INTRODUCTION
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is a prestigious initiative by the Irish government aimed at attracting exceptional students from around the world to pursue their postgraduate studies in Ireland. This program is operated and funded by the Irish Research Council.
Here are some key details about the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme:
ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to students from any country.
Applicants must have at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2H2) or equivalent in their undergraduate degree.
They should also have the support of an eligible Irish higher education institution where they wish to pursue their postgraduate studies.
FIELDS OF STUDY
The scholarship covers research across all disciplines, so applicants from various academic backgrounds and fields of study are welcome to apply.
Duration: The scholarship is typically awarded for one year of master’s study, or for a maximum of three years for doctoral studies.
Funding: The scholarship provides a stipend for living expenses, a contribution to fees, and funding for research costs. The exact amounts may vary based on the level of study and other factors.
Application Process: The application process usually involves submitting a research proposal, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents. There are specific deadlines for application submissions, which can change from year to year.
Selection Criteria: Applications are assessed based on academic excellence, research potential, the quality of the research proposal, and the applicant’s fit with the research environment in Ireland.
Timeline: The application process typically opens in the fall, with deadlines for submission in late autumn or early winter. The exact dates may vary each year.
SCHOLARSHIP AND BENEFITS
Besides financial support, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme also offers recipients the opportunity to become part of a vibrant research community in Ireland.
They may also have access to networking events, training, and other professional development opportunities.
The value of the scholarship will be up to a maximum of €28,000 per annum in any approved year and will consist of the following:
- a stipend of €19,000 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.
Post-Scholarship Obligations: Scholars are expected to submit progress reports and attend meetings with their academic supervisors and relevant academic institutions. They are also encouraged to participate in other scholarly activities and contribute to the research community.
Post-Scholarship Opportunities: Upon completion of their studies, recipients of the scholarship become part of an alumni network and may have opportunities to engage with the research community in Ireland.
It’s important to note that details may change from year to year, so it’s crucial for applicants to refer to the official website of the Irish Research Council for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.
HOW TO APPLY
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.
Key dates
| Call open | 31 August 2023 |
| FAQ deadline | 16:00 (Irish time) 05 October 2023 |
| Applicant deadline | 16:00 (Irish time) 12 October 2023 |
| Supervisor /Mentor deadline | 16:00 (Irish time) 19 October 2023 |
| Research office endorsement deadline | 16:00 (Irish time) 26 October 2023 |
| Call outcome | April 2024 |
| Award start date | 1 September 2024 |
A number of government departments and agencies partner with the Irish Research Council to support the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme as a mechanism to deliver on shared national objectives. The Irish Research Council’s strategic funding partners for 2024 are:
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Department of Foreign Affairs
- Met Éireann
