Ireland Govt Announces Fully Funded Scholarships for Kenyans with Ksh128K Monthly Allowance; How to Apply

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) programme has announced scholarships for master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and PhD studies in Ireland.

Kenyan students aspiring to pursue full-time research master’s or doctoral degrees in Ireland can now apply for this fully funded opportunity.

The programme is funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The scholarships are awarded to high-calibre international students to study full-time in Ireland for one year.

Applications are open from January 29 to March 12, 2026.

Eligibility and Criteria for Ireland Scholarships

Before submitting a GOI-IES application through the online system, applicants should contact the relevant Higher Education Institution (HEI) directly to confirm that their chosen course is eligible for the GOI-IES scholarship.

To receive an offer of admission, candidates must apply to an eligible HEI in accordance with that institution’s admission procedures.

Applying for admission is separate from the GOI-IES application and is not done through the GOI-IES form.

A candidate must have an offer of admission before submitting a GOI-IES application. Proof of admission must be uploaded in the relevant section of the GOI-IES application form.

Acceptable documents include:

• Offer letter: An official letter issued by the HEI confirming that the candidate has been offered a place on a programme for the 2026/27 academic year.
• Offer email: An email from the HEI’s Admissions Office confirming a place on an eligible course for 2026/27.
• Screenshot from the HEI applicant portal: Must clearly show that the candidate has been offered a place on an eligible course for 2026/27.

Also Read: Netherlands Announces Fully Funded Scholarships for Kenyan Students

What the Scholarship Offers

Each Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship offers comprehensive financial and institutional support for one academic year, including:

• A €10,000 (Ksh1,543,300) stipend to help cover living expenses
• Full tuition fee waiver for the scholarship year, provided by the host higher education institution
• Access to world-class Irish higher education and research facilities
• Recognition as a Government of Ireland scholar, enhancing both academic and professional profiles

The scholarships will not be extended beyond one academic year.

Also Read: KUCCPS Lists 43 Universities Eligible for Both Government Scholarship and HELB Loan in 2026

How to Apply

Applicants must review the official call documentation thoroughly before submitting their application. The entire application process is conducted online through the 2026 GOI-IES application portal.

• Check Eligibility – Carefully review the call documentation to ensure you meet the requirements.
• Create an application – All applications must be submitted via the online system.
• Upload of two references through the portal
• Upload of proof of admission from an eligible HEI
• Detailed guidance on account setup, completing the form, and submission is available in the 2026 GOI-IES Help document on the GOI-IES webpage.
• Review Before Submission – Applications cannot be changed once submitted. Ensure all sections are complete and accurate before submitting.
• Submit on Time – The application deadline is 5:00 pm (Irish time) on 12 March 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Early submission is recommended to avoid technical issues.

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