Scholarships for Nepali Students in Ireland

Ireland is not the cheapest study destination — annual tuition ranges from EUR 15,000 to EUR 31,000 (NPR 22.5-46.5 Lakh), and living expenses add another EUR 10,000-15,000 per year. Scholarships can make a significant difference in your overall financial commitment. The most prestigious is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, which provides both a cash stipend and a full tuition waiver.

Beyond the government scholarship, most Irish universities offer their own merit-based awards that provide EUR 2,000-5,000 in fee reductions. Research students have access to Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded positions. This guide covers every major scholarship opportunity available to Nepali students in Ireland.

For the full picture of studying in Ireland, see our complete guide to studying in Ireland from Nepal.

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

This is the flagship scholarship for international students in Ireland, funded by the Irish Government through the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

What it covers:

• EUR 10,000 stipend — a direct cash payment to support living expenses
• Full tuition fee waiver — the university waives tuition for the duration of the program

Eligibility:

• Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries (Nepal is eligible)
• Must have a confirmed offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution
• Available for undergraduate (1 year of study) and postgraduate (master's and PhD) programs
• Merit-based — academic excellence is the primary selection criterion
• Applicants must demonstrate significant academic achievement

Application process:

• Applications are submitted through the participating Irish institution, not directly to the government
• Each eligible institution nominates a limited number of candidates
• Final selection is made by the HEA scholarship committee
• Applications typically open in October-November for the following academic year

Total value: For a 1-year master's program with tuition of EUR 20,000, the GoI scholarship is worth approximately EUR 30,000 (NPR 45 Lakh). This makes it one of the most valuable scholarships available in Ireland.

University-Specific Scholarships

Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

• Global Excellence Scholarships: Partial to full fee waivers for outstanding international students
• Provost's PhD Awards: Fully funded PhD positions in various faculties
• Country-specific awards: TCD accepts Nepali qualifications and has specific support for South Asian students
• TCD ranks in the global top 100 — its scholarships are highly competitive

University College Dublin (UCD)

• UCD Global Excellence Scholarship: 50-100% tuition reduction for outstanding international students
• UCD Ad Astra Academic Scholarship: For students with exceptional academic and extracurricular records
• Faculty-specific scholarships: Available in Business, Engineering, Science, and Arts
• As Ireland's largest university, UCD offers the widest range of scholarship options

University of Galway

• International Student Scholarship: EUR 2,000-4,000 fee reduction
• Hardiman Research Scholarships: Fully funded PhD positions
• Location advantage: Galway has lower living costs than Dublin, maximizing scholarship value

University College Cork (UCC)

• International Student Scholarship: EUR 2,000-5,000 tuition reduction
• UCC PhD Scholarships: Full tuition plus stipend for research students
• Strong in food science, pharmacy, and environmental science

Dublin City University (DCU)

• DCU International Scholarship: EUR 2,000-5,000 merit-based fee reduction
• Known for innovative programs in communications, media, and technology

Maynooth University

• International Merit Scholarships: EUR 2,000-3,000 fee reductions
• Located near Dublin with lower tuition and living costs than Dublin-based universities

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Scholarships

SFI funds research across Irish universities, and many of these funded positions are available to international students. SFI-funded PhD positions typically include:

• Full tuition waiver
• Annual stipend of approximately EUR 18,500-22,000
• Research in STEM fields — biotechnology, data science, AI, advanced materials, and more
• Positions are advertised individually by each university — check university research pages regularly

For Nepali students interested in research: SFI-funded positions are one of the best ways to study in Ireland affordably. You get a full stipend, tuition waiver, and contribute to cutting-edge research that strengthens your academic career.

Scholarship Comparison Table

Tips for Winning Scholarships

• Apply to the university first: Most Irish scholarships require a confirmed offer of admission. Apply to the university as early as possible, then apply for scholarships.
• Focus on your personal statement: For the GoI scholarship, your essay must demonstrate academic excellence, clear career goals, and a specific reason for choosing Ireland.
• Maintain a high GPA: Irish scholarships are predominantly merit-based. A GPA equivalent of first class honours (70%+) or upper second (60-69%) is typically expected.
• Check deadlines carefully: GoI scholarship nominations go through the university — check your institution's internal deadline, which may be earlier than the official deadline.
• Combine scholarships: In some cases, you can hold a university merit scholarship alongside the GoI scholarship. Check the specific terms of each award.
• Consider research positions: If you are interested in PhD study, SFI-funded positions offer the best financial support and are sometimes easier to obtain than taught program scholarships.

Next Steps

• Stamp 2 student visa process — what to do after receiving your offer and scholarship
• Complete Ireland guide — costs, universities, and work rights
• All scholarships for Nepali students — across all countries