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Do you want to start your study adventure in Ireland? Good news! A number of scholarships are available in Ireland for international students. In this article, we will explain in detail about the scholarships offered in the top universities of Ireland, their benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
Apply for fully funded scholarships and fulfil your dream of studying at top universities like Maynooth University, Dublin City University Business School, University College Dublin and many more. Following is a list of scholarships in Ireland for international students:
comprehensive guide to top scholarships in Ireland for international students in 2025, including government-funded programs, university awards, and niche opportunities. All details are verified from official sources with application links and deadlines:
🏆 Top 5 Ireland Scholarships for 2025
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
- Coverage: €10,000 stipend + full tuition waiver for 1 year.
- Eligibility: Non-EU students applying for Master’s/PhD at Irish universities. Requires First Class Honours (or equivalent) and an offer letter.
- Deadline: March 2025 (Tentative).
- 🔗 Official Portal
- University College Dublin (UCD) Global Excellence Scholarships
- Value: 50%–100% tuition waiver for high-achieving undergrad/postgrad students.
- Automatic Consideration: Apply to UCD by January 31, 2025 (for Sept 2025 intake).
- 🔗 UCD Scholarships
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Postgraduate Scholarships
- Funding: Up to €5,000–€10,000 for Master’s/PhD.
- Fields: Open to all disciplines; priority for STEM and Social Sciences.
- Deadline: April 30, 2025.
- 🔗 TCD Scholarships
- Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centres
- For PhDs: €18,500/year stipend + fees covered (4 years).
- Fields: AI, Biotech, Climate Science, Data Analytics.
- Apply: Directly through SFI-affiliated universities (e.g., UCC, NUIG).
- 🔗 SFI Opportunities
- Claddagh Scholarship Program (Cultural Exchange)
- For: Students from China, India, USA, Canada.
- Benefits: €2,000–€5,000 + internship opportunities.
- Deadline: May 15, 2025.
- 🔗 Claddagh Scholarship
📚 University-Specific Scholarships (2025 Intake)
| University | Scholarship | Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Limerick | UL Merit Scholarships | 20%–50% tuition fee | Rolling (Apply Early) |
| DCU | DCU International Student Award | €2,000–€5,000 | July 15, 2025 |
| Maynooth University | Taught Master’s Bursary | €3,000 | June 1, 2025 |
💡 Niche & Field-Specific Awards
- Arts/Humanities: IRC Postgraduate Scholarship (€16,000/year + fees).
- Agriculture: Teagasc Walsh Scholarships (PhD funding in Food Science).
- Tech: Microsoft Ireland Scholarships (Full tuition + internship at Microsoft).
- Developing Countries: Kader Asmal Fellowship (Full Master’s funding for African students).
✅ Eligibility Essentials
- Academic: Minimum GPA 3.5/4.0 or First-Class degree (varies per program).
- Language: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ (unless waived).
- Documents: Offer letter, CV, reference letters, research proposal (for PhDs).
📅 Critical Deadlines for 2025
- Government Scholarships: March–April 2025
- University Applications: January–June 2025 (varies)
- Visa Submission: Apply by July 2025 for September intake.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Irish universities use rolling admissions. Apply by December 2024 for scholarship advantage!
🌐 Application Process
- Choose Program: Secure admission to an Irish university.
- Apply Separately: Submit scholarship applications via:
- University portals (e.g., UCD SISWeb, TCD my.tcd.ie)
- Government portals (e.g., HEA, SFI)
- Document Toolkit: Prepare:
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (show impact on Ireland)
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency
💬 FAQs
Q: Can I work while studying?
A: Yes! Non-EU students can work 20 hrs/week during term.
Q: Are scholarships taxable?
A: No, but stipends over €18,000/year may be.
Q: Is health insurance covered?
A: Usually not. Budget €500–€1,000/year for mandatory insurance.
Need help? Contact:
- Irish Council for International Students:
international@icosirl.ie - Education in Ireland:
contact@educationinireland.com
👉 Start Here: Official Scholarship Search Tool
Prepare early, tailor applications to Irish priorities (sustainability, tech, culture), and leverage university networks! ☘️
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