Ireland is opening its doors once again to the world’s brightest minds through the Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarships 2026, a flagship fully funded Master’s-level scholarship designed for the 2026–2027 academic cohort. This opportunity supports one full year of postgraduate study in Ireland and is expected to become available with the official call in January 2026, giving international applicants a clear window to prepare and compete.
This article explains what the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is, who it is for, what it offers financially, which students can apply, and when the key deadlines fall. If you are aiming to study a Master’s degree in Ireland with major financial relief and government backing, this is one of the most competitive and respected options available.
What Kind of Opportunity Is This?
The Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarships Programme is a prestigious, government-funded Master’s scholarship managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in partnership with Irish higher education institutions. For the 2026/27 academic year, around 60 high-calibre international students will be selected to pursue one year of full-time, in-person Master’s study (NFQ Level 9) at eligible Irish universities.
The scholarship is awarded through a highly competitive national selection process, with applicants applying individually under an annual call.
What the GOI-IES Scholarship Offers?
This scholarship is designed to remove the biggest financial barriers to studying in Ireland. Successful candidates will receive a powerful funding package that includes:
- €10,000 stipend paid for one academic year to support living costs
- Full tuition fee waiver at the host Irish higher education institution
- Opportunity to study at a globally respected Irish university with government endorsement
Important note: Bench fees, where applicable for certain programmes, are not covered and must be paid by the student.
Eligibility Checks – Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following core requirements:
- Be an international student (non-EU/EEA)
- Hold a conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible Irish higher education institution
- Apply for full-time, in-person Master’s study (NFQ Level 9) in Ireland
- Demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and commitment to global engagement
- Be willing to participate in the official competitive national selection process coordinated by the HEA
Only students who already have an offer from an eligible Irish institution can apply.
Fields and Programmes Covered
For the 2026 intake, scholarships will be awarded across a wide range of Master’s programmes, including but not limited to:
- Law, Business, and International Sustainable Business
- Public Health, Dementia Studies, and Health & Society
- Sustainable Energy, Environmental Geoscience, and Marine Studies
- Sociology, Migration Studies, Women’s Studies, and Sustainability
- Food Science, Food Microbiology, and Agri-Food Systems
Availability depends on institutional capacity and programme places.
Application Deadlines to Remember
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is expected to open the official GOI-IES 2026 call in January 2026. The closing date for Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2026 applications is expected to fall in March 2026, following the annual national selection timeline for the 2026/27 academic year.
Applicants are strongly advised to secure their university offer early so they are fully eligible once the application portal opens.