Ireland has become one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe, known for its high-quality education system, vibrant student life, and world-renowned universities. For international students looking to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies in 2025, Ireland offers a wide range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships to ease the financial burden.
In this post, we present ten of the best scholarship opportunities in Ireland for 2025, highlighting their key features, eligibility criteria, and application benefits. These scholarships are open to students from across the globe and cover diverse fields of study.
1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)
One of the most prestigious scholarships in Ireland, the GOI-IES program offers funding for one year of study at the master’s or Ph.D. level in Irish higher education institutions. It is awarded to high-caliber students from non-EU/EEA countries.
Benefits:
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Full tuition fee waiver
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€10,000 stipend for living expenses
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Applicable to all disciplines
Eligibility: Open to non-EU/EEA students with a strong academic background.
2. Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Scholarships
Designed for research-focused postgraduate and doctoral students, this scholarship promotes advanced research in sciences, humanities, engineering, and social sciences.
Benefits:
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Annual stipend of €18,500
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Contribution to tuition fees up to €5,750
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Research expenses of €3,250 per year
Eligibility: Open to students from any country enrolling in full-time research programs.
3. Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s top university, offers merit-based Global Excellence Scholarships to outstanding international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Benefits:
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Scholarship worth up to €5,000
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Applies toward tuition fees
Eligibility: Based on academic merit and a strong motivation statement.
4. University College Dublin (UCD) Global Scholarships
UCD offers several competitive scholarships for non-EU students applying to undergraduate or graduate programs, including full and partial tuition awards.
Benefits:
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Full and partial tuition coverage
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Automatic consideration for eligible applicants
Eligibility: International students with exceptional academic records.
5. Maynooth University International Scholarships
Maynooth University supports global talent by offering scholarships to both undergraduate and postgraduate international applicants.
Benefits:
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Awards range from €1,000 to €3,000
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Available for full-time programs
Eligibility: Open to academically excellent students from outside the EU.
6. NUI Galway International Student Scholarships
Now known as the University of Galway, this institution provides scholarships across various academic levels to non-EU students.
Benefits:
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Up to €4,000 in tuition fee reductions
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Consideration based on academic performance
Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate students from outside the EU.
7. Dublin City University (DCU) Merit Scholarships
DCU offers international merit-based scholarships to students enrolling in undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, engineering, science, and humanities.
Benefits:
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Tuition discounts from €1,000 to €2,000
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Awarded based on academic achievement
Eligibility: International students with excellent grades and a strong statement of purpose.
8. Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) Scholarships
TU Dublin provides scholarships for high-performing international students, especially in STEM and creative disciplines.
Benefits:
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Partial tuition fee reductions
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Competitive selection process
Eligibility: Non-EU applicants applying for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
9. Griffith College Ireland Scholarships
Griffith College, a private institution in Ireland, offers scholarships for both academic and need-based students.
Benefits:
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Up to 50% tuition waiver
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Available for most full-time programs
Eligibility: International students demonstrating strong academic potential.
10. Cork Institute of Technology (Munster Technological University) Scholarships
MTU provides international scholarships to encourage academic excellence in engineering, business, science, and technology.
Benefits:
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Partial scholarships depending on program and level
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Consideration during application evaluation
Eligibility: Available to full-time international students.
Why Study in Ireland?
Ireland not only boasts globally ranked universities and innovative research opportunities but also offers a safe, English-speaking environment ideal for international students. Its post-study work visa policy allows graduates to remain in Ireland for up to 2 years to seek employment, making it an attractive long-term destination.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Ireland
Most Irish universities automatically consider applicants for scholarships upon receiving admission applications. However, some programs, like the GOI-IES and Irish Research Council Scholarships, require a separate application. To maximize your chances:
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Apply early (deadlines usually fall between January and April).
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Prepare strong academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a motivational statement.
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Tailor your application to match the specific criteria of each scholarship.
Stay updated with application timelines, and be sure to check individual university websites for the latest scholarship offerings and eligibility requirements.