Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2025: A Golden Opportunity for Global Scholars

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) 2025 offer a prestigious opportunity for high-achieving students from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom to pursue postgraduate education in Ireland. Managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and funded by the Government of Ireland in collaboration with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs), this scholarship aims to enhance Ireland’s reputation as a global education hub while attracting top-tier international talent.

About the GOI-IES Scholarship Programme

The GOI-IES programme provides financial and academic support to students enrolling in NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) levels 9 or 10, which include master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and PhD programmes. Each year, 60 scholarships are awarded to exceptional international students for one year of full-time study at an eligible Irish HEI.

Benefits of the GOI-IES Scholarship

Successful applicants will receive:

• A €10,000 stipend for one academic year to cover living expenses.

• A full tuition fee waiver provided by the host higher education institution.

• The opportunity to study in Ireland’s globally recognised institutions and engage with its rich cultural heritage.

• A chance to network and collaborate with academic professionals and industry experts.

Scholars are expected to commence their studies in September or October 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the GOI-IES scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a non-EU/EEA, Swiss, or UK national.

• Apply for admission to an NFQ Level 9 or 10 programme (master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD) at an eligible Irish HEI following its admission procedures.

• Hold a conditional or final offer letter from the institution at the time of application.

• Not have previously received a GOI-IES scholarship.

• Not be a Russian or Belarusian national due to the ongoing geopolitical situation.

Application Process

Prospective applicants should carefully read the official Call for Applications document to ensure eligibility. The steps to apply include:

1. Submitting an online application via the designated portal.

2. Uploading two reference letters as part of the application.

3. Ensuring the application is completed and submitted well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

4. Understanding that once submitted, applications cannot be altered.

Assessment and Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Academic excellence, with a strong track record of achievements.

• Outstanding communication skills.

• Participation in extracurricular activities, including humanitarian work, politics, arts, or sports.

• A compelling study rationale, outlining how the scholarship aligns with the applicant’s long-term academic and professional goals.

Once submitted, applications are reviewed by the respective HEIs to verify eligibility and shortlist candidates. The shortlisted applications are then assessed by an independent panel of experts, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process.

Key Dates for GOI-IES

• Application Deadline: 5:00 PM (Irish Time) on 5 March 2025

• Announcement of Results: Early June 2025

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships serve as a stepping stone for talented students looking to access Ireland’s top-tier academic and research opportunities. By fostering global connections and promoting educational excellence, this programme continues to attract and support the brightest minds from around the world.

For more details, visit the official Higher Education Authority (HEA) website and start your journey towards a world-class education in Ireland!