Do I need an offer before applying for GOI-IES?

Yes. The HEA application asks for a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish institution, so apply to your universities early and have that offer in hand when the annual scholarship round opens. Your AdmitVerse counsellor will confirm the current timeline for your course and the scholarship.

Ireland · Scholarship Ireland · Europe

Government of Ireland Scholarship (GOI-IES) for Indian Students (2027)

Q: How many Government of Ireland scholarships are awarded each year?

60 a year across all countries and subjects, which makes it highly competitive. Each covers full tuition, a registration fee waiver and a €10,000 stipend for one year. Apply anyway if you are a strong candidate, but plan your budget and visa funds as if you will not receive it.

Updated on 30 September 2026Written by Amit SouravReviewed by Ashmita Agarwal

Applications for January 2027 are open. Popular courses can close once full, so apply early. Your AdmitVerse counsellor will confirm the current timeline for your course.

Check if you qualify for GOI-IES WhatsApp a counsellor

What does the Government of Ireland scholarship cover?

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship covers full tuition, a registration fee waiver and a €10,000 stipend for one year of study. It is open to master’s, postgraduate diploma and PhD students, with 60 awards a year. You apply separately to the Higher Education Authority, after you already hold an offer from an Irish institution.

Awards a year

€10,000

Stipend, plus full tuition

Level 9–10

Master’s, PG Diploma or PhD

1 year

Length of the award

Part C8

GOI-IES at a glance

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship: what it covers and who can apply
What	Detail	Official source
Covers	Full tuition, a registration fee waiver and a €10,000 stipend, for one year	HEA
Awards	60 a year	HEA
Who can apply	Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma or PhD (NFQ Level 9–10)	HEA
How	A separate HEA application once a year, with a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish institution	HEA
Referees	2 referee letters are usually asked for (confirm on the official page)	HEA

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship: what it covers and who can applyLast checked 30 September 2026Source: Higher Education Authority: GOI-IES

Step by step

How to apply, in order

1Apply to an Irish university firstYou need a conditional or final offer for an eligible Level 9 or 10 programme before you can apply.Official source: Higher Education Authority: GOI-IES
2Submit the GOI-IES application in its annual windowA separate application to the HEA, once a year. Apply early: your AdmitVerse counsellor will confirm the current timeline.Official source: Higher Education Authority: GOI-IES
3Add your referee letters and personal statementStrong, specific references and a personal statement that links your goals to Ireland.Official source: Higher Education Authority: GOI-IES
4Wait for the resultsResults are announced later in the year. Keep your visa and funds plan ready either way.Official source: Higher Education Authority: GOI-IES

Make it count

Personal statement tips

Counsellor insight

Apply to universities early

You need an offer in hand when the scholarship application opens.

Open with a specific goal, not a quotation.

Explain why this course in Ireland, and what you will do with it.

Show leadership or impact with one concrete example and its result.

Explain how you will strengthen links between India and Ireland.

Keep every claim consistent with your CV and references.

FAQ

Government of Ireland Scholarship: FAQs

What Indian students ask us most about this topic.

Still have questions?

Our counsellors are just a call away — get clear, honest answers.

Talk to a counsellor Call an expert

Non-EU students with an offer for an eligible master’s, postgraduate diploma or PhD (NFQ Level 9 or 10) at an Irish higher education institution. Indian students are eligible. The award looks for academic excellence and leadership, so confirm the current criteria on the HEA’s official page before you apply.

Free consultation

Talk to an expert, free

Personalized guidance from counsellors who've worked with 500+ students.

A personalized university shortlist
SOP, application & visa guidance
Loan & scholarship options
A reply within 24 hours

ARSKPMNV12+

Counsellors online now

5.0★ on Google (36 reviews)

Prefer meeting in person? Visit our Faridabad office →

Start your journey

Fill this in — we'll reach out within 24 hours.