About this opportunity
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is Ireland's flagship government scholarship for high-calibre international students pursuing postgraduate study. Funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions and managed by the Higher Education Authority, the programme awards 60 scholarships each year for one year of full-time study at NFQ Level 9 or 10 — master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD — in any field. Each scholarship provides a €10,000 stipend plus a full tuition fee waiver from the host institution, and successful candidates must have a conditional or final offer of admission to an eligible Irish HEI.
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) 2027 is a fully funded scholarship offered by Higher Education Authority (HEA), Ireland for applicants heading to Ireland.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
- Have a conditional or final offer of admission to an eligible Irish higher education institution at the time of application, with proof of admission submitted with the scholarship application
- Apply for a full-time NFQ Level 9 or 10 programme (master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD) at an eligible Irish HEI
- Not have previously held a Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
- Not be a Russian or Belarusian national
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, excellent communication skills, extracurricular engagement and a strong rationale for studying in Ireland
What the opportunity may offer
- €10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study towards living costs
- Full fee waiver of all tuition and registration costs granted by the host higher education institution for the scholarship year
- One of 60 scholarships awarded each year across all fields of study at participating Irish institutions
- Study a master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD at a globally recognised Irish university with English-medium instruction
- Selection by an independent panel of assessors based on academic merit and potential
Required documents
- Copy of conditional or final offer of admission from an eligible Irish higher education institution
- Completed GOI-IES online application form with personal statement and rationale for studying in Ireland
- Academic transcripts and qualifications demonstrating outstanding achievement
- Two references uploaded via the online portal
- Passport or proof of national identity
- Curriculum vitae / resume
Application process
- Apply for admission to an eligible Irish higher education institution from autumn 2026 and secure a conditional or final offer
- Read the official 2027 GOI-IES call document and FAQs on hea.ie once published (expected late January 2027)
- Submit the online GOI-IES application through the HEA portal before the mid-March deadline — only one application per candidate is accepted
- Upload proof of admission, transcripts, CV, personal statement and two references via the portal
- The HEI checks your application for eligibility and shortlists candidates aligned with its strategic objectives
- Shortlisted applications are assessed by an independent panel; outcomes are announced in early June
- Begin full-time study in Ireland in September/October 2027
Before you apply
- □Check the deadline in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by Higher Education Authority (HEA), Ireland
- □Prepare your 6 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
The 2026 GOI-IES cycle closed at 5pm Irish time on 12 March 2026, and the 2027 call was not yet published on the HEA website as of 20 October 2026. Based on prior cycles, the 2027 call is expected to open in late January 2027 with a mid-March deadline (2026: opened 29 January, closed 12 March) and outcomes in early June. The key preparation step now is securing a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution — HEI applications open from autumn 2026, and proof of admission must be submitted with the scholarship application. Confirm the exact 2027 dates on hea.ie once the call is issued.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Government of Ireland Scholarship cover?
A €10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study, plus a full fee waiver of all tuition and registration costs granted by the host higher education institution for the scholarship year.
When does the GOI-IES 2027 application open and close?
The 2027 call was not yet published as of October 2026. Based on prior cycles, applications are expected to open in late January 2027 and close around mid-March (the 2026 cycle opened 29 January and closed 12 March), with outcomes in early June.
Who is eligible for the GOI-IES scholarship?
Applicants with a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK, who hold a conditional or final offer for a full-time master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD at an eligible Irish HEI. Previous GOI-IES holders and Russian or Belarusian nationals are not eligible.
How many Government of Ireland scholarships are awarded?
Sixty scholarships are awarded each year, open to all eligible nationalities with no country quota. It is highly competitive: applications are shortlisted by the institutions and assessed by an independent panel on academic merit, communication skills, extracurricular engagement and rationale for studying in Ireland.
Do I need an admission offer before applying?
Yes. You must have a conditional or final offer of admission to an eligible Irish higher education institution at the time of application, and proof of admission must be submitted with the scholarship application. You should start HEI applications from autumn 2026.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with Higher Education Authority (HEA), Ireland. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.