The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) 2026 offers an incredible opportunity for high-calibre non-EU/EEA applicants. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship supports one year of full-time postgraduate study at NFQ levels 9 or 10 (Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or PhD) at eligible Irish higher education institutions.
Funded by the Government of Ireland and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in partnership with Irish universities, the program awards 60 scholarships annually to outstanding international talent.
Key Benefits of the GOI-IES 2026 Scholarship
- €10,000 stipend – to help cover living costs for one academic year
- Full tuition fee waiver – including all registration and tuition fees for the scholarship year (provided by your host institution)
This combination makes the GOI-IES one of the most attractive fully funded scholarships in Ireland for international students.
Who Is Eligible for the Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026?
To qualify, applicants must meet these requirements:
- Be a non-EU/EEA national (domicile of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom)
- Hold a conditional or final offer of admission to a full-time taught Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or PhD program at an eligible Irish higher education institution for the 2026/27 academic year
- Not have previously received a GOI-IES award
- Demonstrate academic excellence and potential (high-calibre candidates are prioritised)
Note: You must secure an offer from an eligible Irish HEI before applying for the scholarship.
Important Dates for GOI-IES 2026
- Call opens: January 29, 2026
- Application deadline: 5:00 PM Irish time, March 12, 2026
- Results announced: Early June 2026
Applications are submitted online via the official GOI-IES portal (link available on the HEA website when the call opens). Submit early to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
How to Apply for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
- Read the official 2026 GOI-IES Call Document and FAQs (available on the HEA website: https://hea.ie/policy/internationalisation/goi-ies/)
- Secure admission (conditional or final offer) to an eligible program at an Irish higher education institution
- Prepare your application materials, including two academic references
- Submit your application through the online portal (link provided on the HEA GOI-IES page after January 29, 2026)
- Upload your references directly via the portal
Why Study in Ireland with GOI-IES?
Ireland offers world-class education, vibrant campuses, innovative research opportunities, and a welcoming environment for international students. With institutions like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Limerick, and more participating, this scholarship opens doors to top-tier postgraduate programs across all disciplines.