Eyeing scholarships that may cover full tuition and living costs? The Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026 are open to qualified international students. Full tuition coverage, a €10,000 living-cost stipend, and priority institutional placement across participating Irish universities and technological institutions. Funding by the Government of Ireland (GOI) in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under (GOI-IES) Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship.
Beyond the financial value of the Irish tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026, the programme offers scholars a rare opportunity to integrate into Ireland’s expanding research ecosystem, spanning global health, data analytics, engineering, sustainability, and frontier innovation fields. Therefore, the Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026 support students across tuition, accommodation, and daily living costs, making it a practical option for candidates from Africa, Asia, and other non-EU regions.
Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026
- Scholarship Sponsor: Government of Ireland
- Host Institutions: Irish Universities and Research Institutes
- Study in: Ireland
- Number of Awards: 60 Scholarships
- Study Level: Graduate and Postgraduate (Master & PhD)
- Scholarship Value: €10,000
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage, monthly stipend, travel costs
- Application Deadline: March 5, 2026
- Application Link: See below
Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026 |Benefits
The Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026 come with a host of benefits that make it an attractive choice for prospective students.
- €10,000 stipend for one academic year, covering living expenses and other costs. This financial aid certifies that students can focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress, enabling them to maximize their academic potential.
- Full waiver of tuition and other registration fees. This is a significant advantage, as it makes high-quality Irish education accessible to deserving students who might otherwise face financial barriers.
- Opportunity to join Ireland’s diverse and inclusive educational environment. Studying alongside peers from various cultural and academic backgrounds helps recipients gain global perspectives, enriching their academic and personal development.
- Post-study work opportunities. Graduates can leverage Ireland’s robust professional network and vibrant economy to secure employment or advance their research pursuits. This opens pathways for recipients to build long-term careers and contribute to global innovation and leadership.
Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026 | Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Candidates must have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
- Applicants will first need to apply for admission to a relevant master’s, postgraduate diploma or PhD programme offered by an eligible higher education institution as per that institution’s admission procedures.
- Applicants must have a conditional or final offer of admission to that higher education institution at the time of applying for the Government of Ireland International Education Studentship and will be required to submit a copy of same.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to international students from non-EU/EEA countries. Below is a list of eligible regions and countries:
| Region | Non-EU/EEA Countries |
|---|---|
| Africa | Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
| Asia | Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cyprus (part of it is in the EU), Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen |
| Europe | Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican City |
| North America | Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico |
| South America | Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela |
| Oceania | Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu |
| Caribbean | Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Application Process | How to Apply
The application process for the Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026 is as follows:
- Research Programs and Institutions: Identify your preferred programme and institution among the eligible Irish higher education institutions.
- Online Application: Create an account on the Online Scholarship Portal and complete the application form, ensuring all details are accurate.
- Upload two references for each application
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a compelling SOP highlighting your academic achievements, career goals, and reasons for choosing Ireland.
- Submission: Submit your completed application before the deadline.
Note that no alterations can be made to an application once it has been submitted
Selection Processes
The selection process is highly competitive, emphasizing academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to society.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- A record of outstanding academic achievement;
- A strong rationale for pursuing their study in Ireland that indicates how a Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship would align with their longer-term goals.
- Excellent communication skills;
- Participation in extracurricular activities, for example humanitarian work, politics, arts or sport;
Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts who evaluate candidates based on their academic credentials, personal achievements, and potential for future success.
Supporting Documents
The documents listed below must be submitted in order to complete your application.
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- A valid passport
- English language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Any additional documents required by the host institution
Application and Deadline
- Application opens: January, 2026
- Application closes: March 5, 2026
The application deadline for the Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026/2027 maintains the date above. Applications cannot be submitted once the deadline has passed, therefore, you are advised to start early.
See Government of Ireland Tuition and Living-cost Scholarship portal to apply
Related Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities
Students exploring Ireland scholarships may likewise consider:
- Global Scholarships for STEM Students from Developing Countries
- Radboud University in Netherland Funded Masters
- International PhD funding opportunities
Reviewing multiple options increases the likelihood of securing adequate financial support. Note that scholarship availability and funding structures can change yearly. Always verify details through official university or government sources before applying.
