International Student Scholarships in Ireland

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Scholarships in Ireland for International Students

Last updated: 23 January 2024 Scholarships

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.

ireland scholarships international students

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-

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

University College Cork

CASSS Scholarship and SEFS Scholarships

University of Limerick

University of Limerick- International Student Scholarships, Jim Kemmy India Scholarship

University College Dublin

UCD Global scholarships for international students, UCD Global excellence UG Scholarships, and Smurfit Business Scholarships

Dublin Institute of Technology

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.

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:

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