Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026

Are you a talented postgraduate student seeking a fully funded research opportunity in Ireland? The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious initiative, managed by Research Ireland and funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, is one of the most competitive and well-regarded research awards in Europe.

With a strong focus on excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches, the programme offers exceptional students the opportunity to become the next generation of global research leaders.

Why Apply for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship?

The programme is unique within Ireland’s research ecosystem and complements other funding channels for postgraduate education. Some standout features include:

Prestigious Awards: Recognition for excellent research led in the name of the applicant.
International Peer Review: Proposals are assessed objectively by independent experts worldwide.
Open to All Disciplines: From archaeology to zoology, the programme funds research across all academic fields.
Bottom-up Approach: Awards support non-directed, original research, except in cases co-funded by strategic partners.
Innovation & Creativity: Pioneering proposals in emerging fields and interdisciplinary research are highly encouraged.

This highly competitive programme has an average success rate of 18% over the last five years. Successful applicants are recognised as demonstrating world-class potential and the ability to become future leaders in their fields.

Key Dates for the 2026 Call

Applicant Deadline: 23rd October 2025
Supervisor Deadline: 6th November 2025
Research Office Deadline: 13th November 2025

What the Scholarship Offers

The award provides comprehensive funding to support postgraduate research, which may include:

A living stipend to cover expenses during the research period.
Tuition fees contribution.
Research and related expenses.

Eligibility (Important Update)

From the 2026 call onwards, there will be changes to the programme’s eligibility criteria. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the updated guidelines in the Call Document before submitting their application.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should carefully review all documents and guidance before applying. Applications are submitted online via Research Ireland’s portal, with input from supervisors and the host institution’s Research Office.

Key resources include: