Scholarship Description: The Government of Ireland International Scholarships scheme was established under the provisions of the Government’s International Education Strategy, 2010–2015. It will be operated in the higher education sector and funded in partnership between the Government and the higher education institutions (HEIs).


The scholarship scheme is part of the implementation of the Programme for Government which indicated that the Government would “develop cultural and diplomatic links with emerging markets including a scholarship scheme”. Government of Ireland International Scholarships will be awarded to high caliber higher education students from non-EEA countries to study in Ireland for a period of one year.

The scholarships will highlight Ireland’s strengths as a centre of international education, promote links with priority countries and strengthen the internationalization strategies of HEIs. Scholarships will be branded as prestigious awards reflecting the core messages about Ireland as a centre of international education. It is expected that for every scholarship winner, awareness will be raised of Ireland among many more potential students and staff. Scholarships must be regarded as highly desirable and value adding to individuals’ subsequent lives and careers.

Eligibility: Government of Ireland International Scholarships will be awarded to high caliber higher education students from non-EEA countries to study in Ireland for a period of one year.

Selection Criteria: The panel will consider the extent to which proposed scholarships meet the criteria of 2013/2014 scholarships as outlined above, the HEI’s own applications and assessment processes, as well as the HEI’s own internationalization strategy and track record. The evaluations process will also give consideration to institutional and geographic spread subject to quality considerations.

Scholarship Worth: The HEA will award a scholarship fund to the student (through the HEI that the student is attending) amounting to €10,000 for one study year. This fund is directed at covering student costs and living expenses. The HEI will be required to give a FULL fee waiver to the student for the scholarship year (i.e. tuition fee and registration charge are waived). This is the minimum matching funding requirement that institutions will be required to make to the scholarship programme.

How to Apply: Four hard copies of each HEI proposal should be submitted to:
John Lynch,
Policy, Planning and International Education,
Higher Education Authority,
Brooklawn House,
Crampton Avenue,
Shelbourne Road,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.

The words “Scholarships Proposal” and name and address of the applicant should be clearly legible on the front of the envelope, which should be sealed.

One electronic copy of the document should be e-mailed to jlynch@hea.ie . Any questions regarding the call for proposals should be submitted in writing via e-mail to John Lynch at jlynch@hea.ie by no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 28th November 2012. The answers to all questions received will be posted on the HEA website on Wednesday, 5th December 2012. Telephone queries cannot be accommodated.

The HEA will advise HEIs of the outcome of the evaluation process by Friday, 8th February 2013.

Note: It is expected that a total of 22 scholarships will be funded from the HEA in the academic year 2013/2014.

The scholarship may be for the final year of an undergraduate programme, a one year taught masters programme or for one year of a research programme (research masters or PhD programme).

Scholarship Application Deadline: The scholarship application deadline for the Government of Ireland International Master’s and PhD Scholarships for International Students is 12th December 2012.