Last updated: 23 Sept 2026
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) funds high-calibre international students studying at NFQ Level 9 or 10 (master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD) in Ireland. It is funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). 60 scholarships are awarded each year. Full details are published on the official HEA GOI-IES page.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
- Sponsor: Government of Ireland, via the Higher Education Authority (HEA)
- Host institutions: Eligible Irish higher education institutions
- Study level: Master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD (NFQ Level 9 or 10)
- Number of awards: 60 per year
- Award value: €10,000 stipend + full tuition fee waiver, for one year of full-time study
- 2026/27 status: Call closed (applications ran 29 January – 12 March 2026)
- Next cycle: The 2027/28 call typically opens in late January, based on the programme’s annual pattern. Check HEA’s site directly before making plans, as exact dates are confirmed only once each new call document is published
What It Covers
- €10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study
- Full tuition and registration fee waiver from your host institution
- Access to Ireland’s international, multicultural academic environment
- Post-study work opportunities under Ireland’s graduate visa pathways
Eligibility
- Domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
- Not a Russian or Belarusian national
- Must already hold a conditional or final offer of admission to an eligible Irish HEI’s master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programme at the time of applying – proof of this offer is required with your application
- Have not previously held a GOI-IES award
- Maximum of one application per candidate per cycle
Eligible Applicant Regions
Broadly, this covers applicants from Africa, Asia (excluding Russia), the Americas, non-EU Europe, Oceania, and the Caribbean. Since the underlying rule is simply “outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK” (with the Russia/Belarus exclusion above), check the official annual GOI-IES Call Document for the definitive list, since eligibility criteria are confirmed fresh with each cycle.
How to Apply
- Apply for and secure a conditional or final offer of admission to an eligible master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programme at an Irish HEI, following that institution’s own admissions process
- Confirm your course is GOI-IES eligible by checking directly with the institution; not every programme at every eligible HEI necessarily qualifies
- Apply through the official GOI-IES application portal once the next cycle opens
- Upload two references through the portal
- Submit proof of your admission offer
- Write a strong personal statement connecting your study plans in Ireland to your longer-term goals. Our statement of purpose guide covers structure if useful
- Submit well before the deadline: no changes can be made after submission, and the portal can slow down near the closing date
Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying before securing an admission offer: GOI-IES requires proof of a conditional or final offer at the time of application ;you can’t apply “in parallel.”
- Assuming every programme qualifies: Eligibility is set at the institution and course level; always confirm with the international office before applying.
- Missing the reference upload window: Referees need time; request letters at least 3-4 weeks before the deadline.
- Treating the personal statement as generic: Panels are explicitly assessing your rationale for studying in Ireland, not just academic merit. Generic statements score poorly here.
Selection Criteria
- A record of outstanding academic achievement
- A strong rationale for studying in Ireland tied to your longer-term goals
- Excellent communication skills
- Participation in extracurricular activities (humanitarian work, politics, arts, sport, etc.)
Applications are first reviewed by your host institution for eligibility and strategic fit, then assessed by an independent panel.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Statement of Purpose
- Valid passport
- English language proficiency results (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Two letters of recommendation. See our recommendation letter guide for how to request these
- Proof of your admission offer
- Any additional documents required by your specific host institution
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the scholarship currently open?
The 2026/27 call closed on 12 March 2026. The next call, for 2027/28, is expected to open around late January 2027, per the programme’s typical annual timing
Can Russian or Belarusian nationals apply?
No: this is an explicit exclusion in HEA’s eligibility criteria.
Can I apply if I have received this scholarship before?
No: previous GOI-IES recipients aren’t eligible to apply again.
Do I need admission before applying for the scholarship? .
Yes: you must already hold a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish institution before applying for GOI-IES funding
How many applications can I submit?
One per candidate, per cycle.
Related Reading: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters or Radboud University’s scholarship in the Netherlands.
Sources: Higher Education Authority, GOI-IES 2026 programme page
official 2026 GOI-IES Call Document for the definitive list rather than relying on a static list here, since eligibility criteria are set annually.
This guide is independently written and updated by kukual.com and is not affiliated with the Government of Ireland or HEA. Always confirm current deadlines and eligibility on the official HEA page before applying.
