What the funding covers
- A €10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study.
- A full tuition-fee waiver from your Irish host institution for the year of the scholarship.
- 60 scholarships each year.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for the scholarship year | Waived in full by your Irish institution |
| Living costs | The €10,000 stipend — budget extra, as it will not cover a full year alone |
| Proof of funds for your study visa: at least €10,000 for courses longer than eight months | You must show it when you apply for your visa |
| Private medical insurance | You — compulsory for all non-EEA students in Ireland |
| Fees and living costs after the first year of a longer course or PhD | You, or other funding — the scholarship lasts one year |
Who can apply
- A domicile of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK.
- A conditional or final offer for a master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD (NFQ level 9 or 10) at an eligible Irish higher-education institution.
- Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible, and previous GOI-IES holders cannot reapply.
Documents you will need
- A conditional or final offer for a master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD (NFQ level 9 or 10) at an eligible Irish institution
- Transcripts, a CV and a personal statement explaining why Ireland fits your long-term goals
- Two references, which you upload yourself on the portal
- One application only per cycle
How to apply
- Apply to your Irish programme early so you hold an offer when the call opens.
- Submit the GOI-IES application on the Higher Education Authority's online portal. The 2026 call closed at 5 pm Irish time on 12 March 2026; calls usually open in January.
- Include your offer letter, transcripts, CV and personal statement, and upload two references yourself through the portal.
- Results are usually announced in early June.
Before you apply: things to know
- The award funds one year only — for a multi-year PhD it covers the first year.
- A €10,000 stipend will not cover a full year of Irish living costs; budget the difference.
- You need a university offer before you apply, so start your admission applications in the autumn.
Common questions
What does the selection panel look for?
Your academic record, your communication skills, your activities outside study, and a strong reason for choosing Ireland that fits your long-term goals.
Can I apply more than once?
One application per cycle, and anyone who has already held a GOI-IES scholarship cannot apply again.
When is the next call?
Calls usually open in January. The 2026 call closed on 12 March 2026, with results in early June — so secure your Irish offer in the autumn before.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (≈ Mar 12, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Dec 18, 2026Research the route in depth — confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Jan 1, 2027Ask your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Jan 15, 2027Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Jan 29, 2027Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Feb 12, 2027Second draft — get feedback from someone who reads critically
Feb 26, 2027Finalise every document and complete the online form
Mar 5, 2027Submit — never on the last day
Mar 12, 2027Typical deadline
Related routes
Research Ireland — Postgraduate Scholarships
Next call not yet announcedDetails →
Chevening Scholarships
Due in 11 daysDetails →
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
Due in 25 daysDetails →
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Due ≈ in 112 daysDetails →
Sources
- Higher Education Authority — Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
- Irish Immigration Service — Student finances (proof of funds)
- Irish Immigration Service — Frequently asked questions for students
Page reviewed Sep 25, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.