Scholarships · Ireland

Ireland scholarships for Indian students: 2027 guide

Amounts and dates last reviewed on 14 October 2026.

Ireland has one flagship government scholarship and generous university awards. Because most master's courses last one year, even a partial award cuts the total cost significantly. You need a university offer before you can apply for the government scheme.

Flagship award: Government of Ireland: €10,000 + full fees
Awards per year: 60 government scholarships
Most common award: University awards from €2,000 to full tuition
Intakes: September (main), some January

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Main scholarships

Ireland scholarships Indian students can apply for

Rupee figures first, local amount underneath. Rates used: €1 = ₹108.4 (ECB reference rates, 9 October 2026). Rates move daily, so treat rupee figures as a guide.

Higher Education Authority, Ireland

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)

€10,000 stipend plus a full tuition waiver

Very competitive

₹10.8 lakh€10,000 stipend for one year, plus full fees waived

What it covers

€10,000 living stipend
Full tuition fee waiver from your Irish institution

Who can get it

Students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK (Indian students qualify)
Master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD at an eligible Irish institution
Must already hold a conditional or final offer when you apply
Two references, and only one application per person

When to apply for 2027: The 2026 round closed on 12 March 2026. The 2027 round is expected to open around January 2027 with a March deadline. Apply for your course in autumn 2026 so you have an offer in time.

Kompass view: Only 60 awards across all countries, so treat it as a bonus. Leadership, academic record and a clear link between your course and career decide it.

Where most of the money comes from

University scholarships and discounts

Every Irish university runs its own international scholarships. Many are merit-based and assessed when you apply; some need a short essay. Awards for Indian students are common.

Typical award

₹2.2 lakh to ₹10.8 lakh€2,000 to €10,000 off tuition

Kompass estimate from recent offers. Each university sets its own awards.

What to expect

Merit awards worth roughly 10% to 50% of tuition at most universities
A small number of full-fee awards at the top universities (UCD, Trinity, Galway, Cork)
Some awards are first come, first served, so early applicants have an advantage
Awards for one-year master's courses are usually deducted from the first fee instalment

See what you'd still need to fund

Work out tuition, living costs and visa funds for Ireland, then subtract the scholarship.

Free study cost calculator

Timeline

Scholarship calendar for a 2027 start

1
October 2026 to January 2027
Apply for courses; early applications get first pick of university awards
2
January to March 2027
Government of Ireland scholarship round (expected)
3
March to June 2027
University scholarship results; government results expected around June
4
June to August 2027
Pay deposit, apply for visa, travel for September

What strengthens your application

Apply to Irish universities by December so you have an offer before the government round
Ask each university which awards are automatic and which need an essay
Pick a course where your background clearly fits; selection panels look for this
Use the cost calculator to see how a €5,000 award changes your total

Common mistakes

Waiting until March to apply for courses and then missing the government scheme
Submitting more than one Government of Ireland application (only one is allowed)
Accepting the first offer without asking about scholarships elsewhere
Forgetting the visa needs proof of living costs on top of fees

Not sure which scholarships you qualify for?

In a free student counselling session we check your marks, budget and course, and give you a shortlist of scholarships with deadlines.

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FAQs

Ireland scholarships: your questions answered

How much is the Government of Ireland scholarship worth?

A €10,000 stipend for one year plus a full tuition fee waiver from the Irish institution. There are 60 awards a year across all eligible countries.

Can Indian students apply for the Government of Ireland scholarship?

Yes. It is open to students whose home is outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK, at master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD level.

When is the deadline for 2027?

The 2026 round closed on 12 March 2026. The 2027 round is expected to follow a similar timetable, opening around January with a March deadline. You must have a university offer first.

Do Irish universities give scholarships to Indian students?

Yes, most do. Typical awards are worth €2,000 to €10,000 off tuition, and a few top universities offer full-fee awards to outstanding applicants.

Is a scholarship needed to afford Ireland?

No. Many Indian students fund Ireland with savings and education loans. One-year master's courses and the Stamp 1G post-study visa make the cost easier to recover.

Can I get a scholarship for a January start in Ireland?

Some universities offer awards for January courses, but the government scholarship is for September starts.

Do I need IELTS for Irish scholarships?

You need to meet the university's English requirement, usually IELTS, PTE or TOEFL. A higher score can help in merit-based selection.

Can Kompass help me apply?

Yes. We shortlist universities with strong awards for your profile, plan the timeline around the government round and review your statements. You submit the applications yourself, and no consultant can guarantee an award.

Keep exploring

More on studying abroad

Study in Ireland: full guide All scholarship guides IELTS / PTE scores needed UK scholarships Germany scholarships France scholarships Netherlands scholarships Italy scholarships

Sources

Higher Education Authority: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2026 call
University College Dublin Global: scholarships for Indian students

Scholarship rules, amounts and deadlines change every year. Dates marked "expected" are based on the last round. We confirm current details for your case at your counselling session. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.

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