Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 | Fully Funded
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships Programme is one of the country’s most prestigious national initiatives, offering funding opportunities for exceptional students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees. Managed by Research Ireland and funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, this programme is highly competitive and widely respected across the global academic community.
Why Apply for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship?
This scholarship is unique in Ireland’s research landscape, complementing other national funding schemes while focusing on academic excellence, independent research, and innovation.
Key highlights of the programme include:
• Prestigious individual awards granted in the name of the applicant.
• Transparent and objective selection process through independent international peer review.
• Funding across all disciplines — from archaeology to zoology.
• Support for bottom-up, non-directed research, except for specific projects funded by strategic partners.
• Encouragement of pioneering and interdisciplinary proposals that explore emerging research areas and innovative approaches.
Over the last five years, the programme has maintained an average success rate of 18%, reflecting its competitive nature. Awardees are regarded as having world-class potential to become future research leaders.
Strategic Funding Partners (2026)
For the 2026 call, Research Ireland is partnering with several government departments and agencies to deliver on shared national research objectives. Strategic partners include:
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
• Department of Foreign Affairs
• Met Éireann
Scholarship Value and Benefits
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship provides up to €34,000 per year, which covers:
• Annual stipend: €25,000
• Tuition and fees contribution: Up to €5,750 (including non-EU fees).
• Note: Non-EU recipients may apply for an additional €4,000 annually. Any remaining balance must be covered by the student and/or their research institution.
• Eligible direct research costs: €3,250 per year
Eligibility Updates (Effective from 2026 Call)
• Open to new entrants to Master’s or PhD programmes, as well as students already registered in the first year of their degree.
• Primary Supervisors may only supervise one applicant per call, though they may act as co-supervisor or secondary supervisor for additional applications.
• Funding will now align with a full-degree model.
Key Dates for the 2026 Call
• Call Opens: 11 September 2025, 12:00 (Irish Local Time)
• FAQ Deadline: 16 October 2025, 16:00 (Irish Local Time)
• Applicant Deadline: 23 October 2025, 16:00 (Irish Local Time)
• Supervisor/Mentor Deadline: 6 November 2025, 16:00 (Irish Local Time)
• Research Office Endorsement Deadline: 13 November 2025, 16:00 (Irish Local Time)
• Call Outcome: End of April 2026
• Scholarship Start Date: 1 September 2026
Application Deadline: 23 October 2025
Supervisor Deadline: 6 November 2026
Research Office Deadline: 13 November 2-25
How to Apply
Interested applicants must apply online via any of the official portals:
• Official Website: Research Ireland – Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
• Application Portal: SmartSimple
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 offers a golden opportunity for outstanding researchers worldwide to pursue cutting-edge academic work in Ireland. With full financial support, global recognition, and strong institutional backing, this programme is designed for those ready to shape the future of research and innovation. Wish you good as you apply to pursue your academic dream in Ireland.