The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is a flagship initiative offering 60 high-achieving international students the chance to study in Ireland. Aimed at Master’s and PhD students from outside the EU/EEA, this scholarship facilitates world-class education in one of Europe’s most vibrant academic hubs. For African students, particularly those in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, this program provides full tuition coverage and a significant living stipend for one year.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have a domicile of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK.
- Candidates must have a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible full-time postgraduate program in Ireland.
- Applicants must apply to a participating Higher Education Institution (HEI) separately before or during the scholarship application.
- Preference is given to candidates with a first-class honors bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Students who have previously held a GOI-IES award are ineligible.
- Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and strong leadership potential.
Benefits
- A total stipend of €10,000 for one year of full-time study to cover living costs.
- Full tuition fee waiver provided by the host Irish Higher Education Institution.
- Full coverage of registration and other student fees.
- Opportunity to study at top-tier Irish universities like Trinity College Dublin or University College Cork.
- Access to a global network of GOI-IES alumni.
Application Steps
- Apply for admission to a Master’s or PhD program at a participating Irish university.
- Secure a conditional or unconditional offer letter from the institution.
- Prepare two reference letters to be uploaded to the portal.
- Write a compelling personal statement that aligns with Ireland’s international education goals.
- Submit the official scholarship application via the Higher Education Authority (HEA) portal.
Deadlines
- The application portal closes at 5:00 PM (Irish Time) on March 12, 2026.
Official Links
- HEA Ireland Scholarships: https://webportalapp.com/sp/heagovireland_2026
