How Idam Okechukwu Samuel, a Nigerian Scholar, Secured a Partially Funded Master’s Through the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

My name is Idam Okechukwu Samuel, a 29-year-old Nigerian man. I hold a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, where I graduated with a CGPA of 4.66 out of 5.0. After graduating, I spent over six years working as a software engineer for organisations across fintech, agritech, and edutech in Nigeria.

I am currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Cyber Security at Griffith College, Ireland, which I started in February 2026. After years of building applications, I saw how quickly new software is shipped, especially with the rise of AI, and how often security is treated as an afterthought. I chose cybersecurity to move from building systems to protecting them, and I want to use the degree to assist in secure software engineering and application security.

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship Details

Institution: Griffith College, Ireland

Scholarship: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)

Value: A €10,000 stipend to help with living costs and a full fee waiver for one year of study. The programme is funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). It’s highly competitive: there are 60 places awarded across all Irish higher education institutions each year.

Educational Background

I hold a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, where I graduated with a CGPA of 4.66 out of 5.0. Together with over six years of working as a software engineer, this gave me a strong technical foundation, and I wanted to build on it by specialising in cybersecurity. To get admitted to Griffith College, I submitted my transcript, degree certificate, and supporting certificates.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Griffith College?

How Did You Find Information About Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship and Griffith College?

Finding information: I found the scholarship by chance. I had just been rejected for the Swedish Institute scholarship, and that same day YouTube recommended a video about the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship. I had never heard of it before. I watched the video overnight, saw that I could apply, and did so.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I didn’t need a standardized test to apply for the scholarship. I took the Duolingo English Test later, for my visa application, because the school recommended it. Duolingo offers a practice test, which I used to prepare before taking the real one.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship?

I secured admission to Griffith College first, because you need an offer from the school before you can apply. Once the application portal opened, I applied through the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship website. I uploaded my admission letter and two references, one from a lecturer and one from an employer, and I completed the written sections explaining my goals. The portal closed on 5 March 2025, and no changes are allowed after submission, so I double-checked everything before I sent it.

How is Your Experience at Griffith College?

My experience at Griffith College has been very positive. The learning has been good, and both my lecturers and the administrative staff have been helpful and approachable. I’ve also already made some really good friends here.

How Does Griffith College Support International Students?

Griffith College supports international students well from the start. We had a detailed orientation and were taken on a sightseeing trip. The school suggests accommodation options when places are available, and it helps with the documents needed for immigration-related processes such as the PPSN, the student Leap card, and immigration registration. There is also career support, and the school shares programmes outside college that students can join or volunteer for. Student life is lively too, with events such as St Patrick’s Day, culture day, freshers days, movie nights and excursion trips.

What Did You Pursue After the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship?

I’m still studying. I deferred my admission to the February 2026 intake because of a visa delay, and I’m currently completing my M.Sc. in Cyber Security at Griffith College.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think the combination of my background is what set my application apart. I had over six years of professional experience as a software engineer across several industries, and I also added volunteering experience, which showed I contribute beyond my job. My CGPA of 4.66 out of 5.0 supported my academic record, and I submitted references from a lecturer and an employer. I kept my application essay simple and clear, focused on my goals.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would do three things differently:

Write a stronger essay. I kept mine simple. Next time, I would read samples of essays that won the scholarship online and use them to shape a more compelling story.

Read the application document thoroughly before starting. That way, I wouldn’t notice something I’d left out only after submitting, when changes are no longer possible.

Sort out my English test early. Having it ready in advance would have made the whole process smoother.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Get admitted first. The scholarship requires an offer from the school, so secure your admission before you apply.

Use all your chances. The scholarship lets you submit up to three applications based on three different offer letters, so apply with every offer you have.

Read the full application guide early, and don’t overthink it. Know exactly what is required before you start, so nothing is missed after you submit.

Write a strong essay. Read samples of winning essays to learn structure and tone, then tell your own story.

Sort your English test early. Use the practice tests, and don’t wait until the last minute.

Don’t give up after a rejection. I found this scholarship the same day I was rejected for another one.