Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026, offered through Research Ireland, is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships for Master’s and PhD students across all academic disciplines. This fully funded opportunity allows both Irish and international students to pursue advanced research in top Irish institutions while receiving generous financial and academic support.
The scholarship is designed for students who want to make meaningful contributions to their field through innovative and high-quality research. It covers not only tuition fees but also living expenses and research costs, ensuring scholars can focus entirely on their academic goals without financial pressure.
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Quick Facts at a Glance
Below is a summarized look at what the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship provides to its awardees:
| Component | Amount (per year) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stipend | €25,000 | Paid directly to the student |
| Fees | Up to €5,750 | Covers tuition; extra €4,000 for non-EU students |
| Research Costs | €3,250 | Supports materials, travel, and data collection |
| Duration | 2 years (Master’s) / 4 years (PhD) | Partial funding possible for current students |
Key Highlights:
- Fully funded by the Government of Ireland and Research Ireland
- Open to all academic fields and nationalities
- Supports interdisciplinary and innovative projects
- Average success rate: around 18% per year
These benefits make the program one of the most sought-after postgraduate funding opportunities in Europe.
Who is Eligible Check Before You Apply
To maintain its reputation for excellence, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship has clear eligibility rules. Both Irish citizens and international students are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the following requirements.
Academic & Registration Requirements:
- Must hold a first-class or upper-second-class Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- If the first degree is lower, a Master’s qualification may compensate.
- Should be a new entrant or within the first year of registration by September 2025.
- Candidates can apply a maximum of two times if previously unsuccessful.
Institutional & Language Criteria:
- Must have one primary supervisor from an eligible Irish research institution.
- Applications must be submitted in English or Irish only.
- Each applicant receives one institutional endorsement per call.
These criteria ensure that only motivated and academically strong candidates are chosen for this highly competitive scholarship.
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What the Funding Covers Complete Financial Support
This scholarship provides a comprehensive funding package that covers every essential academic and living need. The goal is to help students concentrate solely on their studies and research work.
Funding Breakdown:
- Annual Stipend: €25,000 to cover accommodation, food, and living expenses.
- Tuition Fees: Up to €5,750 per year paid directly to the host institution.
- Research Support: €3,250 annually for laboratory work, field trips, and other project-related costs.
- Additional Support: €4,000 available for non-EU students to cover extra tuition fees.
Key Dates Timeline for 2026 Applications
The 2026 scholarship call follows a specific schedule, and missing a single deadline may lead to disqualification. It’s recommended to start preparing documents early and submit before the final date.
Important Dates:
- Call Opens: 11 September 2025 (12:00 Irish Time)
- FAQ Deadline: 16 October 2025 (16:00)
- Applicant Submission Deadline: 23 October 2025 (16:00)
- Supervisor Submission Deadline: 6 November 2025 (16:00)
- Research Office Endorsement Deadline: 13 November 2025 (16:00)
- Results Announcement: End of April 2026
- Program Commencement: 1 September 2026
Tips for Applicants:
- Prepare early and avoid last-minute uploads.
- Ensure all sections of the online form are complete before submission.
- Remember, late or duplicate submissions are automatically rejected.
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Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for the Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship involves several stages, requiring coordination with your supervisor and research institution.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Verify Eligibility: Review academic and institutional requirements.
- Select a Supervisor: Secure commitment from a qualified supervisor at an eligible Irish institution.
- Draft Your Proposal: Create a research plan highlighting innovation, relevance, and feasibility.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Academic transcripts, reference details, and ethical approvals if required.
- Submit Application: Complete the online submission before the applicant deadline.
- Supervisor & Research Office Endorsement: Ensure both endorsements are submitted on time.
- Final Review: Double-check all information and attachments before submission.
A strong and well-prepared application reflects your commitment and improves your chances of success.
Review and Selection Process
Once submitted, your application goes through a multi-step evaluation and peer-review process. Research Ireland ensures that every candidate is judged fairly and on merit.
Evaluation Criteria Include:
- Research Excellence: Originality, depth, and contribution to the field.
- Feasibility: Clear and realistic research plan.
- Leadership Potential: Academic record, communication skills, and initiative.
- Supervisor Quality: Level of support and research environment.
The review is gender-blind and involves international experts to maintain fairness and transparency. Only top-ranked applications are recommended for funding.
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Partner Opportunities and Thematic Areas
In addition to the main scholarship, there are thematic awards supported by strategic partners that offer extra funding and focus areas.
Partner Institutions Include:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Met Éireann
- Department of Foreign Affairs
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
If you apply under a specific theme and are not selected for it, your application is still considered for the core Research Ireland program — ensuring maximum opportunity for all candidates.
Equality, Diversity & Open Research
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship places a strong emphasis on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). It aims to create equal opportunities for all scholars regardless of gender, nationality, or background.
The program also supports Open Research practices, encouraging transparency and collaboration. Being a DORA signatory, Research Ireland evaluates applicants on the quality and impact of their work rather than on journal metrics or rankings.
This approach ensures fair recognition of talent and innovation across all disciplines.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Writing a strong proposal can set you apart from other applicants. Follow these suggestions for success:
Best Practices:
- Present a clear, specific, and innovative research idea.
- Demonstrate how your project contributes to your field or society.
- Use precise and concise language; avoid unnecessary jargon.
- Get strong references and ensure your supervisor’s support is evident.
- Double-check formatting, structure, and grammar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Submitting incomplete forms or missing documents.
- Ignoring ethical or feasibility considerations.
- Waiting until the last day to upload your application.
A well-organized proposal shows professionalism and significantly improves your selection chances.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-EU students apply?
Yes, the scholarship welcomes international students. Additional funding is available to cover higher non-EU tuition costs.
Are all academic fields eligible?
Yes, every discipline from arts and humanities to science, engineering, and technology — can apply.
Do I need an admission offer before applying?
You only need a primary supervisor and affiliation with an eligible research body at the time of application.
When will results be announced?
Results are expected by April 2026, and successful applicants will begin their studies in September 2026.
After Applying Next Steps
After submitting your application, the Research Ireland team conducts eligibility checks, followed by international peer review. Successful candidates are notified through their research institution.
Once selected:
- Accept your award and confirm your enrollment.
- Complete your visa and relocation process (for non-EU students).
- Begin your research project in September 2026.
If you are not selected, consider improving your proposal and reapplying in the next cycle candidates are allowed a maximum of two attempts.
Conclusion
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 offers everything a research scholar needs full funding, world-class mentorship, and access to Ireland’s globally recognized universities. With a €25,000 stipend, fee coverage, and research support, this program empowers talented students to lead, publish, and contribute to knowledge that shapes the future.
For those ready to take the next step in their academic career, this scholarship is more than funding it’s the start of a life-changing journey in innovation and discovery. Apply early, prepare well, and take your research ambitions to Ireland.