Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 is offered by the Government of Ireland. The scholarship is a prestigious national funding initiative designed to support outstanding postgraduate students pursuing research Master's or PhD degrees across all disciplines. Selected candidates will receive up to EUR 34,000 per annum, consisting of a stipend, fee contribution, and research expenses for the duration of their degree (1-4 years depending on program type).

Source: researchireland.ie

The Government of Ireland is offering this opportunity.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be a new entrant to a Master's or PhD programme, or a registered student in the first year of their degree
• hold a first-class or upper second-class honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent), OR possess a Master's degree if the primary degree does not meet this standard
• be affiliated with an Eligible Research Body in Ireland
• have a designated primary supervisor based at an eligible institution who endorses the application
• not have had more than two previous unsuccessful applications to this scheme
• pass the eligibility quiz on the online application system
• submit applications in English or Irish only

Note:-

• Non-EU nationals may request an additional EUR 4,000 per annum for fee contributions beyond the standard amount.
• Students awaiting results may apply with provisional certificates from their institutions.
• Academic supervisors may only endorse one applicant per call.

The selected students will receive a scholarship of up to EUR 34,000 per year, consisting of multiple benefits.

Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
Step 3: Scroll down to the ‘How to Apply’, and click on the ‘SmartSimple platform’.
Step 4: Click on ‘Register Here’.
Step 5: Click on ‘Applicant’, fill in the required information and click on the ‘Submit’ button.
Step 6: ‘Login’ with your credentials and proceed with your application.

• Academic transcripts
• Research proposal 
• Curriculum vitae
• Passport

Candidates will be selected through an objective, transparent selection process using international, independent expert peer review. Selection is based on:

• Academic merit and excellence
• Quality and innovation of the research proposal
• Potential as a future research leader
• Supervisor endorsement and support
• Interdisciplinary or pioneering approaches (highly encouraged)

Application Deadline: 23 October 2025

Question: Who is offering the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 opportunity?
Answer: The Government of Ireland, is offering this opportunity.

Question: How much is the scholarship worth?
Answer: The scholarship provides up to €34,000 per annum and other benefits.

Question: Who is eligible for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026?
Answer: New entrants or first-year registered students pursuing Master's or PhD research degrees at eligible Irish institutions with a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent).

Question: What is the last date to apply for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026?
Answer: The last date to apply is 23 October 2025.

Question: What is the mode of application?
Answer: The application is online through the Research Ireland portal after passing the mandatory eligibility quiz.