Are you dreaming of studying in Ireland — one of Europe’s most innovative education hubs — without worrying about tuition fees or living expenses? The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities available for international students. If you are a health sciences student or professional, this could be your chance to study in top universities, access cutting-edge research, and expand your global career prospects.
This comprehensive guide is designed to give you everything you need to know about the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship 2026 — eligibility, benefits, application process, health-focused opportunities, tips to win, cost of living, and more. It’s written in a clear, human-friendly tone so you can follow along step by step and take action immediately.
Ireland has rapidly become a preferred destination for international students thanks to its world-class universities, multicultural environment, and thriving research ecosystem. For health students in particular, Ireland offers:
Choosing Ireland and applying for the Government of Ireland Scholarship ensures you benefit from top-ranked universities, strong research programs, and a post-study work visa. The Government of Ireland Scholarship also highlights Ireland’s commitment to attracting international talent.
Also apply: Chevening Scholarships UK 2026 for international students seeking fully funded study abroad programs.”
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is a program funded by the Government of Ireland through the Higher Education Authority (HEA). It aims to attract outstanding students from outside the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) to study in Ireland for one year at the undergraduate, master’s, or PhD level.
Ireland is a research powerhouse in several health-related fields. Strong candidates often apply for programs in:
Many health students applying for the Government of Ireland Scholarship focus on public health, biomedical sciences, digital health, and pharmaceutical research. This makes your application highly competitive if aligned with Ireland’s research priorities.
To further strengthen your profile in digital health or public health, check out our Best Online Courses for Health Professionals to gain skills that complement your degree.
You can apply for the Government of Ireland Scholarship at any of the 25+ participating institutions under Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES). Here’s the full list of approved universities and institutes of technology:
Full List of Eligible Institutions: HEA Higher Education Institutions
For more fully funded scholarship opportunities in healthcare, explore our comprehensive list of Fully Funded Scholarships for Healthcare.
One of the reasons Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is so competitive is because of its generous benefits:
This means you won’t have to worry about covering tuition fees or basic living expenses, making this a truly fully funded opportunity.
You may be eligible for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship if you:
Exact dates for the 2026 cycle will be published on the HEA website, but here is the typical timeline based on previous years:
| Stage | Typical Date (for 2026 cycle) |
|---|---|
| Call Opens | January 2026 |
| Application Deadline | March 2026 |
| Results Announced | May–June 2026 |
| Course Start | September 2026 |
Tip: Start preparing your documents well before January so you can submit early and avoid last-minute issues.
Here’s how you can apply:
For detailed tips on crafting a compelling application and statement of purpose, read our guide on How to Write a Winning Scholarship Application 2025.
Prepare these well in advance:
All required documents for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship must be clear, complete, and uploaded before the deadline.
Tip: Ensure all scans are clear and properly named before uploading.
Your Statement of Purpose is one of the most important parts of the application. Here’s a simple structure you can follow:
One of the best things about studying in Ireland is the chance to gain work experience after your degree. International graduates can avail of the Third Level Graduate Scheme, which allows:
Even though GOI-IES covers tuition and gives a stipend, it’s good to know the cost of living:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (EUR) |
| Accommodation | €500–€900 |
| Food | €150–€250 |
| Transportation | €50–€100 |
| Utilities & Internet | €50–€80 |
| Miscellaneous | €100–€200 |
Tip: Use student discounts for public transport and buy groceries in bulk to save money.
Yes. You must have a conditional or final offer from an Irish institution before submitting your scholarship application.
Absolutely! Health-related programs are fully eligible.
Yes, unless you studied previously in an English-speaking country. Each university sets its own language requirements.
No, it is awarded for one year only.
Yes, international students can work part-time (20 hours per week during term, 40 hours during holidays).
Highly competitive — thousands of students apply worldwide for around 60 spots.
You must inform HEA immediately. The scholarship may be reallocated.
Yes — 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours/week during holidays.
No — it’s only for non-EU/EEA students.
The Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026 is one of the best opportunities for international students, especially health professionals and students passionate about making a difference. With full funding, a supportive study environment, and access to world-class education, this program can open doors to a global career.
If you are serious about advancing your education, start preparing now to make the most of the Government of Ireland Scholarship and unlock a global career. The earlier you start, the more polished and competitive your application will be.
Ready to apply? Visit the official HEA website to begin your journey toward studying in Ireland today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Scholarship details such as eligibility, benefits, and deadlines may change. Always refer to the official HEA website for the latest updates.
Founder of My Health Tech Talk. He is a health informatics professional, researcher, and graduate assistant with a passion for digital health and innovation, medical tourism and health tips. Learn more about author and his mission on the About Us page
This post was last modified on October 6, 2025
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