Government of Ireland Scholarships allow students worldwide to pursue their postgraduate programs and study in Ireland fully funded. The postgraduate grant is ideal for students pursuing a full-time master’s or Ph.D. who are passionate about research and have strong academic records. The scholarship is highly competitive, with an average success rate of 18% over the last five years. The program focuses on developing candidates into well-rounded researchers and leaders.

🔆 Host Country
✅ Ireland

🔆 Funded By
✅ Department of Education and Skills
✅ Managed by Research Ireland (Government of Ireland)

🔆 Degree Level
✅ Master’s by Research
✅ Doctoral Degree (PhD)

🔆 Program Duration
✅ Master’s: 2 years
✅ PhD: 4 years

🔆 Eligible Universities under the Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026
✅ Atlantic Technological University
✅ Coláiste Mhuire Marino
✅ Dublin City University
✅ Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
✅ Dublin Dental Hospital
✅ Dundalk Institute of Technology
✅ Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology
✅ Mary Immaculate College
✅ Maynooth University
✅ Munster Technological University
✅ National College of Art and Design
✅ National College of Ireland
✅ National University of Ireland, Galway
✅ 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
✅ University College Cork
✅ University College Dublin
✅ University of Dublin, Trinity College
✅ University of Limerick

🔆 Benefits of the Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026
✅ Up to €34,000 per year
✅ €25,000 yearly stipend for living costs
✅ Tuition fees covered up to €5,750 per year (including non-EU fees)
✅ Additional €4,000 per year available for non-EU students if tuition exceeds the limit (student/university covers any remaining difference)
✅ €3,250 per year for research expenses (equipment, travel, project-related costs)
✅ Independent peer evaluation as part of a transparent selection process
✅ Study at world-leading universities in Ireland

🔆 Eligibility Criteria of Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
✅ Open to applicants of all nationalities and all ages
✅ Applicants must pass the eligibility quiz before accessing the form
✅ Must be linked with an eligible Irish university/institution
✅ Bachelor’s degree required for Master’s applicants
✅ Master’s degree required for PhD applicants
✅ Strong academic record (first-class or upper-second-class degrees)
✅ Referees and supervisors must provide positive reports
✅ Applicants must not have failed twice in previous applications for the same program
✅ Students awaiting results can apply with provisional certificates
✅ Must not have held an Irish Research Council scholarship previously
✅ A primary supervisor in Ireland must agree to guide the research project
✅ Research involving humans/human material requires ethical approval (research leading to destruction of human embryos is not funded)

🔆 How to Apply for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026
✅ Apply online via the official portal (no hard copies or emails accepted)
✅ Pass the eligibility quiz first to access the application form
✅ Contact a supervisor at an eligible university and discuss your research idea (endorsement required)
✅ Prepare all required documents (official, stamped, signed transcripts)
✅ Write original application content (no plagiarism)
✅ Submit application in English or Irish only
✅ Create an account, fill out the online form, and upload documents
✅ Ensure referees and supervisors submit their endorsements on time

🔆 Required Documents for the Government of Ireland Scholarships
✅ Completed online application form (after eligibility quiz)
✅ Research proposal
✅ Personal statement / applicant profile
✅ Training & career development plan
✅ Environment section (fit with supervisor and host institution)
✅ Ethics statement (if applicable)
✅ Sex/Gender dimension statement
✅ Official transcripts for all degrees listed
✅ Supervisor endorsement form (online submission)
✅ Referee form(s) (online submission)
✅ Proof of nationality/residence (if requested)
✅ Evidence of career break (if requesting eligibility adjustment)
✅ Final transcripts (if pending at application stage)
✅ Ethical approval letters (for research requiring approval)

🔆 Deadline
✅ Last date to apply: 23rd October 202