National College of Ireland International Merit Scholarship
National College of Ireland (NCI), based in Dublin's docklands tech and financial district, specialises in computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, fintech, and business — fields with strong graduate demand in Ireland. NCI offers merit-based scholarships to international students that reduce postgraduate tuition for applicants with a strong academic record. The college's practical, industry-aligned taught Master's (such as Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Fintech) make it a popular choice for Sri Lankan students aiming at Ireland's tech sector, and its city-centre location sits beside major employers. The exact reduction and which programmes carry merit awards vary by intake. For Sri Lankan applicants, a strong upper-second or first-class Bachelor's in a relevant field is the realistic baseline. Confirm the current merit-scholarship value, eligible programmes, and deadlines with NCI admissions before applying.
For September 2026 (and January 2026) intakes — international applications accepted on a rolling basis; apply early for scholarship consideration
National College of Ireland (NCI)
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Partial Tuition Reduction (merit)
Best Fit
Computing & Business Master's
Basis
Academic Merit
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
National College of Ireland (NCI) — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
Partial tuition reduction (merit-based) on postgraduate fees. This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
International Applicant
Open to international (non-EU/EEA) students applying to NCI. Sri Lankan citizens with recognised qualifications are eligible to apply for admission and the merit scholarship.
Admission to a Taught Master's
You must be admitted to an eligible NCI taught Master's, typically in computing, data, or business. Some programmes have specific subject prerequisites — check the entry requirements.
Academic Merit
The reduction is merit-based. A strong upper-second or first-class Bachelor's in a relevant discipline from a recognised Sri Lankan university improves both admission and the scholarship offered.
English Proficiency
Typically IELTS 6.5 (no band below 5.5) or equivalent. Sri Lankan applicants with an English-medium Bachelor's may qualify for a waiver where NCI accepts it — confirm for your programme.
account_tree Application Process
Apply to an NCI Master's
Submit your application with transcripts, degree certificate, CV, statement of purpose, and English evidence. Apply early, as scholarship consideration favours earlier complete applications.
Merit assessment
NCI assesses your academic profile for admission and the merit-scholarship band. The reduction is normally confirmed in or alongside your offer.
Accept and pay the deposit
Accept your offer and pay the required deposit to secure your place and the scholarship reduction.
Apply for the Irish study visa
Apply for the Irish study visa with your offer letter, fees-paid confirmation, and proof of funds for living costs and remaining tuition.
Why National College of Ireland?
NCI sits in the heart of Dublin's docklands, beside the European headquarters of major tech and finance firms, with industry-aligned Master's in computing, data, and business. Strong graduate-employment outcomes and Ireland's post-study stay-back permit make it a pragmatic choice for Sri Lankan students targeting Ireland's tech economy.
Dublin
Docklands Tech Hub
Industry
Aligned Master's
Stay-Back
Irish Post-Study Permit
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat Ireland actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for Ireland, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
DCU International Merit Postgraduate Scholarship
Dublin City University
Maynooth University International Merit Scholarship
Maynooth University
Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship
Trinity College Dublin