final offer from an eligible HEI.
2. Submit online via HEA portal (hea.ie) with:
   • Offer letter.
   • Academic transcripts.
   • Two reference letters (uploaded via portal).
   • Personal statement (500 words) on academic goals and Ireland’s role.
3. Deadline: March 5, 2025, 5:00 PM (Irish time).
4. Shortlisted applications assessed by an independent panel; results by June 2025.

Universities

• Trinity College Dublin
  UCD
• University of Galway
• Maynooth University
• Dublin City University (DCU)
• University College Cork (UCC)
• University of Limerick

2. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2025

Overview: Managed by the Irish Research Council, this scholarship supports master’s and PhD research across all disciplines, emphasizing innovation. Open to international students with a competitive 18% success rate.

Benefits

• Stipend: €22,000/year.
• Fee contribution: Up to €5,750/year (including non-EU fees).
• Research expenses: €3,250/year.
• Study at world-class universities like Trinity College Dublin.

Eligibility Requirements

• First-class or upper second-class bachelor’s degree (or equivalent); master’s required for PhD.
• New entrant to the degree program.
• Not previously held an Irish Research Council scholarship.
• Non-EU/EEA applicants eligible; no age limit.
• Research must exclude human modification (except cancer research) or embryo creation.

Application Process

1. Pass eligibility quiz on the Irish Research Council’s online system.
2. Contact a supervisor at an eligible university.
3. Submit online (research.ie) with:
   • Transcripts (signed/stamped).
   • Research proposal (1,000–2,000 words).
   • Two recommendation letters.
   • Proof of supervisor agreement.
4. Deadline: October 10, 2025.
5. Results announced by April 2026.

Universities

• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin
• Royal Irish Academy
• University of Galway
• Maynooth University

3. Ireland Fellows Programme 2025-2026

Overview: A fully funded master’s scholarship for early to mid-career professionals from eligible developing countries, focusing on leadership and development. Duration: 10–16 months.

Benefits

• Full tuition and registration fees.
• Stipend for living expenses, meals, and accommodation.
• Round-trip flights.
• Health insurance.
• Access to Ireland’s academic and professional networks.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizen of an eligible country.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record.
• IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent for English-taught programs.
• No prior master’s degree.
• Commitment to return to home country post-study.

Application Process

1. Check eligible countries and programs on irelandfellowsprogramme.ie.
2. Apply online via the official portal with:
   • Passport copy.
   • Degree certificate and transcripts.
   • Two recommendation letters.
   • IELTS score.
   • One passport-sized photo.
3. Deadline: July 31, 2025 (tentative; confirm on website).
4. Selection includes interviews; results by August 2025.

Universities

• University College Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin
• University of Limerick
• University College Cork
• Dublin City University

4. Walsh Fellowship 2025

Overview: A postgraduate scholarship for research aligned with Teagasc’s Research and Knowledge Transfer Program, focusing on agriculture, food, and rural development. Open to international students.

Benefits

• Full tuition waiver.
• Stipend: €24,000/year.
• Research funding for projects (varies by program).
• Access to Teagasc’s research facilities.

Eligibility Requirements

• Non-EU/EEA resident.
• Bachelor’s degree (first or upper second-class) in agriculture, food science, or related fields.
• Research proposal aligned with Teagasc themes (e.g., crops, animal science).
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent.
• Supervisor agreement from a Teagasc-affiliated institution.

Application Process

1. Identify a Teagasc research theme and supervisor.
2. Submit online via teagasc.ie with:
   • Research proposal (1,500 words).
   • Transcripts and degree certificates.
   • Two academic references.
   • IELTS score.
3. Deadline: September 1, 2025 (tentative; check website).
4. Selection via interviews; results by October 2025.

Universities

• University of Galway
• University College Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin
• Maynooth University

5. University College Dublin (UCD) Global Excellence Scholarship 2025

Overview: UCD offers fully funded scholarships for non-EU students pursuing master’s or PhD programs, focusing on academic merit and global engagement.

Benefits

• 100% tuition fee waiver.
• Stipend: €10,000–€15,000/year.
• Accommodation support (on-campus priority).
• Networking with UCD’s international community.

Eligibility Requirements

• Non-EU/EEA resident.
• Conditional or final offer from UCD for a full-time master’s or PhD.
• Minimum 3.0/4.0 CGPA or equivalent (first-class honors).
• IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 90+ (waived if prior education in English).
• Strong extracurricular or leadership record.

Application Process

1. Secure a UCD program offer via ucd.ie.
2. Apply online through UCD’s scholarship portal with:
   • Offer letter.
   • Transcripts.
   • Personal statement (500 words).
   • Two recommendation letters.
3. Deadline: March 31, 2025.
4. Results announced by June 2025.

Universities

• University College Dublin

Additional Notes

• Application Tips: Start early, secure university offers first, and tailor personal statements to Ireland’s academic and cultural strengths. Ensure all documents are certified.
• Language: Most programs require IELTS/TOEFL, but some accept English-medium education proof (e.g., a Medium of Instruction certificate).
• Deadlines: Vary from March to October 2025. Check each program’s website for updates.
• Support: Contact [email protected] for GOI-IES, research.ie for Postgraduate Scholarship, or university international offices for others.
• Why Ireland?: Offers a safe, English-speaking environment, globally recognized degrees, and post-study work visas (up to 2 years).

These scholarships provide a gateway to Ireland’s prestigious education system, fostering academic excellence and global connections. For the latest details, visit hea.ie, research.ie, irelandfellowsprogramme.ie, teagasc.ie, or ucd.ie. Apply early and verify eligibility with universities or embassies to secure your spot.