Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Scholarships in Ireland for Pakistani Students – 2026 Intake
Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Scholarships in Ireland for Pakistani Students – 2026 Intake
Ireland has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for high-quality education, world-class research, and generous scholarship opportunities. For the 2026 academic intake, several fully funded and partial scholarship options are available for Pakistani students aspiring to pursue Master’s or PhD programs in Ireland’s top universities and research institutions.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the main national scholarship schemes, university-level funding, and strategic application timelines to help you plan your journey effectively.
1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities for international students. Administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), it supports exceptional non-EU students for one year of study at Master’s or PhD level in an Irish higher education institution.
Key Features
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Full tuition and registration fee waiver for one academic year
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€10,000 stipend to support living expenses
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Open to all fields of study at eligible Irish universities
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Applicants must have a conditional or final admission offer at the time of application
Typical Timeline
The call for 2026 is expected to open in January 2026, with a deadline in March 2026, based on previous cycles.
Official Website: https://hea.ie
2. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme
For students seeking to pursue research Master’s or PhD programs, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme—funded by the Irish Research Council (IRC)—is one of the most competitive and generous options.
Key Features
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Up to €34,000 per year covering stipend, tuition fees, and research expenses
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Applicable for structured or traditional research Master’s and PhD programs
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Requires a well-developed research proposal and support from a supervisor in an Irish institution
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Open to all disciplines, with strong emphasis on academic excellence and research potential
Timeline for 2026
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Applicant Deadline: 23 October 2025
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Supervisor / Endorsement Deadline: 6 November 2025
Official Website: https://researchireland.ie
3. Ireland Fellows Programme (2026/27)
The Ireland Fellows Programme provides fully funded one-year Master’s degrees to students from eligible countries, including Pakistan. The programme focuses on building leadership skills and supporting individuals committed to contributing to their home country’s development.
Key Features
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Full tuition fees, return flights, accommodation, insurance, and living allowance
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Wide range of Master’s programs in areas such as governance, sustainable development, health, education, and technology
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Ideal for mid-career professionals, researchers, or development practitioners
Timeline for 2026/27
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Stage 1 Application Deadline: 25 July 2025
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Stage 2 Application Deadline: 17 October 2025
Official Website: https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie
4. University-Specific Scholarships
Most Irish universities offer their own merit-based scholarships, fee waivers, or partial funding for international students. These are typically awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, or nationality-specific schemes.
Examples:
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University College Dublin (UCD)
Offers full and partial scholarships to Pakistani students for both Master’s and PhD programs.
https://www.ucd.ie/global -
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
Provides a variety of scholarships for international students in STEM, humanities, and social sciences.
https://www.tcd.ie -
University of Galway, University College Cork, Maynooth University, and others offer similar schemes.
Important Note: University scholarships often require that applicants hold an admission offer before applying. Therefore, early applications to degree programs are strongly advised.
5. Supervisor-Funded PhD Projects
Many PhD positions in Ireland are directly funded by research projects led by academic supervisors through grants from the European Union, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), or the Irish Research Council. In these cases, funding is tied to a specific project, and successful applicants are recruited like research staff.
Tip: Identify professors working in your area of interest, contact them with a well-structured email and research plan, and inquire about funded PhD openings.
6. Application Strategy & Timeline for Pakistani Students
To maximize your chances for the 2026 intake:
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Start preparing now (October 2025)
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Identify your target universities and programs.
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Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, English proficiency, CV, personal statement, and research proposal (for PhD).
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Apply to universities by December 2025 – February 2026
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Most scholarship programs require you to have an admission offer.
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Submit scholarship applications according to timelines
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Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship: October 2025
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Ireland Fellows Programme: July–October 2025
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GOI-IES: January–March 2026
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Engage early with potential supervisors
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For research programs, start communication at least 6–8 months before scholarship deadlines.
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Consider partial funding combinations
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Combining university scholarships with external funding (e.g., Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholarships from Pakistan) can make study financially viable.
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Final Thoughts
Ireland’s education system offers world-class opportunities for Pakistani students through fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships, university merit awards, and research grants. By aligning your academic goals, preparing strong applications, and following the scholarship timelines strategically, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a place and funding for the 2026 academic intake.
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