The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Program is a prestigious initiative designed to support outstanding scholars pursuing postgraduate research in Ireland. Funded by the Irish government and administered by the Irish Research Council, the program offers financial support to both national and international students embarking on master’s or doctoral studies across a wide range of disciplines. Its primary aim is to promote research excellence by encouraging original and impactful research projects that contribute to Ireland’s academic, economic, and societal advancement.
What sets the program apart is its focus on innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and inclusivity. Scholars from all fields—spanning the arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM—are welcome to apply, and there is an emphasis on projects that push boundaries, offer fresh perspectives, or address contemporary global challenges. Additionally, the program fosters a strong culture of academic collaboration by connecting scholars with leading researchers, institutions, and industry partners both within Ireland and internationally.
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship covers tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses, and other research-related costs. In addition to financial support, recipients benefit from a vibrant academic community, professional development opportunities, and an esteemed network of researchers. The scholarship program is highly competitive, with candidates evaluated not just on academic excellence but also on the originality and potential impact of their research proposals. Ultimately, the program is instrumental in developing the next generation of researchers and innovators, helping them to make significant contributions both locally and globally.
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is an established national initiative, funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and managed by the Council.
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is unique in the Irish research landscape and complements other channels for funded postgraduate education in the Irish ecosystem. Among its features are:
- Individual, prestigious awards for excellent research in the name of the applicant;
- An objective selection process using international, independent expert peer review;
- Funding across all disciplines, from archaeology to zoology; and
- Awards for bottom-up, non-directed research, with the exception of those funded by our strategic funding partners.
Pioneering proposals addressing new and emerging fields of research or those introducing creative, innovative approaches are welcomed. Proposals of an interdisciplinary nature are also encouraged as it is recognised that advancing fundamental understanding is achieved by integrating information, techniques, tools and perspectives from two or more disciplines.
Benefits
The value of the scholarship will be up to a maximum of €31,000 per annum in any approved year and will consist of the following:
- A stipend of €22,000 per annum;
- A contribution to fees, including non-EU fees, up to a maximum of €5,750 per annum; and
- Eligible direct research expenses of €3,250 per annum.
Requirements For The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Program
Before applying for the 2024 Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship, applicants should note the following criteria;
- There is no age limit for applicants to be eligible for either programme type.
- All applicants must be affiliated with or admitted to an eligible Irish higher education institution or research-performing organization.?
- Applications will only be accepted in either the Irish or English language.
- Applicants must not have had two previous unsuccessful applications to the relevant programme, including strategic partner themes.
- The above applies regardless of whether the applicant has changed their host institution or research topic since a previous submission.
Selection Process
Timeline
- Call open: 29 August 2024
- FAQ deadline: 16:00 (Irish time) 03 October 2024
- Applicant deadline: 16:00 (Irish time) 10 October 2024
- Supervisor /Mentor deadline: 16:00 (Irish time) 17 October 2024
- Research office endorsement deadline: 16:00 (Irish time) 24 October 2024
- Call outcome End of April 2025
- Award start date: 1 September 2025
Method of Application
Potential applicants should read the call documentation carefully to ascertain whether or not they are eligible to apply. Indicative versions of the applicant and supervisor forms are provided for information purposes only. All participants must create and submit their forms via the online system.
Application Deadline: October 3, 2024.
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