Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in Ireland now have a new funding opportunity, with the National College of Ireland (NCI) announcing scholarships worth ₹75 lakh for postgraduate applicants from India.

The Dublin-based state-funded institution unveiled the initiative on February 28 as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, aiming to deepen academic ties between India and Ireland while expanding access to international education.

Scholarship details

According to NCI, the scholarship pool will support 10 Indian students enrolling in selected postgraduate programmes, offering financial assistance in the form of tuition fee reductions.

The scholarships will be available for postgraduate courses in:

Business

Computing

Psychology

The college said the awards will be granted based on academic merit and financial need, helping deserving students manage the cost of overseas education.

Expanding access to global education

NCI President Gina Quinn said the initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to widening access to international education and helping students build sustainable careers.

“As a state-funded institution, we focus on delivering programmes aligned with employment outcomes,” she noted.

Robert Ward, Director of Marketing and International Development at NCI, said the college emphasises industry-focused learning and employability.

“Our focus extends beyond access. We prioritise programmes aligned with employer needs, ensuring students benefit from industry-integrated curricula, strong academic support and a clear emphasis on graduate employability,” Ward said, adding that the scholarship initiative would help talented students with both strong academic records and financial need.

Growing Indian presence in Ireland

The announcement comes amid a surge in Indian enrolments in Ireland. According to recent figures, more than 13,000 Indian students are currently studying in Ireland, a record high and a 30 per cent increase from the previous year.

India has emerged as the largest source of international students in the country, with many opting for postgraduate programmes in technology, business and health sciences.

Ireland’s two-year post-study work visa has also played a key role in attracting Indian students, offering graduates an opportunity to gain international work experience after completing their studies in Dublin and other Irish education hubs.