Ireland is a top choice for international students, and with that popularity comes many scholarship opportunities.  This is great news for Singaporean students who are drawn to Ireland's thriving communities, rich culture, and deep history.  

But Ireland offers more than just a captivating cultural experience. It's also an incredibly appealing study destination due to its affordability. Compared to other popular study destinations, Ireland boasts lower tuition fees and living costs, making it a more accessible option for students seeking a high-quality education without breaking the bank. 

Furthermore, Ireland's education system is globally recognised for its excellence. Many Irish universities are ranked highly in international university rankings such as Times Higher Education (THE), and are renowned for their academic rigour, innovative research, and strong industry connections. This ensures that graduates are well-equipped to succeed in the global job market. 

Ready to discover why Ireland is the perfect place to pursue your academic dreams

Why choose Ireland for your studies?

Ireland offers a unique combination of factors that make it an ideal destination for international students: 

  • Global Connectivity: Top Irish universities have extensive partnerships with institutions worldwide, providing opportunities for student exchanges, research collaborations, and international exposure. This global outlook enhances your learning experience and broadens your horizons. 

  • Research and Innovation: Irish higher education institutions place a strong emphasis on research and innovation. You'll have the chance to learn from leading academics, engage in cutting-edge research projects, and contribute to advancements in your field of study. 

  • Career Development: A degree from an Irish university is highly valued by employers globally. Ireland's strong economy and growing industries offer excellent career prospects for graduates, both in Ireland and internationally. 

  • Post-graduation work opportunities: Unlike the UK, Ireland is part of the European Union, which, combined with its attractive corporate tax rate, has made it a hub for many multinational companies. As a result, major cities like Dublin offer abundant job opportunities for graduates, especially in sectors such as tech, finance, and pharmaceuticals. 

Available scholarships in Ireland

Tuition fees and the general cost of living are huge factors when it comes to pursuing your academic dreams abroad. Thankfully, numerous scholarships are available to support international students in Ireland. These scholarships can be categorised as: 

  • Government-funded scholarships: The Irish government offers these scholarships to attract high-achieving international students. 

  • University-specific scholarships: Many Irish universities offer their own scholarships to international students, often based on academic merit or specific criteria. 

  • Private scholarships: Various organisations and foundations offer scholarships to support international students pursuing higher education in Ireland. 

Government-funded scholarships

One of the most prestigious government-funded scholarships is the Government of Ireland  International Education Scholarships. This program offers high-achieving International Education Scholarships. This program offers high-achieving international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Ireland a generous €10,000 stipend and a full tuition waiver. It is a fantastic opportunity to significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, offering a generous €10,000 stipend and a full tuition waiver for students pursuing full-time Master’s or PhD studies in Ireland. It is a fantastic opportunity to significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.​ Applications typically open in November and close in March, with results announced in June or July.​ 

The SgIS Mid-Term (Overseas) scholarship is a government-based scholarship that supports Singaporean students pursuing undergraduate studies overseas, including in Ireland, and who are not in their final year. The value of the award ranges from SGD 40,000 to SGD 60,000, depending on the number of academic years remaining. 

The various government agencies in Singapore, such as MOE, MINDEF and MOHH, to name a few, also offer bonded overseas scholarships for undergraduates. Do consider which government agency you would like to pursue your future career in. This will help you narrow down your options.   

University scholarships in Ireland

Many universities in Ireland offer a range of scholarships to attract talented international students. Here are some examples:

University College Dublin 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

Global Excellence Scholarships 

There are a limited number of 100% and 50% tuition fee Scholarships available to outstanding students entering eligible UCD programmes.  

Trinity College Dublin 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

TR080 Global Business (Bachelor in Business Studies) Scholarship 

Scholarships valued at 5000 euros 

Undergraduate E3 Balanced Solutions for a Better World Scholarship 

1-year scholarship valued between €2,000 to €5,000 each and scholarships valued at €4,000 for all 4 years of study. 

Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships 

Scholarships valued at up to €5000 each 

University of Galway 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

Undergraduate Merit Scholarship 

€3,000 for six first-year Medicine students 

University of Limerick 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

Merit-based International Scholarship 

Value of Award €2,000 – €2,500. Varies according to the courses. 

University College Cork 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

College of Business and Law International Undergraduate Scholarships 

€5,000 per annum 

College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences International Undergraduate Scholarships 

15% fee reduction in each year of study 

National University of Ireland 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

Masters Academic Merit Scholarships 

€3,000 - €5,000 

Undergraduate Academic Scholarships 

€2,000 

Dublin City University 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

DCU International Merit Scholarship 

High-achieving applicants will automatically be considered. 

DCU Business School International Scholarship 

€900–€1,400 fee reduction for non-EU applicants who have an offer to study on eligible postgraduate programmes at DCU Business School. 

Faculty of Engineering & Computing International Scholarship 

€5,900 fee reduction for non-EU applicants who have received an offer to study on eligible postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing. 

DCU Humanities and Social Sciences Bursary 

€2000 fee reduction for high-achieving non-EU applicants who have received an offer to study on a postgraduate programme in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

Maynooth University, Leinster 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

International Office Scholarships 

€1,000 or €2,000 or €2,500 or €5,000 fee reduction for successful applicants who uploaded their most recent transcripts & (500-1,000 words) personal statement 

National College of Ireland 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

Undergraduate Academic Scholarships 

€2000 scholarship. All students who receive an offer to study an Undergraduate course at NCI are automatically assessed for these scholarships based on a range of criteria, including their academic transcripts. You are not required to submit a scholarship application form for these scholarships. 

Masters Academic Merit Scholarships  

€3,000 - €5,000 scholarship. All students who receive an offer to study a Master's course at NCI are automatically assessed for these scholarships based on your previous academic performance. You are not required to submit a scholarship application form for these scholarships. 

Dublin Business School 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

Scholarships and Discounts for overseas students 

€500 - €1000 Partial Scholarship

Griffith College, Dublin 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

Academic Merit Scholarship 

Scholarship ranging from €1000 - €2000 

Limerick Institute of Technology 

Scholarship Name 

Amount 

Kemmy Business School Scholarships 

Merit-based scholarship worth €2,500 per year 

Faculty of Science and Engineering Scholarships 

Merit-based scholarship worth €2,000 per year

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Scholarships 

Merit-based scholarship worth €2,000 per year

​​​Want to learn how to apply for university scholarships and receive an exclusive list of opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland? Simply fill in your details and book a free appointment with one of our friendly counsellors. 

Steps to apply for scholarships in Ireland

Applying for scholarships requires careful planning and preparation. If you are ready to apply for a scholarship in Ireland, here are the key steps to follow: 

  1. Research and identify: Thoroughly research available scholarships and identify those that align with your academic profile and goals. 

  2. Craft a strong application: Prepare a compelling application package, including your academic transcripts, a well-written personal statement highlighting your achievements and aspirations, and strong recommendation letters from teachers or mentors. Your application is your chance to showcase your strengths and convince the scholarship committee why you deserve the award. 

  3. Meet deadlines: Pay close attention to scholarship deadlines and submit your application well in advance. Common deadlines for Irish scholarships often fall between February and June for courses starting in September. 

Fill out the form if you are interested in contacting an IDP counsellor for scholarship advice for universities in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland.