Job Description

Apply for the Government of Ireland Scholarships. Fully funded Master’s and PhD programs in all fields. Up to €34,000 per annum.

Opportunity Description

Applications are now open for the Government of Ireland Scholarships 2026, one of the most prestigious fully funded programs managed by the Irish Research Council. This program funds outstanding Master’s and PhD students from around the world to conduct innovative, high-quality research at Irish universities. It welcomes interdisciplinary and creative proposals across all fields of study, from life sciences to humanities, fostering Ireland’s reputation as a hub for world-class research.

Over the past five years, the program has had an average success rate of 18%, making it highly competitive and a mark of excellence and research leadership potential.

Why Apply the Government of Ireland Scholarships

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for ambitious researchers seeking international exposure, generous funding, and access to leading Irish universities.

With funding of up to €34,000 annually, mentorship, and world-class research opportunities, this program is designed to develop the next generation of global research leaders.

Key Details

• Organizer: Irish Research Council
• Host Country: Ireland
• Degree Level: Master’s & PhD
• Duration: 1–4 years
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Gender: Male/Female
• Language of Instruction: English
• Application Fee: Not required
• Eligible Countries: International (EU & Non-EU)

Key Dates

• Applications Open: 11 September 2025 (12:00 Irish time)
• FAQ Deadline: 16 October 2025 (16:00 Irish time)
• Application Deadline: 23 October 2025 (16:00 Irish time)
• Supervisor/Mentor Deadline: 6 November 2025
• Research Office Endorsement: 13 November 2025
• Results Announcement: April 2026
• Program Start: 01 September 2026

Scholarship Duration

• Research Master’s Degree → 1 year
• Structured Master’s Degree → 2 years
• Traditional Doctoral Degree → 3 years
• Structured Doctoral Degree → 4 years

Benefits of the Government of Ireland Scholarships

The program provides up to €34,000 per annum, including:

• Annual Stipend: €25,000
• Fee Contribution: Up to €5,750 (includes non-EU tuition fees)
  • Non-EU nationals may receive an additional €4,000 per year
• Direct Research Allowance: €3,250 per year

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to all nationalities (EU and Non-EU)
• Applicants must be affiliated with an eligible Irish higher education or research institution
• Must hold a first-class or upper second-class honors Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
• Applications accepted in English or Irish only
• Applicants must not have had two previous unsuccessful applications to this program
• Applicants must not currently hold, or have previously held, an Irish Research Council scholarship
• Proposals in all fields of study are welcome, particularly:
  • Innovative, interdisciplinary research
  • Emerging research fields and creative approaches
• Ineligible Research Areas:
  • Human cloning for reproductive purposes
  • Genetic modification of human beings (except research related to cancer treatment)
  • Creation of human embryos solely for stem cell research

Eligible Universities in Government of Ireland Scholarships

• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin
• University College Cork
• University of Galway
• University of Limerick
• Dublin City University
• Maynooth University
• RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Technological University Dublin
• South East Technological University
• Munster Technological University
• Atlantic Technological University
• And many more (full list on official call)

Selection Process

• Highly competitive and rigorous
• Applications undergo independent peer review by international experts
• Based on excellence, innovation, and research potential

Application Process

1. Carefully review eligibility requirements in the official guidelines
2. Prepare all necessary documents (academic records, proposal, supervisor support, etc.)
3. Submit application via the Irish Research Council Portal before 23 October 2025 (16:00 Irish time)
4. Ensure your supervisor and host institution endorse your application before the final deadline

Apply Now!

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