International Scholarships for Indian Students After 12th Grade in Ireland

What if your academic talent could not only take you abroad but also support your efforts to study overseas? International scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade offer exactly what you need. They ease financial burdens while honoring your hard work and dedication. For Indian students dreaming of studying overseas, Ireland stands out as an ideal choice. It welcomes international students with the classic Irish spirit and hospitality. Whether you want a merit-based award or a study abroad scholarship for Indian students after 12th grade, Ireland offers many options. This blog will explain these scholarships, who can apply, and provide useful tips to help you access funding and begin your study journey abroad.

Why Choose Ireland to Study After 12th Grade?

According to recent data, Ireland continues to see record numbers of international students. In 2023/24, many more Indian students chose Ireland. As of late 2024, Ireland saw a 75% increase in Indian student enrolment, and this trend is only set to grow. In early 2025, Indian students took first place for the largest international student community in Ireland, with the USA and China in second and third place respectively. Let’s see some of the reasons why:

English‑Speaking Country:

Ireland is a native English-speaking nation, which ensures seamless academic and social integration for Indian students. You don’t need to pick up any additional languages to study in Europe!

World‑Ranking Universities:

Ireland’s academic excellence speaks for itself. Although this small island country has a similarly small number of universities, almost every university is world-ranking. From some of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions to the continent’s fastest-growing young universities, Ireland’s education landscape is globally leading.

QS World University Rankings 2025 place Trinity College Dublin at the 87th spot globally. It also ranks 26th in Europe and holds a strong position in subject rankings, such as Nursing (20th), Pharmacy (34th), and English (27th). University College Dublin (UCD), another excellent Irish university, ranks 126th worldwide.

Other Irish universities like the University College Cork and the University of Galway also appear among the QS top 300–900, offering a wide range of reputable academic options. These universities also offer excellent international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade and beyond.

Two‑Year Stay‑Back Visa:

In Ireland, you can build real work experience. After graduation, international students in Ireland can apply for a two-year stay-back visa to gain work experience. Through the Third‑Level Graduate Scheme, you can gain valuable industry experience, build professional networks, and even explore pathways to long‑term residency.

Affordable Tuition Fees:

Study abroad after 12th in Ireland grade means great quality at a lower cost. Tuition in Ireland is competitive and comparably more affordable than the Big 4 destinations. Undergraduate fees range from approximately €10,000–€20,000 per year, considerably lower than many popular destinations.

Safe, Student‑Friendly Environment:

In Ireland, you can live and study in comfort. The OECD Better Life Index ranks Ireland above the average in key fields. The employment rate stands at 68%. There is a high level of education, with more than 85% of adults completing upper secondary education. The water quality and air quality are excellent, with 80% satisfaction.

Ireland offers many international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade. This support helps you cut down on costs while making the most of your overseas education.

Types of Scholarships Available

Scholarships in Ireland usually fall into these categories:

● Government-Funded Scholarships

○ Offered by the Irish government or agencies.

○  Often include full tuition waivers + living stipends.

○  Highly competitive and merit-based.

●  University-Specific Scholarships

○  Individual universities Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin offer these

○  Typically merit-based, with country-specific and subject-specific options available.

○  Commonly offer tuition reductions (€2,000–€5,000).

●  Private or NGO Scholarships

○  Funding from industries, foundations, or Irish–Indian communities.

○ May target specific fields (like STEM or business).

○ Some include mentorship or internship opportunities.

Top International Scholarships for Indian Students After 12th Grade

Let’s look at the top scholarships open to Indian undergraduates in 2025. These study abroad scholarships for Indian students reward academic excellence and help cover study costs in Ireland.

Scholarships by University

Most Irish universities offer merit-based or subject-specific awards for international students:

Trinity College Dublin

●  Offers Entrance Exhibitions (€150 book tokens) and Foundation Scholarships (tuition-free + stipend) to top academic performers 

●  Provides targeted scholarships in STEM. This includes the Three Ireland Connect to STEM Scholarship (~€20,000 over 4 years). The scholarships are specifically for women and gender-diverse students in STEM fields

University of Galway

The university offers multiple Global Excellence and Merit Scholarships for high-achieving international undergraduates.

National College of Ireland

This university grants €2,000 to students with a good academic record (70% +) automatically.

Scholarships by Subject

Several universities run subject-focused scholarship programs:

Maynooth University

The university offers a suite of STEM awards, including DARE admissions and specific bursaries in subjects like engineering and computing.

University of Limerick

The Jim Kemmy India Scholarship at the University of Limerick offers students €4,000 each year. You can renew it for up to four years. It is a long-term financial support option. The scholarship is open to business students with a 75% + score in Class 10 and 12, plus meeting English language criteria.

Scholarships by Excellence or Extracurricular Activities

These scholarships reward well-rounded achievements:

Trinity’s Foundation Scholarships

Students excelling in exams can qualify for these scholarships. They include academic benefits like a stipend, meals, and free accommodation.

Leadership Awards

Programs like UCD’s Global Excellence Scholarships and the University of Limerick’s extracurricular awards recognize leadership, sports, and community involvement.

Scholarships & Access for Special Needs or Disability

Ireland provides robust support for students with disabilities:

DARE (Disability Access Route to Education)

●  A national admission support system allowing point-reduction entry for students with disabilities 

●  Universities offering places through the program include Trinity College Dublin (reserving 25% of spots), Maynooth University , National College of Ireland, Dublin City University, and the University of Galway. 

University-specific disability grants

●  The National College of Ireland offers grants and mentoring via AHEAD, and HEA funds support physical needs 

●  The National University of Ireland bursaries for disabilities and NCBI's Gerard Byrne Bursary (€1,500/year for vision-impaired students) are also available .

Scholarships by Gender or Equality

To promote diversity, Irish institutions offer:

Women in STEM Scholarships

●  Intel-funded scholarships (~€3,000/year + mentorship and internship) for women pursuing STEM.

●  The University of Limerick’s BD bursary (€5,000) supports first-year women in STEM under HEAR criteria.

●  Trinity College Dublin’s Three Ireland STEM scholarships target women/gender-diverse students in engineering and science (€20,000 over 4 years).

Gender-equality frameworks

Irish universities follow the Athena SWAN charter, which promotes gender equity and may lead to institutional scholarships and policies supporting female students 

Other Financial Support Options in Ireland

●  Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI‑IES): €10,000 one‑year grant for non‑EU students in joint‑master’s programs (also open to eligible undergraduates in select courses)

●  Erasmus+ Undergraduate Traineeships: €450–€550 monthly top‑up for work placements in Ireland (3–12 months)

●  Part‑Time Work Opportunities: On‑campus roles (library assistant, tutor) or service industry jobs – students can work 20 hours/week during term.

You can combine international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade with these options to fund your 2026‑27 Irish undergraduate experience.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

Most scholarships share some basic requirements:

Academic Merit

●  70–90% or above in the Indian 12th-grade boards

●  Some require subject-specific excellence (e.g., Math for engineering)

Admission Offer

●  Secure an offer from an Irish university before applying

English Proficiency

●  IELTS (usually 6.5+), TOEFL, or equivalent test score

Additional Documents

●  Resume/CV

●  Personal statement or short essay (300–500 words)

●  Academic transcripts

●  Recommendation letters (optional for some)

Application Process:

1. Apply to your target university in Ireland.

2. Receive your admission letter.

3. Submit scholarship applications directly (via portal or email).

4. Follow each instruction carefully (file names, subject lines, formats).

For example, Trinity College Dublin asks for:

●  Email subject: Scholarship Submission – UG Program – [Your Name]

●  300-word essay on your contribution to campus

Each scholarship varies slightly, so always read the instructions line by line. Missing a document or using the wrong format can disqualify you.

Key Deadlines and How to Stay Up-to-Date

Scholarship deadlines often fall between February and June for a September intake. Some universities have multiple rounds, for example:

Trinity College Dublin:

●  Round 1: March 1

●  Round 2: May 1

●  Round 3: June 15

GOI-IES (Postgraduate):

●  March (annual deadline for the following academic year)

Tips to Track Deadlines:

●   Bookmark each university’s scholarships page

●   Set up calendar reminders 2–3 months before deadlines

●   Sign up for email alerts from university websites

●   Follow Education Ireland and university pages on LinkedIn or Instagram

Don’t wait till the last minute. Some scholarships review applications on a rolling basis, so applying early increases your chances.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Follow these steps to help your application under the spotlight:

Score High in Class 12

●  Aim for 80–90%+ depending on the university

 Write a Clear, Personal Statement

●  Highlight goals, academic passion, and your excitement for studying in Ireland

●  Include leadership roles, social work, or personal projects

Get Strong References

●  Ask teachers who know your work well

●  Share your resume and goals with them before they write the references

Follow Every Guideline

●  Use the correct email subjects and document names

●   Avoid typos or grammatical mistakes

Apply to Multiple Scholarships

●  Many Indian students secure 2–3 smaller awards

Stay Ahead of Deadlines

●  Apply in the first or second round whenever possible

Most importantly, apply confidently. Irish universities value well-rounded students, not just class toppers.

Rounding Up

International scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade offer valuable support to manage your education costs in Ireland. These awards support bright minds, reward talent, and reduce tuition costs. You’ll find options awarding on the basis of merit, subject, and even gender or need. Begin by exploring the scholarships that match your goals. Prepare your documents early. Write a strong personal statement. Every step counts. Ireland is ready to welcome you with quality education and global exposure. Step forward with confidence and turn your dream of studying abroad into action.