Scholarships in Ireland - Top Universities, Cost, Requirements & Intakes
Looking for scholarships in Ireland for international students? We’ve got the list!
Studying in Ireland can be affordable if you plan well in advance so you can apply to a range of scholarships in Ireland before deadlines of universities intakes. Open to meritorious international students to help them fund their studies, these financial aids can be partial or fully paid, depending on the criteria, course and the institution. Many scholarships and bursaries are also offered by the Irish government, and various private and public establishments as well. When applying to any of these scholarships, make sure you check the criteria carefully, along with the application closing date.
What are criteria for applying to scholarships in Ireland for international students?
The most important criterion for most scholarships is a good academic score, however, it also depends on factors such as your chosen destination, subject and level. In some scholarships, factors like extracurricular activities, and volunteering can also be used to advantage. Keep in mind that every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria.
While in some, a mere application may suffice, others may require you to fulfil several other conditions. For instance, in research-centric programs, you may have to submit written assignments. Don’t hesitate to contact the university admission centre if you have any doubts.
What amount of money is available through scholarships?
The amount of money available and the type of award varies between institutions. Certain research programs may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee besides covering a part of your living expenditures.
You may experience higher competition when you apply for government scholarships in comparison to the university scholarships. So, we suggest you start with the procedure about 8-12 months before your preferred intake begins.
What are the documents required to apply for scholarships in Ireland?
When you’re applying for a scholarship, you have to check the granting institution’s website to make sure you provide all the needed documents. Yet, there are common documents that most of the institutions require from scholarship applicants, such as:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Copy of your academic transcripts/diplomas
- Copy of your passport/ID
- Statement of purpose or letter of motivation
- Recommendation letter
- Test score (like SAT, ACT, GRE, GPA)
- Proof of your language proficiency, like an IELTS test
Some institutions may also require some additional documents, such as an essay and medical report.
Top full scholarships in Ireland for international students
We’ve listed here some of the top scholarships offered by leading Irish universities to international students. Please note that this is an indicative list, and you need to speak with your IDP education counsellor who will inform you about the most updated and the best available options suited to your profile:
University | Scholarship | Value (Euro €) | Eligibility |
National University of Ireland Galway | Hardiman Scholarships (PhD) | €16,000 per year plus fees |
|
University College Dublin | Michael Smurfit MBA Scholarship | 1 award only up to 100% tuition fees |
|
Global Excellence Scholarships | 100% and 50% of the tuition fee. |
|
Top partial scholarships in Ireland for international students
On the other hand, there are many other partial scholarships which are offered by Irish universities and governmental institutes to fulfil the needs of international students. Please note that the following is just an indicative list, and you are advised to contact your IDP certified counsellor for more details and best available options suited to your profile.
University | Scholarship | Value (Euro €) | Eligibility |
Higher Education Authority of Ireland | Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships | €10,000 for 1 year of study only |
|
National University of Ireland Galway | NUI Galway UG & PG Scholarships | €2,000 - €4,000 |
|
University College Dublin | Engineering & Architecture Scholarships | €3,000 - €10,000 |
|
University of Limerick | UL Partial Merit-based Scholarships | €1,500 - €10,000 |
|
National College of Ireland | NCI Undergraduate Scholarship | €2,000 |
|
Academic Merit Masters Scholarship | €2,000 - €4,000 |
|

Ready to get started? Speak with your IDP Education counsellor now to turn your study ambition into action!
Recommended articles
Let’s get started
Sign up or login in with one click
View your shortlist or close this box to continue researching