Do you dream of leading cutting-edge research in Europe, with the full support of one of the world’s most generous funding programs? The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 has officially opened its Spring intake, inviting ambitious international students to apply for a chance to pursue their master’s or PhD studies in Ireland. This highly competitive program, managed by Research Ireland and funded by the Government of Ireland, empowers outstanding scholars to design and direct their own research projects in an intellectually vibrant environment.
Introduction to the Scholarship
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship is recognized globally as one of the most prestigious opportunities for early-career researchers. It is open to exceptional students in all academic disciplines, welcoming bold and innovative research proposals across science, technology, humanities, social sciences, and beyond. The program supports independent thinkers who want to make a real impact on global knowledge, while contributing to Ireland’s world-class research ecosystem.
Ireland Scholarship Offering Package
This scholarship ensures that financial worries never stand in the way of great ideas. Awardees receive a comprehensive funding package of up to €34,000 per year, which includes:
- A stipend of €25,000 annually to cover living costs.
- Tuition fee support up to €5,750 per year, with additional contributions available for non-EU students.
- Research expenses allowance of €3,250 per year to fund essential project costs.
Depending on your degree level, funding may last up to two (02) years for a Master’s by Research or four years for a full doctoral program.
Eligibility Benchmark Requirements
The scholarship is open to talented students from across the globe, but strict benchmarks apply:
- Applicants must be new entrants to their postgraduate program or within the first year of registration by 1 September 2025.
- A first-class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required. If not, a master’s degree may qualify you.
- Candidates must be affiliated with an Eligible Research Body in Ireland and have a confirmed primary supervisor.
- Applications can be submitted in English or Irish.
- Both EU/EEA nationals and exceptional applicants from outside Europe are welcome to apply.
- Applicants may not have applied unsuccessfully to this program more than twice.
How to Apply?
The application process is fully online through Research Ireland’s system. First, secure a supervisor at an eligible Irish institution and discuss your proposed project. Then, complete the eligibility quiz to access the official application form. Applicants must submit academic transcripts, a detailed research proposal, a supervisor endorsement form, and supporting documents.
Application Deadline
For the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 (Spring intake), the application timeline is: the call opens at 12:00 (Irish time) on 11 September 2025; the FAQ deadline is 16:00 on 16 October 2025; the applicant submission deadline is 16:00 on 23 October 2025; the supervisor endorsement deadline is 16:00 on 6 November 2025; the research office endorsement deadline is 16:00 on 13 November 2025; results are announced by the end of April 2026; and awards commence on 1 September 2026.