The 2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) offers outstanding non-EU/EEA students the chance to pursue a master’s or PhD in Ireland. Funded by the Irish government and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), this scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a €10,000 living stipend, and includes travel support for the 2025/2026 academic year. It aims to attract talented students eager to excel in their fields while experiencing Ireland’s rich academic and cultural life.
In this post, we’ll cover the key details, eligibility criteria, benefits, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.
Contents
- 1 2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Summary
- 2 2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Details
- 3 2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Eligibility Requirements
- 4 2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Benefits
- 5 Required Documents
- 6 How to Apply: Step-by-Step
2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Summary
- Host Country: Ireland
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Eligible Countries: Non-EU/EEA countries
- Course Level: Masters | Postgraduate Diploma | PhD
- Reward: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: March 05, 2025
2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Details
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) aims to attract and support outstanding non-EU/EEA students who wish to study in Ireland. The Irish government funds the scholarship, which is open to students pursuing master’s, postgraduate diploma, and PhD programs at participating Irish higher education institutions (HEIs).
This scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the chosen program, a living stipend of €10,000 per year, and travel support to ensure a smooth transition to studying in Ireland. It is designed to offer a comprehensive package to students, enabling them to focus entirely on their academic journey without financial constraints.
As part of the 2025/2026 academic year, this scholarship will open doors for talented students from diverse backgrounds to immerse themselves in Ireland’s world-class education system. The country’s strong emphasis on innovation, research, and development makes it an ideal destination for students aiming to contribute to global knowledge and progress.
2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the GOI-IES, applicants must meet the following four criteria:
- Have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
- Have received an offer of a place as an international, fee-paying student in a full-time, in-person course at an eligible Irish higher education institution for either:
- a taught master’s degree program which is at least one year long.
- a postgraduate diploma at NFQ level 9 which is at least one year long.
- a research program (i.e. research master’s or PhD) which is at least one year long.
- Not have previously held a GOI-IES scholarship.
- Not be a Russian or Belarussian citizen.
Assessment process
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- A record of outstanding academic achievement;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Participation in extracurricular activities, for example, humanitarian work, politics, arts, or sport
- 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.
2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Benefits
The GOI-IES offers numerous benefits to ensure students receive the best support throughout their studies:
- Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the chosen program, providing a significant financial advantage.
- Living Stipend: Recipients will receive a living stipend of €10,000 per year to cover personal living expenses during their studies.
- Travel Support: The scholarship includes travel support to assist with the cost of travel to and from Ireland.
- International Networking: Scholars will be part of a global community of outstanding students, offering opportunities for networking, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
- Access to World-Class Education: Students will study at prestigious Irish universities, gaining access to top-tier education and research facilities.
Required Documents
To apply for the GOI-IES, applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- A valid passport or national ID confirming citizenship of a non-EU/EEA country.
- Offer Letter: A conditional or final offer of admission from a recognized Irish higher education institution for a full-time program at the master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD level. This offer letter must confirm that the applicant has been offered a place as an international fee-paying student.
- Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of academic transcripts from previous educational institutions attended, demonstrating the applicant’s academic qualifications.
- English Language Proficiency: Evidence of English language proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores, as required by the chosen institution.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s qualifications and potential.
- Additional Documents: Any other documents specified by the chosen institution or the scholarship program, such as a research proposal (for PhD applicants) or portfolio (for certain courses).
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official HEA website to access the application portal.
- Potential applicants should read the call documentation carefully to ascertain whether they are eligible to apply.
- Applications must be submitted via the online portal. Check the help document for assistance with the GOI-IES application
Note: All applications require two references to be uploaded by the applicants via the online portal. It is recommended that candidates submit their applications well before the deadline, to avoid technical issues due to heavy server traffic on the respective day.