Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded master’s and phd program at Irish universities. The scholarship is run by Research Ireland and funded by the Irish government. This scholarship is one of the country’s most competitive and respected awards, attracting applicants from all academic fields.

Each year, successful scholars receive financial support that covers tuition fees, a living allowance, and research expenses. The program is open to students in every discipline, from science and technology to arts, humanities, and social sciences. What makes it especially attractive is that it supports innovative and interdisciplinary research projects, giving students the chance to develop ideas that can make an impact at both national and global levels.

The scholarship has a highly competitive selection process that is based on academic excellence, the quality of the research proposal, and the applicant’s potential to contribute to their field. Applications for the 2026 call will open on September 11, 2025, and the awards will begin in September 2026.

This scholarship is a great opportunity for motivated students who want to advance their education in Ireland while gaining valuable international research experience.

Now, let’s apply for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026. Follow the step-by-step guide of Scholarships Edge to learn about benefits, eligibility, required documents and how to apply. 👇

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Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme Details

Eligible Programs in Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship

• Engineering
• Humanities and Arts
• Business
• Law
• General Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Social Sciences

Participating Universities in the Irish Postgraduate Scholarship

• Atlantic Technological University
• Dublin City University
• Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
• Dublin Dental Hospital
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology
• Marino Institute of Education
• Mary Immaculate College
• Maynooth University
• Munster Technological University
• National College of Art and Design
• National College of Ireland
• RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Royal Irish Academy
• Royal Irish Academy of Music
• South East Technological University
• Technological University Dublin
• Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Cork
• University College Dublin
• University of Galway
• University of Limerick

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Benefits of the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship

Recipients receive funding up to €34,000 per year for the approved duration of study:

• Annual stipend (living allowance): €25,000
  
• Tuition fee contribution (including non-EU): up to €5,750 per year
  
• Research expenses: up to €4,000 per year
• Other direct cost: up to €3,250 per year
  
• Access to Ireland’s leading research institutions and academic networks
  
• Recognition as a scholar under a nationally prestigious programme

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Eligibility Criteria for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship

To qualify for the 2026 call, applicants must meet these requirements:

• Open to international and domestic students in any discipline
• Must be a new entrant to a Master’s or PhD, OR a first-year student already registered in such a programme
• Must have a supervisor in an eligible Irish institution willing to support the application
• Applicants cannot have applied unsuccessfully more than twice in previous calls
• No age limit
• Proposals must be written in English or Irish
• The supervisor may only support one applicant per call as the primary supervisor

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Required Documents for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship

1. Completed application form (via Research Ireland portal)
2. Research proposal (clear objectives, originality, methodology, potential impact)
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
4. Academic transcripts and certificates
5. Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) if applicable
6. Two reference letters (usually academic referees)
7. Supervisor statement of support from your Irish host institution
8. Passport copy (for international students)

Note: The exact list will be in the official 2026 Call Document when published on 11 September 2025.

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How to Apply for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship

1. Check eligibility and confirm your research field fits the programme
2. Identify and contact a supervisor at an eligible Irish institution — this is essential
3. Prepare your research proposal and gather all supporting documents
4. Register on the Research Ireland online portal when the call opens (11 September 2025)
5. Submit your application by the deadline (exact closing date will be announced in the 2026 call)
6. Shortlisted candidates undergo evaluation by international peer reviewers
7. Successful candidates receive an award letter and must formally accept it before starting studies

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Timeline for the 2026 Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme