Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
Learn everything you need to know about scholarships in Ireland and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
How many International students are currently studying in Ireland? More than 7,000, a number that has grown significantly in the past decade. International students who choose to study in Ireland gain access to a world-class education in a vibrant, English-speaking country that is home to Europe's top tech and pharmaceutical hubs.
However, affording this dream requires careful financial planning. Scholarships are a vital tool for making your studies reasonable and doable. Several well-known scholarships in Ireland provide significant funding, helping to cover tuition fees and manage living expenses.
This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date list of the top scholarships available for Indian students. We will also provide a clear step-by-step guide on how to apply and what common mistakes to avoid.
Top Scholarships to Study in Ireland
Funding in Ireland can be broadly split into three categories:
- Government & National Scholarships: These are high-value, highly competitive awards for outstanding students.
- University-Specific Scholarships: These are the most common type of funding, offered directly by universities like Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), and the University of Galway to attract talented students.
- Private & External Scholarships: These are funded by private organisations for specific fields of study.
Here is a breakdown of the most important scholarships you should be aware of.
Government of Ireland & National Scholarships in Ireland
These are the most prestigious government and national scholarships in Ireland, offering substantial financial support.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Scholarship Value |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) | High-achieving non-EU/EEA students for one year of a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programme. | Full tuition fee waiver + €10,000 stipend. |
| Irish Research Council (IRC) Postgraduate Scholarship | Research Master's and PhD candidates with an exceptional academic record. | Annual stipend of €19,000 + up to €5,750/year for fees + |
| The Walsh Fellowships | Postgraduate students (MSc or PhD) in agriculture, food, and rural development. | Annual stipend of €25,000 + up to €6,000 for fees. |
| Erasmus+ Programme | Students (including non-EU) enrolled in a specific Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree. | Varies, but often covers tuition, travel, and a living allowance. |
University-Specific Merit Scholarships in Ireland
These are the most common scholarships for international students. Most are merit-based and awarded as a partial reduction in your tuition fees. Note: The names of some institutions have changed; the correct, current names are used below.
| Scholarship Name and University | Eligibility | Scholarship Value |
|---|---|---|
| UCD Global Excellence Scholarship (University College Dublin) | Merit-Based: Requires a "Conditional" or "Full" offer. Highly competitive; based on academic excellence (high GPA) and a strong personal statement. | 50% or 100% tuition fee waiver. |
| Global Excellence Scholarships (Trinity College Dublin) | Merit & Potential: Open to non-EU offer holders. Assessed on academic achievement and contribution to the Trinity community (requires a 200-word statement). | €2,000 to €5,000 tuition waiver. |
| International Student Scholarships (University of Galway) | Merit-Based: Awarded based on academic merit (grades) and a personal statement (approx. 500 words). Some regions/faculties are assessed automatically. | Varies by faculty, typically a €1,000 to €5,000 tuition waiver. |
| TU Dublin International Scholarship (Technological University Dublin) | Academic Excellence: Open to non-EU students with a confirmed offer. Selection is based on academic grades. (Note: Replaces the old "Centenary" programme). | Partial tuition waiver (Typically €2,000 to €5,000). |
| International Student Merit Scholarship (University College Cork - UCC) | Automatic / Merit: Based on undergraduate grades (Need a 2.1 or 1.1 honours equivalent). Business & Law applicants are often automatically assessed. | Varies by programme; approx. €3,000–€5,000 or up to 20% waiver. |
| International Student Scholarships (University of Limerick - UL) | Merit-Based: Open to non-EU applicants with an offer. Based on academic grades (typically a 70-75% average is required) and a short scholarship statement. | €1,500 to €5,000 (50% waiver available only for top-tier candidates). |
| Taught Master's Scholarships (Maynooth University) | Merit-Based: Open to non-EU Master's applicants. Requires a minimum 2.1 Honours degree (60%+). Awarded to the highest-ranking applicants. | €2,000, €2,500 or €5,000 tuition waiver. |
Private & External Scholarships in Ireland
Here is a table focusing on verifiable private and external scholarships available to international students for study in Ireland.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Typical Value & Official Source |
|---|---|---|
| UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarships | Indian students (and other non-EU) accepted into the full-time MBA programme. | Varies, up to 50% of tuition fees. |
| V.V. Giri Global Excellence Scholarship | Indian students applying for graduate-taught Master's programmes at University College Dublin (UCD). | 100% tuition fee waiver. (Note – This is a specific, named scholarship for Indian students under the main UCD Global Excellence Scholarship scheme.) |
| The J.N. Tata Endowment | Indian nationals with a strong academic record, for postgraduate studies abroad (including Ireland). | A one-time loan-scholarship, ranging from ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000. (Note - This is a prestigious external scholarship from a trusted Indian foundation.) |
Scholarships in Ireland: How Much Funding Can You Get?
As the tables above show, scholarship amounts vary widely. It's important to have realistic expectations.
- Partial Waivers (Most Common): The most common awards are partial tuition fee waivers, typically ranging from €2,000 to €5,000.
- Full Waivers (Competitive): A 100% full tuition fee waiver, like the UCD Global Excellence Scholarship, is available but highly competitive.
- Fully-Funded (Prestigious): The most sought-after awards, like the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), provide a full tuition waiver plus a €10,000 stipend for living costs.
- Research Stipends (PhD/MSc): Research-specific awards, like the Walsh Fellowship, are the most generous, offering a living stipend of €25,000 per year plus fee contributions.
These awards can significantly reduce the total cost of studying in Ireland.
General Eligibility for Scholarships in Ireland
To qualify for scholarships in Ireland, International students must first meet the basic requirements. These standards ensure you are ready for academic life in Ireland.
- Academic Excellence: You must have strong grades from your previous education. For Undergraduate and most Master's scholarships, this means a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree or an equivalent score of 60%+ from a reputable International university.
- English Language Proficiency: You must prove your English proficiency, usually with an IELTS score of 6.5+ (or equivalent TOEFL iBT/PTE Academic).
- Offer Letter: This is the most important requirement. You must have a conditional or full offer of admission from an Irish university before you can be considered for most scholarships. Although there are some scholarships, like the Ireland Fellows Programme, that do not require you to have an offer letter from a university, this applies to students from specific developing countries, such as Ecuador, Tanzania, or Vietnam, among many others.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A strong, well-written essay explaining your academic goals and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Strong references from professors or employers who can speak to your academic and professional potential
How to Apply for Scholarships in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating scholarship applications can be a two-part process: applying for your course and applying for funding. Here is a clear workflow to follow.
Step 1: Secure Your Course Offer (6-9 Months Before Intake)
This is the most critical step. Nearly all university-specific scholarships (like the UCD Global Excellence – Government and University-based scholarships) require you to have a conditional or firm offer of admission before you can apply for funding. In this case, you must apply to your chosen Irish university first. The only exception to this is that you are eligible to apply for certain scholarships if you are from select, specific developing countries that are listed in the scholarship list. Make sure to apply to the right scholarship and your university's regulations to avoid last-minute hassle.
Step 2: Check for "Automatic" vs. "Separate" Applications
- Automatic Consideration: Many university merit scholarships (like those at TCD or Maynooth) are "automatic". You are automatically considered for them based on the strength of your course application. There is no separate form.
- Separate Application: High-value national awards like the GOI-IES or the Irish Research Council Scholarship have their own separate, early deadlines (often in March for a September start). These require a completely separate application with dedicated essays and references.
Step 3: Prepare Your Scholarship Application Pack
When a separate application is required, you must tailor your documents.
- A Targeted SOP: Do not use your generic university SOP. Your scholarship essay must answer: "Why do you deserve this specific funding?" and "How will you contribute to the university community?"
- Specific LORs: Ask your professors for references that specifically highlight your academic merit, research skills, and leadership potential.
Scholarships in Ireland: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Make sure to avoid these common mistakes when applying for scholarships in Ireland so that you can apply for the right scholarships at the right time and avoid unnecessary hassle in the last minute of your application process.
- Mistake 1: Submitting a Generic SOP: A scholarship panel can spot a generic essay instantly. It must be tailored to the scholarship's values.
- Mistake 2: Missing Faculty-Specific Deadlines: A university's central scholarship deadline might be different from the deadline for the "School of Business" or "School of Engineering". Always check both.
- Mistake 3: Waiting for a Firm Offer: Many students wait for their final grades to get a ‘firm’ offer before thinking about scholarships. This is often too late. You can—and must—apply for most scholarships using your ‘conditional’ offer letter.
Securing a scholarship in Ireland for your Master's or Bachelor's degree is a realistic and achievable goal. It is not about luck; it's about a clear strategy. From the prestigious national Government of Ireland (GOI-IES) award to the numerous university-specific merit scholarships at institutions like University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, the opportunities are endless. The key is to start early and meticulously tailor your applications. With the right preparation, you can turn your dream of studying in Ireland into a funded reality.
The process of shortlisting universities and tracking separate scholarship deadlines can be complex. You don't have to do it alone. Our expert counsellors at AECC are specialists in Irish university admissions. We can help you build a strong profile, review your SOP, and ensure you apply for every scholarship you are eligible for.