Are you looking for a fully funded Master’s or PhD scholarship in Europe for 2026? The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Program 2026, funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and managed by Research Ireland, is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships in Europe. It supports exceptional Master’s and PhD students across all disciplines — from archaeology to zoology — who wish to pursue full-time research in Ireland.

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship – Overview

• Host Country: Ireland
• Funding Body: Research Ireland (formerly IRC + SFI)
• Eligible Degrees: Master’s by Research, PhD (Doctoral Degree)
• Eligible Applicants: All nationalities (EU & Non-EU)
• Disciplines: All fields (arts, humanities, social sciences, STEM, and interdisciplinary research).
• Deadline (Applicant): 23 October 2025

Research Fields & Strategic Partners For Ireland Government Scholarship

Applicants may apply for any discipline (STEM, social sciences, humanities, climate change, or conflict resolution). In addition, there are strategic funding partner themes:

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Climate change, green economy, circular economy, sustainability.
2. Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth: Childhood disadvantage, disability, migrants, child protection.
3. Met Éireann: Climate modelling, AI/ML in weather forecasting, flood forecasting, meteorology.
4. Department of Foreign Affairs – Andrew Grene Scholarship: Conflict resolution, governance, women, peace & security, post-conflict reconciliation.

If not selected under a partner theme, applicants will still be considered for the main Government of Ireland Scholarship.

Click Here to Read More About Ireland Fully Funded Scholarship in Europe

Eligibility Criteria For Study in Ireland With Scholarship

To apply, candidates must:

• Hold a first-class or upper second-class honours Bachelor’s degree (2:1) or equivalent.
• OR hold a Master’s degree if undergraduate grades are below 2:1.
• Be a new entrant or within the first year of postgraduate research.
• Be affiliated with an Eligible Research Body in Ireland.
• Have a primary supervisor (each supervisor can support only one applicant).
• Apply in English or Irish.
• Must not have more than two previous unsuccessful applications.
• Open to all countries:
  • Category 1: EU/EEA/UK/Ukraine nationals or residents (majority of awards).
  • Category 2: All other international applicants (more competitive, but scholarships are available).

Click Here for Details About Ireland Scholarship Eligibility And Requirements

How to Apply for Ireland Government International Scholarships?

For a successful scholarship application to study abroad, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Official Scholarship Call- visit and read the scholarship instructions and details carefully.

Click Here to Visit the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship for International Students

Step 2: Find a Supervisor – Contact an eligible Irish professor/researcher to support your project.

Click Here for the Complete list of Universities in Ireland

Step 3: Prepare Your Proposal – Innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful research is highly encouraged.

Step 4: Submit Scholarship Application Online – Applications must be submitted via the Research Ireland portal.

Click Here to Apply Online for Fully Funded Postgraduate Fellowship in Ireland

Ireland Research Council Scholarships Benefits

Successful candidates receive a comprehensive funding package worth up to €34,000 per year:

• Stipend: €25,000 per annum (tax-free living allowance)
• Tuition Fees Coverage: Up to €5,750 per year (non-EU students may request an extra €4,000 annually)
• Research Expenses: €3,250 per year for research costs, materials, and travel

This makes it one of the highest-value postgraduate scholarships in Europe, comparable to DAAD (Germany) and Gates Cambridge (UK).

Apply Now- Study in Europe with Scholarship

This is one of the most competitive and globally recognized scholarships, supporting talented students from all nationalities to pursue cutting-edge research across any discipline in Ireland.

Click Here to Explore and Apply For Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026

Also Check Latest Scholarships Below:

• HEC Scholarship
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Stay connected with Careers Help Desk for the latest international fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities to empower your future!