Did you know?
Over 7,000 Indian students moved to Ireland this year, thanks to Ireland’s top universities, education system, and scholarships!
Though Ireland is slightly cheaper than the UK, the prospects of getting scholarships in Ireland are much higher than in other popular study destinations. However, it’s important to learn about scholarships in Ireland well in advance so you can secure your chances!
As you know, scholarships are a great way to reduce your study and living costs. Some scholarships are fully funded, which means they cover all your expenses, including your tuition, living costs, air tickets and more!
Scholarships are also divided based on who funds it. The scholarships funded by government bodies are different from scholarships funded by universities. Both these scholarships come with their eligibility criteria and requirements.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand both types of scholarships!
Let’s dive into the details of scholarships in Ireland!
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Popular University Scholarships in Ireland
As the name implies, these scholarships are funded by universities. Most of these scholarships may be specific to courses or intakes in Ireland.
University scholarships are typically awarded based on merit. However, some scholarships may also be need-based. When you apply, it’s important to check for course-specific scholarship requirements.
If you’re looking to secure a university-based scholarship in Ireland, it’s ideal to apply for a September Intake, as it has the highest availability of universities, courses, and scholarships.
Below is a list of some universities that do provide scholarships in Ireland.
Trinity College Dublin (TCD): Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship
TCD offers a range of scholarships to postgraduate students based on academic merit and sometimes financial need. The scholarships are assigned in three batches and will be awarded to 90 scholars.
| Scholarship Award | €2000 to €5000 |
| Eligibility | Non-EU students, non-business programs |
| Scholarship type | Merit |
| Deadline (batch 3) | 1st June |
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University College Dublin (UCD) Global Excellence Scholarships
UCD provides scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and cover partial tuition fees.
You must have a CAS letter from the university to be eligible for this scholarship.
Pro tip: If you’re applying to this scholarship, make sure well ahead of the deadline, as late submissions are definitely not accepted by the university.
Also note: The decisions are typically announced within 5 weeks from the last date.
| Scholarship Award | 50% to 100% Tuition Fee |
| Eligibility | Non-EU students |
| Scholarship type | Merit |
| Deadline | 28th February |
University of Limerick (UL) Scholarships
UL offers scholarships for international students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
UL offers scholarships for international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. One specific scholarship that UL offers to Indian students is the Kemmy Business School Scholarship.
This particular scholarship is available for only undergraduate students and covers all four years of the course. Since this is a merit-based scholarship, your average grade should be above 75% in Standard X and XII (specifically in English and Math).
The scholarship also takes your English proficiency into account, so make sure to aim higher in your IELTS or TOEFL exams.
| Scholarship Award | INR 38L (EUR 4,279) |
| Eligibility | UG, particularly for those in Kemmy business school |
| Scholarship type | Merit |
| Deadline | Depends on the university application deadlines |
Dublin City University (DCU) Scholarships
The best thing about applying to Dublin City University is that international students are automatically considered for a partial scholarship when they apply for a course.
This is a merit-based scholarship. You will be informed about whether or not you have secured the scholarship when the university shares the acceptance letter with you.
Unfortunately, DCU does not reveal more about the scholarship or its selection process. However, since this is a merit scholarship, we recommend aiming for high scores in your high school/undergraduate and any entrance exams you’ll be required to take.
| Scholarship Award | Partial Tuition Fees |
| Eligibility | Anyone applying for UG/PG courses is eligible |
| Scholarship type | Merit |
| Deadline | Depends on the university application deadlines |
Popular Government-Funded Scholarships in Ireland
Government-funded scholarships, as the name implies, are funded by government or external funding bodies. These scholarships are much more competitive as the entire nation can apply to them regardless of their university.
Below are some popular government-funded scholarships in Ireland.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
This scholarship in Ireland, funded by the Irish government, is an exciting opportunity for international students. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship covers your tuition (1 year) and sponsors an additional stipend of €10,000.
Some basic requirements for this scholarship include:
- Being a Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland/ United Kingdom student. Indian students can apply for this scholarship.
- Conditional or final offer from the university
Keep in mind that this scholarship is highly competitive. You will have to exhibit extraordinary academic achievements, have good communication skills, and a clear Statement of Purpose about why you wish to study in Ireland.
| Scholarship Award | Full Tuition Fee + €10,000 (for one year) |
| Eligibility | -Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland/ United Kingdom student-CAS letter from the university |
| Scholarship type | Merit |
| Deadline | 13 March 2024 (closed for 2024) |
Irish Research Council Scholarships
The Irish Research Council Scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for research students. This scholarship funds aspiring postgraduate students across all fields, including archaeology, zoology and more.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science funds Irish Research Council Scholarships. The scholarship attracts many students yearly and has only an 18% success rate.
Since this is a highly competitive scholarship, the application opens almost a year before the call-out. Typically, the deadlines are in October (the previous year of the intake)
| Scholarship Award | Stipend of €19,000 (INR 17L) + tuition fees up to €5,750 (INR 5L) per annum + direct research expenses of €3,250 (INR 2.9L) per year |
| Eligibility | -Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland/ United Kingdom student-CAS letter from the university |
| Scholarship type | Merit |
| Deadline | 12 October 2023 (Closed for 2024 intake) |
Tips To Apply For Scholarships In Ireland For Indian Students
We can agree on one thing: Scholarships are super exciting! However, they are equally stressful. Our experts at Leap understand your concern, and here’s what we have come up with to ease this process for you.
Follow these tips to ensure your scholarship application is easy, and successful! ✅
- Start Early ⏰: Most scholarships are highly competitive, so the earlier you file your application, the better! Research for potential scholarships and gather necessary documents ahead of deadlines to prevent last-minute stress.
- Understand the Requirements ☑️: Each scholarship is unique in its demands. Go through the eligibility requirements for each scholarship thoroughly to ensure you’re compatible with it. If you feel that a scholarship is too far-fetched, always apply for more as a backup.
- Spend Time on your Application 💯: Your application makes your case, so spend some time on it. Ensure that your application advocates for you. Double-check your essays, CVs, and recommendation letters for accuracy, clarity, and relevance.
- Talk to Experts 💬: Seek advice from university advisors or mentors who are knowledgeable about scholarship processes. They can offer valuable insights, feedback, and support in navigating application requirements.
Talk to us today for scholarship guidance and advice on moving to Ireland for studies!
- Stay on Track 🎯: Update yourself with scholarship deadlines, application requirements, and submission instructions. Develop a structured plan or checklist to remain organised and promptly submit all necessary documentation.
- Prepare for Interviews 🖥️: If interviews are part of the scholarship process, prepare thoroughly by researching common interview questions and practising your responses. You could also take mock interviews to see where you stand!
Summing up
Scholarships are an exciting opportunity to bring down your costs and enjoy the privilege of studying in the country of your dreams!
Ireland is an up-and-rising study destination. The government of Ireland and the Irish universities are finding ways to make it easier for international students to study and explore their nation. Therefore, the scope for scholarships in Ireland is only increasing!
Keep an eye on our page, and we’ll bring you more updates regarding scholarships in Ireland. Meanwhile, if you wish to learn more about starting your study journey in the land of saints and scholars, here are some blogs to add to your TBR list!
Read:
- Studying in Ireland Without IELTS: Do Experts Recommend it?
- Is Studying in Ireland Affordable?
- When Can I Begin my Study in Ireland Journey?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Am I eligible for scholarships in Ireland?
A. Eligibility requirements vary depending on what sort of scholarships you’re applying to. Typically, most scholarships are based on merit. However, some scholarships may be based on need and other factors, such as talent.
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Q. What scholarships are available in Ireland?
A. Scholarships are defined based on their funding bodies. Based on this differentiation, there are two main types of scholarships: university-funded and external/government-related. University scholarships are often merit-based scholarships and can sometimes be specific to the course. Government-based scholarships can be merit/need-based and are highly competitive.
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Q. What are the eligibility criteria for scholarships in Ireland?
A. Eligibility criteria for scholarships in Ireland vary depending on the type of scholarship you’re applying to. Common requirements include good academic scores, leadership skills or extracurricular involvement, financial need, and nationality or residency status. Some scholarships may also have specific requirements related to the field of study or research area. It’s important to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship you’re interested in and to ensure that you meet all requirements before applying.
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Q. When is the deadline to apply for scholarships in Ireland?
A. The deadlines depend on the funding bodies, but are typically decided based on the September intake, as most admissions happen around this time. University scholarships are almost always aligned with their admission deadlines. It’s important to verify the deadline for any scholarship you apply to. If you’re unable to find it, you could look at the previous year’s deadline for an approximation.
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Q. Can I apply for multiple scholarships in Ireland?
A. It depends. Some universities may be okay with you applying to multiple scholarships in Ireland. However, it’s important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship program to ensure that you meet all requirements. Keep in mind that some scholarships may have restrictions on multiple applications, especially the ones that are fully-funding.
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Q. What documents do I need to apply for scholarships in Ireland?
A. The documents required for scholarship applications in Ireland may vary depending on the scholarship provider and the specific requirements of each scholarship program. If it’s a merit-based scholarship you documents include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay. If it’s a need-based scholarship, you will have to submit proof of nationality, and evidence of financial need.
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Q. How competitive are scholarships in Ireland?
A. The competitiveness of scholarships in Ireland varies depending on the scholarship program, the number of applicants, and the available funding. Some scholarships (like the government scholarships) may be highly competitive, with a large number of qualified applicants competing for a limited number of awards. In contrast, others may have fewer applicants and higher chances of success.
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Q. Are scholarships in Ireland fully funded?
A. Some scholarships such as the Government of Ireland Scholarship is fully funding. This scholarship not only covers your tuition, but also pays a stipend to help you sustain your education and living costs in Ireland. There are also a few university scholarships which may fully cover your costs.
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Q. Can I apply for scholarships in Ireland if I am a non-EU/EEA student?
A. Yes, most scholarships are meant for international students. You cannot qualify for scholarships that are specifically meant for EU/EEA. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the scholarship program, so it’s important to review the requirements carefully before applying.
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Q. Are there scholarships available for research or PhD studies in Ireland?
A. Yes, there are scholarships available specifically for research or PhD studies in Ireland. One example is the Irish Research Council Scholarships, which is focused on students opting for postgraduate courses. This scholarship offers a stipend of €19,000 (INR 17L) + tuition fees up to €5,750 (INR 5L) per annum + direct research expenses of €3,250 (INR 2.9L) per year.
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Q. How can I increase my chances of receiving a scholarship in Ireland?
A. Below are some tips to improve your chances of securing a scholarship.
-Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship
-Tailor your applications to highlight your strengths, achievements, and unique qualities.
-Seek advice from university advisors, mentors, or scholarship experts
