A highly regarded and completely financed option for students from around the world to study a Master’s by Research or a PhD in Ireland is the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026. The Irish Research Council oversees the program, which is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science and promotes exceptional researchers in all academic disciplines.
This scholarship offers full financial assistance, professional supervision, and access to Ireland’s thriving research ecosystem, and it is available to applicants of all nationalities and academic backgrounds. It is intended to develop aspirational academics by providing them with the resources, acknowledgement, and guidance they need to succeed as future leaders in international research and academia.
Host Country: Ireland
University: Ireland Universities
Opportunity Type: Masters, PhD
Subjects: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: International Students, Domestic Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- A first-class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) is required of applicants; if the undergraduate degree falls short of this requirement, a master’s degree is needed.
- Applicants must be connected to an Irish research institution that qualifies.
- They should have only one year of study under their belts or be brand-new to the postgraduate program.
- Research must be carried out in an accredited Irish institution under the guidance of a primary supervisor.
- Only English or Irish may be used to submit applications.
Why Apply for the Government of Ireland Scholarship?
- Global Eligibility: Students from all nations are welcome to apply, and EU and non-EU students have equal possibilities.
- Broad Program Coverage: Master’s by Research and PhD programs in all academic disciplines are eligible for funding.
- Prestigious Recognition: This honours exceptional academic performance and promising research.
- Fair and Open Selection: Applications are assessed using a global peer-review procedure.
Benefits:
- Each recipient receives generous annual support of up to €34,000, guaranteeing complete financial covering for the duration of the scholarship.
- Living Stipend: A €25,000 annual stipend that is tax-free and intended to cover living expenses, everyday charges, and housing while studying in Ireland.
- Coverage of Tuition prices: Up to €5,750 annually can be contributed to university tuition costs, including higher non-EU overseas prices.
- Research Support Allowance: An extra €3,250 per year to pay for necessary academic fees like conferences, fieldwork, research materials, and other project-related expenses.
Deadline: 23 October 2025
