Studying abroad is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and it’s also one of the most expensive one. Tuition fees, living expenses, books, travel, the list adds up fast.
But if you’ve been thinking about pursuing your education in Ireland, here’s the good news, there are plenty of scholarships in Ireland for Indian students and other international learners that can make this journey affordable, or even free.
Ireland has become a popular choice for students worldwide, and one reason is that the country doesn’t just open its doors to talent but it also supports it financially. There are Irish scholarships for international students offered by universities, government bodies, and private organizations, covering everything from tuition fees to accommodation and living expenses.
So, if you’re wondering how to get a scholarship in Ireland, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Why Study in Ireland?
Before diving into the list of scholarships to study in Ireland, let’s quickly look at why so many students pick Ireland in the first place.
- World-class universities: Institutions like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and National University of Ireland Galway are globally recognized.
- Safe and welcoming environment: Ireland consistently ranks as one of the friendliest countries in the world.
- Post-study work options: Students can stay back for 1-2 years after graduation to look for work.
- English-speaking country: No language barriers if you’re already fluent in English.
And of course, the range of scholarships in Ireland for international students makes this destination even more attractive.
Types of Scholarships in Ireland
Ireland offers various scholarships depending on your level of study especially for international students .
Here’s a quick breakdown:
|
Level of Study |
Scholarship Opportunities |
|
Undergraduate |
Merit-based scholarships, tuition waivers, grants |
|
Master’s |
Partial or full tuition scholarships, living cost stipends |
|
PhD |
Research fellowships, fully funded scholarships |
|
Short-term programs |
Limited, but sometimes available for summer schools |
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Ireland
One of the biggest concerns for students is whether there are fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Ireland. The answer is: Yes! Several scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs.
Let’s look at some of the most generous ones.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
This is one of the most prestigious awards for international students.
|
Details |
Description |
|
Coverage |
Full tuition + €10,000 stipend for living costs |
|
Who Can Apply? |
Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students |
|
Selection Criteria |
Academic excellence, leadership, and extracurriculars |
|
Application Deadline |
Usually around March-April each year |
This government of Ireland international education scholarship is highly competitive but worth applying for if you have a strong academic profile.
Irish Research Council Scholarships
These scholarships are mainly for PhD scholarships in Ireland for international students and sometimes for master’s by research.
|
What it Covers |
Annual stipend of €18,500 + research expenses + full tuition |
|
Who It’s For |
Postgraduate research students (PhD/MRes) |
|
Areas of Study |
Open to all disciplines |
If you’re planning to pursue research, this is one of the best options available.
|
Scholarship |
Who It’s For |
What You Get |
|
Walsh Fellowships |
International PhD students in research fields like agriculture, food science, or biosciences |
Full tuition coverage, generous stipend, and research support |
|
Trinity College Dublin Scholarships |
Undergraduate and postgraduate students with strong academic records |
Options include Entrance Scholarships and Global Excellence Scholarships; some cover tuition partially or fully |
|
University College Cork Scholarships |
Undergraduate and postgraduate students applying to UCC |
Partial tuition waivers, merit-based awards, and sometimes living expense support |
University-Specific Scholarships
Almost every major university in Ireland offers its own set of scholarships in Ireland for masters and undergraduate students. Here are some examples:
|
University |
Scholarship Name |
Coverage |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
Global Excellence Scholarship |
Partial tuition waiver |
|
University College Dublin (UCD) |
Global Graduate Scholarship |
Up to 100% tuition |
|
NUI Galway |
Merit Scholarships |
Up to €2,000-€5,000 |
|
Dublin City University |
DCU International Merit Scholarship |
Tuition discounts |
These awards are often automatic, meaning if you apply for admission, you’re automatically considered. But for others, you’ll need to submit a separate application.
Undergraduate Scholarships in Ireland
If you’re fresh out of school and looking for undergraduate scholarships in Ireland, here’s some good news. There are multiple options available.
-
UCD Undergraduate Scholarship - For high academic achievers; covers part of the tuition fees.
-
Trinity College Dublin Undergraduate Award - For international students with outstanding academic performance.
- Maynooth University Entrance Scholarship - Offers merit-based awards to new undergraduates.
While most scholarships for undergrads are partially funded, they can still take a huge load off your financial burden.
Scholarships in Ireland for Masters
A large number of students go to Ireland for postgraduate studies, and luckily, there are many scholarships in Ireland for masters programs too.
Here’s a quick list of options:
-
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (Master’s level) - Fully funded.
-
University of Limerick Merit Scholarships - Based on GPA and academic background.
-
DCU Postgraduate Scholarships - Reduces tuition costs by €2,000 to €4,000.
- UCD Global Excellence Scholarships - Covers 50-100% of tuition.
Most scholarships in Ireland for Indian students applying for master’s programs are merit-based, so keeping your academic scores high is key.
Scholarships in Ireland for Indian Students:
Indian students are among the top international student groups in Ireland, so there are specific scholarships targeted at them. Here’s a list of popular scholarships for Indian students to study in Ireland:
|
Scholarship Name |
Who Offers It? |
Coverage |
|
The J.N. Tata Endowment |
Tata Trust |
Loan scholarship with low-interest |
|
KC Mahindra Scholarship |
Mahindra Trust |
Partially funded |
|
Government of Ireland Scholarship |
Government of Ireland |
Fully funded |
|
University-Specific Scholarships |
Various Irish universities |
Tuition waivers or discounts |
How to Get a Scholarship in Ireland
If you’re wondering how to get a scholarship in Ireland, the process might seem intimidating, but it’s easier when broken down into clear steps.
Steps to Apply:
Start Early
Begin searching for scholarships at least 8-12 months before your course starts. Some deadlines are way ahead of admission deadlines.
Research Thoroughly
Visit university websites and scholarship portals regularly. Keep an eye on eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines.
Prepare Required Documents
Most scholarships will ask for:
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Updated CV
Apply for Admission First
You usually need an offer letter from a university in Ireland before you can apply for most scholarships.
Write a Strong Scholarship Essay
Explain why you deserve the scholarship. Be genuine and personal; don’t just list achievements.
Submit the Scholarship Application
Make sure all documents are uploaded correctly. Double-check before submitting.
Follow Up
If you don’t hear back within the expected time, don’t hesitate to send a polite follow-up email.
PhD Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
If you’re aiming for research, Ireland is a fantastic destination with ample funding for PhD scholars.
|
Scholarship |
Coverage |
|
Irish Research Council (IRC) |
€18,500 stipend + research allowance |
|
University Fellowships |
Tuition + monthly stipend |
|
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) |
Project-based funding for science and tech |
These PhD scholarships in Ireland for international students are highly competitive but very rewarding if you get in.
Tips for Winning Scholarships to Study in Ireland
Getting a scholarship isn’t just about good grades. Here are a few insider tips that can help you secure a scholarship-
-
Grades matter, but so does leadership. Scholarships often go to students who show they can lead and make a difference, not just top scorers.
-
Show you care. Share any volunteer work, internships, or social projects you’ve done—they reflect your character.
-
Apply to more than one. The more scholarships you try for, the better your chances.
-
Stay organised. Track deadlines and documents so you’re not stressed out at last minute.
- Be real in your essays. Committees value honest stories over generic statements.
Final Thoughts
Ireland isn’t just an incredible place to study but also a country that believes in nurturing talent from around the world. Whether you’re looking for undergraduate scholarships in Ireland, scholarships in Ireland for masters, or PhD scholarships in Ireland for international students, there’s something out there for you.
From fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Ireland to smaller merit awards, these financial aids can make your academic journey lighter on the wallet and richer in experience.
If you’re serious about studying in Ireland, start your scholarship search early. Make sure you meet the requirements, write compelling essays, and apply to as many programs as possible. Your future in Ireland might just be a scholarship away!
