Eyeing full tuition and cost of living scholarships? The Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026 is your go-to opportunity for international students pursuing a topnotch education in one of Europe’s most vibrant and welcoming countries. Funding by the Government of Ireland (GOI) in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Under the prestigious Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) framework, selected scholars receive full tuition coverage, a €10,000 living-cost stipend, and priority institutional placement across participating Irish universities and technological institutions.
However, this scholarship programme is tailored to attract top-tier talent across the globe, fostering academic excellence, cultural exchange, and innovative research. The Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026 reverberates its commitment to continuously offer unparalleled opportunities for both graduate and postgraduate students. Therefore, it is offering funding that covers tuition fees, cost of living, and additional research-related expenses depending on the level your are considering to pursue your academic programme.
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. For students from emerging economies, the scholarship effectively removes the traditional affordability barriers associated with European postgraduate education, replacing them with an academically rigorous, well-structured platform for long-term career capital.
Furthermore, the scholarship aims to uphold Ireland’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and leadership in education. Therefore, the Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026 offer an extraordinary opportunity for international students from non-EU/EEA countries across all academic disciplines as it aims to equip scholars pursuing full-time study at eligible Irish higher education institutions.
Ireland tuition and living-cost scholarships 2026
| Scholarship Sponsor | Government of Ireland |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Irish Universities and Research Institutes |
| Study in/Country of Study | 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 |
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.
Also See Global Scholarships for STEM Students from Developing Countries
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.
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