Call for Applications for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026
Key Dates
- Call Open: 11 September 2025 (12:00 Irish time)
- FAQ Deadline: 16 October 2025 (16:00 Irish time)
- Applicant Deadline: 23 October 2025 (16:00 Irish time)
- Supervisor Deadline: 6 November 2025 (16:00 Irish time)
- Research Office Endorsement Deadline: 13 November 2025 (16:00 Irish time)
- Call Outcome: End of April 2026
- Award Start Date: 1 September 2026
About the Programme
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, managed by Research Ireland, is a prestigious national initiative funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Key features include:
- Highly competitive, prestigious individual awards (average success rate: 18%).
- Open to Master’s by research and PhD candidates.
- Funding available across all disciplines (STEM & AHSS).
- Encouragement for interdisciplinary, innovative, and pioneering proposals.
- Independent international peer review of applications.
Strategic Funding Partners (2026 Call)
Applicants can apply under core funding or partner themes. Partners include:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Met Éireann
- Department of Foreign Affairs
If not selected under a partner theme, applications will still be considered under the core programme.
Funding Package
Up to €34,000 per annum for 1–4 years, depending on the degree:
- Stipend: €25,000 per year
- Fees contribution: Up to €5,750 (non-EU nationals may request an additional €4,000)
- Research costs: €3,250 per year
Duration & Eligibility by Degree Type
- Master’s by Research: 2 years (1 year if already enrolled in 2025/26)
- PhD: 4 years (3 years if already enrolled in 2025/26)
Applicants already in year one may still be eligible. Career break adjustments (maternity, paternity, adoption, illness, carer’s leave) are recognised.
Applicant Eligibility
- Open to Master’s and PhD candidates beginning studies in 2026 (or already in year one).
- Must hold:
- A first-class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree, or
- A master’s degree if the bachelor’s is lower.
- Must be affiliated with an Eligible Research Body in Ireland.
- No age limit.
- Cannot have applied unsuccessfully more than twice.
- Cannot hold a previous Government of Ireland Scholarship for the same degree type.
- Must have a primary academic supervisor (one applicant per supervisor, per call).
Nationality Categories
- Category 1: Nationals/residents of EU, UK, EEA countries, Switzerland, or Ukraine (≥3 of past 5 years).
- Category 2: All other applicants (fewer awards available, but exceptional candidates considered).
2025 success rates:
- STEM: 12% overall, 2% for Category 2
- AHSS: 16% overall, 3% for Category 2
Application Process (Simplified)
- Applicant submits application by 23 October 2025.
- Supervisor endorses by 6 November 2025.
- Research Office endorses by 13 November 2025.
- Peer review & assessment (Dec–Apr).
- Outcome announced end of April 2026.
- Scholarship start: 1 September 2026.
✅ This is one of Ireland’s most competitive postgraduate scholarships, designed to foster world-class future research leaders.
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