Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 Now Open for International Applicants

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 is now accepting applications for its Spring intake, offering one of Europe’s most generous funding packages for outstanding master’s and PhD candidates worldwide. Managed by Research Ireland, this prestigious program empowers talented scholars to lead innovative research projects in an intellectually vibrant academic environment.

About the Scholarship

Renowned for fostering independent and creative thinkers, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship welcomes proposals from all fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, and the humanities. The program is designed to support forward-thinking researchers who aim to make a global impact through groundbreaking discoveries.

Funding and Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• Annual stipend of €25,000 to cover living expenses
• Tuition fee coverage up to €5,750 per year, with additional contributions available for non-EU students
• Research allowance of €3,250 per year to support essential project costs
• Funding for up to two years for a Master’s by Research or four years for a full doctoral program

This comprehensive funding package ensures scholars can focus entirely on advancing their research without financial constraints.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be new entrants to a postgraduate program or within their first year of registration by 1 September 2025
• Hold a first-class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent); a master’s degree may be acceptable in some cases
• Secure affiliation with an eligible research institution in Ireland and have a confirmed academic supervisor
• Submit applications in either English or Irish
• Not have applied unsuccessfully to this scholarship more than twice

The program is open to EU/EEA nationals and exceptional international candidates.

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the official Research Ireland portal. Interested candidates must:

1. Secure a supervisor at an eligible Irish institution and agree on a proposed research project.
2. Complete an eligibility quiz to access the application form.
3. Submit academic transcripts, a detailed research proposal, a supervisor endorsement form, and supporting documents.

Key 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 Endorsement Deadline: 6 November 2025 (16:00)
• Research Office Endorsement Deadline: 13 November 2025 (16:00)
• Results Announcement: End of April 2026
• Program Start Date: 1 September 2026

Why Apply

This scholarship offers more than funding—it provides the chance to work with Ireland’s leading researchers, access world-class facilities, and join a global network of scholars dedicated to advancing knowledge. Graduates of the program often go on to distinguished careers in academia, industry, and policy development.