Int Scholarship
Int Scholarship

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) at University College Dublin (UCD) is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for outstanding international students. Funded by the Government of Ireland and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in partnership with Irish higher education institutions, it supports high-calibre non-EU/non-EEA students pursuing postgraduate studies in Ireland.

For the 2026/27 academic year, applications are now open, with 60 scholarships awarded annually across all Irish higher education institutions (including UCD).

This scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver (including registration charges) and a €10,000 stipend (paid in two equal instalments at the start of the autumn and spring terms) for one year of full-time study.

Key Benefits

  • Full waiver of non-EU tuition fees for one year
  • €10,000 living stipend
  • Recognition as a Government of Ireland Scholar
  • Opportunity to study at a world-class university like UCD

Duration: One academic year only.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UCD Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026/27, applicants must:

  • Be a citizen of a non-EU/non-EEA country (and classified at the non-EU tuition fee rate)
  • Hold a domicile of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
  • Have received a confirmed offer (or conditional offer) to study at UCD on an eligible full-time programme
  • Be enrolling in one of the following for 2026/27:
    • A one-year taught Master’s programme (NFQ Level 9, full-time; excludes certain programmes like MBA in some cases)
    • One year of a PhD programme (NFQ Level 10, full-time)
    • Or a Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ Level 9, minimum one year, full-time)
  • Applications without an active offer for an eligible programme will not be considered

Check the list of UCD eligible programmes for 2026/27 here.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Secure admission to UCD: Apply for and receive an offer (conditional or unconditional) for an eligible full-time Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or PhD programme at UCD for the 2026/27 academic year. Visit the UCD admissions portal to start your course application.
  2. Prepare your scholarship application materials: Review the indicative application form and guidance on the official GOI-IES webpage. Prepare required elements, including:
    • Personal statement
    • Academic achievements and work experience descriptions
    • Two references (uploaded via the portal). Ensure all documents are strong, specific, and dated no more than one year before the deadline.
  3. Submit your GOI-IES application: Apply directly through the official online portal on the HEA website: Visit the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships webpage and click “Apply here” (link to the 2026 portal: https://webportalapp.com/sp/heagrantapplication_26). Submit by the deadline—late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  4. Monitor updates and results: Check the HEA GOI-IES page regularly for any updates. Results are typically announced in early June 2026.

Important deadlines for 2026/27:

  • Applications open: 29 January 2026
  • Applications close: 12 March 2026 at 5:00 PM (Irish time)
  • Outcomes announced: Early June 2026