Scholarships in Ireland
Scholarships in Ireland for Indian Students
Ireland has rapidly grown as a leading study destination in Europe, offering globally recognized degrees, vibrant student life, and excellent post-study work rights—all in an English-speaking environment. For Indian students, scholarships are the key to making an Irish education affordable and attainable. This guide provides an in-depth look at the scholarship landscape in Ireland, along with expert insights from PFEC India.
Why Apply for Scholarships in Ireland?
- High-Quality Yet Costly: While tuition and living costs in Ireland are generally lower than the UK or US, annual expenses (tuition + living) can range from €20,000–€35,000.
- Rich Diversity of Options: Irish universities, the Government of Ireland, and various private, EU, and foundation sources offer multiple scholarships to international students.
- Inclusive Environment: Scholarships target academic excellence, leadership, and diversity—creating opportunities for Indians from all backgrounds.
- Career Leverage: Scholarship recipients earn prestigious recognition, increase employability, and foster professional networks across the EU.
Types of Scholarships Available
- Provider: Government of Ireland via Higher Education Authority (HEA)
- Award: 1-year full tuition + €10,000 stipend
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD (mainly final year or full Masters)
- Eligibility: Non-EU students with outstanding academics; leadership and social contribution valued
- Deadline: Annually in March
- Recipients: 60+ scholarships per year, highly competitive
- Entrance Scholarships: Awarded automatically to high-performing undergraduate applicants
- Taught Master’s Scholarships: Granted on academic merit, covering partial to full tuition
- Postgraduate Research Scholarships: Often include stipends, conference/travel support, and fee remission
- Programme-Specific Awards: Available for STEM, business, creative, or health courses
- Arts, Science, and Technology Scholarships: Offered by organizations such as Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Irish Research Council, and industry partnerships
- Erasmus+ Grants: For study exchange programs within the EU
- Subject-Specific/Partner College Awards: Sponsored by private foundations, industry bodies, and alumni associations
List of Major Scholarships for Indian Students
- Level: Undergraduate (renewal), Masters, PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition + €10,000 living expenses for 1 year
- Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership, non-EU only
- Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship: €2,000–€5,000 (UG & PG)
- UCD Global Excellence Scholarship: Up to 100% tuition waiver for top-performing applicants
- South East Technological University (SETU) International Student Scholarship: Up to €2,000; merit-based for PG
- Griffith College Dublin Scholarships: €500–€3,000 for outstanding applicants; up to 50% for certain programs
- Dublin City University (DCU) International Merit Scholarship: 10–30% tuition reduction
See below for section on PFEC India partner institution awards.
University-Specific Scholarships (PFEC India Partners)
PFEC India collaborates with leading Irish universities and colleges to facilitate direct admission and access to exclusive scholarship opportunities for Indian applicants.
| Institution Name | Scholarship Amount | Level | Eligibility | Campuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | Euro 3,000 to Euro 5,000 (Automated). Separate application for more scholarships. | Postgraduate | Min CGPA 3.50 (75% to 80%), IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent | Dublin |
| Technological University Dublin | No automated scholarship. Application-based scholarship up to 50% | Postgraduate | Min CGPA 3.30, IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent | Dublin |
| Griffith College Dublin | Euro 3,500 (Automated). 50% scholarship opportunities available | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Min CGPA 3.5 in Bachelor's, IELTS 7.0 or above or equivalent | Dublin, Cork & Limerick |
| South East Technological University | Euro 2,000 to Euro 5,000 (Automated) | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | CGPA 3.0 in Bachelor & CGPA 4.5 in HSC, IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent | Carlow & Waterford |
| University College Dublin | Euro 4,000 to Euro 4,500 (Automated). Separate application for more scholarships. | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Min CGPA 3.20 in Bachelor, IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent | Dublin |
| University College Cork | Euro 4,000 to Euro 8,000 (Automated). Separate application for more scholarships. | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Min CGPA 3.30, IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent | Cork |
| Maynooth University | Euro 2,000 (Automated). Separate application for more scholarships. | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Min CGPA 3.20, IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent | Maynooth |
| Atlantic Technological University | Euro 3,000 (Automated) | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Minimum 65% in Bachelor, IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent | Sligo, Galway, Donegal & Letterkenny |
| Technological University of the Shannon | Euro 1,000 to Euro 4,000 (Automated) | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Minimum 70% in Bachelor | Athlone |
PFEC India provides document review, deadline alerts, and enhanced application support to maximize your scholarship possibilities with these partner institutions.
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in Ireland
1. Research Preferred Institutions Early:
Check university and government scholarship portals as soon as you shortlist potential options—most open a year in advance.
2. Maintain Strong Academic Performance:
Most scholarships are awarded based on grades. Aim for a minimum 70% or 3.0+ GPA (A-grade for best chances).
3. Prepare Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English proficiency (usually IELTS 6.0+)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP), CV, and Letters of Recommendation
- Evidence of extra-curricular or leadership achievements (for top-tier awards)
1. Follow Deadlines:
Irish scholarship deadlines are generally between February and April for September entry; some merit scholarships are considered automatically.
2. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:
Clearly articulate your goals, aspirations, and what makes you a unique candidate.
Tips for Scholarship Success
- Apply broadly: Combine government, institutional, and private award applications.
- Highlight your holistic profile: Leadership, volunteering, and special projects are valued.
- Get professional help: Use PFEC India counseling for essay reviews, checklist completion, and deadline tracking.
- Don’t forget living costs: Visa requires proof of €15,000/year for living; some scholarships cover full/partial tuition but not accommodation and meals.
Universities
Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships in Ireland?
Yes, the GOI-IES and some university research programs can provide full tuition and substantial living support; most awards are partial.
Are scholarships open for all levels (UG, PG, PhD)?
Yes, with the majority geared toward postgraduate (Master’s/PhD); some universities offer strong entrance scholarships for undergraduates.
Can I combine multiple scholarships?
Many institutions allow this as long as the awards’ conditions do not conflict. Always check the specific terms.
What GPA is needed for Ireland scholarships?
Merit awards typically require at least a 3.0–3.5 out of 4.0, with top awards often demanding higher grades and evidence of extra-curricular achievement.
Do scholarships cover all expenses?
Few do—most cover full or part of tuition, and some provide stipends, but you should be ready to fund living costs yourself.
How early should I apply?
Begin your research and submit university/scholarship applications 8–12 months before your intended start date.
Contact PFEC India for Expert Scholarship Support
PFEC India provides professional counseling to help you identify, apply for, and win the best Irish scholarships for your needs. We offer document preparation, deadline monitoring, essay/personal statement editing, and one-on-one guidance for all government and university awards—including our partner institutions.
Take the first step toward funding your study in Ireland. Contact PFEC India for an eligibility assessment and build your winning scholarship application today!