Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026: Overview

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is a prestigious national initiative funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and managed by Research Ireland.

This programme provides individual awards for outstanding research across all disciplines, supporting Master’s and PhD students in developing cutting-edge, independent, and interdisciplinary research. With an average success rate of 18%, the programme is highly competitive and recognizes scholars who show potential as future research leaders.

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026: Eligibility

• Open to new entrants to a Master’s or PhD programme OR students in the first year of their postgraduate degree (effective from the 2026 call).

• Applicants must propose bottom-up, non-directed research (except projects supported by strategic partners).

• Open to all disciplines (arts, sciences, social sciences, engineering, etc.).

• Academic Supervisors:

  • Can act as Primary Supervisor for only one applicant per call.

  • No restriction for roles as secondary or co-supervisors.

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026: Benefits

• Prestigious, individual awards in the name of the researcher.

• Funding across all academic disciplines, from archaeology to zoology.

• Interdisciplinary research proposals encouraged.

• Recognition as a world-class researcher with leadership potential.

 Programme Features

• Independent peer review by international experts.

• Flexible funding model supporting Master’s and PhD programmes.

• Encourages pioneering proposals, new and emerging fields, and creative/innovative approaches.

• Includes strategic partnerships with Irish government departments and agencies.

Strategic Funding Partners (2026 Call)

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

• Department of Foreign Affairs

• Met Éireann

Key Dates (Indicative)

• 📢 Call Opens: 11 September 2025 (12:00 Irish local time)

• ❓ FAQ Deadline: 16 October 2025 (16:00 Irish local time)

• 📝 Applicant Deadline: 23 October 2025 (16:00 Irish local time)

• 👩‍🏫 Supervisor/Mentor Deadline: 6 November 2025 (16:00 Irish local time)

• 🏛 Research Office Endorsement Deadline: 13 November 2025 (16:00 Irish local time)

• 📢 Call Outcome: End of April 2026

• 🎓 Award Start Date: 1 September 2026

Application Process

1. Wait for the official Call Document (to be published 11 September 2025).

2. Prepare your research proposal and secure a willing academic supervisor.

3. Submit online before the applicant deadline.

4. Supervisor, mentor, and research office must also endorse the application before their deadlines.

5. Applications undergo independent international peer review.

6. Notification of results will be released by April 2026.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026