Studying in Ireland is a great prospect. Indian students can either take collateral-free education loans to study in Ireland or apply for fully-funded scholarships. The Government of Ireland supports international students by offering the International Education Scholarships program for full-time studies. Around 60 students are funded with a stipend of EUR 10,000 for a one-year master’s or a PhD program in Ireland. Let’s explore important details and highlights of the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES).
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Overview of Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
Many top scholarships to study in Ireland are made available to international students. The International Education Scholarships (IES) by the Government of Ireland is one of them. Though it’s not a fully-funded scholarship, it offers significant financial support by covering a wide range of expenses. The scholarship is aimed at non-EU/ EEA students and is awarded to 60 recipients annually.
Successful applicants are awarded a stipend of EUR 10,000 for one year of full-time study at the master’s or PhD level. Along with this, a full fee waiver is provided to the recipients of the scholarship. It is extremely important to consider the eligibility criteria and prepare carefully as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships are highly competitive.
A panel of international reviewers assess the applications and selects the highest-scoring applicants. Selected ones get a chance to develop connections and network with international and Irish peers. It also opens doors for personal and professional development.
| Offered By | Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) |
| Scholarship Amount | EUR 10,000 for one year of study |
| Total Number of Scholarships | 60 |
| Eligibility | – Open to students outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland/ United Kingdom – Must pursue full-time master’s or PhD courses |
| Application Deadline | – 13 March 2024 (Closed for the academic year 2024-25) – You can apply by March 2025 for the next academic year. |
Also Read: Check all the details on the best banks in Ireland for international students. Explore the benefits offered and the process to open a student account with them.
Eligibility Criteria for the Government of Ireland Scholarship
To avail of the prestigious and competitive Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships, applicants must prepare productively. It is also important to meet the eligibility criteria before proceeding with the application. These criteria ensure that the scholarship is awarded to high-calibre international students who can benefit from studying in Ireland.
- Applicants must have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland/United Kingdom. Russian and Belarusian nationals from Ukraine are not eligible.
- It is important to apply for a relevant master’s or PhD program at an eligible higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland and have a conditional or final offer of admission at the time of application.
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate outstanding academic performance, excellent communication skills, and participation in extracurricular activities.
- A strong rationale for pursuing studies in Ireland is essential. The SOP should indicate how the scholarship aligns with your long-term goals.
- A maximum of three applications can be submitted for different programs, but applicants must have a valid offer from an HEI.
- Must have a valid student visa with a minimum bank balance for an Ireland student visa.
Application Process of GOI International Education Scholarships
To apply for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships, you must take admission to a relevant master’s or PhD program at an eligible Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Ireland. You should have a conditional or final offer of admission at the time of application. Then, follow the given steps-
- Create an account and submit your application via the online system available on the official GOI-IES website.
- Prepare the required documents, including:
- Scanned copy of the passport
- Copies of academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English proficiency
- Two reference letters
- Motivation statement
- Proposed research plan (for PhD applicants)
- Submit your completed application by the deadline, which is typically in early March. The deadline for GOI-IES 2024 is 5 pm (Irish time) on March 13, 2024.
Since the applications for the session 2024-25 are closed, you can prepare for the next academic session. The exact dates have not yet been officially announced. However, based on previous years, the deadline is expected to be in early March 2025. For the most accurate and updated information regarding application dates and procedures, you must check the official website regularly.
Also Read: Check out our blog on one of the most flexible alternatives to finance your study abroad dreams- gold loan for education: benefits, criteria, documents & process.
Evaluation Criteria & Selection Process
Applications are evaluated based on a marking scheme out of 100 points. The GOI-IES Scholarship evaluation criteria are as listed-
- Academic Qualifications and Achievements: Your academic performance and accomplishments (40 marks).
- Personal Statement: Your ability to demonstrate the following (15 marks each):
- Personal and professional benefits of the scholarship.
- Plans for active involvement in Irish society.
- Long-term interest in Ireland and promotion of the GOI-IES program.
- References: Two references were uploaded through the online portal (15 marks).
Once the application has been evaluated, the selection committee will select the following parameters.
- A minimum of 60 points is required to be considered for the scholarship.
- Priority is given to applicants with no other funding options.
- Shortlisted applications are shared with relevant HEIs for feedback.
- An International Assessment Panel evaluates applications in subsequent rounds.
- The final rank list is prepared based on factors like country of origin, study cycle, field of study, and gender representation.
This was all about the Government of Ireland IES scholarship to study in Ireland. The scholarship covers many expenses. Carrying the best forex cards for Indian students in Ireland can make financial management super easy.
To know about education loans, the best bank accounts for students, forex and banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your study abroad experience.
FAQs
The Ireland Scholarships for 2025 refers to the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, which offers financial support for international students pursuing master’s or PhD programs in Ireland.
The scholarship provides a EUR 10,000 stipend and a full fee waiver, making it a substantial funding opportunity, but it is not entirely fully funded as it does not cover all living expenses.
Eligible candidates are non-EU/EEA students with a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution and a strong academic record.
Applicants must submit their applications online through the designated portal, providing the necessary documents and a rationale for studying in Ireland.
The stipend for the Government of Ireland scholarship is EUR 10,000 for one year of study, intended to cover living expenses.
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