The Irish government runs two separate scholarship schemes for postgraduate students — one for international students from outside Europe, and one for students from EEA countries and Switzerland. They have different benefits, different eligibility rules, and are run by different bodies. Here's what each one offers.
GOI-IES — for international students
Run by the Higher Education Authority (HEA)
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is specifically for students from outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and UK. 60 scholarships are awarded each year for one year of full-time postgraduate study.
You need a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish institution before you can apply. Applications open in January each year, with a deadline in March.
GOIPG — for EEA and Swiss students
Run by Research Ireland (Irish Research Council)
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is open to citizens of EEA countries and Switzerland who have lived there for at least 3 of the last 5 years. It covers research master's and PhD programmes across all disciplines.
Funding covers a stipend, tuition fees, and research expenses — spread across the full duration of the programme.
What each scholarship covers
Full tuition fee waiver
Covers the full cost of tuition, including non-EU fees.
€10,000 annual stipend
Towards living costs for the duration of the award (1 year).
1 year of study
Covers one full year of a master's, postgraduate diploma, or PhD programme.
€22,000 annual stipend
Paid annually for the duration of the award.
Up to €5,750 in fees
Tuition fee contribution, including non-EU rates.
Up to €3,250 for research
Annual research expenses. Total value up to €31,000/year across 1–4 years.
- Domicile of origin outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and UK
- Conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible Irish institution
- Applying for a master's, postgraduate diploma, or PhD
- Two references uploaded via the application portal
- Proficiency in English (required for admission to any eligible institution)
- No previous GOI-IES scholarship held
- Citizen of an EEA country or Switzerland, resident there for 3 of the last 5 years before October 1st
- First-class or upper second-class honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent); a master's qualifies if no bachelor's
- Newly accepted into the programme for which funding is requested
- No more than one prior unsuccessful application to this scheme
- Proficiency in English
How to apply
GOI-IES — international students
- Secure a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish institution first
- Register on the GOI-IES online portal (opens January each year)
- Complete your application and upload two references
- Submit before the March deadline — no changes can be made after submission
GOIPG — EEA/Swiss students
- Register online and complete the registration form
- You'll receive a confirmation email with your login details
- Log in and finalise your application before the deadline
- Assessment covers academic results, communication skills, extracurricular activities, and your rationale for studying in Ireland
Both schemes are competitive and students apply directly — no agency can apply on your behalf. You are responsible for checking current deadlines on the official websites. A valid offer of admission from an eligible Irish institution is required before you can apply to either scheme.
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