15 Best Scholarships in Ireland for International Students

Although Ireland may not be as popular as neighboring study destinations, it has become the foremost choice amongst 32,000 enrollees. This figure is expected to go higher, many thanks to the country’s reputable educational system.

In the last few years, Ireland has been recognized as one of the top 10 countries for education. This is reflected in its universities’ rankings, many of which are listed in the top 350.

Add to that, Ireland offers a wealth of study choices at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These – plus the scholarships in Ireland listed below – make Ireland a prime choice for those who want quality yet affordable education.

Top Scholarships in Ireland

1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Program

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: A €10,000 stipend, tuition, and registration cost waiver for one year’s study
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. (1-year)

The Irish Government, through the Higher Education Authority, offers an International Education Scholarship Program. This is open to non-EU/EEA students who have an outstanding offer from any eligible Irish institution.

This scholarship in Ireland, which is open to 60 applicants, comes with full tuition and a registration fee waiver for one year. Although all fields of study are accepted, the scholarship may only cover any of the final year of an undergraduate course, one year taught Master’s, and one year of a research program (either a two-year research master’s or a 3/4-year Ph.D.)

Scholars will also be given a one-year stipend amounting to EUR 10,000 ($11,950).

The Irish Government will award the scholarship to students who are academically, professionally, and personally ‘excellent’, excellent communicators, purveyors of extra-curricular activities (politics, humanitarian work, sports, arts, etc.), and passionate about studying in Ireland according to the scholarship’s goals

2. University College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: 50- 100% of the tuition fee amount
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s (selected only)

Founded in the year 1854, University College Dublin is Ireland’s largest university. With more than 8,500 foreigners studying on the campus, UCD aims to attract more with its Global Excellence Scholarship, one of the best scholarships in Ireland for international students.

Open to new UCD students (except those coming from the International Foundation Year program), the merit award is evaluated following a ‘holistic’ review of the application.

Scholarship slots vary according to region. For example, undergraduate scholarships are available to citizens of North America. Graduate bursaries, on the other hand, are reserved for South Asian applicants. As for students from other regions (and residents of North America), scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate levels are both available.

As esteemed awardees, Global Excellence Scholars are expected to contribute to any of the following platforms: UCD website content, UCD social media content, discussion groups & panels, or UCD events & activities.

Unlike other bursaries, awardees must pay the deposit amount before they can be awarded the scholarship.

For the coverage to be renewed annually, the scholar must maintain a GPA of at least 3.08/4.20.

3. Hardiman Ph.D. Scholarships

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value:  Fully funded for four years, with a stipend of €25,000 p.a. plus tuition fee covered
• Eligible Degree/s: Structured Ph.D. (selected 5 research areas)

The Hardiman Ph.D. Scholarships are offered to postgraduate students who wish to conduct research that will help enhance policy and society, enrich creativity and culture, improve health and well-being, realize potential through data and enabling technologies, and sustain the planet and the people.

To qualify for this scholarship in Ireland, the applicant must have a first/upper second-class honors degree or equivalent. Proficiency in the English language (for non-native speakers) is required as well.

Apart from meeting these requirements, all applicants should begin the process by finding a supervisor. Once this is done, the student can start filling up the application form. Upon completing this, two academic references should be submitted as well.

Candidates will be assessed by a committee that will look into the following: personal research statement, academic qualifications, referees’ reports, and prior research experience.

Shortlisted applicants who succeed in the interview will be informed before the end of April.

4. Grattan Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value:  Fully funded, including fees and an annual stipend of €20,000 for four years
• Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.

Established in the year 2012, the Grattan Scholarship is dedicated to the honor of Irish statesman Henry Grattan.

This Ireland scholarship is awarded to excellent Ph.D. students who wish to specialize in either the Global Financial System, International Development, Markets, Justice & Values, Migration & Clustering, Urban & Environmental Economics, and Political Behaviors at Trinity College Dublin.

The Grattan Scholarship will not only shoulder the entire tuition cost but will also provide an annual stipend of EUR 20,000 ($23,895) for four years.

Grattan scholars are expected to be purveyors of social and economic development. While academic merit is a big factor in the selection process, the awarding body will also consider the applicant’s passion for teaching and research.

On top of pursuing Ph.D. studies, Grattan scholars are expected to participate in teaching-related activities during the school term for at least six hours a week.

5. University College Dublin Sutherland School of Law Doctoral Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Full tuition (non-EU rate) for a maximum of four years
• Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.

Annually, the Sutherland School of Law offers two doctoral scholarships for local and international applicants alike. This covers the full tuition cost (non-EU rate) and an annual stipend of EUR 18,500 ($22,100)

To qualify, applicants must start by completing the university’s online graduate application form. Afterward, they must submit a cover letter stating why they wish to take a Ph.D. at University College Dublin.

Apart from these basic requirements of getting these scholarships in Ireland, applicants also need to submit a research proposal that should be 3-4 pages long. It should contain vital data, including the research question/statement, methodology outline, and a brief literature review.

Applicants also need to submit all of their academic transcripts, plus two academic references and proof of English proficiency (IELTS of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT of 90).

6. TCD – Generation Study Abroad Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: 2,000 EUR
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

An international non-profit group called the Institute of International Education (IIE) gives underdeveloped nations access to educational possibilities. Two scholarships are available to overseas students each term through their Generation Study Abroad program, which is run in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin. Outstanding students in need of financial aid are supported by this scholarship.

Candidates must present proof of their financial need to be considered. Recipients of scholarships are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 in compliance with TUC policies. The application also requires a personal statement outlining your academic and personal objectives.

Successful applicants will be given a scholarship worth EUR 2,000 to cover tuition, lodging, and travel costs; however, they must open an Irish bank account to collect the award. It is best to plan because this scholarship is given out midway through the semester.

7. Trinity College Dublin Postgraduate Research Scholarships

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual maintenance fee of 6,500 EUR for three years
• Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.

Trinity College Dublin, the top-ranked university in Ireland, provides financial aid to potential postgraduate international students. With more than 200 postgraduate courses available, students can select the fields they want to study.

Students must meet both the entry requirements for international students and the standard Trinity College requirements before they may apply for this Ireland scholarship. If you meet the requirements, you must speak with the course’s academic department to apply. You must include two academic references, academic transcripts, a degree certificate, and a certificate of English language proficiency with your application.

The complete cost of tuition will be covered for scholarship recipients, and they will also receive a maintenance allowance of 6,500 EUR per year for three years. During their stay, they must also gain teaching experience.

8. TCD India Undergraduate Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: One-year tuition fee reduction valued between 3,000 EUR to 5,000 EUR
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

TCD also offers 1-year scholarships exclusively for Indian undergraduate students. Candidates will be assessed according to their academic excellence and potential to accomplish ambassadorial duties for TCD.

Students interested in undergraduate programs can access a list of available programs at the link above. Remember that the scholarship is not available for acting, dentistry, or medical courses. To be considered, applicants must meet the academic standards listed on the website, possess an Indian high school diploma, and be willing to pay tuition costs at the non-EU rate.

To apply, you must send a Cover Letter, a Trinity Offer Letter, and a 300-word essay detailing how you can benefit from TUC. The amount of money awarded to scholarship recipients will range from 3,000 to 5,000 EUR, which can only be used as a first-year tuition discount.

9. NUI Galway Postgraduate Merit Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Fund valued at 1,000 EUR up to 50% tuition fee coverage
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway is a public university renowned across the world for its outstanding expertise. Scholarship applications are accepted by postgraduate students from all around the world who want to attend NUI.

To apply for this Ireland scholarship, you must submit a Personal Scholarship Statement outlining your motivation for applying, your qualifications, and how you plan to develop connections with NUI Galway. A selection committee will evaluate the qualifying scholarship applications based on merit and/or an evaluation of the personal statement.

The scholarship grants differ depending on the college. It ranges from partial tuition fee waivers up to a thousand euros. On the university website, you may see the full list of colleges that are giving this scholarship, along with their awards.

10. UCC Lilly Research Scholarships

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Stipend of 16,000 EUR, tuition fee coverage, and 6,000 EUR for research costs
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.

The University College Cork offers two Lilly Research Scholarships for students who wish to pursue a Master of Science or Doctoral degree. The scholarship is best for students who excel in research in the fields of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, and Chemical Engineering.

Candidates must have a grade 1 degree, at least Second Class Honours, or the equivalent to be eligible. For non-EU countries following a 4.0 GPA scale, this is equivalent to 80% or 3.3. Their evaluation is based on both their interview and scholarship applications. Additionally, the grant is valid for two to four academic years.

Grant recipients will receive an annual student stipend of 16,000 EUR, coverage for tuition (EU or non-EU), and a budget for up to 6,000 EUR in lab and research expenses. Furthermore, they must provide a report outlining their study progress.

11. DCU International Scholarships

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Up to 2,000 EUR
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s

Dublin City University accepts applications for merit scholarships from students outside of Europe. International students who meet the requirements for the scholarship are encouraged to apply. Furthermore, because this award is merit-based, top students are urged to apply.

Only non-EU candidates will be taken into consideration. You can choose three options from the website’s list of DCU programs when applying. Remember that only students who do not already have other scholarships are eligible for this.

Scholarship recipients may get up to 2,000 EUR in compensation for their tuition costs. The student who will be awarded the entire scholarship must carry out their ambassadorial duties throughout their term.

12. Maynooth University Sanctuary Award Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Tuition fee waiver and subsidized travel, meal, and study costs
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s

The Maynooth University‘s inclusive educational program for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers has earned its official recognition as a University of Sanctuary. The Sanctuary Award encourages students seeking refuge to enroll in one of Ireland’s top colleges for higher education.

This Ireland scholarship is open to international protection applicants, refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. The evidence of registration and status from the Department of Justice must also be provided to be considered. To apply, the applicant must apply for their desired course and submit the Sanctuary scholarship application form on their website.

Awardees will receive a fee waiver and a Maynooth Access Package of Supports containing educational assistance programs and materials that students may use during their stay. Additionally, a subsistence support package for travel, educational, and food expenses will be offered.

13. RCSI International Pharmacy Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: 50% reduction in tuition fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) in Dublin, Ireland offers scholarships for Malaysian citizens who wish to study in the five-year Pharmacy program. Successful scholars will be expected to participate as Student Ambassadors to encourage students to apply for the scholarship.

Candidates must be non-European applicants from Malaysia to qualify for the scholarship. For the requirements, you will need to write a personal statement, a letter of reference, and an essay addressing why you want to study at RCSI. You may submit these requirements on the application portal at the link above.

For scholars, RCSI offers a 50% tuition cost discount. The student’s annual cost will now be reduced to 12,500 EUR. For more information on applications and financing, visit the RCSI website.

14. University of Limerick Scholarships

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Tuition fee reduction valued at 1,500 EUR per year
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The University of Limerick for Graduate and Professional Studies offers scholarships for international students. This scholarship is merit-based and students will be assessed based on their academic records.

Students may choose from the following fields for their chosen program: Science, Engineering, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, and Health Sciences. Enrollees do not need to apply for the scholarship because they will be automatically considered for it once they apply for the available programs.

Scholarship recipients will receive a tuition price reduction of 1,500 EUR annually. You can get in touch with the International Education Division for more details.

15. Master of Science in Public Health – Sustainability Leader Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: 1-year tuition fee coverage valued at 12,800 EUR and an annual allowance of 16,500 EUR for living expenses
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The School of Medicine at the University of Limerick offers scholarships for students from low and middle-income countries to pursue a Master of Science in Public Health degree. The list of countries included can be seen in the link above.

To be eligible for this scholarship in Ireland, the candidate must come from a low and middle-income country. They must also meet the criteria in terms of professional background, motivation, intellectual excellence, and commitment. Motivated and academically excellent candidates with work experience in academic institutions and NGOs will be prioritized.

Scholars will receive 12,800 EUR for the tuition fee reduction and a stipend of 16,500 EUR annually. For further information, you may check the University of Limerick website.

If the question of affordability was the main potential hindrance to pursuing your studies in Ireland, then this article has shown you it shouldn’t. Irish universities and the government itself are making transformational changes in higher education through the above scholarships.

We hope that this article on the best scholarships in Ireland for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students page for more informative articles.