Applications are now open for the DCU SHINE PhD Scholarship 2026 in Ireland. This fully funded doctoral scholarship is offered by the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University (DCU). The opportunity is open to applicants from Ireland, the European Union, and all international countries.
The funded PhD position is part of the SHINE research project, which is supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The project focuses on social housing, energy poverty, climate action, citizen science, and public policy. Selected candidates will receive a yearly stipend of €25,000, full tuition fee coverage for up to four years, and the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research in Ireland.
The doctoral program will begin in September 2026. During the four-year research period, the successful applicant will work with experts from the School of Law and Government and the School of Electronic Engineering. The research aims to understand how social housing residents engage with clean energy transitions and how policy and technology can support more sustainable communities. The complete details are provided below.
WhatsApp ChannelOverview of DCU SHINE PhD Scholarship 2026
| Host Country | Ireland |
| Host University | Dublin City University (DCU) |
| School | School of Law and Government |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Program Duration | 4 Years |
| Eligible Countries | Ireland, EU countries, and International applicants |
| Application Deadline | 8 July 2026 (5:00 PM Irish Time) |
Also Check: DAAD SBW Berlin Scholarship 2026 in Germany
Financial Benefits
The DCU SHINE PhD Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the doctoral program. Selected candidates will receive:
- Annual stipend of €25,000
- Full tuition fee coverage for four years (up to the non-EU tuition rate)
- Full-time funded PhD position
- Supervision by experienced academic researchers
- Access to research training, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Opportunity to conduct research in Ireland within an international academic environment
Also Check: DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027 in Germany
About the SHINE Research Project
The funded PhD is part of the SHINE research project, a four-year interdisciplinary initiative funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The project is led by Dr. Valesca Lima from the School of Law and Government and Professor Stephen Daniels from the School of Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University.
SHINE uses citizen science to study how people living in social housing participate in clean energy transitions. The project also examines how public policies, housing systems, and emerging technologies can help reduce energy poverty while supporting climate goals and a just transition. The research brings together expertise from public policy, engineering, governance, sustainability, and community engagement. (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland)
Also Check: SNU President Fellowship Program 2027 in South Korea
PhD Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to develop an original research proposal that aligns with the SHINE project. Possible research topics include:
- Public Policy
- Governance
- Climate Policy
- Social Housing
- Energy Poverty
- Citizen Science
- Housing Regulations
- Sustainable Development
- Just Transition
- Human-Technology Interaction
- Human-Data Interaction
- Energy Literacy
- Climate Action Plans
- Policy Innovation
- Environmental Governance
The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary research team while developing an independent doctoral research project.
Also Check: KOICA Scholarship Program 2027 in South Korea
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Level 8 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Relevant academic fields include:
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Sociology
- Human Geography
- Education
- Environmental Science
- Sustainable Systems
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Related fields with a strong interest in social justice
- A Level 9 Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable but not mandatory.
- Applicants from Ireland, EU countries, and all international countries are eligible to apply.
- Shortlisted candidates may be asked to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages)
- Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages)
Candidates shortlisted after the initial review will be invited to an online interview in mid-July 2026.
How to Apply for the DCU SHINE PhD Scholarship 2026
How to Apply for the DCU SHINE PhD Scholarship 2026
To apply for the DCU SHINE PhD Scholarship 2026, follow these steps:
- Prepare the required application documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 3 pages)
- Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Review your documents carefully to ensure they highlight your academic background, research interests, and motivation for joining the SHINE research project.
- Submit your application by email to tracymae.ildefonso@dcu.ie before the application deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview in mid-July 2026. Successful applicants may also be required to provide proof of English language proficiency.
Why Apply for This PhD?
This scholarship combines fully funded doctoral study with interdisciplinary research on climate policy, sustainable housing, governance, and energy systems. Researchers will work on a nationally funded project while developing independent research that contributes to public policy and climate action. The funding package covers tuition fees and provides a competitive annual stipend, making it a valuable opportunity for international students interested in research careers.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the DCU SHINE PhD Scholarship 2026 is 8 July 2026 (5:00 PM Irish Time).
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document review.
