Ireland Government Nursing Scholarships 2025/2026 — No IELTS, Fully Funded With Accommodation Allowance For Africans and Asians

Introduction

There’s something quietly powerful about nursing: it blends science with care, problem-solving with empathy, and local knowledge with global best practice. If you’re a nurse or nursing student in Africa or Asia and you’ve ever dreamed of upgrading your skills in a world-class setting — without drowning in fees or language tests — Ireland is a realistic option to consider in 2025/2026.

This guide is written for you. I researched the latest government-level and university-level pathways and translated them into a clear, step-by-step playbook: what scholarships exist, how “no-IELTS” situations work, what fully funded typically means in Ireland, where accommodation support comes from, how to prepare your application, and what common mistakes to avoid.

Two important notes up front:

Ireland’s Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is the headline government scheme for 2025/26. It provides a full fee waiver plus a €10,000 stipend for one year — a real, verified financial package that can make nursing study far cheaper than you think. (I’ll link to the official HEA call document below.)
“No IELTS” is not a blanket policy across every nursing course — but there are legitimate, common situations where Irish universities waive formal IELTS requirements for nursing applicants (for example, when the applicant is a practising nurse registered via an English-language pathway). I’ll show you exactly how that works and how to qualify. (I’ll link to a relevant university page that explains the waiver.)

I’ll keep this practical and realistic: the path exists, but it’s selective. Read on.

Why Ireland? — A quick practical case for nurses

Before diving into scholarships, let’s ask: why pick Ireland for nursing training?

High-quality nursing education: Irish schools of nursing are internationally reputable and teach clinical skills aligned to modern hospital standards.
Regulatory clarity: Ireland’s Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) provides a formal registration process and professional recognition that makes returning to work elsewhere easier.
English-language clinical practice (mostly): Clinical rotations and practice occur in English, which is an advantage for applicants from Anglophone backgrounds or those with English-medium training.
Scholarship & institutional support: Both the Irish government and many individual universities run international scholarships that reduce or eliminate fees — and some also provide housing support or campus accommodation.
Gateway to Europe / global network: An Irish qualification opens doors across the EU and to international employers who work with Irish-trained nurses.

Now let’s put the spotlight on the scholarships themselves.

The headline: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is the central government-funded scholarship that non-EU/EEA students commonly target.

What it offers (2025/2026 snapshot):

A €10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study.
A full fee waiver from the host higher education institution for the scholarship year.
Awards are for one year (master’s, postgraduate diploma or PhD). The scholarship is intended to contribute toward living expenses; institutions must provide the tuition waiver.
The programme is competitive — in 2025 a limited number of awards (~60) were allocated across all disciplines and institutions.

This is a government-level, merit-based programme managed by Ireland’s Higher Education Authority (HEA). It is not nursing-specific, but nursing candidates are eligible if they meet the general eligibility rules and the host university’s admission requirements.

Evidence / official call: the HEA call document and Government of Ireland scholarship pages describe the fee waiver + €10,000 stipend arrangement for the 2025/26 cycle. (Read the official call & details on the HEA page.)

(Link above goes directly to the Government of Ireland scholarship call document — read it for the exact terms, deadlines and how universities apply the fee waiver.)

“No IELTS” — how and when English tests can be waived

Many prospective students read “No IELTS” and imagine a free pass. In Ireland, the reality is more measured and fair: you can avoid submitting IELTS in certain, clearly defined circumstances.

Here are the situations that commonly allow you to skip IELTS for nursing programmes:

You already have a degree taught in English. If your primary qualification (bachelor’s degree in nursing) was taught and assessed in English, many Irish universities accept that as proof of English proficiency. You’ll need a certificate/letter from your previous institution confirming the language of instruction.
You are a registered nurse with evidence of English-language registration. Some universities explicitly waive English test requirements for applicants who are registered nurses and who gained registration through an English-language pathway (for example, if your original registration required IELTS). One example is a nursing MSc programme that states the English requirement will be waived for applicants who are registered with the NMBI where the registration was based on IELTS and the nurse has continued engagement in a high-intensity English environment. (See the university guidance for details.)
You have significant, recent professional work experience in English. Universities sometimes accept proof of recent full-time employment in an English-speaking clinical setting as a substitute for IELTS — provide employer letters and examples of duties in English.
Pre-sessional English or conditional offers. Some applicants receive conditional offers requiring completion of a pre-sessional English programme provided by the university; successfully finishing that removes the need for IELTS.

Key advice: Don’t assume automatic waiver — check the exact wording on the nursing programme page and contact the admissions office BEFORE you apply. Document everything: letters from employers, university statements about medium of instruction, NMBI registration certificates, exam boards, etc.

(See the Trinity MSc Nursing page above — it gives a concrete example of how registration-based waivers can work.)

Are there fully funded nursing scholarships in Ireland?

Yes — but the term “fully funded” needs unpacking.

GOI-IES is “effectively fully funded” for one year because it pairs a full tuition waiver (host institution must waive fees for the scholarship year) with a €10,000 stipend. If the programme you apply for is one year long (many MSc nursing courses are 1 year), then GOI-IES can cover tuition plus a substantial living-cost contribution. For multi-year programmes, GOI-IES covers only the scholarship year. (Check your programme length.)
Universities sometimes offer nursing-specific scholarships (fee waivers, partial or full tuition awards, and small living stipends). For example, some Irish schools of nursing provide targeted scholarships for students from lower Human Development Index countries or for high-merit international applicants. These institutional scholarships vary by school and year; they can sometimes include accommodation support. (Search your target school’s nursing scholarships page and contact the admissions office directly.)
Other fully funded routes: Some professional bodies, development agencies or donor organisations sponsor nurses to study abroad and include accommodation support. These are not guaranteed and are often country-specific.

Accommodation allowance — where it comes from and how common it is

An important part of the “fully funded” picture is whether accommodation is included. Here’s how accommodation support tends to appear:

Direct accommodation from the university: Some Irish universities provide campus accommodation to international students (often on a first-come, first-served basis). For scholarship holders, universities may prioritise allocations or offer subsidised rooms. This is the most straightforward route to getting free or low-cost housing.
Accommodation allowance / top-up scholarship: Some institutional scholarships provide a one-off housing grant or a small monthly allowance intended to support accommodation. However, this is less common than tuition waivers.
GOI-IES does not explicitly promise an accommodation allowance — the €10,000 stipend is for living expenses generally; whether that covers accommodation depends on your city and student lifestyle. Many scholarship recipients use the stipend to pay for rent. (Dublin rent is high; a €10,000 living contribution is helpful but may not cover a full year’s private rental in Dublin on its own.)

Practical tip: Where accommodation is a make-or-break cost, prioritise universities that run campus halls for international students (cheaper than private rental) or that explicitly state scholarship holders receive housing priority.

Quick comparison: Government scholarship vs common institutional nursing scholarships

Feature	GOI-IES (Government of Ireland)	Typical University Nursing Scholarship	Practical reality for African / Asian applicants
Tuition	Full fee waiver for 1 year (host HEI must waive fees).	Varies — can be full or partial tuition waiver	GOI-IES is most predictable for tuition if you win it; university awards vary widely
Living support	€10,000 stipend for one year	Variable; might be small monthly stipend or one-off grant	In Dublin, €10k helps but may not fully cover private rent — campus housing is ideal
Length	1 academic year (masters/PhD/postgrad)	Usually 1 academic year or full programme (depends)	If your nursing MSc is 1 year, GOI-IES is a strong match
Accommodation	Not guaranteed — stipend is for living costs	Sometimes included or given priority for halls	Don’t assume; confirm with university housing office
No-IELTS possibility	Government scheme doesn’t set IELTS rules — admissions do	Universities may waive IELTS under specific conditions (see university pages)	Check your programme’s English waiver policy (e.g., registered NMBI nurses)

(Sources: HEA GOI-IES call document and university course-pages; check your chosen school’s nursing scholarship page.)

Step-by-step guide — from 0 to scholarship (a beginner’s roadmap)

Below is the exact sequence to follow if you’re starting today as a nurse or nursing graduate in Africa or Asia.

Step 0 — Quick eligibility check

Nationality: Non-EU/EEA students are eligible for GOI-IES.
Prior qualification: A recognized bachelor’s in nursing (or equivalent) is usually required for master’s-level nursing.
English: If you are from a country where your nursing degree was taught in English, collect a formal letter from your previous university confirming that. If you’re a registered nurse, get proof of registration and any documentation about the language of registration.

Step 1 — Choose 3 target programmes (timeline: 1 week)

Pick three Irish universities that offer the nursing MSc you want (e.g., Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Galway, UCD, etc.). Focus on programmes that list international scholarships or campus accommodation for internationals.
Check programme length (most MSc nursing are 1 year) and entry deadlines.

Step 2 — Gather documentation (timeline: 2–4 weeks)

Academic transcripts (certified copies).
Degree certificate (or provisional certificate).
Two academic/professional reference letters (one preferably from a clinical supervisor).
CV (with clinical experience, competencies, clinical hours, special training).
Proof of registration (if registered with a professional body in your country) and any NMBI registration documents if applicable.
Proof of language: either IELTS/TOEFL or documented proof of English-medium education / employer letter / NMBI-based waiver evidence.

Step 3 — Apply for admission (timeline: depends on university — typically 2–3 months before intake)

Apply for admission to your chosen MSc at each university. Most Irish universities require you to have a conditional or final offer before they support your GOI-IES application. So the scholarship application often comes after admission application (or in parallel, depending on the university’s instructions).

Step 4 — Apply for GOI-IES (when the HEI calls for nominations)

Each HEI will have its own internal deadline for nominating candidates for the GOI-IES (check your school’s international scholarships page). Submit any extra materials the HEI asks for — they will nominate applicants to the HEA if they meet criteria.

Step 5 — Consider other institutional scholarships & housing

Simultaneously apply for any school-level nursing scholarships (e.g., faculty excellence awards, bursaries aimed at students from developing countries).
Contact the housing office early: if campus rooms are limited, request priority for scholarship holders or enquire about subsidised rooms.

Step 6 — Prepare for interviews (if required) & follow-ups

Some scholarships or HEIs interview shortlisted candidates to confirm motivation and impact. Prepare to explain: why nursing? why this university? what will you do after the MSc?

Step 7 — If awarded — get your official scholarship letters & apply for visa

When you receive a scholarship award letter, use it to apply for your Irish student visa. The scholarship and HEI documentation will be critical evidence for visa officers.

Step 8 — Budget for arrival costs

Even with tuition covered and a stipend, you’ll need money for flights, deposit for accommodation (if halls require one), and initial living costs. Plan an arrival budget (roughly €1,000–€3,000 depending on your city and housing arrangements).

Key insights — what makes a winning application

Clinical credibility: Show hours, responsibilities, leadership (e.g., led a ward shift, handled triage, designed a patient-education program). Nursing is practical; evidence of hands-on competence matters.
Clear impact plan: Scholarship panels like to see how your training will benefit your community/country. A one-paragraph “return-to-impact” statement helps — include realistic steps and partners.
English evidence that fits the university rules: If you can secure a waiver (previous degree in English, employer letter, NMBI registration), document it precisely. If in doubt, take a short IELTS or Duolingo test rather than risk rejection.
Relevant references: A clinical supervisor and an academic referee who can testify to your critical thinking and research potential (if applying for a clinical-research balance) are best.
Proactivity on housing: If campus accommodation is limited, email the housing office with evidence of scholarship nomination and ask about priority allocation.

Benefits — how an Irish scholarship changes the picture

Winning an Irish scholarship for nursing can:

Erase the tuition barrier (many international MSc tuition fees are high; a full waiver is a big deal).
Provide the bandwidth to study and practice — with a stipend you can focus on clinical placements and academic work.
Create outward impact — returning nurses with advanced training can strengthen clinics, build training programs, or help set policy.
Open professional registration pathways — training in Ireland makes it straightforward to register with professional regulators in many jurisdictions because of the common training standards.

Real-world examples (illustrative)

Here are three composite, real-world style profiles that show plausible outcomes.

1) Aisha — Nigeria — front-line nurse to specialist midwife

Aisha had three years’ experience in a busy urban maternity ward. She applied to an MSc in Midwifery in Ireland, secured admission, and was nominated by her HEI for the GOI-IES scholarship. With the full fee waiver and €10,000 stipend she completed the year-long master’s, learned advanced clinical methods, and returned to establish a midwifery training programme at her hospital.

2) Kofi — Ghana — nurse educator

Kofi worked as a nurse tutor and wanted to develop simulation-based teaching. He applied to a clinical education master’s, obtained an institutional scholarship that included campus housing, and used that stability to publish a curriculum paper and run workshops for nurse trainers on return.

3) Priya — India — research and community nursing

Priya combined a small university bursary with the GOI-IES stipend to complete a nursing MSc with a community health research capstone. Her research on preventive maternal care was accepted by a national NGO that funded pilot implementation in two districts.

(These profiles are composites created to show typical patterns; individual experiences vary.)

Your Statement of Purpose — a simple, strong structure (for nursing scholarships)

A concise 600–900 word SoP that addresses panels directly is powerful. Use this structure:

Opening (1 paragraph): 1–2 sentences that capture your clinical identity and motivation. E.g., “As a staff nurse on a 40-bed pediatric ward in Lagos, I saw preventable dehydration every rainy season. I want to study advanced pediatric nursing to design better community prevention protocols.”
Clinical & academic background (2 paragraphs): Summarise your qualifications, clinical hours, projects, and key achievements (awards, leadership, improvements you led). Be specific — include patient numbers, projects, outcomes.
Why Ireland & this programme (1–2 paragraphs): Name the course and at least one module or faculty member that aligns with your goals. If you’re applying for GOI-IES, mention how your plan fits a one-year scholarship.
Impact plan (1 paragraph): Describe one clear post-MSc project (training programme, clinic protocol, pilot study). Include potential partners and timeline.
English proficiency / waiver info (1 short paragraph): If you’re requesting an IELTS waiver, state the basis (degree in English; NMBI registration; employer letter). Attach the supporting document.
Closing (1 short paragraph): A courteous close summarising readiness and gratitude.

Common mistakes — and how to avoid them

Mistake	Why it hurts	How to avoid it
Assuming “no IELTS” applies to all	Your application could be rejected for missing language proof	Read the programme’s language policy; assemble waiver evidence early
Ignoring housing logistics	You may have fees or no place to live on arrival	Contact housing office; ask about scholarship priority
Weak clinical evidence	Panels want concrete clinical impact, not only academic ambition	Document hours, roles, audits, and any quality improvement projects
Late reference letters	Admissions or nominations are delayed	Ask referees 6–8 weeks in advance and follow up politely
Not clarifying programme length	GOI-IES is one year — if MSc is longer, you need a plan	Confirm programme length and how subsequent years will be funded

FAQs — concise and practical

Q: Does GOI-IES cover accommodation?
A: No — not specifically. GOI-IES provides a €10,000 stipend for living costs; accommodation support (free rooms or subsidies) is sometimes provided separately by universities, but this is not guaranteed. Always confirm with the university housing office.

Q: Can I apply for GOI-IES before I have an offer?
A: Generally, you will need a conditional or final offer from a participating HEI to be eligible for nomination — follow your chosen HEI’s internal deadlines to be nominated.

Q: What are realistic living costs in Ireland as a nursing student?
A: It varies by city. Dublin is the most expensive (rent can be high); smaller cities or campus towns cost less. The GOI-IES stipend is a strong contribution but budget carefully.

Q: I’m a clinical nurse with 5 years’ experience — how do I show impact?
A: Use metrics where possible — patients managed per shift, any infection-control audits you led, teaching sessions run, reductions in readmission rates, etc.

Q: If I’m not successful for GOI-IES, what next?
A: Apply for institutional scholarships, small bursaries, or look for sponsored positions (hospital sponsored study leave) or external donors (international health NGOs, foundations).

Checklist — documents you need right now

Certified transcripts and degree certificates (with translations if needed).
Passport copy (valid + at least 6 months).
Proof of clinical experience (employer letters, logbook).
Two references (one clinical supervisor, one academic or department head).
CV (with clinical hours & leadership roles).
English waiver evidence (letter from prior university about language of instruction; NMBI registration proof; employer letter).
Short research or study plan (for MSc capstone).
Clear contact details for the HEI and housing office.

A realistic scenario: budgeting for arrival (example)

Let’s take Dublin as an example — you win GOI-IES (tuition waived + €10,000 stipend).

Flights & visa: €700–€1,200 (one way, variable)
Initial deposit for accommodation: €500–€1,500 (depends on halls or private)
Monthly living costs (food, transport, incidental): €800–€1,200 (Dublin)
Total first 3 months (approx): €4,000–€6,000

If your HEI offers campus accommodation or subsidised halls, your rental burden drops significantly. The GOI-IES stipend covers a major part of living costs but may not entirely cover luxe housing in big cities — plan for economy housing or shared rooms.

Next steps — how I recommend you act in the next 30 days

Pick 2–3 Irish MSc nursing programmes and note their application deadlines.
Collect your primary documents (transcripts, degree certificate, passport). Get employer letters ready.
Ask for an English waiver letter from your previous university if your degree was taught in English.
Email the international admissions officer at each target HEI and ask about GOI-IES nomination timelines and housing for scholarship recipients. Save their replies.
Prepare your SoP using the template above and ask two referees to write letters within 4 weeks.
Apply for admission and ask to be considered for internal scholarship nomination.

Final thoughts — wrap and motivation

Nursing is a profession that changes lives every day. Studying in Ireland with government or institutional support is not a fantasy — it’s a practical pathway many nurses have taken. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) is the clearest government route that can make a one-year nursing MSc effectively fully funded when paired with a tuition waiver. “No IELTS” is possible in specific, verifiable cases (English-medium degrees, professional registration-based routes). Accommodation support can sometimes be obtained from universities — but never assume; always confirm.

If you want help drafting your Statement of Purpose, reviewing your clinical CV, or preparing an email to the university admissions office or housing office, send me:

one paragraph on your clinical background (2–3 lines),
the university & programme you are targeting, and
whether you have an English-language waiver (degree in English or NMBI registration).

I’ll help you draft the SoP and one targeted outreach email to the admissions/housing office.

“Nursing teaches us how to be human in science. Scholarships remove the financial weight so you can practice the skill of care at the highest level.”