Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 (Funded)
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 13
If you are an aspiring Master’s or PhD student seeking a fully funded research opportunity in Europe, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 is now open for applications. Managed by Research Ireland and funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, this programme offers highly competitive and prestigious awards to outstanding candidates. With full financial support, the programme empowers scholars to conduct world-class research in Ireland, across all disciplines—from archaeology to zoology.
This unique scheme is recognised internationally for its fairness, independence, and academic excellence, making it one of the most attractive postgraduate research scholarships in Europe. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview about this exciting opportunity!
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Republic of Ireland
Host Institution: Any eligible Irish higher education institution or research body
Study Level: Master’s by research (2 years) or PhD (4 years)
Target Group: International and domestic students pursuing research-based postgraduate studies
Fields of Study: All disciplines (bottom-up, non-directed research encouraged)
Award Value:
Annual stipend: €25,000
Fees contribution (including non-EU): up to €5,750 per year (+ an additional €4,000 for non-EU nationals if required)
Eligible research expenses: €3,250 per year
Total maximum annual funding: €34,000
Award Duration: 1–4 years depending on programme (Master’s or PhD)
Application Deadlines:
Call opens: 11 September 2025
FAQ deadline: 16 October 2025
Applicant deadline: 23 October 2025
Supervisor deadline: 6 November 2025
Research Office endorsement deadline: 13 November 2025
Call outcome: End of April 2026
Award start date: 1 September 2026
Eligibility: Open to candidates worldwide with excellent academic standing, affiliated with an eligible Irish research body.
📚 Scholarship Overview
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is designed to support:
Innovative, bottom-up research: Applicants propose their own topics and directions.
Interdisciplinary and pioneering projects: Work spanning multiple disciplines or introducing novel approaches is highly encouraged.
Objective peer-review evaluation: Applications are assessed by international, independent experts.
Future research leaders: Awardees are recognised as scholars with potential to shape the global research landscape.
Over the past five years, the average success rate for applicants has been around 18%, underscoring the programme’s prestige and competitiveness.
🎁 Benefits
Full financial coverage (stipend, fees, and research expenses) valued up to €34,000 per year.
Opportunity to pursue research in any field at world-class Irish institutions.
Independence to design and lead your own research project.
Access to a diverse network of leading scholars and experts.
Recognition as part of Ireland’s most competitive postgraduate scholarship scheme.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a new entrant to the postgraduate degree they are applying for (exceptions apply for transfers and career breaks).
Hold a first-class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). Candidates with a master’s may also be considered.
Be affiliated with an eligible Irish research body.
Not have had more than two previous unsuccessful applications to this programme.
Secure a primary supervisor at an eligible research institution (supervisors may endorse only one applicant).
Apply in English or Irish language.
❌ Not eligible if:
You are a permanent member of staff at an Irish or international research body.
Your project has already been fully funded by another funding agency.
✍🏻 Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted through the SmartSimple platform. The process includes:
2026 Call: Carefully read the scholarship call for applications document
Prepare your proposal: Draft a clear and original research project with the support of your supervisor.
Online submission: Fill in the application form, upload supporting documents, and submit by the applicant deadline.
Supervisor endorsement: Your supervisor must submit their reference before the deadline.
Research office approval: Your host institution’s research office must endorse your application.
📂 Required Documents
Academic transcripts and certificates
Research proposal (including methodology and objectives)
Supervisor’s statement of support
Proof of English language proficiency (if required by host institution)
Supplementary documents (bibliography, charts, essential references, etc.)
ℹ️ Further Information & Resources
For further detailed information about the application process, head to the 'Downloads' section available on this webpage.
💡FAQs
Q1. Can I apply if my project has some external funding from my supervisor’s other grants?
A: No. Applications must be entirely the applicant’s own work. Using previously funded work makes an application ineligible.
Q2. I have a 2.2 bachelor’s degree but later earned a first-class higher diploma. Am I eligible?
A: Yes. A first-class higher diploma is equivalent to an honours bachelor’s (NFQ Level 8).
Q3. Do I need an English language certificate like IELTS?
A: Not for Research Ireland, but check requirements of your chosen institution.
Q4. Are professional doctorates or PhD by artefact eligible?
A: Yes, if supported by an eligible research body and meeting NFQ doctoral standards.
Q5. Can I re-use parts of a previous application if I was unsuccessful last year?
A: Yes, if you’ve only applied once before. You must explain modifications since the last submission.
Q6. Do I need to be already registered at an Irish university to apply?
A: No. Registration is not required before applying.
Q7. Can a research fellow be my supervisor?
A: No. Supervisors must be permanent academic staff.
Q8. Can I hold this scholarship and a SUSI grant at the same time?
A: Yes, as long as the total does not exceed the GOI scholarship funding amount.
Q9. Can I reside outside Ireland during the scholarship?
A: No. You must reside in Ireland and be present at your host institution.
Q10. Can the scholarship start later than September 2026?
A: Normally no, but in exceptional cases (career breaks, transcript delays) it may be delayed until March 2027.
