The Hardiman PhD Scholarships 2026 at the University of Galway, Ireland, are now officially open, offering a fully funded doctoral opportunity for the 2026–2027 academic cohort. This is a flagship, university-wide PhD scholarship funding scheme designed for outstanding international and domestic candidates who plan to start their PhD on 1 September 2026. This article explains what the Hardiman PhD Scholarships are, what they offer, who can apply, and the exact deadlines you must meet to stay eligible.
What type of opportunity is this?
The Hardiman PhD Scholarships are fully funded doctoral research scholarships supporting full-time, structured PhD programmes across all academic disciplines at the University of Galway. The scheme is rooted in curiosity-driven and impact-focused research, aligned with global challenges, national priorities, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Successful candidates join a vibrant international research environment with access to leading supervisors and cross-disciplinary research pillars.
What does the Hardiman PhD Scholarship offer?
The scholarship provides four years of full financial support, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their research without financial pressure. Each award includes a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year, full tuition fee coverage for four years, and enrolment in a structured PhD programme with advanced research training. While the scholarship does not cover travel, consumables, or student levies, it is considered one of the most competitive PhD funding packages in Ireland.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This opportunity is designed for high-achieving, research-driven graduates with strong academic potential and a clear research vision. Applicants must be motivated to contribute original research and thrive in an intellectually demanding environment. The scheme is open to candidates across humanities, social sciences, STEM, health sciences, business, law, and creative disciplines—provided the research is supervised within the University of Galway.
Eligibility Checks – Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be new PhD entrants commencing their doctoral studies on 1 September 2026 and must be applying for a full-time structured PhD at the University of Galway. Individuals who are currently registered as PhD students, have previously been awarded a PhD, or wish to pursue a part-time PhD are not eligible.
Applicants must nominate one eligible University of Galway supervisor, secure their agreement to support the application, and demonstrate strong academic preparation and research potential. Programmes accredited but not delivered by the University of Galway, such as those at the Burren College of Art, are excluded from this scholarship.
Apply: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/hardiman-scholarships/#
Important deadlines for Hardiman PhD Scholarships 2026
All components of the Hardiman PhD Scholarship application must be completed by 6 February 2026 at 17:00 Irish Time. This deadline applies equally to the scholarship application, the supervisor form, and both academic reference forms, with no extensions permitted under any circumstances. Candidates should also plan early if a student visa is required, as admission to the PhD programme and visa processing must be completed well before the September 2026 start date.
For international students seeking a prestigious, fully funded PhD in Ireland with strong research mentorship and global impact, the Hardiman PhD Scholarships 2026 represent a rare and highly competitive opportunity that rewards academic excellence, originality, and research ambition.