If you are planning to study in Ireland, then you will be glad to know that the cost of living and the cost of studying in Ireland are comparatively cheaper than in other popular study-abroad countries. The average cost of living in Ireland is 7000–12,000 EUR per year, which is quite less when compared to countries such as the US or the UK. However, arranging this amount can be a hassle for many students. This is where scholarships come to your rescue. Several government and university scholarships for international students can help you finance your studies. In this article, we guide you through the best study in Ireland scholarships, along with all the information you need.
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Overview of Ireland Scholarships for International Students
Every year, a large number of Irish scholarships are available to students from abroad. These awards, which can be totally or partially funded depending on the requirements, program, and institution, are for all the bright minds out there. Note that there are three main categories of Ireland scholarships available to international students:
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- Irish Government Scholarships
- College Scholarships
- Scholarships provided by different institutions
What are the criteria used to choose international students for scholarships in Ireland?
Before applying for a scholarship, it is crucial to carefully review the selection criteria because Irish scholarships can be extremely competitive. Keep the following in mind to obtain a scholarship in Ireland:
- Excellent academic results are crucial.
- Students need to have volunteer experience.
- Prepare your written proposals in advance, if necessary.
- possess the necessary recommendation letters.
- Take English-language tests like the PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL.
Now let’s look at some of the most well-known scholarships for studying in Ireland. We start by examining the grants provided by the Irish government:
Government of Ireland Scholarships
International students who can excel in their chosen fields of study and advance to positions of leadership in their fields are specifically targeted by the Government of Ireland scholarships.
Here is some short information regarding Irish government scholarships:
- Higher Education Authority (HEA): The HEA is responsible for managing the scholarships offered by the Irish government.
- These several Ireland scholarships are all fully financed.
- 60 Scholarships: The organization awards 60 scholarships to students in any discipline from the European Union and other nations.
- Level of study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate.
- Financial Support: A stipend of 10,000 EUR for one academic year.
- Application: You can submit applications electronically using the site.
1. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Program
For international students pursuing postgraduate study, the Irish government offers several scholarships.
The following are the essential details regarding the length and financial support of these postgraduate Irish scholarships for international students:
| Duration | Research Masters Degree = 1-yearStructured Research Masters Degree = 2 yearsTraditional Doctoral Degree= 3 yearsStructural Doctoral Degree = 4 years |
| Financial Coverage | Stipend = 18,500 EUR per annum. Contribution to fees including non-EU fees = Up to a maximum of EUR 5750 per annum. Eligible direct research expenses are 2250 EUR per annum. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Both EU and non-EU students may apply. Students who want results can also apply. Bachelor’s degree in first or upper second class with honors, or an equivalent degree (equivalent to or exceeding 60% on the percentage scale or B on the international scale), arbitrary age |
How Do I Apply for Government Scholarships in Ireland?
International students can apply for Irish scholarships in a very easy and transparent manner.
Note that you can submit scholarship applications for study in Ireland online. Let’s quickly review it below:
- Register with the Irish Research Council.
- Fill out an application.
- Fill out the registration form completely and accurately.
- After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming your enrollment in a scholarship program.
The universities in Ireland also provide several scholarship programs for students in addition to government grants. Let’s look at them now:
Scholarships for International Students at Ireland’s Universities
Ireland’s institutions also provide a variety of scholarships. The Irish scholarships for international students provided by Irish universities assist them in covering their living and educational expenses while studying in Ireland.
In Ireland, a few of the most well-liked college scholarships are:
2. NUI Galway International Student Scholarships
International Student Scholarships at NUI Galway are available to non-EU students. The fellowship is open to students enrolling in undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate degrees.
| Benefits | Each year, students receive between 2000 and 4000 EUR. In some programs, tuition fees are waived, and research candidates get a stipend of 16,000 EUR per year. |
| Names of Scholarships | Undergraduate Merit Scholarship Postgraduate Merit Scholarship Country Specific Scholarships |
| Application deadline | Varies as per the type of scholarship |
3. Maynooth University Scholarships
Maynooth University is one of Ireland’s best universities and provides a wide variety of scholarships to students from abroad participating in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Additionally, it provides a variety of scholarships, including ones for music, sports, admission exams, and Intel Women in Technology.
| Benefits | Awards range from 1000 to 4000 euros annually. Depending on the sort of scholarship, students may also receive several extra advantages. For instance, a sports scholarship may assist students with travel costs and other expenses associated with sports. |
| Names of Scholarships | MU Sports Scholarships MU Entrance Scholarship Naughton Scholarships for Undergraduate STEM Entrants |
| Application deadline | Varies as per the type of scholarship |
4. Trinity College Dublin Scholarships
Trinity College is yet another one of the best colleges in Ireland that awards scholarships to a large number of students from abroad participating in undergraduate or graduate programs. Note that the amount of money, the deadlines, and the requirements differ based on the scholarship program.
| Benefits | Fee waivers, living expenses coverage, health insurance, etc. Students can anticipate receiving between 5,000 and 10,000 EUR in awards, depending on the type of scholarship. |
| Names of Scholarships | Undergraduate Scholarships Postgraduate Scholarships E3 Scholarships |
| Application deadline | Varies depending on the type of scholarship |
5. University College Cork Scholarship
University College Cork offers scholarships for academic excellence to students enrolled in various undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs.
| Benefits | The funding exclusively covers EU fees. The outstanding fees must be paid by non-EU students. The cost of living is covered for students outside of the EU. |
| Names of Scholarships | The funding exclusively covers EU fees. The outstanding fees must be paid by non-EU students. The cost of living is covered for students outside of the EU. |
| Application deadline | Varies depending on the type of scholarship |
Additional Well-Known Scholarship Programs in Ireland
Numerous organizations provide scholarships to international students in addition to the government and the scholarships provided by Irish colleges.
Check out some of the most well-known scholarship offerings in Ireland:
6. The Walsh Fellowship
Students doing research projects primarily in the areas of food, crops, agriculture, and rural development get the Walsh Fellowships. Note that only postgraduate studies that relate to research get funds under the program.
| Benefits | 24,000 EUR grant per year |
| Duration | M.Sc. = 2 years PhD programs = 4 years |
| Where to Apply | https://teagasc.smartsimple.ie/s_Login.jsp |
7. Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships For International Students
International students pursuing fully-funded part-time honors degrees now have access to a scholarship program from the Central Bank of Ireland.
| Benefits | 29,500 EUR Annual salary24 days annual leave educational assistance and paid leave |
| Where to Apply | www.centralbank.ie |
8. Fulbright Scholarships
Among international students, the Fulbright fellowship program is very well-liked. The Fulbright Scholarship Program has six categories, which are shown below:
- Open study/research award
- DCU Taught Masters Program award
- Hugh Lane Gallery Curatorial Award
- RCSI Ph.D. Award
- UCD taught Masters Program Award
- Peter Real analog Bernal awards
Note that these scholarships are open to students enrolling in bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs. Additionally, the advantages include paying for various expenses, a stipend of a certain amount, etc.
9. Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme 2024/2025 Postgraduate Scholarship For Young Africans
The Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme 2024/2025 to nurture future African leaders, women, and men, will open.
Eligible Countries: Djibouti, Eswatini, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Malawi, Liberia, Lesotho, Kenya.
Field(s) of Study: Eligible courses are in areas such as agriculture, health, education, human rights, computer science, engineering, business, and more, and are listed in a Directory of Eligible Programmes
About the Award: The Ireland Fellows Programme enables early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries, with leadership potential, to benefit from a prestigious, world-class, quality education contributing to capacity building. It offers selected students the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s level program at a higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland. The award covers program fees, flights, accommodation, and living costs. Eligible master’s level programs in Ireland commence in August or September each year and, depending on the program, will run for between 10 and 16 months. The Ireland Fellows Programme promotes gender equality, and equal opportunity, and welcomes diversity.
The Programme aims to nurture future leaders; develop in-country capacity to achieve national SDG goals, and build positive relationships with Ireland.Â
The Programme is intended to support graduates on their return home, through the skills they develop, to contribute to capacity building in their home countries, and to become one of the next generation of leaders in their respective fields. It is also envisaged that they will contribute to building enduring positive personal and professional relationships with Ireland, promoting institutional linkages.
Read More: Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme 2024/2025 Postgraduate Scholarship For Young Africans
10. Kader Asmal Postgraduate Fellowships 2024/2025 For Study In Ireland (Fully-Funded)
About Kader Asmal Fellowship: The Ireland Fellows Programme enables early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries, with leadership potential, to benefit from a prestigious, world-class, quality education contributing to capacity building. Additionally, it offers selected students the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s level program at a higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland.
Furthermore, the award covers program fees, flights, accommodation, and living costs. Eligible master’s level programs in Ireland commence in August or September each year and, depending on the program, will run for between 10 and 16 months.
Read More: Kader Asmal Postgraduate Fellowships 2024/2025 For Study In Ireland (Fully-Funded)
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Do you want to study abroad? Note that obtaining a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in this field helps to improve your chances in the labor market. Studying abroad is no joke for international students due to the cost. However, you can achieve your dreams without breaking the bank by applying for student loans, which you can pay for as long as 10 years.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. Reach out to us today, and let’s help you get started.
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