Are you planning to study in one of the most innovative and welcoming countries in Europe? Ireland is rapidly becoming a top destination for international students due to its strong academic reputation, English-speaking environment, friendly visa policies, and wide range of scholarship opportunities. Here we explore the most valuable scholarships in Ireland for international students for the academic year 2025-2026, including fully funded and partially funded options for Master’s and PhD studies.
Best Scholarships in Ireland for International Students 2025-2026
- Government of Ireland Scholarship 2025-2026 (Fully Funded)
- Maynooth University Scholarships 2025-2026 - Pursue Your Education in Ireland
- University College Dublin MBA Scholarships 2025-2026 - Start Your Study Adventure in Ireland
![Government of Ireland Scholarship [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR] (Fully Funded)](https://www.scholarshipsrank.com/storage/media/446111d8-5ac6-4c93-8e54-cb34b3798df3.svg "Government of Ireland Scholarship [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR] (Fully Funded)")
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship provides a €22,000 stipend, tuition fee support, and research funding for international students. It is a prestigious program fostering academic and research excellence in Ireland.
![Maynooth University Scholarships [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR]](https://www.scholarshipsrank.com/storage/media/0bdbd635-ffb1-4146-9d00-d305c38b28f2.jpg "Maynooth University Scholarships [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR]")
Apply for the Maynooth University Taught Master’s Scholarships in Ireland to study any master’s program with €2,000 funding. Open to outstanding international students across all disciplines.
![University College Dublin MBA Scholarships [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR]](https://www.scholarshipsrank.com/storage/media/06b1be7a-6f5a-412c-aacd-b619e8ce5a4f.jpg "University College Dublin MBA Scholarships [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR]")
Apply for the University College Dublin MBA Regional Excellence Scholarships in Ireland with up to 50% tuition coverage (and in exceptional cases 100%). Open to outstanding international candidates at UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Pursue your higher education in Ireland. Great news! Applications for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship are now open. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about this scholarship, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
The Government of Ireland Scholarship 2025–2026 is a prestigious funded program for international students pursuing postgraduate studies. It provides a €22,000 annual stipend, covers tuition fees (including non-EU fees) up to €5,750 per year, and offers €3,250 annually for eligible direct research expenses.
Administered by the Council and funded by the Department of Education and Skills, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Program is a flagship national initiative in Irish higher education. It stands out in the Irish academic landscape, complementing other funding opportunities and fostering excellence in research, innovation, and academic development.
Scholarship Summary
Level of Study: Master’s and Doctoral
Institution(s): Government of Ireland
Study in: Ireland
Deadline: October 10, 2025
Courses Offered: All disciplines can apply.
Program Period: 1- 2-year research masters, 3-4 year PhD program
Exciting news for aspiring postgraduates! Applications are now open for the Maynooth University Taught Master’s Scholarships.
The Maynooth University Scholarships are partially funded awards for international students enrolling in master’s programs. Each scholarship is valued at €2,000 and is granted in recognition of academic excellence.
A total of 60 Taught Master’s Scholarships will be awarded across all disciplines, with recipients selected in each department or institute based on the highest final-year academic results.
Located just 25 km west of Dublin, Maynooth University offers 34 academic departments across three faculties: Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy; Science and Engineering; and Social Sciences. The university’s use of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) ensures easy compatibility with other international credit systems.
Scholarship Summary
Level of Study: Master’s
Institution: Maynooth University
Host Country: Ireland
Fields of Study: All taught master’s programs at the university
Program Duration: One year
Application Deadline: June 30
Great news for aspiring business leaders! Applications are now open for the University College Dublin (UCD) MBA Regional Excellence Scholarships at the Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
The UCD MBA Scholarships 2025-2026 are partially funded awards covering up to 50% of tuition fees, with exceptional cases receiving up to 100% coverage. These regional, merit-based scholarships aim to promote cultural diversity in the MBA program by selecting outstanding candidates who will act as ambassadors for UCD Smurfit during and after their studies.
Funded by the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, the scholarships are granted to high-achieving applicants who demonstrate leadership potential, professional excellence, and a commitment to contributing to the school’s global community.
Scholarship Summary
Level of Study: Master’s (MBA)
Institution: University College Dublin
Host Country: Ireland
Program Duration: 1–2 years
Application Deadline: April 30
2. Maynooth University Taught Master’s Scholarships 2025-2026
Maynooth University, a fast-growing and globally ranked institution, offers partial scholarships for international students applying to taught Master's programs. The Maynooth Taught Master’s Scholarship program is designed to support talented individuals who want to pursue graduate-level studies in diverse fields ranging from humanities and social sciences to technology and business. Though partially funded, it serves as a great incentive to reduce the financial burden and makes a high-quality Irish education more accessible. Maynooth is known for its student-centric approach, inclusive campus environment, and active support for international learners.
Key Features:
Award amount of €2,000 per student
Applicable to all full-time taught Master’s programs
Open to international and EU students
Selection based on academic merit and potential
Highly inclusive and diverse academic environment
No separate scholarship application required (auto-considered upon program application)
3. John Thompson Scholarship – Dublin City University (DCU) Business School
If you’re aiming for a future in digital marketing, branding, or media innovation, the John Thompson Scholarship is an excellent opportunity. Offered by DCU Business School, this competitive scholarship is awarded annually to one outstanding international student enrolling in the MSc in Digital Marketing program. Named after the late John Thompson, a leading figure in the media industry, the scholarship honors his legacy by supporting forward-thinking, digitally skilled students. What sets this scholarship apart is its 100% tuition fee waiver, which transforms it into a full academic award despite being classified as partially funded.
Key Features:
Covers 100% of tuition fees (valued at over €13,000)
Only available for MSc in Digital Marketing
Highly competitive with only one award per year
Focus on applicants with digital, media, or marketing backgrounds
Career-focused curriculum with real-world business engagement
Located in Dublin, Ireland’s tech and startup hub
4. University College Dublin (UCD) MBA Regional Excellence Scholarships
The University College Dublin (UCD) Smurfit Business School, one of the top-ranked MBA schools in Europe, offers Regional Excellence Scholarships to outstanding international candidates. These scholarships are available for both Full-Time and Executive MBA programs and provide partial to full tuition fee coverage. The awards are granted based on a holistic evaluation that includes academic achievement, professional experience, leadership skills, and potential to contribute to the MBA community. UCD’s business programs are known for international exposure, top-tier faculty, and a global alumni network.
Key Features:
Scholarship award ranges from partial to 100% tuition waiver
Available for both Full-Time MBA and Executive MBA programs
Based on academic and professional excellence
Open to candidates from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond
Access to global networking events and leadership training
UCD is ranked among the Top 100 Global MBA programs
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree – FIPDes (Food Innovation and Product Design)
The FIPDes Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program is a unique and interdisciplinary Master’s degree offered through a consortium of four prestigious European universities, including institutions in Ireland, France, Sweden, and Italy. The program focuses on food product design and innovation, covering every stage of the food chain — from raw material processing and sensory design to packaging and sustainability. As an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD), it is one of the most fully funded programs available to non-EU students, providing tuition, living expenses, travel allowances, and insurance.
Students move between the partner universities over the two years, gaining international experience and access to top-tier facilities, research labs, and industry partners. This program is especially ideal for students seeking careers in R&D, food technology, sustainability, and innovation management.
Key Features:
Fully funded: tuition, travel, monthly stipend, and insurance
Study in 4 countries: Ireland, France, Sweden, and Italy
High employability with direct links to industry
Multidisciplinary approach: science, business, and design
Taught in English with global student cohorts
Includes hands-on lab work, industrial internships, and R&D projects