Scholarships for Indian Students in Ireland

While Ireland offers high-quality education and a vibrant international student life, tuition fees for non-EU students generally range between €9,000 and €25,000 annually. Living expenses typically range from €7,000 to €12,000 per year. Fortunately, Ireland provides numerous scholarship opportunities to ease the financial burden.

Hamlets Education helps students identify the right scholarships—whether merit-based, need-based, or field-specific—and navigate the application process for maximum success. With many options offering partial to full financial coverage, our experts will support you in securing scholarships that match your academic profile.

Types of scholarships for Indian students in Ireland

Whether funded by the Irish government, Indian authorities, universities, or private organizations, Ireland offers scholarships for deserving Indian students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here’s a breakdown of the key types:

Ireland offers a variety of scholarships to support international students, including those from India, in pursuing higher education. These scholarships are categorized into four main types:

1. Irish Government Scholarships

Managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) are prestigious awards aimed at high-caliber students from non-EU/EEA countries.
Students receive a €10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study at master’s or PhD levels (NFQ levels 9 or 10). Additionally, the scholarship includes a full fee waiver from the host higher education institution.
Applicants must have a domicile of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. They should possess a conditional or final offer of admission to an eligible Irish higher education institution.
Candidates need to apply through the official HEA portal, providing necessary documentation, including academic transcripts and proof of admission.

2. Indian Government Scholarships

The Indian government offers scholarships to support students pursuing higher education abroad, including in Ireland.
These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs, depending on the specific program.
Typically awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence, financial need, or belonging to marginalized communities.
Interested students should consult the Ministry of Education or relevant governmental bodies in India for detailed information on available scholarships and application procedures.

3. University-Specific Scholarships

Many Irish universities offer scholarships to attract talented international students, including those from India.
These scholarships can range from partial tuition fee waivers to full scholarships covering tuition and accommodation.
Examples:
- Trinity College Dublin: Offers the “India Undergraduate Scholarships,” providing €3,000 to €5,000 for the first year of undergraduate study.
- University College Dublin (UCD): Provides the “Global Excellence Scholarship,” offering 100% or 50% tuition fee reduction for new international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
Generally based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and extracurricular achievements. Specific criteria may vary by institution and program.
Applicants should apply directly to the respective university, adhering to their specific application guidelines and deadlines.

4. Private and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Scholarships

Various private organizations and NGOs offer scholarships to support international students studying in Ireland.
These can include partial to full tuition coverage, living stipends, and research grants.
Examples:
- The Walsh Fellowship: Supports postgraduate research in agriculture and food-related fields, offering a grant of €22,000 per student.
Often focus on specific fields of study, research interests, or target underrepresented groups.
Prospective applicants should research and contact these organizations directly for detailed information on eligibility and application procedures.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students in Ireland

Studying in Ireland offers a world-class education, but securing a scholarship requires meeting key eligibility criteria. Most scholarships prioritize academic excellence, while some scholarships may also assess work experience, research potential, or community involvement, especially for postgraduate and research-based programs.

By meeting these criteria and preparing strong supporting documents, Indian students can significantly boost their chances of receiving funding for their studies in Ireland.

Essential Eligibility Factors

1. Academic Record:

Strong academic background (minimum 60-70% or first-class degree).
Fulfillment of the university or scholarship’s specific academic entry requirements.

2. Admission Offer

Most scholarships require a confirmed offer from an Irish university or institute.
Some scholarships are only available for certain courses or levels (e.g., Master’s or PhD).

3. English Language Proficiency

IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+), or equivalent test scores are mandatory.
In some cases, waivers are provided for students with English-medium education.

4. Field of Study

Certain scholarships are exclusive to disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, arts, business, or humanities.
Programs promoting innovation, sustainability, or social impact are often prioritized.

5. Leadership and Extracurriculars

Demonstrated leadership in academics, social impact, volunteering, or work experience.
Some government or NGO scholarships require leadership credentials or social responsibility.

6. Financial Need (For Need-Based Scholarships)

Documentation of family income and proof of financial status may be required.
Students may need to provide bank statements or income certificates.

7. Documents Required

Academic transcripts
Offer letter from an Irish university
Personal statement
Letters of recommendation
Proof of English proficiency
Financial documents (if applicable)

Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Ireland

Ireland offers numerous prestigious scholarships that ease the financial burden for international students. These awards often cover full or partial tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel allowances. Below is a curated list of top scholarships tailored for Indian students pursuing higher education in Ireland.

The Irish Government Offered Scholarships:

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)	€10,000 stipend + full tuition waiver	Indian students accepted into a 1-year Master’s or the final year of UG/PhD programs.	Highly competitive; selection based on academic merit, leadership, and outreach.
Irish Research Council Scholarships	Full tuition + annual stipend (€18,500)	For PhD applicants in humanities, social sciences, or STEM.	Open to outstanding students; supports original research and innovation.
HEA - Higher Education Authority Scholarships	Varies by program	Indian students enrolled in Irish public higher education institutions.	Applicable to a wide range of programs and institutions.

Indian Government Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme	Full tuition + living costs	SC/ST/OBC/EBC students, family income under ₹8,00,000/year.	Must return to India after the course; applicable for Master’s or PhD programs.
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship	₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 (loan-based, interest-free or low interest).	Indian students with a consistently strong academic record, admission to a reputed foreign university, typically postgraduate.	Merit-based; repayable with low/no interest, online test and interview required
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship	Up to USD 100,000 (covers tuition, living costs, and travel).	Under 30 years, top-tier admit, academic excellence.	Not available for engineering, business, or medicine; written essay + interview.

University Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
UCD Global Excellence Scholarships	Up to 100% tuition coverage	Indian students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs with strong academic results (first class).	Offered by University College Dublin, awards are highly competitive and based on academic merit; a separate application is often required post-admission.
Trinity College Dublin Scholarships	€5,000–€10,000 tuition reduction.	Indian students with a minimum 70% in their previous degree or equivalent; must have an offer from Trinity.	Separate application required in some cases; includes Global Excellence Scholarships and faculty-specific awards; academic and personal achievements valued.
Maynooth University International Scholarships	€2,000–€4,000 tuition discount.	Open to international UG and PG students with excellent academic performance (typically first-class honors).	No separate application needed; automatically considered after admission; limited number of awards available annually.
NUI Galway International Scholarships	Partial tuition fee waivers.	Indian students accepted into full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs.	Offered across multiple faculties; includes Merit Scholarships, Postgraduate Taught Excellence Scholarships, and other region-specific grants.
University of Limerick Indian Scholarships	Up to €4,000 tuition discount.	Indian students with a strong academic profile and an offer for UG/PG programs.	Awarded under the university’s international scholarship scheme; considered automatically; renewable in some cases based on academic performance.
Dublin City University (DCU) International Merit Scholarships	€2,000–€3,000 off tuition	High-performing international students from India entering UG or PG programs.	Based on academic merit, awarded automatically upon successful admission; applicable to most faculties including Business, Engineering, and Humanities.
Technological University Dublin (TUD) Scholarships	Up to €3,000 fee reduction.	Indian students enrolled in eligible full-time undergraduate/postgraduate programs.	Merit-based; applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis; includes support for STEM and business students.

Private or NGOs Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
Fulbright Irish Student Awards	Varies; includes monthly stipend and travel costs	- Purpose: Postgraduate research or enrollment in a U.S. postgraduate program. - Duration: 4 to 12 months.	- Fields: Open to all disciplines except clinical medical studies. - Application: Requires securing affiliation with a U.S. institution. - Benefits: Monthly stipend, travel costs; other fees may not be covered. - Preference: Given to applicants from underrepresented Irish institutions and those with limited U.S. experience.
Centenary Scholarship Program	100% tuition fee coverage for one year	- Academic Merit: Demonstrated excellence. - Program Level: Typically for Master's programs.	- Institutions: Offered by various Irish universities. - Application: Often requires a separate scholarship application in addition to the program application. - Benefits: Covers full tuition for one academic year; does not typically cover living expenses.
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Scholarships	Varies; includes stipend, tuition, and research expenses	- Field of Study: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). - Academic Merit: Strong academic background.	- Purpose: Supports researchers pursuing postgraduate studies in Ireland. - Application: Requires a research proposal and collaboration with an Irish research institution. - Benefits: Provides a stipend, covers tuition fees, and includes research expenses.
UCD Smurfit School Indian Academic Excellence Scholarship	50% or 25% tuition fee waiver	- Residence: Must reside in India. - Program: Full-time MSc programs at UCD Smurfit School. - Academic Merit: Exceptional academic record.	- Application: Requires an offer of admission to an eligible MSc program. - Deadline: Typically closes in February for programs starting in August. - Benefits: Partial tuition fee waiver; recipients expected to act as ambassadors for the school.

Apply for Scholarships to study in Ireland for Indian students

Thousands of Indian students benefit annually from Ireland’s generous scholarship schemes. Government scholarships like GOI-IES and university-specific awards at Trinity and UCD help reduce costs while offering a world-class education in an English-speaking EU country.

Whether you’re pursuing a STEM degree, arts, business, or research programs, scholarships are available at every level.

1. Research Scholarships:

Explore scholarship options offered by the Irish government, universities, and private organizations. Shortlist the ones aligned with your academic background and career goals.

2. Check Eligibility:

Review the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship—such as academic performance, English language proficiency, and any additional requirements.

3. Prepare Documents:

Gather essential documents in advance, including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Some scholarships may require extra documentation.

4. Apply to Universities:

Apply to Irish universities offering your desired program. Many scholarships require proof of admission before you can apply for funding.

5. Submit Scholarship Applications:

Carefully fill out each scholarship application, highlighting your academic achievements, career aspirations, and how the scholarship will support your goals.

Conclusion

Hamlets Education is committed to helping students find the right scholarships, perfect their applications, and maximize their chances of success. With thousands of applicants vying for limited opportunities, expert guidance can make all the difference, ensuring a strong application strategy and a competitive edge.

Scholarships in Ireland - Turn Your Study Abroad Dream into Reality