Celebratory Scholarship by National College of Ireland for International Students in the year 2026 – NCI 75th Anniversary Scholarship

This fund was announced during the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the institute, which took place in New Delhi. The total amount available for scholarships for the students applying from India will be €75,000. However, there is a matching amount available for applicants coming from other countries.

It is clear from the announcement that the institution has certain objectives and priorities in mind. They are focused on attracting postgraduates who are truly passionate about their studies, have excellent academic results and meet the needs of Irish employers in terms of increasing requirements in specialisations like data analytics, fintech, cybersecurity and HR management.

According to Robert Ward, Director of Marketing and International Development at NCI, the idea is to attract ambitious graduates who want to acquire the required qualifications and join the ranks of Ireland’s professionals. This statement is quite significant because it is not only about financial aid. This is also about an active promotion of international students among NCIs’ priorities.

It should be noted that the criteria are rather simple. First of all, one has to prove that he/she is an international student paying international tuition, not an EU/EEA student. The candidate is expected to be enrolled on a full-time taught Master’s program at NCI. In addition, one needs to have received a formal acceptance to the college and paid the necessary sum of money for it before making a request for a scholarship.

This requirement is quite essential, since some candidates tend to misunderstand its meaning. Unlike most scholarships, where one applies both to the university and the fund simultaneously, this particular scholarship does not accept applications without prior admission.

One of the factors of selection is a personal statement explaining the necessity of the scholarship for further career development.

The scholarship is open to students enrolling in NCI’s Master’s programmes for international students. These span two schools within the college.

From the School of Business and Social Sciences, eligible programmes include the MSc in Management, MSc in International Business, MA in Human Resource Management, MSc in Finance, MSc in Accounting, MSc in Marketing, and the MSc in Business Analytics for Decision Makers.

From the School of Computing, the available programmes are the MSc in Artificial Intelligence, MSc in Artificial Intelligence for Business, MSc in Data Analytics, MSc in Cloud Computing, MSc in Cybersecurity, MSc in Fintech, and MSc in Open Data Practice.

Given that NCI has specifically highlighted data analytics, fintech, cybersecurity, and HRM as priority fields for this scholarship, students in those disciplines may find their applications viewed particularly favourably, though all eligible programmes are included in n the initiative.

The process has two distinct stages, and you cannot skip the first one.

First, you apply for your chosen Master’s programme at NCI through the standard international admissions process. You will need to submit your academic transcripts, English language test scores, and any other documents required for your specific course.

Once you receive your offer letter and have made the required payment to confirm your place, you then submit a separate scholarship application form. The deadline for this scholarship application is 15th May 2026. All applicants will be informed of the outcome by 31st May 2026.

Because the timeline is tight and seats are limited, early action on the admissions side genuinely matters. The sooner you have a confirmed offer in hand, the more time you have to put together a strong scholarship application.

Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Apply

• There are one or two points here which may appear obvious, but should be noted.
• It should be noted first that the scholarship needs to be separately applied for; it does not automatically come along with acceptance into the institution.
• The deadline for the scholarship application is strict; it is set as 15th May 2026. Failure to meet this means that the application will need to wait until the next cycle.
• It is necessary that the applicant has accepted their offer and made the payment to confirm their acceptance into the college. If this is done before, then the application will not be considered.
• The scholarship cannot be received together with any other scholarship offered by the NCI.

Students who are currently considering whether they wish to undertake postgraduate studies at NCI should know that applications are possible for studies commencing in September 2026.

NCI is located within the IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) in Dublin, making it situated at the heart of Europe’s fastest-growing financial technology cluster. The institute is rated a 5-star QS Star institution and has established itself as a well-known college with a portfolio of industry-oriented courses geared towards enhancing students’ employability.

From an international student perspective, NCI provides an intimate, career-oriented setting. There are small class sizes, faculty members are always available, and there are connections with the kinds of firms that hire graduates in industries such as fintech, big data, and business management. Moreover, its location within the heart of Dublin means easy access to these firms.

At My Study Offers, a free global education platform for students, we help students who are planning to study abroad. From helping you choose the right course at National College of Ireland to guiding you through the application process, we ensure everything is simple and stress-free. We also assist with document preparation, profile building, and understanding available scholarships, giving you end-to-end support for your study abroad journey.

1. What is the NCI 75th Anniversary International Student Scholarship?

It is a scholarship offered by the National College of Ireland to support international students with tuition fee reduction.

2. Do I need a separate application for this scholarship?

In most cases, no. Eligible students are automatically considered during admission.

3. Who can apply for this scholarship?

International students applying to eligible courses at NCI.

4. Is this scholarship available for all courses?

No, it is available only for selected undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

5. When should I apply?

It is best to apply early, as scholarships are limited and offered on a rolling basis.