Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine PhD Scholarship 2026
About this scholarship
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine PhD Scholarships support doctoral research in Ireland, including funded studentships at universities such as University College Dublin in agriculture-related and interdisciplinary areas.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine PhD Scholarship refers to doctoral studentships funded by Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). These awards typically support PhD research linked to agriculture, food, rural development, animal health, environmental or related interdisciplinary themes at Irish higher education institutions.
Based on recent postings, DAFM-funded PhD studentships can provide a stipend of €25,000 per year plus a contribution of €6,000 per year toward fees, usually for 4 years. Individual projects may be hosted by specific universities and developed in collaboration with external research or sector partners. For example, one recent opportunity supported two PhD projects in Farm Safety, Health and Welfare at University College Dublin, in collaboration with Teagasc and Animal Health Ireland.
These scholarships are intended for strong applicants with a relevant academic background. Depending on the project, eligible disciplines may include agricultural science and other related fields such as behavioural science, psychology, sociology, geography, occupational therapy, engineering, or human factors. A good honours degree is commonly expected, and some projects may also welcome or prefer applicants with a master's qualification.
As this is a project-based funding stream rather than a single universal call format, the exact eligibility criteria, subject focus, and application process vary by studentship. Applicants should look for DAFM-funded PhD advertisements from Irish universities or partner research organisations, review the specific project description carefully, and apply through the host institution as instructed in the vacancy notice.
- Typical level funded: PhD
- Host country: Ireland
- Common support: annual stipend plus fee contribution
- Application route: through the university or project advertisement
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Eligibility depends on the specific DAFM-funded PhD project. In the referenced University College Dublin opportunity, applicants needed a good primary degree (First or Upper Second Class Honours) or an MSc in a relevant discipline such as agricultural science, agricultural extension, behavioural science, psychology, sociology, geography, occupational therapy, or a related human factor engineering field. Candidates were also expected to be self-motivated and prepared for field work, data analysis, and reporting.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine PhD Scholarship.
