Research Potential with the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
For postgraduate students with ambitions to push the boundaries of knowledge, Ireland offers a golden opportunity: the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.
Managed by Research Ireland and funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, this prestigious programme supports excellent, bottom-up research across all disciplines—from archaeology to zoology.
What Makes It Special
- Merit-based and independent: Applicants are evaluated by international, independent experts through an objective peer-review process.
- Freedom of research direction: The programme supports non-directed research, meaning you propose what you wish to study (except where strategic funding partners set priorities). Interdisciplinary and innovative proposals are especially welcomed.
- All disciplines included: Whether you’re in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, or beyond, your field can qualify. Research crossing disciplinary boundaries is viewed favorably.
What’s on Offer
Successful awardees receive a substantial package:
- A stipend of up to €25,000 per annum.
- Contribution to tuition fees (including non-EU fees) of up to €5,750 per annum. Non-EU candidates may request an extra €4,000.
- Direct research costs of €3,250 per annum to help with research expenses.
Key Deadlines & Who Can Apply
If you’re planning, note these important dates:
- Call opens: 11 September 2025
- Applicant deadline: 23 October 2025, at 16:00 (Irish local time)
- Supervisor deadline: 6 November 2025
- Research-office endorsement deadline: 13 November 2025
Eligibility has recently been expanded: from the 2026 call onwards, both new entrants to a master’s or PhD programme and students who are in the first year of a degree for which they seek funding are eligible. Also, supervisors are limited to acting as primary supervisor for a maximum of one applicant.
What Gives You a Competitive Edge
Given a past success rate of around 18% over the previous five years, this is a highly competitive scheme. To stand out:
- Propose research that is pioneering or introduces creative, innovative approaches.
- Demonstrate how your work could cross disciplines or bring together different perspectives.
- Ensure your application is well-prepared, with strong supervisor input, and meets all institutional deadlines.
Ready to Apply?
If you believe your research has the potential to make a real impact, this could be the scholarship that launches your work to international standard. Apply now through the official portal:
👉 https://www.researchireland.ie/funding/government-ireland-postgraduate/
