Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is a national research scholarship scheme in Ireland that supports high-achieving postgraduate researchers. It is administered by Research Ireland and is designed for students undertaking a Research Master's or PhD at an eligible Irish higher education institution.

The programme is open to applicants from all nationalities and welcomes proposals in all disciplines, including interdisciplinary research. A key feature of the scheme is that applicants normally need to identify and secure the support of a prospective supervisor at an eligible institution in Ireland before submitting an application.

Based on the referenced posting, the award offers a comprehensive funding package of up to EUR 34,000 per year. This includes a stipend of EUR 22,000, payment of eligible tuition fees, and support for research expenses. This makes it a strong option for students seeking funded postgraduate research opportunities in Ireland.

Applicants are generally expected to have a strong academic record, typically a first-class or upper second-class honours degree, or an equivalent Master's qualification where relevant. Because the award is competitive and research-focused, a well-developed proposal, academic references, and evidence of institutional support are usually important parts of the application.

You would typically apply through the programme's online application system and coordinate closely with your proposed supervisor and host institution. If you are planning postgraduate research in Ireland and have a strong academic profile, this programme is one of the country's most prestigious publicly funded scholarship opportunities.