When it comes to Ireland, everyone calls it a sought-after destination, meaning a place where many aspire to visit. Indian Students dream of visiting Ireland due to the quality of education offered by Irish universities, a vibrant academic environment, and the global exposure provided during and after their studies. The bonus point why Ireland attracts Indian students is Ireland’s world-class universities, rich cultural heritage, and its safe surroundings. After all, one can still struggle to visit Ireland, considering its high cost of living. But have you heard about the scholarship facilities offered by Irish universities? Yes, several universities provide scholarships that enable international students to study in Ireland.Â
Hence, if you are planning to study in Ireland for your master’s or P.hD programs, then this blog is going to help you a lot. From this blog, you will learn about why to study in Ireland, how much it costs to study in Ireland, Master’s scholarships in Ireland, PhD scholarships in Ireland, and much more.Â

Why Study in Ireland?
Before diving into the scholarships part, let’s quickly understand why so many students from India or other countries choose to study in Ireland and what is so special about this country in terms of education and academics.
Ireland, being an English-speaking country, makes it a perfect destination for international students. Top-ranked globally recognized universities like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and University of Galway, not only offer quality education to foreign students but also the scholarships provided by these universities help international students to fulfill their dreams. Ireland, being a hub of global companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Pfizer, increases the chances of students securing jobs here. At last, the welcoming environment of Ireland and post-study work visa opportunities contribute to the same.
Cost of Studying in Ireland for Indian Students
Here is an estimated breakdown of the cost of studying in Ireland for international students. This table will help students plan their budget and need for other financial aid accordingly.Â
Expense Category | Estimated Cost per Year (INR) |
Tuition Fees (UG/PG) | ₹8,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 |
Accommodation | ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 |
Food and Living Expenses | ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
Health Insurance | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 |
Miscellaneous | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
Total | ₹15,00,000 – ₹35,00,000 |
These figures help you understand the need for scholarships in Ireland.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland for Indian Students
The estimated cost of studying in Ireland mentioned above can be expensive for many Indian students. Hence, to alleviate this burden, students can enrol in scholarships offered by public and private universities in Ireland. Let’s have a look at fully funded scholarships in Ireland that Indian students can apply for.
Scholarships | Organized by | Coverage | Eligibility | Apply at | Programs and scholarships covered |
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) | Government of Ireland | Full tuition fees are covered. | For non-EU students, including Indians | hea.ie | For Master’s scholarships in Ireland and PhD scholarships in ireland |
Irish Research Council Scholarships (IRC) | Government of Ireland | Full tuition fees with an Annual stipend of €18,500 Research and conference allowances are also covered. | Available to Indian students who have a strong research proposal and academic background | Available for PhD and Research-based Master’s programs. Best for Science, Engineering, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences fields | |
Trinity College Dublin – Global Excellence Scholarships | Trinity College Dublin | Full tuition fees covered. Partial scholarships are also available | High academic scores and Statement of purpose and references needed | tcd.ie | Available for Bachelor’s and Master’s scholarships in Ireland |
University College Dublin (UCD) – Global Graduate Scholarships | University College Dublin | Full or 50% tuition waiver | For Non-EU students with excellent academic records. Students should also have relevant work experience or research background | ucd.ie | Available for Master’s scholarships in Ireland |
Maynooth University Scholarships | Maynooth University | Full tuition waiver covered | Ideal for students looking for Master’s scholarships in Ireland | mu.ie | Available for Taught Master’s degrees. Best for data science, engineering, humanities, and social science |
NUI Galway International Student Scholarships | University of Galway | Up to 100% tuition waiver Research-based funding for doctoral students | Academic excellence with Extracurricular achievements | universityofgalway.ie | Best for UG, PG, and PhD scholarships in Ireland |
DCU International Merit Scholarships | Dublin City University (DCU) | Tuition fee waivers up to 100%. Also, some programs include a monthly stipend | Based on merit, academic profile, and interview | dcu.ie | Good for UG & PG degrees. Engineering, Business, Science, and Humanities fields are covered under this. |

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland?
If you have made up your mind to enrol in master’s scholarships in Ireland or phd scholarships in Ireland, then follow these simple steps. Applying for scholarships is a competitive step. Hence, the step-by-step guide given below will help you easily apply for scholarships in Ireland.
- At the initial step, decide whether you are applying for the master’s or Ph.D scholarships in Ireland. According to your decision, choose a university that matches your eligibility criteria and course.
- Then, visit the official university or scholarship websites and note the application start and end dates. When applying for a scholarship, you must provide the following required documents: academic transcripts, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), a Letter of Recommendation (LOR), an updated CV, an IELTS / TOEFL score, and a research proposal for PhD students.
- After assembling all these documents, submit your university application first, as some scholarships require an offer letter to be considered for the application.
- You now need to complete the scholarship form through the official portal. While filling the form, the basic details also highlight your goals, achievements and skills.
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Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Scholarships in Ireland
The steps mentioned above help you to apply for the scholarships in Ireland systematically, but these five tips increase the chance of availing a scholarship in Ireland. Regardless, following these points will increase your chances of scholarship approval. You need to:
- Maintain high academic scores
- Prepare your documents at least 8-10 months prior to the deadline.
- Have a compelling Statement of Purpose
- Strong letter of recommendation from professionals
- Excellent extracurricular achievements can be a bonus point when applying for scholarships.Â
Conclusion
Planning to study in Ireland but worried about the expensive tuition fees? They are no longer a burden for international students. Universities and the government offer a fully funded scholarship in Ireland for Indian students. These scholarships not only ease the cost of studying in Ireland but also change the life of a student. Whether you are applying for a Master’s scholarship in Ireland or looking at PhD scholarships in Ireland, there are vast opportunities available for talented Indian students. Availing scholarships in Ireland opens doors to global careers and world-class exposure.Â
So, to be among those lucky students, follow the above-mentioned simple steps and tips on getting scholarships in Ireland easily.Â
FAQs – About Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland
Which university provides fully funded PhD scholarships in Ireland for Indian students?
The Irish Research Council (IRC) Scholarships and Trinity College or UCD offer fully funded PhD scholarships in Ireland.
Can one get a full scholarship for a Master’s degree in Ireland?
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, as well as several university-level scholarships, offer full scholarships for a master’s degree in Ireland.
How much should one score in academics to apply for scholarships in Ireland?
According to Indian grading, a score above 65% is preferred for applying for scholarships in Ireland, however, the score demand can vary by program.Â
What is the most suitable time for applying for scholarships in Ireland?
It is recommended to start as early as possible. Start preparing between August and September and apply between November and March, depending on the scholarship and the deadline.