The University of Dublin has officially confirmed that applications for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) 2026–2027 will open in January 2026. This major update marks the start of one of Ireland’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship rounds, designed exclusively for high-achieving non-EU and non-EEA students seeking to study in Ireland for one academic year.
This article breaks down everything applicants need to know for the 2026 intake—funding details, eligibility requirements, study programs, application conditions, and timelines—so that interested students can prepare early and submit a strong, complete application.
What Is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)?
The GOI-IES is a flagship national scholarship administered by Ireland’s Higher Education Authority (HEA). Each year, 60 outstanding students from around the world are selected to pursue one year of study at Irish universities, including the University of Dublin. The scholarship celebrates academic excellence, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute positively to global and Irish academic communities.
For the 2026 cycle, the University of Dublin will welcome applications from international students who have already secured an offer to study in one of the institution’s eligible one-year programmes.
What Does the Scholarship Offer?
The GOI-IES is fully funded for one academic year, providing exceptional financial relief and exclusive academic opportunities.
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver for the entire academic year.
- €10,000 Stipend provided to support living costs during the scholarship period.
- Access to All University Resources, research facilities, academic mentorship, and student support services.
This highly attractive funding package allows awardees to complete a world-class master’s or PhD study year at no educational cost.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all the following eligibility conditions:
- You must be a non-EU/non-EEA student.
- You must be paying the non-EU fee rate at the University of Dublin.
- You must hold an active offer of admission for an eligible programme at UCD for 2026/27.
- You must be applying for one of the following programmes:
- A 1-year full-time taught Master’s programme, OR
- One year of a full-time PhD programme
- You must intend to study in Ireland for one academic year under this scholarship.
- Only students with a valid UCD admission offer will be considered—applications without an offer are automatically rejected.
Eligible Programmes at the University of Dublin
The University has published its list of UCD Eligible Programmes for 2026/27, which include:
- One-year taught master’s degrees across faculties including science, engineering, humanities, arts, business, public policy, social sciences, and more.
- One-year PhD study tracks for students currently enrolled in longer research programmes.
Applicants should confirm programme eligibility directly from the university’s updated programme directory for the 2026 intake.
Application Dates for Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) for the 2026–2027 academic year will open for applications in January 2026, with the final deadline set for March 2026. All applicants must submit their complete scholarship applications within this window, as late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.