The government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Programme is an initiative where 60 scholarships will be provided for one year of study at Masters or Ph.D. levels to successful candidates who have an offer of a place at an eligible Irish higher education institution.
The offer is open to students from non-EU/EEA countries and applies to all fields of study.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Ireland
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €10,000 stipend Per Year
- Deadline: March 24, 2025
Scholarship Details:
The aim of the 2025 GOI-IES scheme is 2025 GOI-IES scheme aims to reflect Ireland’s engagement in target partner countries. The scheme is operated in the higher education sector and funded in partnership between the Government of Ireland and the higher education institutions (HEIs).
Scholarships are branded as prestigious awards reflecting the core messages about Ireland as a center of international education, research, and, innovation.
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It is expected that for every scholarship awardee, awareness of Ireland among many more potential students as a location of excellence in international will rise.
Scholarship Requirements:
To be considered for the scholarship, you must:
- Candidates must demonstrate a record of outstanding academic achievement
Excellent communication skills; - Participation in extra curriculum activities. For example: humanitarian work; politics either local, national or international; arts; sports;
- A strong rationale for pursuing their study in Ireland that indicates how a GOI-IES aligns with their longer-term goals.
Scholarship Duration and Reward
Successful students will receive:
- A €10,000 stipend for one year’s study
- A full fee waiver of all tuition and other registration costs at the higher education institution
Evaluation Criteria
Eligible students are invited to submit applications via the official online application process at this link. A marking system (Total 100 of marks) is part of the call with the relevant scores shown in brackets after the key selection criteria.
The applications must cover the following, as requested in the online application tool:
- Academic qualifications, achievements, and/or work experience (40 marks)
- Personal Statement (refer to the Candidate Profile). Applicants will be required to demonstrate: o the benefit of becoming a GOI-IES Scholar; to themselves (personally and professionally), to the institution, to Ireland (economically and societally), as well as to their country of origin. (15 marks);
- How they will extend themselves beyond their project/studies to become actively involved in Irish society to maximize their academic and cultural exchange experience and to raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme in Ireland and beyond (15 marks);
- The extent to which they have a long-term interest in Ireland and how they will promote links with Ireland during their time as scholars and also after as Alumni (15 marks).
- Two references uploaded via the online application portal (please note that the HEA is not able to accept references submitted via email or other sources outside of the online application portal) (15 marks)Method of Application
The call for applications will issue on 14 December 2022 and the centralized application system (link) is now live and accepting applications.
- The closing date for receipt of applications is 5 pm on 24 March 2025 (Irish Time). Late applications will not be accepted.
- The application should be submitted via this link.
- Any questions regarding the call for applications should be submitted to GOIIES@hea.ie no later than 24 March 2025. Telephone queries cannot be accommodated.
- The HEA will advise the applicants and the HEIs of the outcome of the evaluation process by 1 June 2025.
(FAQs) about the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI‑IES) 2025 for international students:
What is the GOI‑IES Scholarship and who administers it?
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI‑IES) is a prestigious award offered annually to 60 outstanding international students from non‑EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK countries to pursue one year of full‑time postgraduate study (NFQ level 9 or 10)—such as a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or the first year of a PhD—in an eligible Irish higher education institution. It is funded by the Government of Ireland and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
What does the scholarship cover?
Recipients receive:
A stipend of €10,000 to support living expenses for one academic year.
A full tuition fee waiver and registration charges, provided by the host institution for that year.
Note: This scholarship is for one year only. Additional years of study (e.g. second year of a two‑year master’s or full PhD) are not funded under this award.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible, you must:
Originate from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or the UK;
Hold a conditional or final offer for a full-time master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programme at an eligible Irish higher education institution before applying;
Not have previously received a GOI‑IES award;
Be applying for the first time for this scheme (no more than two unsuccessful prior attempts)
Important UK/Brexit note: UK nationals are not eligible to apply in the 2025 cycle
When are the key deadlines for 2025 applications?
Deadline for application submission: 5 March 2025, at 5 p.m. Irish time
Notification of outcomes: expected early June 2025
Expected programme start date: September/October 2025
How is the selection process conducted?
The host institution first reviews your application for eligibility and alignment with its strategic objectives.
An independent international assessment panel then evaluates shortlisted applications.
Key selection criteria include:
Outstanding academic achievement;
Strong written communication skills and personal statement;
Evidence of extracurricular involvement or broader contributions (e.g. community service, leadership, arts, sports);
A compelling rationale explaining why studying in Ireland and earning this scholarship supports your long-term goals