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Scholarship in Ireland: All you need to know

Discover in this article the best scholarships to study in Ireland. From government scholarships, erasmus and more.

Discover in this article the best scholarships to study in Ireland. This destination, also known as the Emerald Isle, has quality education, a rich and historic culture and landmarks for locals and visitors alike. However, as a place with high demand for international students, educational costs can be a challenge for those requiring sponsorship to meet the high cost of academic courses. Due to these conditions, international scholarships play a fundamental role in providing for these studies.

In 2025, the options for scholarships to study in Ireland are increasing, demonstrating the country’s commitment to higher and international education. In this article, we tell you about the best universities, the best scholarships available, their courses, the application process and much more. Read on to find out more about your options for studying in Ireland.

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The best scholarships to study in Ireland

Here is a detailed analysis of the most outstanding scholarships to study in Ireland in 2025. Each is designed to support international students at various stages of their academic training.

Irish Government Scholarships

This programme, funded by the Department of Education and Skills, aims to attract talented international students to Ireland. It’s one of the most prestigious scholarships in the country, focused on promoting cultural exchange and academic excellence.

General requirements and characteristics:

Have an outstanding academic average in the previous level of studies.
Have a letter of acceptance from an educational institution in Ireland.
Demonstrate leadership skills and a clear commitment to their area of study.
Full exemption from tuition fees.
€10,000 ($10,469.67) grant for living expenses for one year.
Access to cultural events and networking opportunities.
Master’s and doctoral programmes in various disciplines.
Aimed at students of any nationality.
Mainly for those wishing to pursue postgraduate studies.

How to apply? Application must be made via the official website of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) of Ireland.

Opening date: November 2024.

Closing date: February 2025.

Erasmus+ scholarships in Ireland

Erasmus+ is a European Union programme that supports education, training and international mobility. In Ireland, many universities participate in this programme, offering a wide range of opportunities for international students.

General requirements and characteristics:

Be enrolled in a higher education institution in a European Union member or associated country.
Present a relevant study plan or research.
Have an intermediate or advanced level of English.
Financial support to cover travel and accommodation costs.
Partial or total exemption from tuition fees.
Variable monthly support depending on the country of origin and destination.
Academic exchanges at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Research and internship programmes.
Aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students from European Union and associated countries.

How to apply? The process is carried out through the international relations office of the home university or through the official website of the Erasmus+ programme.

Opening date: Varies according to the institution, generally in October 2024.

Closing date: Spring 2025.

Women in STEM Scholarships in Ireland (Women in STEM Scholarships)

This programme aims to empower women who wish to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. It’s a joint initiative between Irish universities and international organisations.

General requirements and characteristics:

Be a woman and have experience or interest in a STEM field.
Have been accepted in a Master’s programme at a Flemish university.
Submit a letter of motivation and academic references.
Significant reduction or complete exemption from tuition fees.
Financial support for accommodation and academic materials.
Access to mentors and professional networks in the STEM area.
Master’s and PhD programmes in STEM fields.
Aimed at women of any nationality interested in the areas of science and technology.

How to apply? Applications should be made directly to the participating university by checking their scholarship pages.

Opening date: January.

Closing date: June of the same year.

Trinity College Dublin Scholarships

Trinity College Dublin, recognised as one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities, offers a range of scholarships aimed at attracting outstanding international students. Its primary focus is academic excellence and social impact, encouraging the world’s best talent to become part of its vibrant academic community.

General requirements and characteristics:

Have an outstanding academic record.
Have received an offer of admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Trinity College Dublin.
Demonstrate leadership skills and commitment to their area of specialisation through extracurricular or work-related activities.
Partial tuition fee reduction (between 25 % and 50 %).
In some cases, an additional allowance for living expenses is granted.
Participation in activities exclusively for scholarship holders, such as seminars, workshops and networking events organised by Trinity College.
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various fields of knowledge, including humanities, business, engineering and science.
Aimed at international students of any nationality seeking an excellent education in a multicultural environment.

How to apply? The application process involves:

Complete the on-line form available on the official Trinity College Dublin website.
Attach a detailed motivation letter reflecting previous achievements and future objectives.
Provide academic references and evidence of academic performance.

Opening date: January 2025.
Closing date: April 2025.

Find out which institutions offer scholarships to study in Ireland for international students @unsplash

UCD Global Excellence Scholarships

University College Dublin (UCD) has established itself as a benchmark for international students by offering Global Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to recognise and reward exceptional academic talent in those seeking to study at one of Ireland’s leading universities.

General requirements and characteristics:

Be admitted to an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at UCD.
Have an outstanding academic record.
Submit a letter of motivation highlighting academic and professional achievements and the contributions the student expects to make to UCD.
Partial or total exemption from tuition fees, depending on the programme and level of study.
Access to professional development events, conferences and international networks organised by UCD.
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in areas such as science, technology, business and the arts.
Aimed at international students with an outstanding academic record and outstanding leadership or research skills.

How to applyThe process includes:

Apply for admission to an academic programme at UCD.
Complete the specific form for scholarships, available on the university website.
Provide documentation to support academic achievement and extracurricular skills.

Opening date: February 2025.
Closing date: May 2025.

University of Limerick Scholarships

The University of Limerick offers a scholarship programme aimed at international students seeking a high quality education in Ireland. These scholarships stand out for their flexibility and focus on inclusion, supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

General requirements and characteristics:

Have been accepted onto an academic programme at the University of Limerick.
Have an outstanding academic record at the previous level of education.
Send a letter of recommendation and a personal statement.
Partial exoneration of tuition fees, with discounts of up to 50%.
Access to academic support services and tutoring programmes within the university.
Undergraduate, masters and doctoral programmes in diverse areas such as applied sciences, engineering, business and social sciences.
Aimed at international students of any nationality.

How to apply? Application is made through the University of Limerick website. Candidates must complete the scholarship form and submit a letter of motivation, together with documentation supporting their application.

Opening date: January 2025.
Closing date: April 2025.

Tips on how to get a scholarship in Ireland

Getting a scholarship to study in Ireland requires planning, dedication and a well-defined strategy. Here are specific tips to maximise your chances:

1. Identify programmes aligned with your interests

Research scholarships offered by universities that are relevant to your field of study. In Ireland, institutions have specific academic priorities, such as STEM, business and humanities. Make sure you select scholarships that are designed for your academic profile.

2. Excels in extracurricular activities

Irish scholarships value candidates with a holistic approach. Participating in leadership activities, volunteering or community projects will give you a competitive advantage. These experiences show commitment and skills beyond academia.

3. Get to know the values of each institution

Ireland is known for its hospitality and commitment to inclusion. Research the values and goals of the university you wish to apply to and tailor your motivation letter to reflect how you align with them.

4. Improve your English skills

For most scholarships and programmes in Ireland, you’ll need to demonstrate an advanced level of English. Obtaining a high score in tests such as IELTS or TOEFL is a requirement and strengthens your application.

5. Participates in international education fairs and events

Irish universities organise fairs and webinars for international students. Participating in these activities allows you to interact with representatives, learn specific details about the scholarships and resolve doubts directly.

6. Prepare a complete and personalised application

Avoid sending generic applications. Highlight your specific achievements, explain how your previous experience prepares you to take advantage of the scholarship and mention how you plan to contribute to the academic and professional community in Ireland.

7. Apply early and check deadlines

Scholarship applications can be competitive and close earlier than expected. Make sure you start the process as early as possible, carefully checking the opening and closing dates of each programme.

8. Seek support from mentors or educational advisors

Ask for help from teachers, educational advisors or even former scholarship holders. They can guide you through the application process and review your documents to ensure you submit the best possible version.

Top universities to study in Ireland

Ireland is home to higher education institutions recognised worldwide for their academic excellence and innovative programmes. Below, we highlight some of the most recommended institutions and the careers they offer:

Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592. With its iconic library and central location in Dublin, it’s a popular destination for international students.

Recommended degrees:

Computer Science: Trinity has a strong focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
International business: Offers programmes recognised for their global focus.
Humanities: Its programmes in English literature and philosophy are globally recognised.

Key fact: It’s consistently ranked among the best universities in the world by QS World University Rankings.

Take note of tips on how to get a scholarship in Ireland, depending on your academic and professional goals @unsplash

University College Dublin (UCD)

Located in the Irish capital, UCD is Ireland’s largest university and a leader in research and innovation.

Recommended degrees:

Engineering: In areas such as mechatronics, civil and software engineering.
Medicine and health sciences: Known for its practical approach and advanced programmes in biomedicine.
Business: Its Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is among the best in Europe.

Key fact: UCD has a modern international campus and is a member of Universitas 21, a global network of research-intensive universities.

University of Limerick (UL)

Known for its close links with industry and its focus on student employability, UL is one of Ireland’s most dynamic universities.

Recommended degrees:

Applied sciences: Its programmes in biotechnology and environmental sciences stand out.
Business and entrepreneurship: UL has business incubators on campus.
Music and dance: Is a leader in arts-related studies.

Key fact: Offers a unique internship programme for international students, with access to global companies.

National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)

NUIG is known for its commitment to sustainability and research in emerging areas. It’s located on the west coast of Ireland, a region steeped in history and culture.

Recommended degrees:

Renewable energy: With programmes in engineering and sustainability.
Marine sciences: Its coastal location is ideal for studies in marine biology.
International law: NUIG is a leader in human rights and legal studies.

Fast Fact: Its research programmes attract students from more than 100 countries each year.

Dublin City University (DCU)

This young, modern university stands out for its technological focus and its connections to industry.

Recommended degrees:

Information technology: Ideal for specialising in cybersecurity and data analytics.
Education: Its faculty of education and human development is one of the most advanced in the country.
Media and communication: Programmes are designed for the digital age.

Key fact: DCU offers specific scholarships for international students, with a focus on technology and entrepreneurship.

These universities, together with their outstanding programmes, make Ireland an ideal destination for international students seeking quality education and global opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions about scholarships to study in Ireland

1. What’s the most comprehensive scholarship to study Ireland?

The most comprehensive scholarship is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, which covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of €10,000 ($10,469.67) and other additional benefits. It’s available to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

2. Which scholarships to study in Ireland are free of charge?

While many scholarships offer partial reductions, full scholarships such as those awarded by the Irish Government and university-specific scholarships such as the Trinity College Global Excellence Scholarship can cover full tuition fees and provide additional financial support.

3. What requirements do the scholarships to study in Ireland have?

The most common requirements include: Acceptance to an academic programme in Ireland, an outstanding academic record, letters of motivation and recommendation.

4. Is it possible to combine several scholarships in Ireland?

Generally, it isn’t possible to combine full scholarships, but some institutions allow partial scholarships to be supplemented by external funding or personal funds. It’s important to check the policies of each university.

5. When are the calls for applications for scholarships in Belgium open?

Most calls for applications open between January and April, although dates may vary depending on the university or programme. It’s recommended to plan at least one year in advance.

6. What additional costs should I consider when studying in Ireland?

It’s important to consider: Accommodation costs, between €700 ($732.88) and €1,500 ($1,570.45), food and transport, approximately €300 ($314.09) to €500 ($523.48), medical insurance and other personal expenses.

7. What level of English is required to obtain a scholarship in Ireland?

Most scholarships and universities in Ireland require an advanced level of English. Minimum scores are usually IELTS 6.5 or higher. TOEFL iBT of 90 or higher.