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Study in Ireland

Ireland (the Emerald Isle) is one of Europe most dynamic and prestigious study destinations, standing as the primary English-speaking tech and education hub in the European Union. Home to European headquarters of global giants like Google, Apple, Meta, and Pfizer, Ireland offers students world-class education combined with unmatched career and post-graduation opportunities.

9
universities listed
12
scholarships & discounts
3
government programmes
English, Irish
teaching languages
September
academic year starts

Government scholarships & national programmes

Scholarships funded by the state or its official bodies for international students.

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)

Fully Funded1 scholarship

Scholarships for non-EU students: Master's and PhD in Ireland with a €10,000 stipend for one year and a full tuition waiver. 60 awards each year, administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The 2026 call closed on 12 March 2026; the next call has not been announced yet.

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship (GOIPG)

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship (GOIPG)

Fully Funded1 scholarship

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (GOIPG), run by Research Ireland (formerly the Irish Research Council), funds research master's and PhD students in all disciplines at Irish higher-education institutions and is open to international applicants. It typically provides an annual stipend, a contribution to fees and an allowance for research expenses. Applicants need an academic supervisor at an Irish institution who supports their research proposal.

Ireland Fellows Programme

Ireland Fellows Programme

Fully Funded1 scholarship

Prestigious fully funded scholarship programme by the Government of Ireland (Department of Foreign Affairs / Irish Aid) offering full Master degree scholarships for future leaders.

Universities (9)

Fees for international students and the highest discount or scholarship available, from each university’s official sources.

Dublin City University

Dublin City University

جامعة مدينة دبلن

DublinState university
1 scholarshipDetails
Maynooth University

Maynooth University

جامعة ماينوث

MaynoothState university
1 scholarshipDetails
Technological University Dublin

Technological University Dublin

جامعة دبلن التكنولوجية

DublinState universityUp to 50% off
1 scholarshipDetails
Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin

كلية الثالوث في دبلن

DublinState university
1 scholarshipDetails
University College Cork

University College Cork

كلية كورك الجامعية

CorkState university
1 scholarshipDetails
University College Dublin (UCD)

University College Dublin (UCD)

كلية دبلن الجامعية (UCD)

DublinState university
1 scholarshipDetails
University of Galway

University of Galway

جامعة غالواي

GalwayState university
2 scholarshipsDetails
University of Limerick

University of Limerick

جامعة ليمريك

LimerickState university
1 scholarshipDetails
National University of Ireland

National University of Ireland

جامعة أيرلندا الوطنية

State university
Details

All scholarships & discounts (12)

Filter by funding type and study level.

Study guide

The study system

Higher education in Ireland is structured under the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) aligned with the European ECTS Bologna system: • Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8): typically 3 to 4 years of study. • Master’s Degree (NFQ Level 9): 1 full calendar year (12 months) for taught programmes, or 1–2 years for research master’s. • Doctoral Degree / PhD (NFQ Level 10): 3 to 4 years of structured research. All programmes are fully taught in English with world-renowned qualifications and robust quality assurance.

How to get admitted

Admission requirements for international students in Ireland: 1. Academic Credentials: High school graduation certificate for undergraduate studies (typically 75%–85%+ depending on programme), or an honours bachelor degree for Master’s admission. 2. English Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic overall 6.5 (min 6.0 in all bands), TOEFL iBT 88–90, or Duolingo English Test 115–125. 3. Application Portfolio: Academic transcripts, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter, two academic references, and a research proposal for PhD candidates. Applications open in October with rolling or fixed deadlines from January to June.

Fees and living costs

• Non-EU International Tuition Fees: - Undergraduate: €10,000 to €22,000 per year (up to €35,000+ for clinical medicine). - Postgraduate / Master’s: €12,000 to €26,000 for the full 1-year programme. • Living Expenses & Accommodation: - Dublin (Capital): €1,200 to €1,800 per month including rent, utilities, food, and student travel. - Other cities (Cork, Galway, Limerick): €900 to €1,300 per month.

Visa, residence permit and health insurance

Student Visa (Stamp 2 Permission): Non-EU/EEA students apply online through AVATS: 1. Unconditional acceptance letter from an eligible full-time course listed on the ILEP. 2. Proof of tuition fee payment (minimum €6,000 or full fee paid upfront). 3. Proof of sufficient funds: minimum €10,000 demonstrated living fund capacity. 4. Valid private medical insurance. Upon arrival in Ireland, students register with Immigration to receive their Irish Residence Permit (IRP Stamp 2 card).

Working while studying

Working Rights & Post-Study Work Visa (Stamp 1G): • During Studies (Stamp 2): Students are legally permitted to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term time, and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods (June–September and Christmas holidays). Minimum wage is among the highest in Europe (~€12.70/hour). • Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G): - Master’s & PhD graduates (NFQ 9/10): 2-year (24 months) stay-back work permit allowing full-time employment. - Honours Bachelor graduates (NFQ 8): 1-year (12 months) stay-back work permit. Leads directly to the Critical Skills Employment Permit and long-term European residency.

Information last verified: October 15, 2026Official source

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps for 2026 / 2027.

Yes! The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) provides 100% tuition waiver plus €10,000 stipend. The Ireland Fellows Programme offers full funding including flights, accommodation, and stipend for master’s degrees from partner nations, and prestigious university PhD scholarships like Hardiman at University of Galway provide €22,000 annual stipends.

The Third Level Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G) grants Master’s and PhD graduates an automatic 2-year (24-month) post-study work permit, and Bachelor’s graduates 1 year, allowing full-time employment at top global multinational corporations.