Dreaming of studying in the Emerald Isle? You’re not alone. Ireland has emerged as a top destination for Indian students thanks to its globally recognised education system, tech-driven courses, and rich cultural experience. But what truly seals the deal is the availability of scholarship in Ireland for Indian students, making it easier to turn this dream into reality. Let’s understand the different types of scholarships available and how NewStrides, your trusted Ireland education consultant, can help you secure the right one.
Types of Scholarships in Ireland for Indian Students
1. University Scholarships
Ireland offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education. These scholarships are awarded based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria set by universities or the Irish government. Here are some popular types:
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships – Offered to high-performing students from non-EU/EEA countries.
- Irish Research Council Scholarships – For postgraduate students pursuing research-based Master’s or PhD programs.
- University-Specific Scholarships – Most Irish universities provide scholarships, such as:
- Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship
- University College Dublin Global Scholarships
- NUI Galway International Student Scholarships
- Institutional Merit-Based Scholarships – Awarded based on academic excellence, such as the Maynooth University Entrance Scholarship.
- Need-Based Scholarships – For students requiring financial aid, sometimes offered by private foundations.
- Sports and Cultural Scholarships – Provided to students excelling in sports or the arts.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility and application process.
2. Government Scholarships
The Irish government actively supports international education through prestigious schemes like:
- Ireland Fellowship Programme – Designed for students from developing countries including India. Covers full tuition, travel, and living costs.
- Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship – Offered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), this Ireland postgraduate scholarship supports research-based master’s and PhD studies. It’s one of the most notable Ireland fully funded scholarships.
- Ireland PhD Scholarship – These support doctoral studies in areas like biotechnology, data science, engineering, and more.
3. Private & Organisation Scholarships
Aside from universities and the government, several organisations offer scholarships for Indian students to study in Ireland.
- Walsh Fellowship – Specifically for students in agriculture, food, and environment-related research.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation – Offers financial assistance for postgraduate programs including MBA in Ireland, sciences, and humanities.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Ireland
Ireland offers a wide range of financial aid, making it easier to pursue your academic goals:
1. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to Indian students applying for master’s or PhD courses in research-focused areas.
- Coverage: Full tuition, stipend, and research allowance.
- Deadline: Usually January.
2. UCD Global Excellence Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian students applying for postgraduate taught programs.
- Coverage: Partial or full tuition fee waivers.
- Deadline: Program-dependent.
3. Trinity International Excellence Scholarships
- Eligibility: Non-EU students applying for full-time postgraduate courses.
- Coverage: Partial tuition fee waivers.
4. Inlaks Foundation
- Eligibility: Indian students in full-time master’s programs.
- Coverage: Tuition and living expenses up to a set limit.
5. Walsh Fellowship
- Eligibility: Research scholars in agriculture, food, or environmental sciences.
- Coverage: Up to €22,000 per annum.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland for Indian Students
What exactly qualifies as a fully funded scholarship in Ireland? These scholarships typically cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipends
- Travel allowances
- Insurance coverage
Top fully funded programs include:
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
- Ireland Fellowship Programme
- Walsh Fellowship
- Select Trinity College Dublin scholarships and UCD Global Excellence Scholarships
These awards are perfect for students seeking complete financial assistance through Ireland study abroad scholarships.
University-Specific Scholarships in Ireland for Indian Students
Many Irish universities offer attractive scholarships to international students based on academic excellence, leadership potential, or other achievements. Here are some notable university-specific scholarships:
- Trinity College Dublin – Global Excellence Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students across various disciplines.
- University College Dublin (UCD) – Offers the UCD Global Scholarships and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Scholarships for outstanding academic performers.
- University of Galway – Provides International Student Scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs based on merit.
- University College Cork (UCC) – Offers UCC International Student Merit-Based Scholarships for selected full-time courses.
- Dublin City University (DCU) – Grants DCU International Merit Scholarships to support international students across faculties.
- Maynooth University – Provides International Office Scholarships and Entrance Scholarships to eligible students.
Masters & Undergraduate Scholarships in Ireland for Indian Students
Ireland offers a wide range of scholarships for both Master’s and Undergraduate international students to support academic excellence and ease financial pressure. Here are some popular options:
Undergraduate Scholarships
- Trinity College Dublin – Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships: Merit-based awards for outstanding international students.
- University College Dublin – UCD Global Undergraduate Scholarships: Available for high-performing students applying to UCD.
- Maynooth University – Entrance Scholarships: Awarded automatically to students with exceptional Leaving Certificate or equivalent results.
- University of Galway – International Merit Scholarships: Offered to new undergraduate students based on academic performance.
Masters Scholarships
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships: Covers tuition and includes a stipend of €10,000 for one year of Master’s study.
- Irish Research Council Postgraduate Scholarships: For research-focused Master’s programs.
- UCC – Taught Master’s Scholarships: Available to top international students applying for postgraduate courses.
- Dublin City University – Merit Scholarships: Awarded for academic excellence at the postgraduate level.
Conclusion
Scholarships open doors. With the right guidance from NewStrides, you can study at top-ranked universities and access world-class programs like Masters in Ireland, MS in Computer Science in Ireland, or even MBA in Ireland—without financial stress.
Get in touch with NewStrides, your trusted Ireland education consultant, for personalised counselling and scholarship application support.
Let’s make your Irish education dream a reality.

Priya Kaur is an Assistant Vice President at NewStrides Consulting Pvt. Ltd. With over 18 years of experience in overseas education, she specializes in counseling students for UK and Ireland education. She has visited universities and explored these countries to provide prospective students with insightful guidance and accurate information to make informed decisions for their educational journeys. Her career reflects a commitment to excellence in consulting.