Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026

If you’re planning a research master’s or doctoral degree and want a fully funded route to study in Ireland, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (often called the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship or GOI Postgrad) is one of the most prestigious options available. It supports world-class early-career researchers across all disciplines and funds students to work in eligible Irish research bodies under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

Below is an expanded, practical guide to the 2026 call: what’s on offer, who can apply, key deadlines, how the scheme is assessed, and tips to improve your chance of success.

Snapshot — the essentials

• What: Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship (research master’s & PhD)
• Who runs it: Research Ireland (the national research agency) on behalf of the Irish government.
• Value: Up to €34,000 per year, made up of a €25,000 stipend, up to €5,750 contribution to fees (including non-EU fees), and €3,250 annual research expenses.
• Duration: 1–4 years depending on degree type (e.g. up to 2 years for a research master’s, up to 4 years for a PhD).
• Call opens: 11 September 2025 (12:00 Irish time).
• Applicant deadline: 23 October 2025, 16:00 Irish time.
• Supervisor deadline: 6 November 2025.
• Research office (endorsement) deadline: 13 November 2025.
• Call outcome: End of April 2026; award start date: 1 September 2026.

Why apply? What makes this scholarship special

• Prestige and independence: These are competitive, individual grants that enable you to lead your own research project with an identified supervisor at an Irish Eligible Research Body. Research Ireland uses international peer review to select awards, and successful recipients are regarded as future research leaders. The scheme has a strong multidisciplinary remit, from the humanities to STEM.
• Generous funding package: The stipend plus fee contribution and direct research costs make this one of Ireland’s most supportive awards for postgraduate researchers.
• Strategic partner strands: Research Ireland runs themed strands in partnership with government departments and agencies (for example, environmental or public policy themes). If your project aligns with a partner theme, you may be considered under that strand as well as the core competition.

Who can apply — eligibility at a glance

• Open to candidates of any nationality, but applicants fall into two categories based on nationality and residency (Category 1 and Category 2). Most awards go to Category 1 applicants, though a proportion are reserved for exceptional Category 2 applicants. Check the call document for full definitions.
• Academic standard: Applicants must normally have a first-class or upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). If you do not meet that condition for your bachelor’s, you must hold a master’s.
• New entrant requirement: You should be a new entrant to the degree for which you are seeking funding; limited exceptions exist for very early-stage students—read the call carefully.
• No prior Research Ireland funding: Master’s applicants must not have held a Research Ireland scholarship before; doctoral applicants must not currently hold, or have previously held, a Research Ireland scholarship except one that enabled them to obtain a research master’s.
• Supervisor & research body: You must be affiliated with an Eligible Research Body in Ireland and have a primary supervisor who supports the application. Primary supervisors are limited to endorsing one applicant to this call — your supervisor and research office must endorse the submission in the online system. If a research office endorses multiple applicants with the same supervisor, the applications will be deemed ineligible.

What the scholarship covers (details)

The combined grant package is defined as up to €34,000 per annum, and includes:

1. Stipend: €25,000 per year — for living costs.
2. Fees contribution: Up to €5,750 per year paid to the host research body (this may include non-EU fees).
3. Direct research costs: €3,250 per year to support research-specific expenses (travel, consumables, small equipment, fieldwork).

Note: You must accept the full grant package; partial acceptance is not permitted. Also, confirm whether the host institution will cover any additional course costs (e.g., bench fees) — these are typically expected to be met by the department.

The application process — practical steps

1. Preliminary eligibility quiz: Complete the online eligibility quiz to unlock the application form (this is mandatory).
2. Secure a supervisor and Eligible Research Body: Identify and secure agreement from a primary supervisor at an eligible Irish research body early — they can only back one applicant to this call. Your research office will need to endorse the completed online application later.
3. Prepare your research proposal: Write a crisp, persuasive project summary and detailed proposal tailored to the word limits and criteria in the Guide for Applicants. Focus on originality, methodology, feasibility and impact.
4. Upload supporting documents: Transcripts, degree certificates, ethics approvals (if relevant) and supervisor forms must be uploaded in the online system by the deadlines. No hard copies or emailed applications are accepted.
5. Research office endorsement: Your host research office must endorse the application by the stated date (13 Nov 2025 for this call). Failure to obtain endorsement will render the application ineligible.

How applications are assessed

• International, independent peer review evaluates scientific merit, originality, and applicant potential. Research Ireland uses a multi-stage assessment including peer review and panel selection. The call document reports an average success rate of about 18% over the last five years — competition is strong.
• Selection criteria include academic excellence, quality and feasibility of the proposal, training and career development potential, alignment to strategic partner themes (if applicable), and institutional endorsement.

Practical tips to strengthen your application

• Start early: Secure a supervisor and read the call document and Guide for Applicants thoroughly before drafting your proposal.
• Find the right host: Choose an Eligible Research Body with the facilities to support your project and an experienced supervisor who can provide sustained mentorship. Remember, supervisors may endorse only one applicant.
• Align to partner strands where relevant: If your research maps onto a strategic partner theme (environment, public policy, etc.), indicate this — it can increase visibility.
• Be explicit about impact and training: Explain how the scholarship will help you develop as a researcher and how the work benefits the field or society.
• Follow format and upload rules: Applications that exceed word limits, omit required documents, or include unsupported materials will be deemed ineligible.

Key deadlines (2026 call) — table

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Missing the endorsement or supervisor deadlines. If your supervisor is endorsing more than one applicant, your application risks being made ineligible.
• Applying without verifying that your research body is on the official “Eligible Research Bodies” list.
• Submitting incomplete or improperly formatted attachments — ineligible applications are withdrawn without review.

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship is a competitive, well-resourced programme that can transform an early-career researcher’s training and prospects. If you are considering Ireland for your postgraduate research, plan early, secure a strong supervisor and institution, craft a compelling, feasible proposal, and follow the call guidance to the letter.

For full official guidance and to access the call documents, application form and FAQ, see the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship pages on the Research Ireland website and the official 2026 call document.

APPLY FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP

For full official guidance and to access the call documents, application form and FAQ, see the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship pages on the Research Ireland website and the official 2026 call document.