The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2026 (GOI‑IES) support outstanding international students who plan to pursue postgraduate study (master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD) at the University of Galway or other Irish higher education institutions. This prestigious Irish government scholarship gives students a tuition waiver and a study stipend for one year of full‑time study in Ireland.

About the Government of Ireland Education Scholarships 

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is funded by the Irish Government and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Each year, it awards around 60 scholarships to high‑calibre international students pursuing full‑time study at NFQ levels 9 or 10 (master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD). Eligible students must have a conditional or final offer of admission from the University of Galway (or another eligible Irish institution) at the time they apply.

At the University of Galway, the GOI‑IES scheme links to a range of eligible postgraduate programmes across disciplines, including business, law, social sciences, health sciences, and more.

Why Choose The Government of Ireland Education Scholarships ?

This scholarship helps international students access postgraduate study in Ireland without the financial burden of tuition and living costs. You will:

  • Study at the University of Galway, a globally recognised research university in Ireland.
  • Receive a €10,000 stipend to support living costs during one year of full‑time study.
  • Gain a full tuition fee waiver from your Irish host institution for the scholarship year.
  • Increase your academic and professional profile through study in a diverse, research‑driven European environment.

Government of Ireland Education Scholarships  Summary

  • Host Country: Ireland
  • Host Institution: University of Galway (and other participating Irish HEIs)
  • Scholarship Name: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI‑IES)
  • Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, PhD)
  • Coverage:
    • Full tuition fee waiver for one academic year
    • €10,000 stipend to support living costs
  • Application Deadline: 5 pm (Irish time), 12 March 2026
  • Programme Start: Autumn 2026 (academic year)
  • Eligible Applicants: International (non‑EU/EEA/UK/Swiss) students with an offer of admission to a postgraduate programme at the University of Galway or any eligible Irish HEI

Scholarship Benefits

  • Waive full tuition fees for one year of your postgraduate study.
  • Provide a €10,000 study stipend to help cover living expenses.
  • Enable you to pursue advanced education in Ireland without a heavy financial burden.
  • Let you join a global cohort of scholars and strengthen your academic network.

Note: The scholarship supports only one year of study. If your programme lasts longer, you must plan separately for subsequent years.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following to qualify:

  • Be an international student from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
  • Have a conditional or final offer of admission to a full‑time postgraduate programme (master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD) at the University of Galway (or another eligible Irish HEI).
  • Apply through the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships online portal by the deadline.
  • Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear rationale for studying in Ireland.
  • Not previously held a GOI‑IES award; Russian and Belarusian nationals are ineligible for the 2026 cycle.

Required Documents

Prepare and submit the following when applying via the official GOI‑IES portal:

  • Proof of admission (conditional or final) from the University of Galway.
  • Academic transcripts and certificates.
  • Two academic references.
  • Personal statement explaining your motivation and goals.
  • Any additional documents required by the GOI‑IES application form.

Submit all files via the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships online portal before the deadline.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Apply for admission to your chosen postgraduate programme at the University of Galway or another eligible Irish HEI.
  2. Wait for a conditional or final offer of admission.
  3. When the GOI‑IES call opens (around 29 January 2026), complete the application on the official online portal.
  4. Upload your proof of admission, academic documents, references, and statement.
  5. Submit your application by 5 pm (Irish time), 12 March 2026.
  6. Successful candidates will be notified by early June 2026.
  7. Accept your award and prepare for study in Ireland (visa, travel, accommodation).