Scholarships in Ireland for International Students- University and Government Funded

Studying abroad is usually tagged along with the heavy expenses international students have to suffer, however, if planned higher education abroad can cost you close to what it will in your home country. If you are preparing to study at the welcoming island of Ireland, one thing that you must note is the Irish government is committed to supporting international students. To boost the number of international students choosing the country, they offer a number of scholarships in Ireland. 

These scholarships in Ireland are offered through a wide variety of sources, like the government of Ireland, top universities in Ireland, and other institutions. The funds and scholarships are awarded at the sole discretion of the criteria established by the awarding institution. Some popular international organizations such as the United Nations, Soros Foundation, World Health Organization, etc. award scholarships to students of higher academic caliber.

Selection Criteria for Scholarships in Ireland for International Students

Having a number of scholarships to choose from may help you in finding the one that covers the expenses as per your needs, but these are highly competitive awards with strict and stringent admission criteria. To get scholarships in Ireland as international students, you must:

• Good academic scores
• Have volunteering experiences
• Have writtern proposals, if required for research program scholarships
• letter of recommendations, if required
• Having English langauge proficiency, which international students can prove through exams scores of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, et

Each and every one has its own selection criteria, some may ask for a mere application while some have additional requirements to be fulfilled. You can also contact the awarding agency to find out more details on the selection criteria.  

Government Funded Scholarships in Ireland

Government of Ireland Scholarships

Under the Government of Ireland Scholarships initiative 60 scholarships are awarded by the Government of Ireland to the students with high caliber for a period of 1 year.

• Benefits: 10.000 Euro stipend for one year of study and a full fee waiver of tuition and registration costs at higher education institutions.
• Application Deadline: March 20
• Apply at: www.hea.ie

Fulbright Scholarships

There are six different categories of Fulbright scholarships in Ireland offered to international students.The details of these are as follows:

Centenary Scholarship Program

The scholarship program for students from Brazil, China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, USA. 

• Benefits: One-year tuition-free
• Deadlines: May
• Apply at: centenary.scholarship@dit.ie

Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

A scholarship program has been introduced by the Central Bank of Ireland for students undertaking a fully funded part-time honors degree.

• Benefits: $29,550 annual salary, 24 days’ annual leave, educational assistance and paid leave, etc.
• Application Deadline: August 12
• Apply at: www.centralbank.ie

Scholarships for Ontario College Graduates

Ontario College students can complete honours degree programs in Ireland. Graduates of two-year college programs in Ontario securing an honours degree can pursue two further years of study in Ireland.

• Benefits: Tuition fee reduced by 15%, up to $7,600
• Application Deadline: May 31
• Apply at: www.thea.ie

The Walsh Fellowships

The Walsh Fellowships are awarded to international graduates seeking research opportunities in agricultural and food research in Ireland. 30 new students are awarded this fellowship each year .

• Benefits: 22,000 Euros grant each year
• Duration for which stipend awards are offered are 2 years for Msc course and four years for PhD course. The prefered location for research is Teagasc Research Center. 
• Non-research PG students are no applicable for sending in their requests for Walsh Fellowships. 
• Application Deadline: 10 September
• Apply at: www.teagasc.ie

Scholarships in Ireland offered by Universities

When you study in Ireland, many higher education institutions offer a variety of scholarships to international students. Some of these are tabulated and discussed in detailed below:

NUI Galway International Students Scholarships

Non- EU meritorious students can get this scholarship if enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs.

• Benefits: Scheme specific awards amounting from $2,200- $5,700 for UG and PG students. In some schemes, tuition fee is waived, while for research candidates, an allowance of $18,300 is awarded yearly.
• Application Deadline: Varies as per the scheme
• Apply at: www.nuigalway.ie

For applicants from Non EEA/ EU Countries pursuing full-time Masters’ program, Centenary scholarship program is open. Scholarship is available for students enrolled in Dublin Institute of Technology.

• Benefits: One half of the tuition fee will be waived
• Application Deadline: 18 May
• Apply at: centenary.scholarship@dit.ie

Maynooth University Scholarships 

A wide range of scholarships are available for upcoming undergraduate and postgraduate students at Maynooth University. The types of scholarships available are- Sport Scholarship, Entrance Scholarship, Michael Osborne Scholarship, Music Scholarship, Intel Women in Technology Scholarship, etc.

• Benefits: Awards amounting to $1,200- $3,440 per year under different schemes
• Application Deadline: Varies as per the type of scholarship
• Apply at: www.maynoothuniversity.ie

University College Cork Excellence Scholarships (PhD)

Excellence Scholarships are available to intended PhD degree pursuers for both, EU and Non-EU students of University College Cork. 

• Benefits: Funding covers EU fee only, for Non-EU students, balance has to be paid.
• Application Deadline: April 20
• Apply at: www.ucc.ie  

Trinity College Dublin Scholarships

Scholarships of varying types for global students or students from specific countries are awarded at Trinity College Dublin. The amount, dates and scholarship conditions differ for each scheme.

• Benefits: scholarship value ranges from $5,700- $11,400 depending on the type
• Application Deadline: Varies
• Apply at: www.tcd.ie

How to Apply for Scholarships in Ireland?

Before filling the online application for scholarships in Ireland, students must not miss out on the following points:

• Fill in exact details that an application reviewer might want to see and assess
• Make a competent CV
• Letter of recommendation from your home university can be very helpful
• Effectively write a letter to a professor requesting a Ph.D. or Post Doctoral position in his or her lab
• Convey clear thoughts to avoid unforeseen misunderstandings
• Mention a clear reason why you need a scholarship and why you should be nominated
• Letter of motivation must include information about the benefits you tend to bring to the host university
• Submit your application well before the deadline

What After Being Granted Scholarships in Ireland?

After being nominated for a scholarship, an international student must perform the following tasks:

• Write a formal letter to the scholarship coordinator for accepting or declining the scholarship offer
• After accepting the offer, ask for proof of the scholarship to apply for student visa

Have an estimate of costs for the following year, accordingly plan the expenditures within the scholarship budget. Find out more scholarships to study in Ireland and plan your expenditures adjusted accordingly.